Vaca Vet Striping can help you have the handicapped parking areas to be properly marked and in compliance. Give us a call for a free estimate at 707-592-8331
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Handicapped Parking Compliance
Vaca Vet Striping can help you have the handicapped parking areas to be properly marked and in compliance. Give us a call for a free estimate at 707-592-8331
Thursday, February 23, 2017
How to Choose the Best Driveway Paving Option: Update With Asphalt, Pavers, or Block Curbing
Whether your crumbling, old driveway is in desperate need of
repair or you're putting in a driveway for a new construction property,
there are several options to choose from for paving your drive. Be sure
that you've considered the pros and cons of each material for your
paving project by learning more about traditional asphalt, brick, and
paver driveways as well as block curbing to determine which driveway
paving option is right for your home.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveways are a traditional and simple option and are by far the most popular driveway paving material/style across the country. Putting in an asphalt driveway can create a stable driving surface with a no-nonsense appearance. However, this is not a task you would want to handle on your own, due to the various steps necessary for a stable, long-lasting drive. You'll also want to make sure you properly vet any driveway paving companies you consider hiring to ensure you find a skilled professional who will get the job done right. Asphalt driveway paving begins with preparing the underlying soil beneath where the coating of asphalt will be laid. Precision for laying smooth, even asphalt is essential for the quality and longevity of your driveway.
Brick and Paver Driveways
If you're looking to create an eye-catching driveway that will stand out on your block, consider an out-of-the-box approach. Asphalt driveways are the obvious go-to for a sturdy driving surface, but if you want to give your driveway personality and style, you may want to look into using pavers. Pavers are a special type of brick or block used for driveway paving. When it comes to this style of driveway, you have a plethora of options. You could choose to put in brick or pavers for your entire driveway or just the "apron," (the first few feet of the drive). You have to consider the type of block used, the color, and the shape of the paver to create the stylized driveway of your dreams.
Beyond choosing your preferred style, it's important to install the driveway correctly by finding skilled driveway paving contractors. If the asphalt, pavers, or other materials are not laid correctly, you may find yourself facing a plethora of problems. Asphalt driveways can crack if not installed appropriately, while driveway pavers can move and shift out of place, creating gaping cracks, if their initial installation is not done properly.
Block Curbing
Another great option for enhancing your driveway is block curbing. Block curbing creates an attractive outline around the driveway, also serving as a barrier between the asphalt of the drive and your lawn. This stylish addition to your driveway can provide a finished look on your landscaping as well as help prevent weeds from growing onto the driveway. You could pair this curbing with an asphalt driveway or a brick or paver driveway, depending on your desired home aesthetic.
No matter what you choose for your new driveway, opt for professional installation for quality results that will look good both today and in the future!
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveways are a traditional and simple option and are by far the most popular driveway paving material/style across the country. Putting in an asphalt driveway can create a stable driving surface with a no-nonsense appearance. However, this is not a task you would want to handle on your own, due to the various steps necessary for a stable, long-lasting drive. You'll also want to make sure you properly vet any driveway paving companies you consider hiring to ensure you find a skilled professional who will get the job done right. Asphalt driveway paving begins with preparing the underlying soil beneath where the coating of asphalt will be laid. Precision for laying smooth, even asphalt is essential for the quality and longevity of your driveway.
Brick and Paver Driveways
If you're looking to create an eye-catching driveway that will stand out on your block, consider an out-of-the-box approach. Asphalt driveways are the obvious go-to for a sturdy driving surface, but if you want to give your driveway personality and style, you may want to look into using pavers. Pavers are a special type of brick or block used for driveway paving. When it comes to this style of driveway, you have a plethora of options. You could choose to put in brick or pavers for your entire driveway or just the "apron," (the first few feet of the drive). You have to consider the type of block used, the color, and the shape of the paver to create the stylized driveway of your dreams.
Beyond choosing your preferred style, it's important to install the driveway correctly by finding skilled driveway paving contractors. If the asphalt, pavers, or other materials are not laid correctly, you may find yourself facing a plethora of problems. Asphalt driveways can crack if not installed appropriately, while driveway pavers can move and shift out of place, creating gaping cracks, if their initial installation is not done properly.
Block Curbing
Another great option for enhancing your driveway is block curbing. Block curbing creates an attractive outline around the driveway, also serving as a barrier between the asphalt of the drive and your lawn. This stylish addition to your driveway can provide a finished look on your landscaping as well as help prevent weeds from growing onto the driveway. You could pair this curbing with an asphalt driveway or a brick or paver driveway, depending on your desired home aesthetic.
