5 Reasons to Repair Your Asphalt Parking Lot

While a small crack or pothole in your asphalt parking lot may not seem like a big deal, think again.

Not only can small asphalt cracks and potholesgrow into more expensive repairs, but they can also affect your liability as a business owner.

In this blog post, we will go over the five reasons you should hire an experienced Clarkston asphalt repair contractor at the first sign of damage to your commercial parking lot.

1. Avoid Liability
As a commercial building owner, you need to keep your parking lot well-maintained to avoid being sued. If a customer damages their vehicle or suffers personal injury because of large potholes and cracks in your parking lot, you will be held legally responsible. It is your responsibility to keep your parking lot safe and functional for customers. To repair asphalt potholes, you’ll need to call an asphalt paving contractor.

2. Prevent Potholes and Cracks
Did you know that asphalt expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures? If you don’t invest in proper asphalt parking lot maintenance, you could end up paying to repair parking lot cracks. Cracks in your parking lot will eventually weaken the structure, making asphalt potholes more likely. Not only are cracks and potholes an eyesore, but they can also decrease the number of usable parking spaces in the lot.

3. Save Money
Making small repairs to your parking lot is less expensive than having to prematurely replace your parking lot. When you invest in parking lot maintenance, you won’t have to worry about your asphalt pavement deteriorating over time. No one wants to pay for parking lot replacement if it can be held off. If you take proper care of your parking lot, there’s no reason it shouldn’t last for up to 20 years.

4. Attract Business
Nothing detracts from the curb appeal of your commercial building more than a crumbling parking lot. If your business depends on being able to bring in new clients or encourage repeat business, you’ll need to focus on setting a good first impression as soon as they pull into the lot. Customers will become frustrated if they aren’t able to find a usable parking space due to potholes. Potential clients might also assume that the condition of the parking lot is representative of how you run the rest of your business.

5. Increase Property Value
If you plan on selling your commercial property in the near future, you’ll want to improve the appearance of your asphalt parking lot. Potential buyers will judge the property as soon as they pull into the parking lot and won’t be impressed by large cracks and potholes. Buyers don’t want to immediately pay for asphalt parking lot replacement after buying a property. In other words, significant parking lot damage decreases the value of your property and makes it harder to sell.

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3 Types of Damage Asphalt Sealing Prevents

Asphalt sealing is an important part of maintaining a driveway or parking lot made of this material. It should be performed every two to three years to protect the pavement from developing damage that could shorten its life span. If you miss this maintenance, you could develop one or more of the issues below.

What Can Happen When You Skip Asphalt Sealing

1. Freeze-Thaw Expansion & Fracturing
The winter can be absolutely brutal on asphalt, particularly due to the freeze-thaw cycle. This occurs when water seeps down into the pavement, freezes, and expands — resulting in cracks. As the water thaws, it will then creep even deeper into the material, repeating this process and leading to numerous fractures. Asphalt sealing prevents this by covering any small cracks in the material and keeping water out year-round.

2. Sun Drying
asphalt sealing cookeville tnWhen the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays beat down on asphalt, they damage it in a way similar to how they affect your skin. The chemical bonds in the pavement begin to deteriorate, leading to cracks and other damage on the surface. Asphalt sealing prevents this by covering the blacktop in anti-oxidation additives and other aggregates that act as a barrier.

3. Surface Softening
Since asphalt pavement is predominantly used by vehicles, it will most likely experience some auto fluid spills. When oil, gas, and similar liquids fall onto the surface, they will be absorbed by the asphalt and cause it to soften. While these spills can be easily cleaned up in most cases, overtime they can result in cracks or a deterioration of the aggregates comprising the blacktop.

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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.

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Comparing the Cost of Asphalt and Concrete

The most common materials for paving streets, sidewalks, and roadways are concrete and asphalt. Both are paving materials that come with a long list of pros and cons, depending on the application. But one of the first questions that comes to mind when deciding between an asphalt lot and a concrete one has to do with cost. Property owners are interested to know which paving material is a more cost-effective investment, and how much their initial price tags might be. Continue reading to learn some helpful cost comparisons for asphalt and concrete.

Asphalt and Concrete Pavements

With proper maintenance and minor repairs, asphalt and concrete pavements can last for decades; asphalt can last 10 to 30 years, while concrete up to 60 years. Both options are strong and durable, standing up well to inclement weather and natural wear and tear. The material you choose for your property will depend on several factors; one of the most influential being price.

Square Footage

Asphalt is one of the cheapest materials for paving, which is why so many streets and highways are paved with this material. For the same kinds of applications, concrete can be more expensive than asphalt. On average, concrete will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot. Asphalt on the other hand will set you back only $1 and $5 per square foot. The size of your lot or space that is being paved is one of the most influential factors in terms of total cost. The larger the scope of the project, the more money it will cost to purchase the materials, pay for the labor, and continue to maintain it year after year. Larger projects require more supplies, equipment, manpower, and time, all of which will also add to the cost regardless if you use asphalt or concrete.

