Sunday, December 31, 2017

Happy New Year!


May each day of the New Year be filled with contentment, opportunities, peace and abundance. 
Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 28, 2017

How Sealcoating Can Help Protect Your Asphalt Driveway


The condition of your driveway can make or break your home's curb appeal. It take a beating all year long, but the summer sun can really take a toll. The harsher the weather, the more often you need to sealcoat your driveway.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Friday, December 22, 2017

How to Keep Asphalt From Deteriorating: Sealcoating Your Paved Driveway or Parking Lot Can Help


When you're spending the money to have your driveway or parking lot professionally paved, you don't want the asphalt to deteriorate any sooner than necessary. Sealcoat the surface to protect your walking and driving areas from wear and tear.

Have you noticed cracks or holes forming in your asphalt driveway or parking lot, thanks to years of car and foot traffic? Or are you laying down new pavement and want to make it last as long as possible? Professional pavers employ a process known as sealcoating to lengthen the life of an asphalt surface. Sealcoating will not only make your driveway or parking lot more durable but will also help it maintain its clean, smooth look in the face of repeated use. Contact a paving contractor in your area to discuss whether sealcoating is right for your new or existing asphalt surface.

How It Works

As tough as it is, asphalt can be damaged by sun exposure, excessive rain, ice, and temperature changes. Years of gasoline and oil drippings from cars can also cause surface deterioration. Not only will deteriorating asphalt fade from a crisp black to an ugly gray, but it can also become rough and crack open-and water accumulating in pavement cracks or holes can lead to further damage. Sealcoating a pavement area approximately 60 days after the initial asphalt application will protect it from weather and car fluid damage in the years ahead, lengthening the overall life of your paving. Driveway sealer is composed of a coal-tar emulsion, sometimes fortified with rubber or silica sand for increased durability. A paving contractor will apply sealer either by brush or by spraying it over the area; the method may depend upon the size of the area to be sealed, or upon the individual contractor's preference.

Repair and Resealing

If you want to seal a driveway or parking lot that is several years old and has already begun to deteriorate, the paving contractor must first repair the damaged asphalt. This may involve filling any holes or cracks in the pavement, as well as smoothing out rough areas. It's also a good idea to clean up any oil stains before applying sealcoating, as once they're sealed in, those stains are permanent. In general, you should apply a new coat of driveway sealer every two to three years. Resealing and minor repairs will almost always be less expensive than having to completely replace the pavement.

Benefits

Having a sealed driveway or parking lot surface has benefits far beyond the money saved on re-paving. For starters, the smooth, sealed finish will be easier to clean than cracked, stained asphalt, enabling you to keep your property looking its best. Even more importantly, sealed pavement is safer to walk and drive on. Large cracks and holes can pose a tripping hazard for individuals of all ages. Meanwhile, brittle, deteriorating asphalt can form potholes, which can prove hazardous to drivers. Properly maintaining your driveway or parking lot area by sealcoating the asphalt will protect both your investment and the individuals who use the space. Contact a parking lot or driveway paving specialist near you to learn more about your sealcoating options.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Q_Jones

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6944859

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Enjoy a Safe Driveway or Parking Lot by Hiring Expert Paving Contractors!


A safe parking lot or driveway is an essential first step to creating a welcoming atmosphere at any home or business. Prevent person injuries and property damage by hiring a professional paving contractor to perform effective, long-lasting pavement repairs, resurfacing, and more.

Potholed, crumbled, or cracked parking lots and driveways don't just give off a poor impression. They can deter customers from your business, create neighborhood eyesores, pose physical threats to people and vehicles, and even result in damage to your buildings due to poor drainage. If you have damaged pavement on your property or need a new parking lot or driveway, call your local paving contractors today. These professionals have the experience and know-how to provide you with attractive, safe craftsmanship that will serve you well for years to come.

How do paving contractors promote safety?

Correctable and preventable problems such as potholes, cracks, and dips can cause broken ankles, scraped knees, or worse. Your paving contractor is available to provide a variety of parking lot and driveway paving and repairs, such as filling in potholes, sealing cracks, installing block edges to prevent crumbling, and more. Replacement driveway or parking lot paving is also an option if your current pavement is irreparably damaged. These professionals will only use quality materials and tools to ensure a sleek look and continued performance season after season.

