After Paving, Sealcoating Asphalt Is Vital for Both Warm and Cold Climates

Sealcoating can add years of life to asphalt. This is something that businesses and residents alike should consider, especially when looking to have a first-time driveway or parking lot laid down at home or for a small business. Because asphalt is a petroleum-based product, other forms of petroleum, such as gasoline or oil, will react with asphalt by breaking down the components at a biochemical level. This makes sealcoating one of the most important parts of having a properly paved driveway or parking place. Sealcoating will help prevent oil and petroleum from breaking down the asphalt, ultimately adding years of life to the pavement. Subsequently, annual sealcoating can only extend the longevity of the driveway or parking area.

But vehicle traffic is not the only thing to consider when paving your driveway or parking lot. Weather is a big contributor to how asphalt breaks down over time. Oxidation, in particular, occurs when oxygen reacts with the asphalt. Because oxidation occurs as soon as the process of paving begins, oxidation is ultimately impossible to avoid. This is one of the reasons why proper protection is crucial for the concrete: proper sealing and annual upkeep will help slow the process of oxidation.

The oxidation causes the molecules to shift, eventually making the pavement stiffer. When pavement stiffens, it then becomes brittle and is more likely to crack and fail. Introducing a proper sealcoat to the pavement will drastically reduce the oxidation process, allowing the pavement to retain its elasticity for a longer period.

During the winter months, water will seep through the cracks during a heavy rain or snowfall. When this occurs, any change in temperature will cause the water in the pavement to freeze over and expand. This expansion will then cause the pavement to crack. A proper sealant applied over the driveway or parking lot can help to deter this problem.

As for warmer climates, sunlight and heat will dry out the concrete, making it brittle. When asphalt is first laid down, it has a dense black color. When years of weather erodes the concrete, it becomes a lighter grey color, signifying that it has become more brittle. A dark-colored road is the sign of a well-kept, newly treated paving job.

To conclude, areas that experience extreme cold during the winter followed by intense heat during the summer will experience a drastic deterioration of the roadways, driveways, and parking lots. Business owners who are looking to have a newly paved parking lot should consider what proper upkeep is essential for extending the life of the lots. The same is true for homeowners who wish to invest in the life and quality of their home. A proper sealcoating job will add many years to the life of the asphalt.

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Your Driveway - The Stages and Solutions

Your driveway will go through a lot of changes from the time it’s new to the day you have to replace it. Each stage requires a different plan of action and the list below will help steer you in the right direction.

Stage 1: Preventative Maintenance

For the first few years your driveway will only need preventative maintenance, sealcoating and crack filling every other year. Your driveway will stay in Stage 1 for as long as the cracks are not interconnected (alligatoring) and are not accompanied by settlement. Find a good local Sealcoater that will provide a written estimate.

Stage 2: Surface or Base Defects 

Your driveway has entered Stage 2 when sealcoating and crack filling alone will not take care of the problem areas. The driveway may have settled at the garage or curb (very common) or developed spider / alligator cracking or potholes. At this point, you’ll need an asphalt repair to get your surface back in shape. Call an asphalt repair company that can either perform infrared repair or saw cut and remove repairs. The every other year sealcoating and crack filling regimen mentioned in stage 1 should continue throughout stage 2.

Stage 3: Replacement or Resurfacing 

When 20% or more of your driveway is in poor condition, it’s probably time for a new surface. At this point repairs are no longer a cost effective alternative. If you find yourself saying my driveway has potholes, cracking or settlement all over, it’s time to start over with a new driveway. Call a paving contractor and ask them whether you need complete removal and replacement or if resurfacing over your existing surface may be an option.There are certain circumstances that can make a case for repairing a driveway that’s in very bad shape. You may not have budgeted for a new driveway, but have some areas that can’t wait. In that case just repair the very worst areas to get you by until a new driveway is in the budget.

A typical driveway will last 10-15 years, but this can vary due to the quality of the initial installation, poor drainage, ground movement and proper maintenance. The key is to find quality contractors that will recommend the right process for your driveway’s condition, regardless of whether they provide that service or not.

Article Source: http://www.asphaltadvisor.com/2013/10/your-driveway-stages-and-solutions.html

Asphalt Paving Contractor: How to Choose an Excellent Contractor

Choosing a good asphalt paving contractor can be tricky. There are many contractors out there who will try to scam you out of your money. If you're a private homeowner who does not have enough experience in handling paving projects, here are some tips on how to find reliable asphalt paving contractor and acquiring high quality work.

