Asphalt Paving: Striping Your Parking Lot

As you may already know, asphalt paved parking lots do need maintenance from time to time. One known asphalt paving maintenance technique is to have your parking lot re-striped to add a nicer look to existing asphalt paving properties.

The repainting (striping) of an asphalt lot usually takes place every one to two years; it mostly depends on the amount of wear and tear made by people driving on the asphalt paved lots. First, the lot must be cleaned and checked to see if there are any major problems with the lot currently.

As a rule of thumb, the number of parking spaces on the lot will typically designate how many handicapped spaces are required. By using high quality paint when asphalt striping, you will ensure a greater life expectancy of the clean look of your paved lot. The lines have to be as bright as possible for people who will park in between them at a later date. The striping also serves to direct the parking lot traffic to ensure safety of drivers. You want to make it as easy as possible for drivers to see where they are supposed to go at all given times.

Also, by having very bright yellow speed bumps on your asphalt paved parking lot, you make it safer for those who will not be in cars as well. Also, the proper signs must be displayed on the parking lots as well, i.e., crosswalks, loading zone, and handicapped signs. The lines that will be put on the parking lot will first be chalked to ensure a clean straight look when the work is done.

Furthermore, a walk behind style striping machine will be used to get the best painted lines that are approximately 6 millimeters when dry. The lines can not be driven on until the paint has had adequate time to fully dry (at-least 30 minutes).

When the asphalt parking lot has been striped, any debris that is on the lot will be collected and taken away from the property.

The final stage of the asphalt striping is to put up barricades to keep other drivers from entering or exiting your asphalt parking lot. Striping is a great way to keep a parking lot looking new and professional. Costs spent in advance for asphalt striping now will definitely be lower as compared to later. Always take a proactive approach to asphalt paving maintenance. Those who choose not to take good care of their lots will pay the price in the long run. Customers always appreciate a well designed and painted parking lot. It is the first thing that customers see when visiting your property, so it should look great. A freshly striped asphalt parking lot can lead to a positive overall impression of your property.

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Thermoplastics Installing by Vaca Vet Striping

The application of linear striping, arrows, stop bars, and handicap insignias, etc. We use a plasticized material that when heated with adhere permanently to asphalt and concrete surfaces.

We understand the importance of quality asphalt maintenance and the importance of leaving a lasting impression to prospective tenants, home buyers, customers and the general public.

Vaca Vet Striping has over 30 years experience doing business as ACE Paving Company, with a General Engineering Class A Contractor’s License #389714. We strive to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. Vaca Vet Striping service area is Solano, Napa, Yolo, and Sacramento counties.

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.

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The Benefits of Maintaining Your Pavement

When people look at pavement they see something to drive and walk on. As a property owner you see an expense. As a contractor I see trip hazards and possible damage claims.

People are fickle and loyalty is not what it once was. If your parking lot is filled with potholes and navigating them frustrates the driver, they will go somewhere else next time. It is the same with your sidewalks, if they are full of puddles or raised pieces people will not feel secure and frequent another establishment. People want comfort, security and convenience. Many business owners concentrate on these things once the customer is through the door.

As a property owner or manager you should work with an experienced contractor. Your contractor should inspect your pavement annually. This will result in preventative strategies, alternatives and cost projections. This will allow you as the owner/manager to develop a budget and a plan for your pavement maintenance. A reputable contractor will be mindful of your need to work within your budget and work with you to prioritize the work needing to be done.

Preventative maintenance has many benefits to you as the owner/manager. Identifying problems at the early stages ensure they won't become large ones later. By having these inspections done you will be addressing issues and therefore minimizing damage claims, both the frequency and degree of settlements. If there is litigation these inspections and work orders will be invaluable to show due diligence on your part.

An awful looking parking lot will not encourage customers to come into your business and this will cost you money in lost revenue. Dangerous pavement will cost you in lawsuits. Budgeting for pavement maintenance is a low cost alternative.

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Why Fix Asphalt and Concrete Potholes on Your Property?

Every property owner should know that any unfixed concrete or asphalt pothole is a liability on their property. Not only is it dangerous to you as the house resident, but also to the pedestrians who may be walking along your pavements. In the event that they tripped and got hurt, they could sue you for any damages incurred. It is therefore important that you correct any signs of pothole development as soon as you notice them.

