Asphalt - To Seal or Not to Seal, That Is the Question

It's a tragedy! You can find it everywhere, black and smelling like a new parking lot with lines so yellow and straight. But wait, upon closer examination the secret reveals itself. This is not a new parking lot, but a newly seal coated parking lot. Upon even closer examination, the new coat is concealing even more. Like a reptile hiding in the shade, you can barely see it, but it's there. Alligator cracking, potholes, and raveling oh my!

This is an issue that comes up with a majority of customers. Many want their parking lot to glisten in the sun and impress their customers, employees, and neighbors. The easiest and least expensive way to do this is seal coat. While this is not necessarily a bad thing to do, it might not be the wisest choice when there are other issues present. In order to continue, I need to dispel a few seal coating myths:

1. It will prevent moisture from entering cracks
2. It will extend the life of your parking lot
3. It will always be the cheapest solution

Myth: It prevents moisture from entering cracks.

Crack filling prevents moisture from entering cracks.

Myth: It will extend the life of your parking lot.

While there are many aesthetic benefits, sealant acts as a layer of paint. It functions more like an "eye pleaser" than improving the overall structure of the asphalt. Some may argue that it protects the asphalt surface against UV rays, chemicals, and oils. This statement does have some truth to it. UV rays will oxidize the surface of asphalt and will show up by the surface changing color. Seal coat's thin layer partially protects against oil spills and chemicals. I say partially because seal coat will wear away in a short period of time depending on damage from the snow plow etc. Oil and chemical spills won't structurally affect the asphalt, but the surface may "pit" and look aesthetically unpleasing.

Myth: It is always the cheapest solution

Some may try to sell seal coating to a customer using the previous two myths as reasons why they should apply a seal coat. While this option is cheaper than structural repair, costs can add up over the long-term especially when seal coat only lasts about 2-3 years. The budget process becomes a balancing act of what should be done. A structural repair does not look as nice nor will it be as painless as simply seal coating. If there is a choice between structural repair and seal coating, structural repair most always should be chosen. If repair is too expensive and maintenance is still a priority, choose to crack fill and protect the structure of the asphalt.

Of course, it is all a matter of preference. A newly sealed lot can boost the look of business, raise the morale of the employees, and impress customers. When deciding; "to seal or not to seal", remember "tis nobler to understand thine options than to purchase blindly."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ron_M_La_Porte/1550902

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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 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 effective 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 a replacement. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the repair and replacement surface last. Cost varies depending on the job.

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

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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 sunlight, 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 shortcomings 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 shortcomings 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, potholes 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 squeezed 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 consists of using an 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 infrared 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 have a wide fluctuation in the quality of contractors, so always do your due diligence in the selection process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1952572

5 Benefits of Sealcoating Asphalt Pavement

Here's why that driveway sealer project shouldn't be at the bottom of your to-do list.

For new homeowners who aren't familiar, sealcoat (or pavement sealer) is a liquid coating mixture that's usually applied to asphalt-based pavement. When moving into your new house, fixing the driveway might not be high on your list of priorities. In fact, you might even be asking yourself: Is sealcoating really necessary for my home?

If you’ve made an investment by purchasing a house, you want to take great care of it, right? You spend hours picking the perfect colors to match your sheets, and every Sunday you bring out the vacuum to suck dirt and debris. You might even spend money trimming your trees and bushes to keep them looking lovely.

When you think about it, your driveway takes up much of your front yard. A cracked, dirty, and faded driveway just doesn’t match with clean, polished cars. Here are some reasons why you should invest in a sealcoat for your driveway.

1. Maintain its Appearance
Your driveway takes up space. It’s where cars are parked and where children play during the sweltering summer months. If it isn’t well-maintained, it can have a detrimental effect on your house’s appearance. Asphalt driveways are prone to cracking, fading, and other signs of distress. It doesn’t look good to anyone! Cracks in the asphalt can even lead to accidents.

A sealcoat sits on top of a driveway and acts as a barrier for it. Its deep black color looks regal and strong. The coat prevents water, car fluids, water, the sun, salt, and other chemicals from warping the color or eating away at the driveway. And a sealcoat will prevent weeds from growing in the asphalt. That means no more getting down on hands and knees just to clean those irritating weeds!

New sealcoat, when applied, looks bold and dark. It improves the appearance of both new and old asphalt, adding a pop of vibrancy to your house that you may not have expected.

2. Prevent Cracks
Sometimes, your new home comes with cracks in the pavement. You might be inclined to think, “Well, the previous owner seemed just fine with these cracks. The driveway looks good enough.” Don’t settle for mediocrity—you deserve the best!

Water that seeps into the base material can cause small cracks to widen. Sealcoating your driveway properly will prevent that. Any minor cracks and rough patches can be smoothed over, and if there's any dirt on your driveway, the rain can easily wash it away. That's because sealcoat is a non-porous, smooth surface.