Your paving professional will begin by ensuring that the construction area is even and stable. Your terrain will be then be examined in order to determine the proper grade for your pavement. This encourages water to drain away from your property, which helps prevent water damage and puddles. The base stone will then be laid, bound with asphalt binder, and then sealed with a smooth top coat.
After proper pavement installation, your paving contractor can then provide additional safety features and services, including:

  • Sign installation and pavement painting - Arrows, signs, parking lines, and other accessories and details are essential for an orderly parking lot. These features help prevent accidents, distinguish handicap reserved spaces, and more!
  • Speed bumps - Discourage speeding on your property with strong, effective speed bumps.
  • Prevent vehicular damage - Potholes and other deterioration are often the culprit behind popped tires and damaged suspensions. Prompt driveway and parking lot repairs can protect cars as well as people.

Installing and servicing reliable driveways and parking lots comes from years of experience and expert knowledge. Using a professional paving company is necessary if you want to enjoy quality work that can stand up to time, traffic, and the elements. If you want to help prevent vehicle accidents, remove safety hazards, or just are sick of having grass grow in the cracks of your driveway, don't settle for amateur work. Call your local paving professionals today.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rebecca_Paul/653584

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5279582

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Explaining Tire Scuff Marks on New Asphalt Pavement


Did you just have your driveway repaved with a brand new asphalt overlay? Or maybe a new layer of sealcoat? Or perhaps you are a company owner that just finished construction on a new commercial parking lot? Either way, you may start to notice tire marks as business or traffic picks up. Tire scuff marks are a common occurrence to newly-paved or seal-coated asphalt, and for many reasons. Before you pick up the phone to have a word with your paving company, it is encouraged to investigate a bit further, and find out why tire marks appear on newly-paved asphalt in the first place. Continue reading to learn what causes asphalt tire scuffing, and gain a better understanding of what to expect from your pavement.

Tire Scuffing

Fortunately, there is no need to panic about tire marks since they will eventually fade after a few months. There are several reasons why freshly-paved or seal-coated asphalt is subject to tire scuffing, but they can all be narrowed down to five specific ones. If you have questions about any of these causes, feel free to contact your paving company afterwards to discuss them in detail. They can give you expert information, answers, and advice regarding asphalt paving, sealcoating, and more. For now, start by reviewing the 5 most common factors that cause asphalt tire marks, below.

1. The Age of Pavement - New pavement, or pavement with a new layer of sealcoat, is more susceptible to tire scuff marks since it is still soft and malleable. As it hardens, tire marks begin to disappear. Asphalt requires flexibility to maintain maximum durability, but as it ages, it loses this attribute.

2. Outdoor Temperatures - The time of year affects the rate at which asphalt hardens after being laid. Hot weather will slow the curing process, keeping pavement soft and flexible a little longer than usual. And we already mentioned that soft pavement allows for tire marks. This is why most paving jobs are carried out in the fall and winter, when temperatures are cooler and pavement cures faster.

3. Vehicle Weight - New asphalt pavement that experiences frequent traffic from heavy vehicles, like trucks, buses, and vans, is more susceptible to tire scuffing. Stationary 180-degree turns, sudden braking, sharp turns, and trucks with power steering are common causes for tire marks..

4. Type of Tires - The type and size of tires play a major role in producing tire scuff marks in new pavement. Most standard tires can and will cause this to happen, but tires with aggressive tread patterns, steel-belted radial tires, and off-road trucks and SUVs will guarantee it.

5. Type of Asphalt - The type of asphalt will also influence the likelihood of tire scuffing on new pavement. Course aggregate is less likely to scuff, whereas, a thin sealcoat will.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9456109

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Why Paving Contractors Choose Asphalt



Among the available materials for paving roads and driveways, asphalt has been the choice of many paving contractor for the many advantages it has over other materials like concrete. There are a lot of asphalt solutions for urban, suburban or rural roads that can greatly be useful in coping with the stresses of heavy traffic.

The advantage of asphalt starts from its being cost-efficient. It is usually about 30 to 40 percent cheaper than concrete. Cost is an important factor in any project, of course for a project to push through the total costing must fit within the client's budget.

Next, the laying of asphalt only takes 1 to 2 days to complete whereas concrete takes several days longer. There is also a big difference in the time of usability of asphalt and concrete. Asphalt paving can already be used after 2 to 4 days depending on the time of year when the paving is laid, for example it cures or hardens faster in the Spring and Fall and takes longer in the Summer as the summer heat causes it to melt, while concrete paving may only be used after 7 days after it is placed. Concrete may takes less time to harden if a high early mix which is quite expensive.

General road maintenance is important to lengthen the life of the road structure that is why paving contractors prefer asphalt over concrete. When repair and maintenance is needed, asphalt can be easily opened and can be placed back quickly thereby the flow of traffic is not affected. It is also significantly cheaper in contrast to the cost of the material used in concrete which is higher.