No matter what you choose for your new driveway, opt for professional installation for quality results that will look good both today and in the future!
Monday, February 20, 2017
The History of Paving
It is undeniable that times have changed since the invention of
paved roads. No longer were drivers subjected to traveling along bumpy,
unfinished roads in cars with no form of suspension. However, many
individuals do not understand how the concept of paving roads began,
much less how it has developed since its invention.
When the first forms of asphalt were invented, it was rare for commoners to experience such a luxury. Oftentimes, main roads that traveled through towns and neighborhoods of wealthy individuals were the only roads that were paved. Currently, pavement covers approximately ninety-four percent of roads across the United States, including parking lots, interstates, driveways, and racetracks, to name a few.
Although asphalt has always been present in various forms, the history of paving began with its initial use to build roads in 625 B.C. in Babylon! Romans then discovered that asphalt could be used to seal reservoirs and aqueducts, and soon after, Europeans began identifying natural asphalt deposits. Although the use of asphalt was extremely popular throughout many countries, it was not used as a paving resource for many more years.
As the use of asphalt began to spread, individuals sought out different forms of this substance and even patented various mixes. Furthermore, as the wide use of automobiles began to grow, the need for different forms and great quantities of asphalt did likewise. In fact, the general type of asphalt as we know it today was not developed until the 1900s.
Technological advances that sought to aide in the production and use of asphalt began to arise, as well. Devices, such as vibrating screens, pressure injection systems, and mechanical spreaders evolved in effort to make the paving process more simplistic. Initially, asphalt production companies simply could not keep up with excessive demands for this product. However, as more roads began to erupt, the widespread use of asphalt for paving exploded. The history of paving began to evolve rapidly.
Currently, new trends such as pavement warranties and asphalt recycling are on the rise. As a result, asphalt supplies are being utilized more efficiently and the price of asphalt has dropped because of recycling efforts. In fact, over 95 million tons of asphalt paving materials is recycled every single year. In addition, pavements that are more durable, have greater levels of skid resistance, provide a smoother ride, and reduce splash/spray in harsh weather are in production and readily available. Thus, drivers now have the luxury of traveling on some of the safest surfaces ever known to man.
When the first forms of asphalt were invented, it was rare for commoners to experience such a luxury. Oftentimes, main roads that traveled through towns and neighborhoods of wealthy individuals were the only roads that were paved. Currently, pavement covers approximately ninety-four percent of roads across the United States, including parking lots, interstates, driveways, and racetracks, to name a few.
Although asphalt has always been present in various forms, the history of paving began with its initial use to build roads in 625 B.C. in Babylon! Romans then discovered that asphalt could be used to seal reservoirs and aqueducts, and soon after, Europeans began identifying natural asphalt deposits. Although the use of asphalt was extremely popular throughout many countries, it was not used as a paving resource for many more years.
As the use of asphalt began to spread, individuals sought out different forms of this substance and even patented various mixes. Furthermore, as the wide use of automobiles began to grow, the need for different forms and great quantities of asphalt did likewise. In fact, the general type of asphalt as we know it today was not developed until the 1900s.
Technological advances that sought to aide in the production and use of asphalt began to arise, as well. Devices, such as vibrating screens, pressure injection systems, and mechanical spreaders evolved in effort to make the paving process more simplistic. Initially, asphalt production companies simply could not keep up with excessive demands for this product. However, as more roads began to erupt, the widespread use of asphalt for paving exploded. The history of paving began to evolve rapidly.
Currently, new trends such as pavement warranties and asphalt recycling are on the rise. As a result, asphalt supplies are being utilized more efficiently and the price of asphalt has dropped because of recycling efforts. In fact, over 95 million tons of asphalt paving materials is recycled every single year. In addition, pavements that are more durable, have greater levels of skid resistance, provide a smoother ride, and reduce splash/spray in harsh weather are in production and readily available. Thus, drivers now have the luxury of traveling on some of the safest surfaces ever known to man.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Know the Basics About Your Asphalt Driveway
Ever wondered about the ins and outs of your asphalt driveway? Asphalt paving is made from heated stone aggregate. When heated, some of the aggregate melts, holding all the tiny stone and sand pieces together. When the mixture is laid in the paving process, it appears as tar, a dark black substance which is sometimes also referred to as blacktop when cooled.
Asphalt driveways have become the norm in North America. But did you know that originally, driveways were most commonly made from concrete? You may wonder why the change in practice from concrete to asphalt? It was found that asphalt driveways are much more durable and flexible and therefore longer-lasting. Asphalt has the ability to adapt to the different seasons and the elements they bring with them, which means something significant to the Canadian homeowner.