Though asphalt and concrete are durable construction materials, with time they do get damaged by ultraviolet rays and storm water. To prevent further damage on your parking area, it’s good to consult a contractor to seal coat it for you. This also prolongs its life span. If you need to have your potholes repaired, always engage a professional in that line for best results.

• As a property owner, you need to know that it’s your responsibility to ensure your house or ground is safe for you or other people who may use your driveways. Uneven asphalt paving or potholes, if left unrepaired, could bring about these outcomes:
• Tripping hazard to you as the resident and to other pedestrians using the pavement or the driveway.
• As the owner of the property, if a pedestrian is injured and you get sued, you face the possibility of losing your money to settle any forthcoming legal obligations.
• If the damage is left unrepaired for too long, it will only add on to your repair cost.

Fast response to damaged asphalt driveways or concrete potholes restores safety and ensures the cracks do not get any bigger. Here are some considerations you should make during the repairing process:

1. Always work with a professional
You can only be guaranteed of a quality job and good results if it is done by a professional contractor with previous experience of similar repairs. Always ask them to show you where they previously worked and if you are impressed, then you can go ahead and hire them. You can also talk to their previous clients on how their repairs were done.

2. Important issues to discuss with your contractor
You and your contractor should agree on the accurate measurement of the area that requires repair. Ensure every part that has signs of damage is covered so that you solve the issue once and for all. The contractor should submit to you a written proposal detailing the scope of work that will be done. You should also agree on an estimate cost and the amount of time it will take to finish the work.

3. Repair hours
Convenience is very important when you are doing repairs. If it is an industrial place, the repairs need not interfere with the running of businesses, such that it can be done overnight when operations are closed. If it is a residential place, notify them about when the repairs will be done.

4. Evaluate the construction process
If the place has tenants who have cars and will require using the parking area that is being repaired, it may call for your contractor to carry out the repairs in sections. This will leave some parking allowance for use and thus further ease your construction process.

5. During the construction
When the construction process kicks off, your contractor needs to mark around the repair area using construction tape. This step ensures no traffic or pedestrians walk into the repair area.

6. After the construction
When all the repairs are complete, lot stripping your driveways will bring out a fresh and new look to it.

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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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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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Tips For Choosing Residential Asphalt Services

Improving your home adds to its beauty and value. When you are considering having work done at your home, it is always best to invest some time making the right choices about contractors and the quality of work they can provide for you. Choosing qualified asphalt services for your residential needs is important.

You may have in mind a long driveway to your house. Maybe you have repairs that need to be made to your existing drive. No matter what kind of paving services you require, finding someone you can count on for providing you with excellent services and quality work is essential. The company that can offer you references from previous customers is a good way to locate an established, reputable company.

Learning more about the company you may hire for paving work is important to make informed choices. Ask about the company's hiring process and if their employees are trained to use the various machines necessary in laying asphalt. You certainly do not want a drive way that is going to need repairs in a few months after it is put down.

Many homeowners have in mind the drive or parking area they want at their homes. However, bringing those ideas to life takes hiring someone with experience and the ability to work with you about your ideas. Finding out how long a company has been in business is important. The professionals that have been paving for more years most likely has more to offer you from in experience.

Job bids are a part of the hiring process for quality paving services. Selecting the first crew you find is not the way to save money or get professional results. Meeting with at least three contractors on your property for bids is necessary to get the best estimates for making a comparison. Be sure you take bids only from the professional that has visited the site and looked at the job you need done.

When getting estimates, make sure you and the contractors are clear on the thickness of pavement you would like to have. This affects your cost. At the same time, being sure all your bids are for the same kind of mix and the same amount of it is important for making accurate comparisons.

Trustworthy asphalt contractors companies will give you a written guarantee for their services up front. You should also look for the professionals that carry insurance. Taking time to make a good choice is necessary for being happy with your results.

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Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating - The Hard Facts of Asphalt Repair

Asphalt Pavement begins to deteriorate as soon as it is laid down. Fuel and lubricants dissolve it, water softens it and sunlight accelerates oxidation to break down the binder. Unsealed blacktop can lose half its thickness in twenty years.

