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

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

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.

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Vaca Vet Striping Services: Grading & Excavating

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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.

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.

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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/

ChrisFix

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