Know the benefits of each type of drive way material. The nature of asphalt offers a variety of benefits to your driveway and your pocketbook. First, it is flexible and durable as mentioned above. It also has an absorptive quality, allowing it to absorb more heat in the summer months. It's also less expensive than your other options, including the less appealing concrete mix. While other options may be more appealing, it is possible to create a decorative look by imitating cobblestone or brick by stamping the asphalt and colouring the mix. Finally, an asphalt driveway can give your home or workplace the look that you, your family, friends or clients will respect and enjoy.
It's critical that your driveway is both cost-effective and easy to maintain. Finding a reliable service company is important for this reason. Take the time to do so now and save yourself time and money in the years to come.
Making repairs is possible. Is the driveway or parking lot you own beginning to crack and crumble? Although asphalt is durable and flexible, extreme temperatures and heavy vehicles can cause fissures which demand fixing. If you find there is a problem, from potholes to faded yellow lines, repairing your pavement will keep everyone safe. Plus, your asphalt driveway or parking lot is more than just a space to drive on. It presents an image to your guests. Because of this, it's worth putting thought, and maybe even a little money, into.
You can also keep your asphalt paving up to par and avoid complete re-dos by engaging in maintenance activities including routine resealing and occasional upkeep such as washing stains with dish soap and water. Washing and resealing will protect the smoothness and the shine of your asphalt.
Wondering about asphalt driveway costs? You could always find a company that offers free home visits and quotes. That way, you could discuss the best options for your home or commercial space with an expert and get all your questions answered before the process begins.
Feeling confident about any decision regarding your asphalt driveway and walkway is important, as its outcome will affect the confidence you have in your home or workplace.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Ashpalt Paving is a Great Choice!
Asphalt pavement is a very strong and durable material which makes it the best option for most all paved surfaces. If it is properly laid, it need not be replaced for twenty to twenty five years. Asphalt pavement is also the most popular choice for applications such as driveways, parking lots, roadways, airstrips and more.
Approximately 80% of all asphalt pavement is recycled when it is removed. If you are looking for lasting pavement that can be used over and over again, asphalt pavement is the best choice.
Additional benefits include:
- It costs less to construct and maintain asphalt.
- Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly.
- Asphalt pavements are the smoothest pavements.
- Asphalt pavements generate less noise.
- The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations.
- Asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Why It Is Essential To Put Seal Coating On Your Asphalt
There are many benefits to seal coating an asphalt driveway or parking lot. Along with the obvious improvement in appearance that a new, clean surface provides, it protects the asphalt from deterioration.
One of the benefits provided by a new layer of coating is ease of maintenance. Most grime will wash away when it rains. This keeps your driveway looking clean even if you don't go out and scrub it down. During dry spells, just hit it with a hose for the same cleaning effect.
Sealcoating also hides patches, rough areas, small cracks and stains in the underlying asphalt. This makes the driveway or parking lot look much better than it otherwise would. Parking lines and other traffic paint will also stand out more. This is a great benefit for parking lots and commercial driveways.
Coating asphalt protects it from UV rays. The sun's rays normally will increase asphalt's porosity and make it more susceptible to staining and other damage from things like oil and gas spills. By coating it, you help it resist this damage and extend its life.
Finally, coated asphalt is much more water resistant than it otherwise would be. This is very important in climates with a cold winter. Uncoated asphalt can absorb water, which will then freeze and cause cracks when winter comes.
Repairing asphalt can be very expensive. The high price comes from the combination of labor and the cost of the material itself. Asphalt prices change with the cost of oil, so the cost of repairs rise in tandem with oil's march to ever-higher price levels. It is much cheaper to coat a driveway and prevent damage from ever occurring than it is to ignore your driveway and have to fix it later.
Once you've decided to sealcoat your driveway or parking lot, you will need to determine whether you want to do the job yourself or hire a service. Doing the job yourself is cheaper but requires some work. Here is a quick overview of what it takes to do it yourself.
First, the pavement will need to be cleaned. This begins with simple sweeping. You will also need to dig any loose asphalt, gravel or other debris out of the surface. Power washing is likely the easiest way to dislodge the particles. You will also need to cut down any weeds that are growing over or through the surface.
If you used a cleaning method other than power washing, you will now need to scrub the surface with a driveway cleaning solution. This will allow the coating to adhere to the asphalt.
If there are any cracks or potholes, you need to fix them before coating the driveway. Narrow cracks can be filled with semi-liquid filler, while larger ones will need asphalt cold patch. Cold patch is a grainy substance sold in cans or bags.