3. Protect the Asphalt
The sun can burn our skin, but did you know it can also harm your driveway? Surface voids on asphalt can absorb oxygen and UV rays. The radiation from the sun can warp the asphalt and cause the color to fade quickly. On top of that, pockets of surface void allow oil or gas to penetrate.

Chemical spills can also worsen your driveway's condition. With a thick layer of sealcoat, you'll be able to prevent (or at the very least, minimize) the harmful effects of spills and the sun. By lowering the rate of water absorption (the water will run right off), sealcoating minimizes the risks of damage due to water, snow, and freezing. There are many things that can destroy your driveway: gas, diesel fuel, salt, chemicals, oil, and ice. It's better to prevent these from attacking your driveway so that you won't have to risk costly damage control.

4. It's Strong
Sealcoat helps attract heat from sunlight and becomes more pliable when hot. Instead of the asphalt cracking at high temperatures, the sealcoat will mold to shape. If you have guests over, the asphalt won’t waver under the combined weight of the cars. That’s because the sealcoat will be there to protect it.

5. It Saves Money
Sealcoating can be done as a weekend DIY project, or you can hire someone to do it for you. A DIY sealcoat project should cost about $50 to $200. It all depends on the size of your driveway. On the other hand, hiring a professional is probably safer. It would cost about $200 to $500. If you choose to hire a company or a person, you can be assured that they'll be more familiar with good products. Different products work better in certain areas (because of the temperature and climate), and a professional will know which sealants are best avoided.

Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone else, sealcoating your driveway is far cheaper than spending hundreds of dollars trying to repair or even replace your driveway's asphalt!

If you allow moisture to seep into the driveway, you might not notice at first. But after weeks, the quickened deterioration will begin to show as your asphalt becomes more and more distressed. It’s much easier to prevent the issues instead of scrambling to find someone who can quickly fix the asphalt! Just make sure that you wait 90 days after setting a new asphalt driveway to apply the sealcoat.

Article Source: https://housetipster.com/housetips/1151/5-benefits-of-sealcoating-asphalt-pavement

Vaca Vet Striping Services: Grading & Excavating

http://vacavetstriping.com

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.

How Sealcoating Can Help Protect Your Asphalt Driveway

The condition of your driveway can make or break your home's curb appeal. It takes 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.

How to Know When to Seal Coat or Repave Asphalt Pavements

What is the most cost-effective resurfacing solution after repairing cracks, potholes and depressions in asphalt driveways and parking lots

By Jeff Lax

When it comes to old, worn asphalt driveways and parking lots, commercial real estate owners, property managers, and even owners of single-family homes struggle with the same questions: Do we repave or sealcoat after making repairs to cracks, potholes and depressions? What is the most cost-effective and durable solution?

The industry has debated this issue for decades, and what has been learned is that each option has lasting, dramatic effects and that they actually complement one another. That’s the information pavement maintenance contractors need to convey to their clients who are trying to decide which pavement maintenance option best suits their needs and property.

Sealing

Sealcoating is one of the most important steps to protecting an owner’s investment in an asphalt driveway or parking lot. Sealers consist of emulsions that combine asphalt or refined coal tar with clays, mineral fillers, and water. Once applied, the water evaporates and the emulsion hardens to form a protective coating. It also becomes a beautiful black surface that adds curb appeal, giving a single-family home, multi-family residence, or commercial or industrial property a polished look. Industry experts agree that driveways or parking lots lacking the sealer can generally last only five to six years before the beginning stages of breakdown.

Initial sealing should occur six to 12 months after the asphalt surface is laid to allow the pavement to “cure” so oils can escape and the surface becomes ready for sealer. The initial sealer application forms a barrier to prevent water penetration and to inhibit deterioration of the asphalt binder by oxidation and over-drying.

As unprotected pavement ages the asphalt binder hardens, losing flexibility and becoming increasingly brittle. Ultraviolet rays from the sun break down the carbon bonds in asphalt, further weakening the pavement. Also, daily and seasonal cycles of heating and cooling cause the pavement to expand and contract. These stresses eventually exceed the pavement’s ability to flex, and cracks form. If water seeps into the cracks and freezes, the cracks expand, allowing more water to penetrate, making the cracks wider and deeper. This cycle leads to accelerated deterioration of the parking lot surface. Early sealcoating can prevent all these preliminary dangers to the life of the asphalt.

Sealer is typically the most cost-effective solution and should be reapplied every two to three years as preventative maintenance. In fact, several government and Asphalt Institute studies have shown that neglected asphalt pavement can cost up to five times as much to repair as asphalt that has had a regular maintenance program, including sealcoating.

Pavement maintenance begins by filling cracks, patching deteriorated areas, and cleaning (and possibly priming) oil-saturated spots on the pavement surface. The asphalt also must be cleaned of dirt and debris before sealer can be applied.

