Parking Lot Striping and Maintenance Increases Customer Safety

In business, it is important to always put your best foot forward, and that step can start with fresh parking lot striping. Fresh paint provides a good first impression for arriving customers. Faded and cracked lines, potholes, and crumbling chocks are not only an eyesore, but can also be a safety hazard as well. To ensure customers can park their cars with ease and navigate the car park without any confusion, regular maintenance is crucial.

Clear parking lot striping will not only help visitors navigate easily, but well-planned spacing can also help maximize a small area, squeezing in extra spots for cars so that you don't unintentionally lose business. Most car parks are also required by local regulations to meet certain codes which include a specific number of designated handicap spaces for disabled individuals (how many will depend on the location and size of the area). These will require an extra wide border to be clearly marked, allowing for room to remove wheelchairs or other necessary mobility devices. Codes may also require specific stenciling and marked fire lanes.

If the area is jointly operated by several businesses, it can be helpful to designate specific spots directly in front of doors exclusively to one shop. This is particularly useful for quick-stop stores located next to businesses with longer transactions such as restaurants or movie theaters. Keeping a few spaces free and marked for fifteen minutes or less is another way to keep traffic flowing, turning away fewer customers during peak periods. Spaces can be stencil-painted and bordered in a different color to distinguish it from others.

Proper parking lot striping is also a valuable safety tool that can help you cut back on collisions, slip and falls, or other potential hazards. In addition to keeping the paint fresh and direction arrows clear to improve traffic flow, consider re-paving the entire car park if it is extremely damaged. Large holes and cracks can not only damage vehicles, but people can fall and hurt themselves. And if it happened on your property, you may have a lawsuit on your hands. Smashed chocks are another common problem that is often overlooked. Chocks are the bumpers located between spaces or in front of sidewalks to prevent vehicles from moving too far. Over time, the constant stress from car bumps, or even just a single hard hit can result in them cracking and shifting. The rubble left behind can be dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists.

Parking lot striping professionals generally offer several other benefits in addition to their painting skills. Included in their services are often a cleaning of the area using power washing to lift and blast away long-standing grime, a basic warranty covering unexpected fading or stains for the first few months or longer, and help re-planning the area if needed. Most paints are fast-drying, so you won't have to worry about closing off the area for long. Always choose a company that is licensed, experienced, and fully insured so that you will receive quality work that you can depend on.

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Driveway Sealers Provide For A Long Lasting Driveway

For the proper maintenance of an asphalt driveway you should include the application of an asphalt sealer. There are various kinds of sealers available on the market today and it can either be applied professionally or completed by the homeowner. Regular maintenance by adding a sealant to the asphalt driveway is done every three to four years to keep the road way looking great.

By sealing the asphalt driveway with a protective covering you go a long way toward preventing the material from deteriorating. The ultraviolet rays coming from the sun, leaked oils and grease, and road salts are all elements that can deteriorate the driveway. When all of these elements are combined, the binder material of the asphalt will surely deteriorate and its aggregate layer is going to be exposed to the natural elements. There are several types of driveway sealers but getting the right one for your situation is actually an easy task.

Sealers are of two basic varieties, the coal tar and the asphalt. The products are contained in an emulsion material which is generally oil-based. Sealers can also contain polymers, sand, latex, clay and other additives that are necessary to fill in the cracks and provide further protection against the harmful sun rays, oils and salt that come in contact in the surface of the driveway. The applications based on coal tar are actually produced from a by-product of the process of coal production and they are known to be the tougher application. Products made of coal tar will give off more toxic odors and they are not environmentally friendly like the products based on asphalt. The emulsion will bond with the asphalt driveway so that it gives protection. A majority of stains like oil and grease can also be removed easily if the driveway is sealed. A lot of asphalt based sealing products do have some coal tar but generally they are friendlier to the environment and slightly much easier to apply.