Potholes will need to be prepared before repair. This generally involves smoothing them out and undercutting the edges to provide a good anchor point for the filler material. Filler can be hot or cold. Most hardware-store fillers will work fine for the light load of a residential driveway.
Actually sealing the asphalt is next. Mix the coating according to the instructions on the package. Then apply it with a rented sprayer or use a pole-mounted trowel to spread it evenly over the surface. Make sure you choose a dry day with no rain predicted so that the coating will have a chance to properly cure.
Of course, there is a much easier way to get seal coating onto your driveway or parking lot: contact a qualified service and watch them do all of this work for you. When they're done, write the check and enjoy looking at the perfect results.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Asphalt Paving For Driveways And Parking Lots - The Asphalt Promised Land
STOP! You know it's there. You see it every day when you come
into work. You even walk around the crater to get to your front door.
It's your parking lot or driveway, and you've been ignoring it every day
hoping it will go away. I call it "Asphalt Denial". You don't want to
know what needs to be done because you know asphalt paving can cost a
lot of money! You might have already had an estimate that put you in
cardiac arrest and you buried in the bottom of the "To Do" pile that has
been sitting there for 5 years. You might even have been beaten over
the head with the "Fix this now or Else Stick" threatening that your
parking lot will implode and cause the end of the world. You know you
need to do parking lot maintenance, but can't figure out how to get
started and finish it without putting you into financial ruin. You're
not alone. Many people face this issue every day. I have some
suggestions that can get you to the "Asphalt Promised Land".
First, get your estimates. Request quotes that are broken down into sub-sections including asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, crack filling and striping with costs associated with each section. This way you can work on a section at a time.
Next, do you paving repairs first. Not fixing potholes can do the most damage to a parking lot or driveway in the shortest amount of time. They can also damage the vehicles that hit them. Typically this is the highest cost in an estimate. If you're on a tight budget, you can do the repairs over several years. Set a budget figure you want to spend, and focus on any repairs in high traffic areas first such as drive lanes or walking areas then move out to low traffic areas like parking stalls. There's a difference between repair and patch. Repair your potholes, don't patch them!. If you repair the holes, the repairs will last 15-20 years.
3rd, get your cracks filled and sealcoating done. This step may happen several years down the road, but it will preserve what you have and what you have been doing the past few years in repairs. Sealcoating is typically a few cents per square foot but makes a difference in the longevity of a parking lot. Sealcoating and striping will spruce up the look of the parking lot as well.
Finally, be patient. This might take several years depending on your cash availability, but will pay off in the long run in preserving your parking lot. Remember, incremental improvements will be better and cheaper than doing nothing. Stick with the plan; keep making progress enen just a little bit. Your lot will look like new very soon.
First, get your estimates. Request quotes that are broken down into sub-sections including asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, crack filling and striping with costs associated with each section. This way you can work on a section at a time.
Next, do you paving repairs first. Not fixing potholes can do the most damage to a parking lot or driveway in the shortest amount of time. They can also damage the vehicles that hit them. Typically this is the highest cost in an estimate. If you're on a tight budget, you can do the repairs over several years. Set a budget figure you want to spend, and focus on any repairs in high traffic areas first such as drive lanes or walking areas then move out to low traffic areas like parking stalls. There's a difference between repair and patch. Repair your potholes, don't patch them!. If you repair the holes, the repairs will last 15-20 years.
3rd, get your cracks filled and sealcoating done. This step may happen several years down the road, but it will preserve what you have and what you have been doing the past few years in repairs. Sealcoating is typically a few cents per square foot but makes a difference in the longevity of a parking lot. Sealcoating and striping will spruce up the look of the parking lot as well.
Finally, be patient. This might take several years depending on your cash availability, but will pay off in the long run in preserving your parking lot. Remember, incremental improvements will be better and cheaper than doing nothing. Stick with the plan; keep making progress enen just a little bit. Your lot will look like new very soon.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Protect Your Parking Investment!
Asphalt Maintenance
Asphalt pavement is commonly used on many different projects. It is a popular material due to its cost effectiveness, durability, ease of implementation and is a great at withstanding heavy loads. It can be used for walkways, driveways, parking lots and complete roadways. Many may not know that asphalt does require inspections and routine maintenance for long life. Common asphalt maintenance procedures are as follows:
Asphalt Maintenance Facts
Asphalt has a long life span as long as proper maintenance is performed. Asphalt deterioration begins as soon as the freshly laid asphalt begins to cool. Oil, sun oxidation, salt, water penetration, weather all affect the life span.