While some homeowners sealcoat their driveways themselves, professional contractors not only apply a high-quality sealer material but also have professional equipment such as crack cleaners and power blowers that often enable them to perform a longer-lasting, high-quality job. Plus, professional contractors can handle other pavement repairs that a homeowner won’t be aware of, so property managers at any level will be best served by hiring a pavement maintenance professional to handle their pavement.

Repaving

Repaving is the only decision for driveways or parking lots that have severe deterioration, deep wide cracks, subsided depressions and numerous potholes.

An asphalt overlay consists of a compacted layer of one-and-a-half to two inches of hot mix asphalt being placed over the existing asphalt, essentially giving the driveway a new surface. Just as with sealcoating, the first task is repair of existing pavement. Areas where the pavement surface has slumped indicate failure of the stone foundation supporting the pavement. These areas require digging out existing asphalt, and repair and compaction of the stone base with new material before patching with asphalt mix to prevent trouble spots from returning after repaving. Then an overlay is placed over the old surface. No sealcoating should be added for six months to a year, just as with any newly constructed pavement.

And while an asphalt overlay can begin to deteriorate within five to six years without maintenance, it could last up to 25 years with regular upkeep. The upside to installing an overlay is the pavement has a renewed wearing course, providing a pliable, flexible surface. Also after the overlay, the maintenance program can start over, lending to a virtually brand new drive or lot. However, extreme weather, heavy loads, and shortcuts during construction could lead to premature wear and failure. The downside of repaving is that it is expensive (typically thousands of dollars more than sealing). Plus, if the original asphalt isn’t properly cleaned and prepared, cracks and uneven sections may return, as well as other problems that may not have previously existed such as delamination of the overlay because of poor adhesion to the old pavement.

What’s Better for your customer?

The amount and regularity of repaving will differ from climate to climate, and even when asphalt is maintained properly an asphalt overlay will be needed every 20 to 25 years.

Regardless of whether you repave or repair, sealcoating is one of the most important aspects of any pavement maintenance effort as it protects asphalt from weathering and degradation and extends pavement life. Without sealer, the asphalt could require an overlay in as little as five to six years, costing thousands of dollars. When comparing costs, industry experts believe the best investment a homeowner or commercial property owner can make is a well-tailored maintenance program that includes regular sealcoating.

Article Source: https://www.forconstructionpros.com/pavement-maintenance/preservation-maintenance/sealcoating-equipment-materials/article/10303124/how-to-know-when-to-seal-coat-or-repave-asphalt-pavements#&gid=1&pid=2

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 of 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.

Asphalt Paving For Driveways And Parking Lots - The Asphalt Promised Land

STOP! You know it's there. You see it every day when you come into work. You even walk around the crater to get to your front door. It's your parking lot or driveway, and you've been ignoring it every day hoping it will go away. I call it "Asphalt Denial". You don't want to know what needs to be done because you know asphalt paving can cost a lot of money! You might have already had an estimate that put you in cardiac arrest and you buried in the bottom of the "To Do" pile that has been sitting there for 5 years. You might even have been beaten over the head with the "Fix this now or Else Stick" threatening that your parking lot will implode and cause the end of the world. You know you need to do parking lot maintenance, but can't figure out how to get started and finish it without putting you into financial ruin. You're not alone. Many people face this issue every day. I have some suggestions that can get you to the "Asphalt Promised Land".

First, get your estimates. Request quotes that are broken down into sub-sections including asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, crack filling and striping with costs associated with each section. This way you can work on a section at a time.

Next, do your paving repairs first. Not fixing potholes can do the most damage to a parking lot or driveway in the shortest amount of time. They can also damage the vehicles that hit them. Typically this is the highest cost in an estimate. If you're on a tight budget, you can do the repairs over several years. Set a budget figure you want to spend, and focus on any repairs in high traffic areas first such as drive lanes or walking areas then move out to low traffic areas like parking stalls. There's a difference between repair and patch. Repair your potholes, don't patch them!. If you repair the holes, the repairs will last 15-20 years.

3rd, get your cracks filled and sealcoating done. This step may happen several years down the road, but it will preserve what you have and what you have been doing the past few years in repairs. Sealcoating is typically a few cents per square foot but makes a difference in the longevity of a parking lot. Sealcoating and striping will spruce up the look of the parking lot as well.

Finally, be patient. This might take several years depending on your cash availability but will pay off in the long run in preserving your parking lot. Remember, incremental improvements will be better and cheaper than doing nothing. Stick with the plan; keep making progress even just a little bit. Your lot will look like new very soon.

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

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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.

Article Source: http://www.asphaltadvisor.com/2015/12/why-fix-asphalt-and-concrete-potholes.html

Happy New Year!

Nights will be dark but days will be light, wishing your life to always be bright – Happy New Year.