First and foremost, always choose contactors who are famous for the quality of their job. Here's what you can do:

1. Look for their names in phonebooks or the internet.

2. Check if they have insurance certificate to their name

3. Check their portfolio and assess the quality of their previous jobs and work locations

4. Check if they have tons of testimonials to their credit.

Because of the stiff competition nowadays, many asphalt paving companies or asphalt paving contractors make use of all the ways and means to advertise their names. In fact, even scammers are fully capable of creating false advertising and they are individuals whom you don't want to find.

To distinguish the best asphalt paving contractor, here are some probing questions that you can ask:

1. Do they have in-depth knowledge of the current technologies and techniques?

2. Can they offer good customer service before and after the job? And what kind of customer service can they offer?

3. Do they also perform other kind of value-added services?

4. How do they communicate with their clients?

5. Ask them what their definition of quality products and services that they provide

6. Do they have knowledgeable sales personnel who can clearly tell you of the benefits, and options for several approaches that they will implement during repair?

7. How long have they been in the asphalt paving business?

8. How long will they be able to complete the job?

These are useful questions that you can ask during comparison shopping. Comparison shopping is done so you can get several proposals from more than one paving contractor. This way, you'll be able to choose the best from the rest. Keep in mind that you must not easily accept contractors who will offer their services at a lower price. Carefully examine their track record and the products that they are using.

And lastly, to seal the deal, insist on creating a written agreement. This will protect you and the pavement contractor's interest as well.

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ADA Accessible Parking Requirements

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 2010. The new rules affect state and local governments (Title II of the ADA), as well as public accommodations and commercial facilities (Title III). The regulations include the new 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, outlining minimum accessibility requirements for buildings and facilities.

Existing Facilities

New construction projects must meet minimum standards with very few exceptions; alterations are also subject to strict requirements, although they may be more affected by existing structural conditions. Existing buildings and facilities which are not undergoing planned alterations are viewed a little differently.

Title II: Program Access

State and local government agencies that offer programs, services, or activities in existing facilities need to make sure that people with disabilities can gain access and participate in these activities. There are a variety of ways that agencies can ensure access to programs, but making structural improvements is often necessary.

Title III: Barrier Removal

Both commercial facilities and public accommodations must follow standards for new construction and alterations. Additionally, public accommodations (private businesses that are open to the general public, like retail stores, restaurants, banks, parking garages, and many others) must remove barriers when it is “readily achievable” to do so; readily achievable means “easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.” Designating accessible parking is often readily achievable, and is considered a top priority because it enables many people with disabilities to “get in the door.”

Safe Harbor

The 2010 regulations include a “safe harbor” for features that already comply with the 1991 standards, but may not meet the new 2010 standards. For example: A retail store’s parking lot has a total of 250 parking spaces; in compliance with 1991 standards, the lot includes seven accessible spaces, one of which is van-accessible. The 2010 standards would require two van-accessible spaces, but the store does not have to modify its parking lot to provide the additional space until the lot undergoes a planned alteration (re-striping, re-surfacing, etc.) after March 15, 2012. If the lot is altered after that time, it will then be brought into compliance with the 2010 standards, to the maximum extent feasible.

How many accessible parking spaces are needed?

One of every six accessible parking spaces, or fraction thereof, must be “van-accessible.” For example: A parking lot with 400 total spaces needs eight accessible spaces, and two of those eight spaces must be van-accessible. Accessible spaces must connect to the shortest possible accessible route to the accessible building entrance or facility they serve.

Total Number of Parking Spaces in a Parking Facility - Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces Required

1-25 - 1
26-50 - 2
51-75 - 3
76-100 - 4
101-150 - 5
151-200 - 6
201-300 - 7
301-400 - 8
401-500 - 9
501-1000 - 2% of total
1001 and over - 20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000

Where a parking facility serves multiple buildings or accessible entrances, accessible parking spaces should be dispersed to enable people to park near as many accessible entrances as possible. For example: A shopping center has fifteen stores, each with a separate entrance. There is one large parking lot with 1000 spaces. The twenty accessible parking spaces should be dispersed to provide some options for people to park close to the different stores.