These do it yourself products can be purchased in all hardware stores, home improvement shops and a lot of retail stores. These products can be easily applied by using a roller and squeegee. This can also be done in just one day. The available asphalt sealers for professional pavement sealing business are generally of higher quality and of longer life. A homeowner has to make up his mind on when and how the driveway should be protected. This is something that should be done regularly.

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Why Have An Asphalt Driveway In Your Property

The look of your driveway has an effect on the overall appeal of your house. It works as a focal point as passersby and visitors come towards your house. An inviting driveway also adds to the value of your home. The most common material utilized in residential driveways is hot mix asphalt, which is an engineered combination of aggregate and liquid asphalt cement.

Benefits of using asphalt

Asphalt is a recommended material for driveways because they are even, long lasting, and safe. They can also deal with any load, from sedans to even trucks for those who have them. Asphalt pavement can be custom-made to reduce noise, to minimize splash and spray during the wet seasons, and even to help treat rain water. It can also stand up to freezing and thawing. And in winter, you don't have to worry about salting your driveway because asphalt is unaffected by salt.

Best time to have your driveway paved

Temperature is one of the primary considerations when paving a driveway because low temperatures and cold air can considerably affect how quickly the mix cools and thus extend the timeframe the contractor may need to complete the task. Paving your driveway during the cold season will leave you with a driveway that looks uneven.

How to choose an asphalt paving company

Avoid itinerant contractors - Be vigilant during the spring and summer months since there are several paving companies who go door-to-door offering affordable deals on asphalt work. Some of these offers are a sham. Some of them require money upfront but provide shoddy quality of work or one that deteriorates prematurely.

Obtain several estimates - Prices differ among paving companies. In addition, they may vary when it comes to quality. Get quotes from at least three contractors, and make sure that they are providing estimates for the same specifications.

Ascertain compliance to local requirements - Determine if the paving contractor you would like to hire has the required license to operate. To avoid potential headaches later on, make sure to use a paving contractor who is adequately insured and bonded.

Obtain references - Ask for contact details of past customers so you can communicate with them directly. Past customers can give you information that the company may not readily provide, like how respectful the contractor's workers were and if the project was accomplished within the agreed time and budget.

Get a contract - Insist on getting a contract for the work. The contract ought to be thorough and must contain all guarantees made by the paving company.

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The Importance of Sealcoating

Surprisingly, many home owners, property owners, and maintenance workers know very little about the important aspect of sealcoating.

Sealcoating is a general term used to describe applying a top coating, or protectant coating of material over an existing asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement is made up of rock, sand, gravel, and a binding agent to hold it all together. The binding agent is a by-product of the distillation process of certain types of crude oil. As asphalt ages and this by-product breaks down, unfortunately it loses its ability to bind, or hold together. Maintaining this binder is paramount in pavement maintenance. As one would expect, without it, the asphalt will begin to break down. The most common causes of binder degradation are rain, ultraviolet rays from the sun, and chemicals such as antifreeze and car oil.

As asphalt ages and loses this binder, the pavement will start to degrade. When this process begins, a very common warning symptom is piles of small rocks and sand congregating in the low areas in pavement.

To reduce this harmful process from ruining pavement from rain, many people choose to apply a protective layer, or a seal coat, over the pavement to extend the life of the parking lot or driveway and also to prevent degradation. Additionally, when sealcoating products are applied to manufacturers' specifications, they provide a slip resistant surface with a deep satin black finish which beautifies the parking lot or driveway.

Sealcoating materials are typically either coal-based products or acrylic based emulsions. The sealcoat material is in a liquid-water based formulation of one of the above emulsions, then mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other fillers and solids to create the final product. The sealcoat can then be applied by several different methods: by brush, spray method, or by squeegee. The process should be performed by a professional.

To properly maintain the pavement at a home or business, a sealcoating maintenance program must be in place. Maintenance will more than double the life of the asphalt, saving the owner hundreds of dollars down the line and making the property look fresh and appealing. Repairing asphalt pavement after it has begun to degrade is expensive, so it is sensible to protect the pavement by sealcoating before any long term damage occurs for only pennies per square foot.