When it comes to spalling, asphalt unlike concrete does not flake on the surface. The flaking of the concrete is primarily caused by the improper setting up of the material, too much water that is mixed in the concrete and the salt that is added to it.

Cracking is also a big issue for paving contractors. While concrete needs central joints to prevent it from cracking, asphalt is highly flexible which means that the pavement is less likely to split up or break. Also, asphalt is 100% recyclable thus using it instead of concrete may preserve non-renewable natural resources.

Noise both on the inside and outside of the vehicle can be greatly reduced when asphalt is used for paving. In fact, among all the traditional road surfaces asphalt roads have been proven to have the lowest noise level. What's more the recent development of porous asphalts has reduced the noise level even further.

Paving contractors has favored the use of asphalt for the past years for so many reasons which include like its higher level of skid resistance and versatility that have all been proven to contribute to the safety of the our roads. And with the continuing improvements in asphalt paving, it will remain the material of choice of many paving contractors for the years to come.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saima_B

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7993891

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Asphalt Paving Companies - Things to Know Before Calling for a Company


Asphalt pavements have the worst kind of treatment. With time, they start to weather. This often leads to creating mishaps while driving. A clean pavement is not seen much these days, and not many people are aware of asphalt paving companies. A perfect driveway with clean boundaries and a perfect landing for a car park is very much in need.

Most city streets have existing asphalt paving but they are not maintained properly. With natural pollutants such as smoke, air and rain, the pavements get corroded and the asphalt layer soon erodes off. A new coat of asphalt not only evens out the driveways but also ensures a safe and smooth journey. But have you ever wondered what it takes to zero on the right asphalt paving company for your project? It is no doubt a cumbersome job, but a little effort from your end will help you put your worries at bay.

For all driveways, the length and width is measured before getting quotes from various asphalt paving companies. The measurements are taken and the driveway is cleaned to remove dust and dirt for easy layering of asphalt over the existing layer. Most of the contractors quote estimates based on the exact measurements taken from the driveway. For repairing an existing driveway, the old layer of asphalt is scrapped off and the surface is cleaned and polished to put a fresh coat of asphalt mix.

If you had never installed a driveway earlier, you must remove all the grass from the respective area. There should be nothing but flat dirt in the region where you wish to install your driveway. If the dirt foundation is not strong enough, you should prepare one to avoid the asphalt from cracking with the passage of time. Without making a good foundation for a driveway, calling for an asphalt paving company will not be of much use. When you are done with making a strong base, invite quotes from different companies.

The asphalt contractors quote estimations based on the current cost of asphalt, labor charges, material costs and the overall expense for paving the driveway. The client can oversee a few more quotes from various other asphalt paving companies and make a better choice based on the estimate that tallies with the preferred budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peyton_Stallings/832472

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5439966

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Why Should Business Owners Maintain Their Commercial Parking Lots?


For many individuals, one of the most primary concerns when going to any type of commercial establishment is the overall condition of the parking lot. When the commercial parking lot is neglected or not properly maintained, it can present health and safety hazards. One of the most serious health risks that come with a poorly maintained car park is the environmental pollutants that might accumulate in the area. For this reason, business owners need to realize that clients and customers prefer to choose a car park that is properly maintained, well-kept, and are not isolated.

There are a lot of reasons why it is crucial to ensure that the facility maintains the proper upkeep of their outdoor areas. This article lists the importance of maintaining the parking area of commercial establishments.

Prevent Serious Health Hazards

Parking areas that are covered, such as those located in the basement or underground, should be properly ventilated and cleaned regularly. Engines emit smoke that can pose serious health risks, especially if the smoke is kept within an enclosed area. The solid particles from the emission will settle on the floor as particulates. These particulates can contain toxic substances.

These toxic particles can become air-borne or it might be washed into bodies of water. If these particles eventually end up in natural water ways, it will pose serious health risks to drinking water and other aquamarine resources.

Improve Business Image

Properly maintaining the parking lot is also important to improve the image of the business establishment. When clients or customers visit the establishment this outdoor area will be the first thing they see. A well-kept and properly maintained appearance will provide positive impression.

To ensure that this area looks attractive and clean, a full range of maintenance and repair services are needed. There are companies offering commercial cleaning services that are dedicated to maintaining parking lots and sidewalk areas.

Protect Your Investment

Business owners should also pay close attention to parking lot maintenance because preparing this entails huge investment. Maintaining this area will help maintain the durability as well as the appeal of the parking area.