Where separate parking facilities serve the same building or entrance, accessible spaces may be grouped together, as long as the number of spaces provided is determined according to each of the separate parking facilities. For example: A sports stadium has an adjacent parking lot with 1000 spaces and a separate parking lot several blocks away with an additional 1500 spaces. The adjacent lot needs 20 accessible spaces (four of which need to be van-accessible), and the remote lot needs 25 accessible spaces (five of which need to be van-accessible). Since accessible spaces need to be as near as possible to the facilities they serve, the 45 accessible spaces (including nine van-accessible) can be located in the lot adjacent to the stadium.

What do accessible parking spaces look like?

Medical Facilities

• Certain types of medical facilities need more accessible parking.
• Hospital outpatient facilities need 10% of patient/visitor spaces to be accessible.

Rehabilitation facilities that specialize in treating mobility-related conditions and outpatient physical therapy facilities need 20% of patient/visitor spaces to be accessible.

The number of van-accessible spaces is still one of every six accessible parking spaces, or fraction thereof.

For example: An outpatient physical therapy facility has a parking lot with 50 total spaces for employees only. Following basic requirements, that lot will need two accessible spaces, one of which will be van-accessible. A separate lot with 200 total spaces is provided for patients and visitors; this lot will need 40 accessible spaces, seven of which will be van-accessible.

Exceptions

Parking facilities that are used exclusively for buses, trucks, delivery vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and vehicular impound are not required to include accessible spaces, but if such lots are accessed by the public (e.g. impounded vehicle retrieval) then an accessible passenger loading zone must be provided.

Dimensions (all dimensions are minimums): Accessible parking spaces are eight (8) feet wide; van-accessible spaces are eleven (11) feet wide. Access aisles for either type of space are five (5) feet wide. These adjacent aisles, which can be shared between two spaces, provide room for individuals to deploy vehicle-mounted wheelchair lifts and/or unload and use mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. An alternate design allows a van-accessible space to be eight (8) feet wide if the adjacent access aisle is also eight (8) feet wide.

Access aisles must be marked (e.g., painted with hatch marks) to discourage parking in them. This is especially important where the alternate design is used and an access aisle at a van-accessible space is the same size as the space.

The surface of accessible spaces and access aisles must be smooth, stable, and virtually level in all directions to ensure safe use for people with disabilities, including those who must load, unload, and use wheeled mobility devices.

Additionally, van-accessible spaces, their associated access aisles, and the vehicular routes serving them must provide vertical clearance of at least 98 inches to allow for the height of typical wheelchair lift-equipped vehicles.

Signs

Accessible parking spaces must be identified by signs that include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs at van-accessible spaces must include the additional phrase “van-accessible.”

Signs should be mounted so that the lower edge of the sign is at least five (5) feet above the ground. This helps ensure visibility both for motorists and local enforcement officials.

Exceptions

Parking lots that have four or fewer total spaces do not need to designate the accessible space with a sign. This means that for the purposes of local enforcement (at least in most jurisdictions), anyone, with or without a disability, can park in the accessible space. This is intended to excuse very small entities from having to reserve 25% to 100% of their available parking for individuals with disabilities.

Residential facilities where parking spaces are assigned to specific dwelling units are also exempt from the requirement to post signs at accessible spaces.

Note that these two exemptions are only related to signs; accessible parking spaces must still be provided in appropriate numbers and with other required features (minimum width, etc.).

Maintenance

It is important that accessible features be maintained, and outdoor spaces can be especially challenging because of weather and other conditions. Accessible parking spaces, aisles, and routes should be maintained in good repair and kept clear of snow, ice, or fallen leaf build-up.

Other Laws, Other Requirements

The ADA establishes these requirements to ensure that when parking facilities are provided by entities covered by Title II or Title III, accessible spaces with certain features are available. Many state and local governments have their own requirements, which may be more specific or more stringent in some ways.

Each state also establishes criteria and procedures to issue accessible parking permits (often in the form of distinctive license plates or placards) to individuals with disabilities. Enforcement activities related to these issues (fraudulent use of permits, illegal parking in accessible spaces, etc.) are typically carried out by state and local authorities, such as city police departments.

Other requirements may be relevant in different situations or under different laws. For example, the Fair Housing Act requires covered housing providers to make “reasonable accommodations” for residents with disabilities, which could mean reserving a parking space for a specific individual.