Applying this protectant every two to three years will certainly extend the life of asphalt pavement for a minimal cost compared to replacement or repair. When applied correctly by a professional contractor, sealcoating prevents oxidation, stops weather damage, and beautifies property.

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Tips For Choosing the Best Asphalt Paving and Maintenance Company

When you're ready to get your asphalt driveway paved, you want to make sure that you're hiring the very best company for your needs. If you're going to put out the money and spend the time to get it paved, you want it paved correctly! You also want to make sure that company can handle any maintenance that needs to be performed after the paving job. Here are some important tips for choosing the best asphalt paving and maintenance company.

Make Sure the Company is Reputable -

Before you hire an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you want to make sure they are good standing and well respected within your community. There are a few different ways to check this and the first one would be to get references. The more recent the references are, the better. Actually call the contact numbers and speak with the people. Find out how they liked the paving job and how long it took.

Also, ask if the estimated price was what they ended up paying and whether they would hire the company again. This is a great way to find out if a company is worth hiring or not. You can also check out their job pictures as a great idea of how good their work is. Many companies will have their gallery right on their website for you to view, making it easy for you to judge their work.

Interview the Owner -

Another great way to be able to judge a company you're thinking of hiring is to interview the owner or the person who will be supervising the paving. Ask them important questions - like whether or not they are insured, licensed and bonded. Find out what kind of asphalt they will be using and why they use a particular kind. Ask them to walk you through what happens during a paving and how long it takes to complete.

This will give you a great feel for the company. If the owner or supervisor doesn't speak to you directly or hurries you as if they have other things to do, you may want to consider another company. If a company doesn't have time to talk to the customers (who, by the way, pay the bills), what are the chances that they are going to take their time and do an excellent job on your driveway?

Get an Estimate -

Have someone come to your home that represents the company and get an estimate. Most places will provide you with a free one. Find out each thing they quote a price for and ask them why it's necessary. Some contractors will quote unnecessary work just to get more money out of you. If they don't have a really great reason for doing the work, move on to the next company.

By using these suggestions before hiring an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you can save yourself time and money - and prevent yourself from being swindled or taken advantage of.

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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.

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Professional Line Painting and Pavement Marking

Making sure your parking lot lines are repainted when they fade is not only important for the safety of the drivers that use your parking lot, but it also says a lot about your business. When your parking lot lines, speed bumps, arrows and handicaps are freshly painted it shows that you take pride in your business and makes your place of business look great.

Not all line painting service providers are equal. You will find that some line painting companies are conscientious and take time to make sure the job is done well while some companies only want to get in and out as fast as possible.

When you choose your provider there are a couple things you can do to make sure you are get a quality job. First, visit the providers website. Is there website professionally done or does it look like they just threw it up in a day? Look for pictures of their work. Do their lines look straight? Is there any overspray? Do they use nice stencils, or do they used outdated or ugly fonts and arrows? Line painting should always offer free quotes, so when they come in to estimate your parking lot it is a good opportunity to get a sense of what kind of people are working for the company.

If you really want to be sure, the best thing you can do is ask for the address of a job they recently painted which is in the area. Then you can go and observe how much care they used in their painting.
Here are some other things to consider. Line painting should only be done in warmer weather and the road needs to be completely dry. It can not be done when the pavement is damp from rainfall. Also, the cleaner the pavement the better. In order to ensure the maximum durability of your paint job you may want to consider pressure washing the pavement if it is particularly dirty or grimy. Line painting should be done every 1-2 years for high traffic areas and every 2-4 years for low traffic areas.

The next time you need to get your parking lot repainted remember to use these tips to evaluate the different line painting providers that work in your area. Once you find a good line painting company make sure you keep their business card and use them the next time you need your lines done. It will be easy for them to repaint your lines and pavement markings because they are sure to have matching stencils. Good luck!