Keep in mind that when sand, gravel, and other debris stay on the surface for too long, it will affect the overall appearance of the car park. It will also deteriorate the surface of the parking lot. Overtime, the residual residue will result in costly repairs on the car park surface.

It is the business owner's responsibility to oversee the maintenance of their commercial property. Maintaining cleanliness in the parking area goes beyond improving the aesthetic appeal of the property. It will help lower the health and safety risks, as well as lower the cost of possible repair and maintenance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sara_Schweiger/87221

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8203319

Monday, December 4, 2017

Choose an Asphalt Paving Company With Proven Experience


If you have asphalt paving needs, make sure you are working with a quality contractor who is familiar with the type of project you have. Whether it's a parking lot for your business or your home's driveway, consider the company's experience, references, and policies when making your decision.

Experience

Companies with significant years of experience in asphalt paving will know the way to handle the asphalt for your specific location, the weather conditions, and your project. Services may include paving, sealcoating, and resurfacing, so select a company that has a history of providing the particular service you require. Most reputable firms will want to visit the site to actually see the project area in order to assess the soil quality, grading, and other physical characteristics of the area that may impact the cost and time required to complete the project. In the case of sealcoating or resurfacing, they will want to see the number of cracks and repairs needed.

Besides looking at the number of years they have been in business, also check if they have been in the specific area for some time. You'll want a company that is familiar with the temperature and other weather trends in the specific area so they can better predict the amount of time needed for a project.

References

A quality asphalt paving company will provide you with references from previous jobs. You should ask for at least three, making sure the jobs are similar to the one you are planning. When talking with references, consider the following questions:

- What kind of project was done?

- What time of year was it? Do you think that was a good time for the job?

- Did they complete the job on time and on budget? If not, were there good reasons, such as weather delays?

- Do you believe the cost was worth the quality of work?

- Would you call on this company for a similar project?
Policies

Many asphalt paving companies will be glad to give you a free estimate on your project. Find out the factors that affect the estimate so that you can be prepared for an increase (or decrease) in the final project cost. You will need to know their policy for payment, such as partial payment before, during, and at the completion of the project. Also find out if they offer any kind of satisfaction guarantee for all or part of the purchase price.

Take the time to choose a quality, experienced firm for your next asphalt paving project.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8881991

Friday, December 1, 2017

Why Landscaping Experts Recommend Asphalt Sealcoating


Creating a driveway on your property is important to help you protect your lawns. However, when creating driveways or pathways, it is imperative that you make use of durable materials like asphalt.

As of now, asphalt driveways and pathways are very popular. However, there are cases when homeowners may notice unsightly issues. Thus, landscaping experts recommend homeowners to opt for asphalt sealcoating. With this solution, homeowners can obtain wonderful features that can benefit them. Below are some of the following.

To prevent small cracks

One of the reasons why landscaping experts recommend asphalt sealcoating is to prevent small cracks. Cracks on asphalt are caused by numerous factors. These include moisture, ground movements and erosion, excessive weight as well as improper installation. Fortunately, cracks can be eliminated by using sealcoating. This solution can also hide patches and rough areas.

To reduce damages caused by chemicals

The next reason why landscaping experts recommend asphalt sealcoating is to reduce damages caused by chemicals. This is possible since asphalt sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the asphalt. Other than that, sealcoating can also prevent oxidation and erosion of the top layer and replaces fine particles lost from the asphalt surface due to oxidation on older pavements. And, it also resists gas, diesel fuel, oil, salt and chemical penetration which will break down the bond between the aggregate and the liquid asphalt.

To eliminate water damage

Using asphalt sealcoating can also help homeowners eliminate water damage. Water can easily damage asphalt since it enters the asphalt. Because of this, moisture can be formed which can affect the quality and reliability of asphalt. By using sealcoating, you can prevent water from entering the asphalt since it can protect the surface properly.

To improve aesthetics

With the use of sealcoating homeowners can also improve the aesthetics of their asphalt. Due to aging, the colour of the asphalt fades. However, sealcoating can protect its colour since this solution is dark and black coloured when applied.

To reduce maintenance costs

Finally, landscaping experts can also reduce their maintenance costs when using sealcoating. When it comes to repairs, asphalt repairs can be expensive since you need to hire specialists in order to properly remove cracks and other asphalt issues. On the other hand, sealcoating can easily leave a smooth, clean surface ideal for sweeping, which lowers cleaning costs and for a driveway and gives your entrance a fresh and new look.

These are only some of the benefits that homeowners can obtain when investing in sealcoating solutions from reliable landscaping experts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Johnny_Carlino/1802518

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9765756