Wednesday, April 24, 2024

ASPHALT OR CONCRETE? THE DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED!


Whenever construction-related topics are discussed, the use of asphalt VS concrete always creates a bit of controversy. This is especially true when the discussion focuses on paving. Even the word paving these days is used to describe mostly asphalt. But the truth is pavement is any material used to created roads or driveways. The most common modern paving methods, however, are asphalt and concrete.

Both asphalt and concrete have a long history in the building industry because of the variety of ways the materials can be used. However, in regard to paving parking lots and driveways, the biggest argument has mainly been about initial cost.

Now comes the inevitable question, "Which is the better material for parking lot and driveway surfaces?" The answer may surprise nearly everyone. And if you are a property or business owner, the results documented by industry experts as well as scientific studies are quite revealing.

According to Wikipedia, Discovery.com and Industry Sources, here are the latest findings. We'll start with Concrete Paving:

The Complete Details About Concrete Paving:

• - Concrete is more prone to cracking and buckling because it's rigid and dense design. Tree Roots, Ground Movements, Freeze Thaw Cycles, and soil movement are huge contributors to concretes deterioration.

• - According to the Ohio Highway Commission, concrete costs of $70 to $100 per cubic yard were more than double the costs of asphalt paving. All Ohio highway paving is now done with asphalt.

• - Concrete paving of parking lot and driveway surfaces requires more time and initial cost than asphalt paving. This holds especially true the larger a project gets.

• - Repairs to concrete paving surfaces are more costly to repair than asphalt. They also don't blend as well as asphalt paving does. Especially after asphalt gets freshly seal coated.

• + Concrete paving last far longer than asphalt paving surfaces.

• + Concrete paving maintenance cost over time, is far less expensive than asphalt paving.

• + Concrete paving requires far less on-going maintenance to keep its strength.

The Complete Details About Asphalt Paving:

• - Asphalt requires continual maintenance including seal coating, striping, crack filling, and many other forgotten costs when deciding what type of pavement to install.

• + Asphalt Paving offers more flexibility giving a slight advantage over concrete in terms of handling stress and cracking.

• -+ Asphalt is the easiest to use and most economical pothole repair product available. It can be applied as a cold patch, hot patch, and become a permanent solution for repairing potholes in a shorter amount of time than concrete and other more costly hybrid mixtures. Keep in mind that potholes are far less likely in concrete.

• + In addition to pothole repair, asphalt is used to repair parking lots, driveways, and roadways on a larger scale. The preparation for paving with asphalt is relatively easy, depending on the condition of the surface being covered. Asphalt paving can be done directly over the present pavement in many cases.

• + Asphalt is very strong, durable and weather resistant in addition to being resistant to damaging effects from chemicals

• - Only when the maintenance schedules are kept up.

• + Asphalt sets faster than concrete giving it a strong advantage in both cost and convenience for parking lot and driveway paving.

In summary,

Asphalt:

An environmentally friendly and recyclable paving product that provides many benefits for driveway, road, and parking area applications. With its upfront cost savings, it is by far the more popular choice for parking situations and driveway paving construction. However, those upfront savings are quickly lost within the first 5 years of installation through ongoing and costly asphalt construction projects.

Concrete:

Also highly green in its recyclable qualities. Concrete paving is a long lasting, low maintenance cost product which looks great over time. Although typically more difficult and slightly costlier to repair, when that time comes. Over time the cost to maintain a concrete pavement surface is much lower. Over the life span of 20-30 years, there will be even a larger saving on concrete constructed projects VS its asphalt counterpart.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Flores/647793

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Asphalt driveway removal and replacement


Here we replace an blacktop asphalt driveway. We use the mini and Bobcat T66 to remove the old driveway. Then the plate compactor and roller on the sub base.