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Benefits of Using Asphalt for Paving

The act or technique of laying pavement is known as paving. There are several materials used for this purpose. But these days, a majority of paving contractors makes use of asphalt for a variety of paving projects. Asphalt is generally black in color and possesses a cement-like uniformity. The cement like consistency is obtained with the addition of sand, filler and bitumen. As far as the major reasons behind the popularity of asphalt as a paving material are concerned, these include:

Ease of installation

Ease of installation is a major reason that has made asphalt a preferred choice for constructing roads and highways. Also it is known for providing quick results. This makes it a good choice for revitalizing roads and streets especially when you need to get the work done in the minimum possible time.

Low-cost building material

This is the second major feature associated with the material. It is a low-cost building material. It is not only less expensive but also takes very less time for preparation. The material dries up quickly which means highways and doors will not be blocked or stuck for a long time.

Extremely durable

Asphalt is extremely durable and can be used for both low and high traffic conditions. Also it is weather-resistant in nature. Sudden changes in weather conditions hardly affect the material. It is used for walkways, parking lots, playgrounds as well as high-volume highways that carry heavy trucks.

Recycling feature

This forms one of the impressive features of the material. It can be recycled which means the product can be used again and again. Reusing the same material again and again means we are preserve our natural resources. Apart from this, it also reduces the landfill situation as less material turns into waste.

Requires less maintenance

Asphalt requires very less maintenance. The material is extremely easy to repair.
These are some of the topmost reasons responsible for making asphalt a popular material for a variety of paving projects.

There are many paving contractors that have been using the material for construction of driveways, parking lots, walkways and various other areas. To achieve the best possible results from your paving project, it is extremely essential to take help from an experienced paving service provider. In this regard, websites can be of great help. You can go through a number of websites to find a reliable paving contractor that suit your budget and project requirements.

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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.

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Sealcoating FAQs

Making an educated decision about maintaining your facility's asphalt surfaces can help prevent you from paying too much, getting a poor quality job and making a bad decision. Here are some commonly asked questions about seal coating commercial asphalt:

What if the price is too good to pass up?

Although a low price bid may be tempting, making an impulsive decision based solely on price can cost you later. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or seal coating contractor. Make sure the company is well established - do they have a local address, a well-developed website and references? Also, it doesn't hurt to get several bids and check each company out thoroughly. Be sure to keep in mind, you usually get what you pay for!

Should we have this sealant applied every year?

No! Although many paving companies may lead you to believe that you should seal coat every year, seal coating your asphalt too much can lead to problems. The first two coats of sealer applied to your asphalt are what protect it. Additional coats are usually just for cosmetic purposes.

Should we seal our asphalt in the summer?

It is not appropriate to seal coat asphalt in hot weather. The sealer will dry too quickly causing it to peel, flake or get streaks in the finish. If the job needs to be done in hot temperatures, above 90 degrees, a good paving contractor will spray the surface with a light mist of water to cool the asphalt before applying the seal coat. Doing so will cool the surface considerably. Ideal temperatures to apply seal coat are between sixty and ninety degrees.

Can we just seal coat asphalt pavement ourselves?

Adding up the total costs of undertaking this project will give you the answer to this question. Basically, it's going to end up costing you more and you more than likely will not be thrilled with the results. Not only will sealer, sold by the pail, cost as much as five times more at local improvement stores, it is not the high quality as professionally mixed commercial sealer. Tools are often expensive and may not be of professional grade to perform the task properly. Prior to seal coating, the surface must be cleaned - a leaf blower and a hose won't give the professional results of a commercial blower and washer. Add in your labor time, and the fact that you'll probably ruin your shoes, shirt, pants and gloves - it really adds up. Using a professional, paving and seal coating company will only cost you a few dollars more that it would to do it yourself, and you'll be much more satisfied with the job when complete.

A well-paved asphalt surface can last 20-40 years if maintained at proper intervals. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or sealing contractor. They can develop a strategy to maintain your pavement. Spending a little more now, can save you a lot down the road.

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