Maintenance

When evaluating the price of pavement, maintenance is something to take into consideration. Although asphalt is cheaper to purchase and install, it requires more routine maintenance than concrete. For instance, asphalt pavements have to be resealed every few years to maintain a protective layer and support proper water runoff. Sealants vary in price depending on the quality and brand. A 5 gallon bucket of a low-grade sealant will cost an average of $6, while a higher-end sealant will run an average of $20 per gallon. These buckets only cover around 400 square feet of pavement, so the math is easy to estimate here. Concrete, on the other hand, can cost more to repair when cracks begin to form. Concrete crack repair can cost anywhere from a few dollar to a few hundred dollars, depending on several factors.

Conclusion

You can conclude that asphalt and concrete are similar in total cost if you consider initial purchase, maintenance, and possible repairs. The best choice for your property will depend on several factors, including soil conditions, location, average climates, intended usage, water drainage, and much more. For this reason, it is vital to consult a licensed, bonded, and insured paving company in your area before making any final decisions. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to guide you in the most cost-effective direction.

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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.

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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.

Vaca Vet Striping Services: Grading & Excavating

If you’re looking to increase your property value and curb appeal by dressing up your driveway, fixing an irritating drainage problem, enhancing the aesthetics via site grading we got you covered!

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.

More Than Just Price - Choosing a Paving Contractor to Install Your Driveway

Paving an asphalt driveway may seem like a simple task to some people. Basically you just get a couple of companies out of the phone book to give you an estimate and then pick the cheapest one right? Well, not if you're concerned about the craftsmanship or making sure you get what you pay for. This is the number one mistake people make when choosing a contractor. Before you call any company do some research first. Information is readily available 24 hours a day on the web. Stay away from people that knock on your door. You will never ever get a good job from someone telling you he has an extra load of asphalt from a job up the street. These people are called travelers and never deliver on what they promise. There is plenty of info on the web regarding these types of people.

Try to zero in on companies that specialize in residential asphalt drives. Commercial contractors excel in putting down lots of asphalt really fast, but usually fall short of a homeowner's expectations when it comes to details. Review a company's website, check them against the BBB or other reporting agencies, and compare your notes about your research. When you look at their website, be sure to pay really close attention to the details you find both in the content and in the pictures on the site. You want to see what kind of work they are capable of, and you want to be confident they fully know what they are doing. You'll also be able to make sure they have adequate equipment if they have good pictures. Once you have 1-3 good companies with a clean history and a good reputation now is the time to talk to them and request a bid. Always get a written proposal. This makes sure both parties' expectations are clear and known. It also helps protect you if a legal matter ensues.

When reviewing the bids pay close attention to the entire proposal; including the letterhead that it's composed on. Sloppiness or inadequacies on paper now may be what you'll get on your asphalt driveway too. Be sure that everything you expect from your paving project is included in the scope. Make sure you understand everything that is taking place. Be sure you understand how the job will be scheduled, how thick the driveway will be after the asphalt is compacted, how much rock will be installed prior to paving, and the dimensions or square footage. Signing a contract means you have accepted what is in writing. If something is left out, make sure you get an amended contract.

Before you sign a contract you should take some time and use good judgment to compare the estimates. Price should never be your number one concern. We'll discuss price in a moment. Take an opportunity to ask a contractor for referrals that best match the design of your job. Some companies keep a cheat sheet of their best referrals, but you should insist they provide you with 1-2 jobs nearby that best match your own asphalt driveway. You want this because you should be inclined to physically investigate what kind of work they do. Ask about jobs they might be doing in the area so you can personally witness them while in action.

How do you know what to look for when looking at a referral driveway that a company has already completed? Here are a few great tips that will bring you up to an educated level.

· Check all the transitional areas such as sidewalks, garage floors, and streets. These should all be flush, with no bump, and should have the proper thickness. Without these details you will see water problems, or unraveling of the asphalt. These symptoms only get worse as time goes on.

· Streaking or pock marks are a good indicator of a thin surface. This happens when there is not enough material to encapsulate the larger stones while paving. The larger stones will tumble and cause imperfections in the surface, or "mat".

· Seams and joints should be flush with each other, and barely visible (if at all) to an untrained eye. Seams and joints that are severely visible or are not evenly matched will fail prematurely.

· Exposed edges of the perimeter should be properly constructed. This is where most companies sink or swim. You should pay most of your attention here. Stand back and carefully look at the edges from a distant point of view. You should observe several aspects: The edges should be either in a perfectly straight line, or consistently "flowing" with the turns. The edges should be properly shaped, beveled, or tamped in a consistent looking 60 degree angle. The edges should be compacted properly without looking "squashed" from the top. Without these characteristics you will have problems later and it just doesn't look as good as it should.