Within a year or so, the original black color begins to pale. The binder asphalt begins to lose plasticity. Hairline cracks form. After five years the entire thickness has oxidized and become brittle. The color is light gray. By the eighth year, cracks extend clear through the pavement. Material is loose on the top. The base fails as water soaks through. Within a year or so, areas with alligatoring cracks become potholes. After fifteen years, the entire surface will have broken up.

DOES YOUR ASPHALT PARKING LOT NEED REPAIRING?

"IMPORTANT REPAIR TIPS"

When was the last time that you thought about your asphalt parking lot and its upkeep? This is the same place where you park your car everyday and the entrance to your home or office. It is a known fact that first impressions are lasting and this is true for your clients or friends when they drive into your parking lot. They are either encouraged to come and visit you or turn around and drive away, depending on the look of your surroundings and yes, this includes your parking lot!

We will first start with a few statistics of asphalt parking lot upkeep. If your asphalt is sealcoated every three years, it will have an average life span of thirty years! If your asphalt is not sealcoated, it will have an average life span of fifteen years. Asphalt repairs can cost as much as much as $6.00 per square foot. Sealcoat can be applied for as little as 8 cents per square foot. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that sealcoating your asphalt every three years prevents major repair costs in future years.
To determine if your parking lot needs any repairing, go take a look at it. Here are a few signs to look for:

1. Rough Asphalt - Is the surface of your asphalt not smooth? Can you see the tops of the rock or aggregate showing through? Are pieces of rock coming out of your asphalt? These are all signs that you need to have your parking lot sealed and repaired. Excessively rough areas usually require installing a new asphalt skin patch prior to sealcoating so that the sealcoat will last when being applied to these areas.

2. Cracked Asphalt - Do you have cracks appearing in your asphalt? These can be caused by either excess water under the parking area or lack of proper sealcoat maintenance over the years. These areas can be repaired by either rubber crack filling or removing and replacing them with new asphalt depending on how severe the damage has been. Cracks can also be caused by tree root pressure.

3. Worn Stripes - Is your parking space striping and stenciling looking worn? Are the old lines appearing through your old sealcoat? These are signs that it is time to sealcoat and re-stripe the parking area. Striping is the most noticeable part of the parking lot and it is very important that you have a neatly done job.

When choosing an asphalt contractor to do the work, make sure you ask for references to previous jobs that were completed. Call those people to see if they were satisfied with the asphalt contractor's work. Remember, price is not everything! Some contractors use better materials and do better work than other contractors.

As a rule of thumb, make sure that the asphalt contractor dilutes the sealcoat with a maximum of 10% water. This way you will get a thicker coat of sealer- and that will last a long time. When your asphalt is severely cracked (alligatored) and needs to be removed and replaced with new asphalt, make sure that the new asphalt is installed to a depth of at least 3 inches. This will usually give you a good solid patch. Remember, first impressions are lasting. People like a clean and well kept parking lot.
Stop... Think About Your Asphalt Driveway!

When was the last time that you thought about your asphalt driveway (the path that leads to your humble home and the place where you park your car)? This article will give you the in's and out's on caring for your asphalt driveway, whether it is new or otherwise.

If you have an asphalt driveway, seal it! The sun and water are your driveway's worst enemies. If you do not regularly seal your driveway, the surface will become rough and the asphalt will start to crack, causing further damage. If your driveway is older, has started to get rough, and is forming small cracks it is even more urgent that you seal it to protect your investment.

If you decide to do the job yourself, you can buy asphalt sealer in five-gallon containers at any of your local lumber companies or home improvement stores. You also need to purchase a special sealer broom to apply the sealer and a paintbrush to cut in along walls and tight areas. Applying the sealer to your driveway can be tricky. You need to apply it in even brush strokes. When it dries it will look just the way you brushed it on. The sealer will dry very fast so you need to work very quickly.

There is a big difference between the sealers that YOU can buy and the sealers that are used by asphalt contractors who seal driveways for a living. The sealers that the asphalt contractors use contain silica sand and/or slate which allows the seal to last about twice as long as the kind purchased at the store. The asphalt contractor uses a mixer machine to keep the aggregates agitated. Otherwise, it would stick like lead to the bottom of the container. If you seal your own driveway, it's good to do it about every year. If you have a contractor do it, have him seal it every three years.