Thursday, April 18, 2024

How Cracks In Asphalt Are Filled | Art Insider


Potocini Sealcoating & Asphalt Repair is owned by Tom Potoczak and Benny Mancini. The company specializes in seal-coating, crack-filling, patching, and line-striping driveways and parking lots. Cracks in asphalt that are untreated can cause sunken spots and potholes in the ground. That's because moisture and water get underneath the asphalt, causing it to shift and crack further. For more, visit: https://www.potocinisealcoating.com/ https://www.instagram.com/potocinisea... https://www.tiktok.com/@potocinisealc... MORE ART INSIDER VIDEOS How Concrete Homes Are Built With A 3D Printer | Art Insider    • How Concrete Homes Are Built With A 3...   How Professionals Install 6 Different Types Of Flooring | Art Insider    • How Professionals Install 6 Different...   Electrifying Metal Creates Rainbow Colors | Color Origins | Art Insider    • Electrifying Metal Creates Rainbow Co...   ------------------------------------------------------ #Asphalt #Concrete #ArtInsider

Friday, April 12, 2024

The Correct Way to Repair an Asphalt Parking Lot


There are many contributing factors that make asphalt a great material to use when paving a parking lot or an asphalt driveway. It is a relatively inexpensive material when compared to other material such as concrete or concrete paving blocks. Asphalt is a very durable product that stands up well to basic wear and tear of vehicle and foot traffic. Another great reason to use asphalt for your paving needs is that asphalt is a green product that is recycled more often than any other paving product.

Here are a few tips that will help you if you already have an asphalt driveway or parking lot surface that is in need of repairs. Although asphalt will need maintenance from time to time, it will only help in keeping future repair cost down to a minimum. If you are trying to do your own maintenance repairs, you will want to complete the repairs properly in order to get the maximum life out of your pavement. If you are hiring a contractor to handle the repairs for you, a little education on what to look for will help you choose the right contractor and also help you know what to look for once their on the job.

Asphalt maintenance should be done periodically as needed. Sealcoating is one way to protect against water undermining the asphalt and reaching the base material beneath the asphalt. Ultraviolet rays can break down the binder material in asphalt allowing it to become brittle and fall apart. Sealcoating will give your asphalt surface protection against the ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating should be mixed to the proper specifications and should not be diluted to in order to stretch out the product. This will not give the asphalt the same protection. The first coat can be sprayed on to ensure the material gets into the smaller cracks to seal off and stop any future water penetration.

If you have areas in your asphalt pavement that have potholes or noticeably large alligator cracks you may need to remove these areas in order to repair them correctly. The first step in this process is to cut out the affected area with a saw. Next, you will need to remove any excess materials from the affected area. Once the area is cleaned of any debris, apply a tach coat to make the new hot asphalt adhere to the cut out area. Then apply the new asphalt, and always make sure to compact the newly installed asphalt.

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

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Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Allow Vaca Vet Striping to Make Your Business ADA Compliant


Allow Vaca Vet Striping to make your business ADA (Americans with Disabilities Assoc.) compliant. 

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.

V.V.S. strives to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. We provide services in Solano, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Our services include city, county, and state roads, highways, airports, commercial parking lots, driveways and racetracks.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

The World's Most Recycled Material


Exploring the complexities that go into the creation and application of asphalt concrete. Of all the ubiquitous things in our environment, roads are probably one of the least noticed. Our roads see tremendous volumes of traffic and withstand considerable variations in weather and climate, and they do it on a pretty tight budget. That’s really only possible because of all the scientists, engineers, contractors, and public works crews keeping up with this simple but incredible material called asphalt.


Practical Engineering 

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

New Asphalt Repairs Its Own Cracks


They're a common sight on many roads and the bane of motorists' lives, but potholes could soon be a thing of the past thanks to nano-technology.

Researchers in Switzerland have patented a method that repairs stress-induced cracks in asphalt to prevent potholes forming in the first place and could double the life span of roads embedded with the technology.

A precise amount of iron oxide nanoparticles are mixed with bitumen - the sticky, viscous black binder obtained from crude oil and used to keep road material together.

Ever-so slightly heating up this asphalt using a small magnetic field melts the bitumen, allowing it to seep into the minute cracks to 'self-heal'.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Benefits of Installing an Asphalt Parking Lot for Your Business


If you are a business owner, chances are that you have given the interior of your business more weight in terms of finishing and overall appeal while you have neglected the surrounding areas. Even then, you will be surprised to learn how important facade is when it comes to attracting customers.

As such, it is advisable to pay attention to the exteriors, such as driveways by making them appealing to the eye. In most instances, the majority of residential and commercial driveways are finished with concrete or asphalt. Asphalt is particularly a preferred choice for many people, as it is about 30-40 percent cheaper compared to concrete.