· If you look at the job after a rainstorm, be sure there is no considerable ponding, or puddling of water. If you do see water spots you can quickly deduce if they are too deep by measuring them with a coin placed flat in the water. The water should not be deeper than the coin.

· Last but not least, if the driveway was paved recently look for trash or debris left behind. This will indicate the level of cleanliness the crew is at.

You should really focus on the importance of inspecting past jobs by the company before spending your own money on having your asphalt driveway paved. By printing out this guide you can take it with you to create a checklist to write notes and comparisons on. Once you have done this, talk to the home owner and ask how their experience was with the firm. If you are diligent about researching your contractors prior to hiring them, you nearly eliminate the chance of getting a bad asphalt driveway. It's your money, be sure it's well spent.

Certainly ask your contractor about asphalt prices. Since early 2008 prices have gone up and down every month (typically up). Most paving contractors will not absorb a price increase. You and your contractor need to be in agreement with what will happen in the case of rising material costs.

Since we are on the topic of price now, let's explore a few matters. There are a few ways of eliminating contractors before price. Be sure they are completely aware of your expectations. Have they presented you with a solution that gives you the absolute best return on investment? Does their reputation meet what you are looking for? If you have done your homework and still are lucky enough to have several contractors to choose from, price now becomes an important focus. Ask about available discounts. Typically, discounts are usually for cash payment, multiple jobs done at once (i.e. neighbor also needs a driveway), senior citizen, or repeat work. Also inquire about getting free or discounted maintenance packages once they have completed your driveway. Ask about including other options such as crack barrier or curbing at a lesser amount. Before asking a contractor to directly drop his price, be aware of several things. If you have found a very good contractor, chances are they are very passionate about their work and may feel a bit insulted if asked to match another company's price. If you ask them to match a price and they feel as though their competition is as good as they are, a price reduction might be made to try to satisfy you. Be very considerate when asking for a direct reduction. These days it's very expensive and stressful to operate a successful paving operation. The last thing you want to do is cause your contractor stress that may influence how your driveway is constructed.

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How to Protect Your Driveway

Driveway sealing is an easy and cost effective way to protect and prolong the life of your driveway. Asphalt surfaces are particularly susceptible to wear and tear, both from weather and from automobile traffic, and the grade of asphalt commonly used on driveways is even more so. Driveway sealing at regular intervals gives your driveway the added protection it needs to last longer and resist deterioration.

Needs Regular Upkeep
If you’re not sure on this point, consider the constant upkeep the asphalt roads in your community need in order to stay in good shape. Add to that the fact that the asphalt used on roads is generally a higher grade and made to withstand a higher level of abuse than the asphalt typically used in driveway applications, and you can see why it’s important to keep up on regular maintenance, including asphalt sealing, in order to fend off major projects such as repaving a crumbling asphalt surface.

The Benefits
Sealing your driveway has many benefits when it comes to preserving your concrete driveway. First and foremost, a properly applied driveway sealer repels water, perhaps the single most harmful agent when it comes to deteriorating asphalt surfaces. Concrete has a natural tendency to crack if water is allowed to permeate it, and this tendency is only increased by the weight of cars regularly driving over it. Once those cracks appear, water further damages it, especially in cold climates where it expands and contracts with freezing temperatures.

Other enemies of your driveway include sunlight and oxygen, both of which hasten corrosion. By regularly applying a quality driveway sealer to your concrete you can prevent water, sunlight, and air from permeating your asphalt and prevent these problems. As an added benefit, driveway sealing also repels oil spills and leaks and makes it much easier for you to sweep and clean your driveway surface.

When to Apply
As a general rule you should seal your driveway every 1 to 3 years. More specifically, if you can see the color of the individual stones that make up your asphalt surface, you know it’s time to seal it up. A few rules apply before you seal, however. For starters, never seal a new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs a minimum of six months for the oils in it to evaporate. The less oil, the harder the driveway, which is the goal. If you apply driveway sealer before your asphalt has time to cure, it won’t achieve the necessary hardness and all your work will be for naught. Other things to consider are the outside temperature, which must be fifty degrees or higher for the sealer to adhere properly, and the weather. Ideally you want your sealer to be on your driveway for at least 48 hours before any rain comes down on it.

Talk to a Professional
Driveway sealing is an important aspect of asphalt driveway maintenance, however it’s not the only thing you need to keep up on. If your driveway has pre-existing cracks, potholes or other signs of wear, it’s vital that you fix those problems before you apply a sealant. That being the case, your best bet is to contact a professional that won’t only apply your sealant, but who will also evaluate your driveway for other maintenance needs that need to be addressed before you perform this necessary task.

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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.

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Asphalt Maintenance Aspects For Commercial Property Managers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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