If your driveway is older and has some cracks, it is recommended to fix them before any more damage occurs. Asphalt cracking is caused primarily by the effects of the sun and by moisture. Proper attention to cracks will prevent your driveway from breaking down further and will double the life of your asphalt. If you seal your own cracks, make sure that you buy a crack sealer that has rubber compounds. This type of product allows the crack to expand and contract without breaking open. Rubber crack sealer will flex with the movement of the asphalt and will help prevent water from seeping into the crack. Always seal the cracks before you seal your asphalt driveway. If you hire a contractor to seal your cracks, make sure he uses a rubber based sealer. (Some do not!)

Your driveway is an investment. The better you take care of it, the less it will cost you in the long run. The best thing about a well-maintained driveway is that it looks great and enhances the look of your home.

Does Your Parking Lot Sing the Trash Truck Blues?

I can't count the amount of phone calls that we have received from irate apartment owners. The conversation usually starts out by the owner saying, "Those darn trash trucks are ruining my asphalt parking lot. There are cracks as far as the eye can see and the ground is starting to heave. I'm afraid that one of my tenants is going to fall and brake a leg." As you know, these are all very valid concerns.

Trash trucks are the leading cause of asphalt parking lot damage. Generally, parking lots are not constructed to handle heavy truck traffic. Usually the base material (decomposed granite) on older parking lots has not been installed or has been installed in a very thin layer. The pavement that is laid on top of this base is only as strong as the base material. This can cause premature stress on the asphalt pavement when a heavy truck passes over the surface.

Think about it! One pass of an 18,000 pound load on a single axle truck has the same effect on an asphalt parking lot as 9,600 automobile passes. What does your local trash truck weigh when it is full of wet, smelly, compacted garbage? It usually weighs more than 18,000 pounds. If your trash truck shows up once or twice a week, the damage load can be the equivalent of between 10,000 and 20,000 cars. That's a lot of traffic!

By now, you are probably wondering what you can do about this problem. Depending on your property, there are several measures that you can take to help repair the current damage and limit future trash truck damage.

The first thing that you should do is to repair the damage that the trash truck has caused. This usually requires saw-cutting and removing the damaged asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt to a depth of not less than four inches. The new asphalt patch should always be deeper than your existing asphalt.

If your trash truck damage is not too severe, you can have your damaged areas overlaid with a new layer of Petromat and asphalt. This is less expensive than removing and replacing your asphalt. Petromat is made out of fiberglass and is designed to help prevent your old pavement cracks from coming through the new layer of asphalt. The new layer of asphalt must be a minimum of 1.5 inches deep over the Petromat for maximum effectiveness. Since the level of your existing parking lot will be raised by Petromat patches, you have to make sure that water puddling will not become a problem.
After your asphalt patches have been completed, you should sealcoat and re-stripe your parking lot to keep it looking nice and to help keep your patches tightly locked and waterproof.

The second thing that you should do is to figure out how to help prevent the damage from occurring again! One way to do this is to install concrete pads where the trash trucks cause the most damage. Usually this is in the FRONT of your trash dumpsters. The concrete pads I see are usually too small or are in the wrong location. You need to make sure that the concrete pad is longer than the trash truck and is installed where he stops and picks up your trash dumpster. The reason that this area is subject to the most damage is that the trash truck is stopped causing the most down pressure on your pavement. The truck also shakes and shudders when it is dumping your dumpster which causes additional stress on the area. The concrete pad should be a minimum of six inches deep, using steel rebar and 3,000 PSI concrete.

The third thing that you should do is to review the existing locations of your trash dumpsters. Closer is better! Some apartment properties are situated so that the dumpster areas can be moved closer to the street. Just remember, the closer to the street that you can locate your trash dumpsters, the less it will cost you in parking lot repairs. In most apartment owner cases, this means thousands of dollars $$$ in long term savings.

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We understand the importance of quality asphalt maintenance and the importance of leaving a lasting impression to prospective tenants, home buyers, customers and the general public.

Vaca Vet Striping has over 30 years experience doing business as ACE Paving Company, with a General Engineering Class A Contractor's License #389714. We strive to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. V.V.S. provides services in Solano, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Our services include city, county, and state roads, highways, airports, commercial parking lots, driveways and racetracks.