The benefits of asphalt are much greater than concrete. Here are some reasons why asphalt driveways are a must for your business:

Flexibility – When compared with concrete, asphalt is more elastic and able to withstand severe weather conditions. The liquid asphalt component allows asphalt to remain flexible, and better able to handle expansion and contraction.

Resilient – Asphalt is best equipped to withstand wear and tear resulting from high traffic that is common in many commercial establishments. Furthermore, it requires less maintenance making it an ideal choice of materials for your surface.

Aesthetic value – Not only does asphalt have a smooth surface, but it also looks cleaner. Asphalt can also be freshened up with a coat of asphalt sealer, restoring its original appearance. In addition, it is liquefied making it customizable. Thus, you can easily stamp in designs as well as decorations.

Environmental friendly – Asphalt driveways contain reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) that is 100% recyclable. RAP refers to old asphalt that is usually milled from pavements that have reached the end of their service life. Asphalt binder is used in the RAP meaning that a minimal amount of virgin asphalt and petroleum are used. Consequently, less mining aggregates are used. Other environmental benefits include cooler asphalt temperatures and reduction of storm system basins. Moreover, when in its porous form, asphalt requires less energy for manufacturing, significantly reducing odor, emissions as well as smoke.

Economical – Asphalt paving is usually less costly upfront compared to concrete paving. In addition, choosing asphalt for your driveway is cost-effective in the long run. That is, it reduces the overall lifetime cost of a paving project. Asphalt helps to reduce the demand on storm sewers effectively eliminating some of the local government impact fees. Apart from a quick installation that allows traffic to return in the shortest time possible, the long-term repairs and maintenance costs of asphalt are also low. On the other hand, concrete takes long to lay and set, this can result in loss of business. In terms of repairs, a crack on asphalt can be repaired inexpensively and quickly.

Versatile – The installation of asphalt driveways can be done over time depending on availability of funds. Thus, when traffic loading increases, installation can be done at night or during off-peak times when there is minimal disruption of traffic. Asphalt layers may be on a needs basis.

Safe – Asphalt driveway construction can only mean shorter lane closures translating to more safety for vehicles as well as workers within the work zone.

When completed, asphalt driveways offer other benefits over concrete driveways that include the following:

  • They are skid resistant as they offer high friction due to the use of durable aggregates.
  • The surface is smoother compared to cement.
  • The surfaces greatly reduce the degree of spraying and splashing during storms. This improves driver visibility.
  • The black asphalt surface also aids in a visible delineation of pavement markings and lanes.

Investing in an asphalt driveway is a good move as the benefits far outweigh the initial investment. If anything, asphalt driveways will attract potential customers to come to your business where they can engage you more thus, adding value to your business.


Article Souce: http://www.asphaltadvisor.com/2016/05/benefits-of-installing-asphalt-parking.html

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Choosing Asphalt or Concrete


Asphalt or Concrete? This is a segment that was aired on the HomeWoRx television show with Gary Sullivan on network TV in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hear the pros and cons of installing an asphalt or concrete driveway.


Vaca Vet Striping has got you covered. We have 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.

Monday, March 25, 2024

We install Signage

 



                                                      Vaca Vet Striping

                                                              Direct: 707-592-8331



Friday, March 22, 2024

The Importance of Parking Lot Line Painting and Pavement Marking


In business today it's important to be professional. This includes the upkeep of property maintenance inside and outside of the business. Parking lot line painting is one of the most important aspects of external property maintenance and this article explains three excellent reasons why.

1) Appearance

The parking lot of a business acts as a welcome mat for customers and can often act as a first impression to new clients. If the parking lot pavement markings are worn and barely visible it may give the impression to some clients that the owners are irresponsible or that they don't care about the way their property looks. Parking lots simply look better with a fresh coat of high grade traffic paint on the stall lines, handicap symbols, arrows, speed bumps and any other pavement markings the lot might have. When line painting is done it allows that mat to say "welcome" again.

2) Parking Organization

If there is no visible lines to indicate parking spaces in a parking lot, people will park anywhere and everywhere they can fit their vehicle. This is not good since it increases the chance of people getting boxed in and unable to get out of the lot. When parked vehicles are in disarray it can also increase the chance of dings and scratches to vehicles if navigation around the lot is tight and difficult. Parking stalls and drive lanes have regulated sizes for these reasons and a nicely painted lot keeps the parked traffic organized and moving vehicles can be driven through the area safely and easily.