Article Source: https://adata.org/factsheet/parking

Why Seal Coating Asphalt Is Important And Necessary

Asphalt is a useful material that is used for paving driveways, roads, and other areas. It can degrade over time, though, and needs all the protection it can get. This is where seal coating can be very beneficial; it offers asphalt many advantages to prolong its lifespan.

Why Does Asphalt Need Coating?

Asphalt is combined with different types of aggregate and filler. The types of aggregate vary but include gravel, sand, and other types of materials. Asphalt pavement and roads have pretty major weaknesses that cause its lifespan to be rather short. These weaknesses include UV radiation, salt, and various chemicals. When exposed to these things, asphalt can degrade quickly. This special coating seal can be used to help protect asphalt and consequently lengthen its lifespan.

Coating the asphalt should ideally be done before the asphalt suffers any major damage to prevent more problems.

Saving Money

By coating the asphalt, a lot of time and money can be saved. The coating can be redone every few years to continually protect the asphalt. If the asphalt had to deal with wear and tear without the seal, it would have to be replaced. Repaving a road or other area is very time-consuming, expensive work. It is a huge hassle as well. Putting on another coat of sealant is much less intensive work and saves a lot of money in the long run.

UV Radiation Protection

UV radiation is sunlight. Asphalt roads are constantly bombarded by UV radiation several hours each day. This unrelenting light can wear down the asphalt; when the asphalt wears down, the aggregate it holds together starts to loosen and break up.

Sand may start appearing in spots, and eventually the pavement breaks down further, becoming very rough. Dirt, grass, and other debris gets into the spaces of the asphalt and makes a general mess of things.

This requires major work to fix which is why it's best to protect the asphalt from the beginning with a sealing coat. The coat is specially formulated to protect against the harsh, harmful radiation of the sun. The coating can double the lifespan of the asphalt and keep it strong and together.

Chemical Protection

Coating the asphalt with a special seal can help protect it from several potential problems. Whenever there is a gas spill on the road, it can cause damage to the asphalt. This is because asphalt and gas are both petroleum products.

Because they are similar, the gas can dissolve the asphalt and weaken its structure. This significantly softens the asphalt and reduces its strength and lifespan. Using a special sealing coat on the asphalt will help to create a barrier that stops the gas or other petroleum products from reacting with the asphalt and weakening it.

Protection Against Freezing

The sealant also helps protect the asphalt from harsh temperatures. When the weather is cold, it can be a strain on the asphalt because of the fluctuation in temperature as the asphalt freezes and then thaws again. This can damage the asphalt and cause it to crack.

Using a seal coating protects the asphalt from the harsh winter temperatures and helps to prevent major cracking.

In addition to protecting roads and other asphalt surfaces from a host of problems, the coating also helps asphalt to look brand new because it hides imperfections such as rough patches or small cracks.
It is truly very useful and badly needed for high traffic roads and places where constant maintenance would be a huge hassle. Saving money and time helps all parties involved and leaves asphalt roads and pavement strong and resilient.

It may seem like a mundane thing to think about until you have to pay for it! The investment you make as a home owner or a business owner regarding your parking lot or driveway all of a sudden becomes pretty important when you have to get your wallet out. Understand your options and why sealcoating can save you a ton of money!

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Asphalt Paving Companies Perform Many Different Services

If you own a commercial or residential property, chances are at some point you will need to perform maintenance on your parking lot or driveway. There are several things to consider when choosing a contractor to perform these services on your property. Some contractors specialize in concrete and others in asphalt paving and some provide services for both. One important consideration to take when contracting work on your property is whether it is a commercial or residential job. Thus, making sure the company carries the proper insurance. It is also a good idea to check up on the companies insurance, what it covers and the dollar amount of coverage for their policy.

There are two different ways the actual work will take place. Some companies perform their work with in-house crews, and others outsource the actual work to be performed. There are pro's and con's to each. When companies use in-house crews they are able to take on projects and assign a crew to the job within their own company. When using sub-contractors, you are sometimes dealing with other companies work load and their scheduling challenges. One of the pros to using sub-contractors is not to have to keep the crews and equipment busy during the off season or in bad weather. Sometimes companies using sub-contractors just provide project management and administrative services. A lot of times this technique works better due to the many different scopes of work needed to complete the same project.