Asphalt Repair and Patching
Patching is a frequently used repair technique for imperfections such as potholes. Potholes can be formed by the freezing and thawing of water in unsealed or improperly sealed cracks. As the ice forms it expands and damages the surrounding asphalt leaving voids and thus a pothole is born. The process of replacing the asphalt depends on the affected area and the seasonal conditions.
Asphalt Resurfacing or Overlaying
In some cases, it can be more cost affective to resurface or overlay the asphalt. Good candidates for resurfacing are low spots, large sections of interconnecting cracks. This process is unique to each job and can consist of leveling of low spots, grinding off uneven surfaces, adjusting drainage paths and other details pertaining to the specific problem.
Asphalt Removal and Replacement
Without ongoing maintenance, asphalt surfaces can degrade until the only option is replacement. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the repair and replacement surface last. Cost varies depending on the job.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bud_Altman
Asphalt pavement is commonly used on many different projects. It is a popular material due to its cost effectiveness, durability, ease of implementation and is a great at withstanding heavy loads. It can be used for walkways, driveways, parking lots and complete roadways. Many may not know that asphalt does require inspections and routine maintenance for long life. Common asphalt maintenance procedures are as follows:
Asphalt Maintenance Facts
Asphalt has a long life span as long as proper maintenance is performed. Asphalt deterioration begins as soon as the freshly laid asphalt begins to cool. Oil, sun oxidation, salt, water penetration, weather all affect the life span.
Asphalt Repair and Patching
Patching is a frequently used repair technique for imperfections such as potholes. Potholes can be formed by the freezing and thawing of water in unsealed or improperly sealed cracks. As the ice forms it expands and damages the surrounding asphalt leaving voids and thus a pothole is born. The process of replacing the asphalt depends on the affected area and the seasonal conditions.
Asphalt Resurfacing or Overlaying
In some cases, it can be more cost affective to resurface or overlay the asphalt. Good candidates for resurfacing are low spots, large sections of interconnecting cracks. This process is unique to each job and can consist of leveling of low spots, grinding off uneven surfaces, adjusting drainage paths and other details pertaining to the specific problem.
Asphalt Removal and Replacement
Without ongoing maintenance, asphalt surfaces can degrade until the only option is replacement. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the repair and replacement surface last. Cost varies depending on the job.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Importance of Seal Coating Asphalt Roads
The life and way of living of a place is often determined by the roads that its people walk through. This is the very observation and fact that gives and imparts a special significance and also a value to the substance asphalt. Being an integral part in the construction of roads, the medium of paving driveways and also a baseline for the construction of many other areas, the use of Asphalt and its characteristics should be well known to its daily users, the common man. Despite all this, whenever asphalt is used in constructions part, it has to be seal coated.
The obvious doubt arising has to be the question marks on Asphalt being seal coated. The interrogation of your minds has a very precise and theoretically explained answer. It is a substance that is made up of various types of filters and also aggregates. The different variety of aggregates may include things like sand and gravel etc but still the paths made from Asphalt are quite weak and has many underlying weaknesses. These weak points include things like degradation due to the harmful UV rays, the problem of salts and also the erosion due to the presence of chemicals. Therefore, a timely coating of asphalt is done keeping in mind the fact to prevent any damage due to this.
Coating of Asphalt is not only safe and mandatory but is also money saving and time saving. When roads or paths are built, then it takes in a big pool of money to do so. When asphalt is one used and the entire layer of it is created, then it is not a child's play to do the same thing after a short few years. So, this coating on Asphalt helps us to reduce the work, because the coating can be easily replenished and re-done to maintain the durability of the path for years and years to come.
The paths and roads are attacked by millions of harmful UV radiations every hour of the day and this goes for many hours. These radiations are harmful and do intensive damage to the path, making sand and particles appear on the path, thus indicating breakage. The seal coating is prepared in a way so as to protect Asphalt from the brutality of these rays.
Chemical protection of Asphalt is the next reason for using seal coating. The road can have gas spills any day. We all know that asphalt is a petroleum and gaseous product. So, the gas spill will enable the gas to penetrate through the structure of asphalt and weaken its bonds. A seal coating creates a layer of separation between the two things and prevents damage.
Lastly, the seal coating is also responsible for making the Asphalt made path capable of withstanding low temperatures. When the temperatures are low, then it can result in the wear and tear and cracking of the paths. This is prevented by the seal coat. The coating also makes the path look new because it masks the rough impressions.
It might sound blunt and meaningless to be doing all this coating, but with the security being an issue in today fast moving world, it is important to protect the high traffic roads and driveways etc from any potential damage.
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