3) Space Maximization

I can't count the number of times I've seen 20 vehicles in a "full" parking lot that could easily fit 24 or 25 automobiles if it had been given the correct line painting job done. It doesn't seem like much but let's say it's a restaurant that averages $50.00 per bill. That adds up to about $200.00 - $250.00 in revenue. This to me would be the most frustrating parking problem for the business owner since most of the time if people can't park at the establishment, they don't shop there either. Painting proper stall lines allows optimal space maximization that fits as many vehicles as the parking lot can safely manage.

These are three basic problems that can be easily avoided if the correct pavement markings are applied to the lot. As long as parking lot line painting is done by professionals it can be one of the quickest and effective aspects of external property maintenance.

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

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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Fresh Parking Lot Marking and Maintenance Improve Curb Appeal


Your parking lot is the first thing your customers and visitors see at your facility. And nothing looks as good as a freshly striped lot. Bright, clean markings on well-maintained pavement make your lot look organized and attractive. A good-looking parking lot sends the message that your organization is efficient and well maintained. It's the first impression you give, so why not make it your best impression?

Pavement Markings Control Traffic

Pavement markings not only designate parking areas, but also safely direct people and vehicles around in your parking area. Use stencils to mark out loading areas, crosswalks, fire lanes and tow-away zones to show people where it's safe to walk and to tell drivers what places are off limits.

Straight or Angled Parking Spaces - Which Is Better?

Lot striping maximizes your space by giving drivers "rules" or guides on how not to take up too much space. Using a paint striping machine makes striping quick and easy. Straight parking spot markings let you get the most parking spots out of your space. They are easy to stripe and they allow two-way traffic. Angled parking spot markings are a little more difficult to stripe and don't allow for as many spaces. But they are easier for drivers to pull into and back out of, plus they help create a one-way traffic flow in your lot.

Reserve Parking Space with Pavement Markings

When striping and marking your lot, it's a good opportunity to create designated parking spaces for disabled people, residents, customers, employees or visitors. By creating designated areas for residents, customers and visitors, it promotes good will and sends them the message that you care about their comfort and convenience. By marking employee parking spots, it gives them guidance where to park and keeps them from parking in the premium parking spots reserved for customers, visitors or the disabled.

ADA Parking Rules Under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines you must reserve handicapped accessible parking spaces for both cars and vans. Failure to provide these parking spaces can lead to stiff fines and in the case of new construction, withholding of operating or occupancy permits. The number of ADA spaces required varies on the number of parking spaces in your lot. For instance, a lot with 26 to 50 parking spaces is required to have at least 2 handicapped accessible spots and 1 van accessible space.

Parking Lot Maintenance Tips

Striping a worn out or damaged parking lot is like putting whipped cream on an onion. Why spend the time and labor of marking the lot look if pavement underneath is cracked and potholed? You should carefully inspect your parking lot regularly for cracks, potholes or any other damage caused by salt, water, oil, gas, sunlight or cold. When a crack is wider than 1/4", it's time to seal it. Fix smaller holes as soon as they appear. It keeps the water from seeping through and making bigger potholes. After repairs, be sure to sealcoat the pavement to give your striping and pavement markings a good, clean base.

A fresh coat of striping paint and pavement markings look sharp and make your parking lot look well-maintained. By providing lots of good parking spaces, with some spots reserved for special people, you make it convenient and easy for everyone to access your facility. The parking lot goes a long way in improving your curb appeal.

Suzanne Pearl

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Suzanne_Pearl/590725


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Saturday, March 16, 2024

Let's Go Walking! Lesson 5: Parking Lot Safety


This video reviews the following key concepts:
-Be Extra Careful in Parking Lots
-Getting Out of the Car
-Walking Across the Parking Lot
-Walk Close to Adults
-Be Aware
-Look and Listen for Moving Cars
-Freeze if Car Backs Out
-Set a Good Example
-Tell Driver when Buckled

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

All of the 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

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Information About Commercial Asphalt Driveways


There are several reasons why many commercial property owners are paving their driveways with asphalt rather than concrete. Asphalt pavement comes with many benefits and advantages; especially when it comes to maintenance and repair. Asphalt is much more economical than concrete for this reason and more. On top of its flexibility and easy maintenance aspects, it typically costs less than concrete materials at most hardware and construction stores.