A good source for finding contractors in your area is on the internet, a lot of reputable companies are normally listed. These companies have information readily available so you can find perspective companies you are considering for hire. You will be able to see projects the company may have already completed. The companies' website is probably the most efficient means of gathering information about them. Using information from this article should be helpful in choosing an asphalt or concrete paving contractor in your area.

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Between Asphalt And Concrete, Why Are You Choosing Asphalt Paving?

Paving experts are choosing asphalt for the pavement job because of its numerous advantages. Asphalt actually is being the chosen material in lieu of the concrete or cement in residential, commercial and industrial set-up. This is being preferred for two reasons - cost effectiveness and durability. More than being cost-effective, asphalt is more time effective than cement. By this we mean that the asphalt material is easier to prepare and dry. Thus any paving or mere repair can be easily accomplished thus making the driveway easily useable.

Paving experts have very important roles in the beautification of the exterior part of your home. The value and beauty of a house does not only come from what you see inside. There are a lot of things that can be attributed to your house exterior. These are the backyard, the garden, the pool (if there is one), the lawn and of course, the pavement and the driveway. The outdoors adds value to the house and you cannot disregard the importance of having a well-paved driveway to the appearance of your home's exterior.

For paving, there are two usual choices, the asphalt and the concrete. You will find that there used to be more people going for concrete pavement. However, in the present, more and more architects, engineers and home designers go for the asphalt pavement due to its numerous advantages. Asphalt actually is now being the chosen material in lieu of the concrete or cement in residential, commercial and industrial set-up. This is being preferred for two reasons cost effectiveness and durability.

You might have pinpointed these two big reasons for the choice. To understand better the individual choice for asphalt, it is paramount that we give the details of the advantages. More than being cost-effective, asphalt is more time effective than cement. By this we mean that the asphalt material is easier to prepare and it is easier to dry. Thus any paving or mere repair can be easily accomplished thus making the driveway easily useable.

Asphalting is more cost-effective in its initial cost as well as its maintenance cost. Starting with the paving job is less expensive than using cement. Any construction job needs to be maintained. And the cost of maintaining this is cheaper than concrete maintenance. With a hole or a crack, application of asphalt in the damaged parts is cheaper. And again, as you do the repair, the advantage of time-effectiveness will come in. The ease in drying makes the repaired driveway useable at once.

Another advantage credited to asphalt is its flexibility and pliability which makes the material easy to mould. Because of the ease in its use, cost-effectiveness will come in. You will require less labor in the construction and restoration of any asphalted pavement and driveway.

Now we have the durability advantage. In comparison to the concrete paving, the cement easily cracks thus will require more frequent sealing. In as much that damages easily occur on concrete paved areas, the cost effectiveness of cement goes down. This further gives you the ideal that concrete pavement is less prone to wear and tear. More support to the durability of asphalt is its weather-resistant feature. The asphalt is more adaptable to any climate change. For the cement, drastic changes in weather can result to susceptibility to cracks and other damages.

In the past, concrete paved outdoor area is the common choice of many homeowners, business establishment offices and industrial work area. With the frequent use of asphalt in paving, the architects and engineers had proved that asphalt material is more beneficial cost and durability wise.

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Asphalt Maintenance Aspects For Commercial Property Managers

Asphalt maintenance is one facet of property management that is overlooked on a regular basis. If a property owner has a hole in their parking lot, it is not treated with the same urgency that a hole in their roof would require. Unfortunately, this neglect of their asphalt leads to more costly repairs in the future that could have been avoided if the property owner would have followed a preventative maintenance plan for their asphalt.

What is asphalt maintenance? Asphalt maintenance consists of protecting asphalt by employing the following methods (asphalt seal coating, crack repair and asphalt repair) to prevent damage to the existing asphalt.

So why should a property owner have their asphalt seal coated? From the very first moment that asphalt is installed it starts a deterioration process. The asphalt is diminished when the binder that holds all of the aggregate (stone) together begins to oxide from sun light, water and other external conditions. Through the seal coating process, the asphaltic binder is now protected from the aforementioned external conditions. An additional benefit from asphalt seal coating is that the asphalt is now protected from the damaging effects from gasoline , oil, and de-icing salts. The most obvious benefit from asphalt seal coating is the restoration of the original color of the asphalt. The asphalt regains that new appearance for a fraction of the original cost.

Asphalt seal coating is a process in which coal tar emulsion or asphalt emulsion is sprayed or brushed on the asphalt surface. The seal coat material should be applied in two coats in general areas and three coats in the high traffic areas, such as drive lanes.

There is much debate as to what is the best application method for the seal coat material. There is a predominant mindset amongst "old school" seal coaters that brushing the seal coat material is the only way to go. However, there are some short comings from the brushing technique. By brushing the seal coat material the natural indentations of the asphalt are filled in and the asphalt loses its traction. Also, contrary to popular belief thicker is not better when applying the seal coat material. The Seal coat material should be applied at .17 gal/sq. yd. and should never exceed .51 gal/sq. yd. total.

With the short comings of brushing the seal coat material being stated, there is a better alternative. That alternative is spraying the seal coat material. This method allows the seal coat material to be applied evenly without filling the natural grooves of the asphalt. If a contractor states that they brush exclusively, take caution in dealing with these companies. Many times these companies have not invested in updated equipment, which will prevent them from completing the bigger seal coating jobs.

Another aspect of seal coating that is overlooked by customers is the mixture of the seal coat material itself. The material is should be mixed at 25 to 35 gallons of water per 100 gallons of concentrated sealer. Also, the seal coat material should be enhanced with 2-5 pounds of sand per every gallon of sealer. The sand is used to restore traction to the surface after the asphalt has been treated. When creating work specifications make sure to include the amount of desired sand required per gallon of sealer. The smoother the existing surface or the higher the traffic volume will require higher volumes of sand in the seal coat material.

In addition to asphalt seal coating, crack repair is vital to properly caring for asphalt. Due to the settling of the ground, poor base design and asphalt oxidation asphalt will crack. When the asphalt cracks it is exposed to water damage. Water penetrates the cracks and gravity pulls it into the sub-base (stones) which deteriorates that supportive structure. This deterioration leads to asphalt depressions, pot holes and further cracking. Also, in the winter when water expands in the cracks via the freezing process, the cracks widen over time.

Hot tar is applied to the cracks to prevent water penetration. Hot tar is melted to 375 degrees and poured into the cracks. To finish the crack repair process the hot tar is squeeged into the crack to create a 4 inch band. All debris should be removed from the cracks before treatment. Crack repair is a temporary fix and does not replace the need to actually replace the asphalt. However, crack repair is much more cost effective than actual asphalt replacement.

It is said that if 30% or more of asphalt is deteriorated, it is more cost effective to replace it. With that being said, the majority of property owners choose to replace certain sections at a time. One thing to keep in mind is that if an area of asphalt needs replaced because it was sinking, there is definitely a problem with the sub-base and that should be replaced as well.

If the asphalt needs to be replaced there are two methods for replacement. The conventional method is to saw cut the area and replace the asphalt and seal the seams with hot tar. Another modern method consist of using a Infrared Heater to heat the existing asphalt, then additional asphalt is added and the area is compacted. The benefits of using an Infrared heater is that the fix is a seamless fix that will no longer allow water penetration. The major fall back with using infared is that if there is an existing sub-base problem, the asphalt will not be properly repaired if it is only re-heated and not actually removed to replace the underlying stone. In the right conditions, Infrared treatments to asphalt add extra benefits to the property owner because of the final aspect of seamless repair.

The bottom line is that property managers should incorporate an effective asphalt maintenance strategy into their overall preventative maintenance strategy. The benefits of asphalt seal coating, crack repair and asphalt replacement will pay dividends in the future through the avoidance of costly new asphalt. One last point, the asphalt maintenance and pavement marking industry has wide fluctuation in the quality of contractors, so always do your due diligence in the selection process.

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Five Key Elements for a Quality Asphalt Driveway

When it comes to asphalt driveways, whether for commercial or residential properties, there are five key elements that make or break their dependability and longevity. Specifically for commercial properties, a good asphalt installation job is vital for several reasons. Not only does it make the investment worthwhile, it safeguards drivers and pedestrians that enter commercial premises because potholes and other road hazards are not present. And aesthetically speaking, good asphalt driveway installation is important so that a commercial business looks professional and prioritized. Continue reading to learn what these five key elements are, and who to trust for quality asphalt concrete paving and installation services.