Although concrete paving can last up to 15 or 20 years without needing repairs, asphalt is still a trendier choice for most residential and commercial properties for a number of reasons. Continue reading to catch up on some important information about asphalt paving and why it is more popular than concrete these days.

Asphalt Pavement for Driveways

As mentioned before, concrete can last up to fifteen or twenty years without needing repairs; while asphalt paving may eventually require some upkeep after about five to seven years. There are several reasons why asphalt pavement can weaken or deteriorate. For example, elemental conditions, over-exposure, negligence, cars, and the surrounding natural environment call all have an effect on asphalt pavements. The following influences are common contributors to asphalt damage, potholes, and wear and tear:

  • Heavy Trucks, Cars, and Loads
  • Substantial Water Saturation
  • Constant Exposure to Moisture
  • Harsh Storms
  • Overgrown Tree Roots
  • Poor Foundation
  • Tectonic Plates
  • And More

It is recommended to place sprinklers and watering hoses far from newly paved asphalt driveways. Also, large or old trees should be removed to protect new asphalt from tree root damage. Even if the tree seems like it will not be a threat, it is safer to remove it before experiencing asphalt damage from underground root systems. As soon as you see a pothole or crack appear, it is suggested to take immediate action to prevent further wear and tear. The sooner an asphalt issue is acknowledged and fixed, the less expensive the repair will cost. You can purchase asphalt fillers and pothole repair kits at local hardware and home good stores; however, it is highly recommended to seek out professional assistance from a licensed and experienced asphalt paving engineer. They can give you the best advice on asphalt maintenance and repair. If you do decide to repair asphalt driveway damages on your own, you can still ask a retail clerk at the store for extra instructions or advice. They too should know plenty of information about the product they are selling.

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

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Thursday, March 7, 2024

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.

Monday, March 4, 2024

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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Friday, March 1, 2024

How to Replace your Entire Driveway (Complete Tear Out and Repave)


Learn how to repave your driveway, including digging out the old driveway, laying down stone for a good sub-base, grading, leveling, and compacting that stone, and finally laying down fresh hot mix asphalt. This new asphalt driveway came out amazing and I cannot wait to use it to make more videos! Oil Spill Mat: https://amzn.to/3xP230F Thank you Platinum Paving for doing a great job on the driveway. The owner is a fan of my channel and I appreciate him putting down his best driveway possible! https://www.platinumpavingnj.com/

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

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.

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

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Saturday, February 24, 2024

How an Asphalt Paver Works and Keys to a Successful Commercial Paving Project


This video takes viewers step by step through a paving operation, from the pre-paving preparations and paver set up to each component of the paving train through to compaction. Helpful considerations for a successful project are addressed at the end of the video.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Where does all that asphalt go when it is no longer needed?


It’s estimated that there are tens of millions of miles of paved roads on Earth. But where does all that asphalt go when it is no longer needed?
Find out more information at https://bit.ly/3kZQoWc

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Vaca Vet Striping Specializes In Striping For Small Or Large Jobs



Vaca Vet Striping offers a full range of parking lot and road services, we strive to improve quality through innovation, technology, and our vast experience. Our fleet of service trucks and professional parking lot stripers allows us to perform jobs in a timely manner.

About Our Process
Vaca Vet Striping has the latest equipment and products to ensure the highest quality in painting clean, sharp lines and well defined edges.

Our Striping Services Included
  • Parking stall lines
  • Directional arrows
  • Handicap stalls
  • Paths of travel
  • No parking
  • Fire zones
  • Entrance / Exit signage

Monday, February 12, 2024

PAVING A DAY CARE PARKING LOT - 3 DAY PROJECT: Rip Out, First Lift & Second Lift


For our final project of the 2022 paving season, we paved a day care parking lot. We ripped out the existing parking lot, graded it, then paved two lifts of asphalt. Featured Equipment: - 2022 Yanmar VIO 35 Mini Excavator - 2020 RD12 Wacker Neuson Roller - 2022 Cat CB 2.7 Roller - 2019 Mauldin Paver 1550 D - 2022 Weiler Paver P65 - 2022 Cat Skidsteer 262 D3 - 2021 Wacker Neuson Diesel Plate 6555 - 2022 Yanmar 10 Ton Excavator with Rototilt R3 - 2022 Western Star 4900 Tri Axle - 2022 International HX Tri Axle