A Suitable Foundation

The first aspect to consider is the ground foundation. For proper driveway paving, there must be a solid subgrade and a strong aggregate base. Often times, problems occur during paving projects like these because the subgrade is not stabilized correctly. For example, if the ground is full of soft wet clay, a contractor must remove this clay or cover it with a durable stone base that will reinforce the ground surface. Failure to do any of the above methods can result in driveway buckling, cracking, crumbling, and ever-increasing deterioration.

Good Drainage

Water is the number one threat to asphalt and concrete pavement. So when it comes to asphalt driveways, proper drainage is absolutely crucial. Water must drain away from the edges of pavement, rather than collect or amass on top of it. If there is no slope to the pavement, water will not properly runoff the sides and away from the driveway. Water will seep into the pores or open crevices of asphalt and freeze, thaw, and expand the pavement overtime. This is what causes potholes, crumbling, and cracks.

Proper Supplies

If the wrong pavement mix is used to pave an asphalt driveway, problems are bound to ensure. Asphalt driveways are vulnerable to weathering and oxidation, so the right type of hot asphalt mix is vital. Although opinions differ among pavement companies and contractors as to which type of mix is best for such projects, driveway mixes should contain less air voids than highway mixes, but more binder. It should result in a finer aggregate finish to look smoother and darker.

Routine Maintenance

Once a driveway is paved and completed, the work is not done. Routine maintenance all year round is critical for all pavements to last. This includes a daily sweeping of debris, regular power washing, seal-coating, crack repair, and more. Consult a professional pavement contractor for advice on proper asphalt maintenance practices. Companies can even outsource these services.

Ethical Workmanship

It is highly important to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured pavement company for proper construction practices and ethical workmanship. Commercial companies that outsource such services want their providers to be liable for any defects or issue during the installation process. In addition, proper workmanship guarantees a proper job. Trained and experience paving contractors can provide this kind of work for commercial companies and more.

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What Does Your Parking Lot Say About Your Business?

When was the last time you looked at your parking lot? Really looked at it - from a customer, visitor, or residents' perspective?

Ask yourself these few questions: Is the entrance to your facility making a good first impression? Is it causing long-term tenants to not renew their lease or customers to drive on by? Does it cause a safety hazard to cars and foot traffic?

For many businesses, the parking lot often is not on many facility managers or property owners' radar - until it becomes a problem. If your customers or tenants start complaining, or worse, not coming back to your facility because of the poor repair of your parking lot, you have a big problem.

So, how do you keep up with the maintenance and asphalt repairs for your parking area to keep the visitors to your business happy? First, find a paving contractor that offers a preventative maintenance plan. Second, be sure your asphalt repairs, sealcoating and other parking lot maintenance is performed by a licensed contractor. And last, but certainly not least, be sure your paving company and its employees are ones that you can trust to offer fair pricing and effective solutions.

Determining Your Needs

Here's a quick list of some of the things you and your paving contractor should be on the lookout for in your parking area:

Pot Holes - Does driving through your parking lot feel like you're on a bumpy dirt road? Pot holes cause tremendous wear and tear on vehicles and are a safety hazard to pedestrians. They are also a sign that water is seeping beneath the asphalt pavement through cracks that have been caused by wear and tear of traffic. Pothole repairs can be easily fixed by simply cleaning out the loose debris and filling them with an asphalt patch. However, crack filing and proper sealcoating can help prevent the need for pothole repairs, or worse yet -- the need for a complete asphalt pavement replacement.

Drainage Issues - Does water sit on your parking lot after a rain storm? Do you often have to strategically jump across huge puddles just to reach the sidewalk or get in and out of your car? Your paving contractor can evaluate any drainage issues and correct these drainage problems. There are many reasons for drainage issues. Sometimes vehicle traffic that is heavier than the pavement was designed can cause pavement depressions and in turn, standing water. Your paving contractor can make this type of repair by correcting the grade through localized leveling. For other drainage problems he'll offer other solutions to correct the drainage issues.

Faded Traffic Markings - Are your parking lot lines visible? Can pedestrians and motorists clearly see crosswalks and other traffic markings like stop lines? Line striping designs and pavement markings ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. Proper layout is also required to keep parking lots in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. To best maximize the number of parking spaces, your paving contractor can design and install an acceptable traffic flow and line striping layout to meet your business needs and be in compliance.

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