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Good Asphalt Paving Job vs. Bad One – What To Look For

When you work with an asphalt contractor, you want to know that the job is going to be done right the first time. A good asphalt paving job is done with care, and is going to last for years, while poorly done asphalt paving is going to have a number of complications until it fails completely. The thickness of the asphalt overlay, the asphalt surface transitions, the drainage protocol, and the application of primer all play a role in how well the entire job is completed.

The Thickness of the Asphalt Overlay

Any good asphalt contractor is going to use a minimum or two inches of asphalt when they complete an asphalt paving job. This is an industry standard, and one that is followed by all reputable asphalt contractors worth hiring. If the company tries to spend less money to complete the job, they might try to get away with using only one inch of asphalt. This is going to cause the paving to crack, and does not provide a stable base for your completed project. If the company you want to hire only uses an inch of asphalt, it’s time to look further for a new contractor.

The Asphalt Surface Transitions

Surface transitions are important to how a newly covered driveway looks, and how smooth the transition is between the driveway and the road. There shouldn’t be any bumps in between the driveway, sidewalk, or road when you hire a quality asphalt contractor. When it comes to quality work, a smooth, seamless driveway without noticeable transition areas is a job well done.

The Drainage Protocol

It is important that water drains well off of your asphalt paving, as water can break down the surface of your asphalt if it is left to pool. A good drainage protocol will ensure that any water that lands on your asphalt surface runs off and away from the asphalt that has been laid down. Without a good drainage protocol, you will notice puddles on the asphalt, or water accumulating at the end of your driveway that will cause damage to the asphalt.

The Application of Primer

Primer is used to help new asphalt adhere to any old asphalt that is already in place. If you are paving over a surface, primer is used to prevent the new asphalt from breaking down quickly once it is laid on top of an old surface. If the application of primer is ignored, the asphalt contractor is missing a critical step in the process of good asphalt paving.

If you are looking for an asphalt paving contractor, it is important to ask questions. Learn what type of primer is used in the process of laying down an asphalt surface, and ask how thick the initial asphalt is. Understand that the industry standard is two inches of asphalt, and anything less is going to result in a surface that is prone to cracks. A good drainage plan is necessary, and you will want to know how well the asphalt contractor is able to handle transitions. Take the time to do your research, and understand what it takes to do a paving job well.

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CONCRETE CURE TIME: HOW LONG UNTIL CONCRETE IS FULLY DRY

When concrete contractors install a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or concrete slab floor, they will advise the client that the surface must cure before being walked or driven upon. Concrete cure time is the process of allowing the new surface to fully dry and develop its strength and water resistance in the process.

Proper concrete curing will also improve the mechanical properties of the new surface, such as delaying any shrinkage and resisting any cracking while the new floor is still drying. The slower the concrete cure time, the more moisture will remain in the material, which will allow for a stronger, more durable concrete floor.

Different concrete cure methods

The amount of time it will take for any concrete cure time depends upon many factors, such as how much moisture is in the air, sunlight, temperature, along with the composition of the cement. Also, there are 3 main concrete drying methods that may affect how long concrete contractors will advise customers to stay off the new concrete floor.

  • Water curing involves sprinkling, misting, or ponding of the surface with water.
  • Concrete coverage slows down curing with wet sand, wet burlap, or wet straw
  • Waterproof barriers such as plastic film or waterproof paper

The purpose of each curing method is to retain moisture in the concrete for as possible to as the new surface gains additional strength. This process of developing strength is actually the growth of a crystal matrix (or hard finger-like projections) within the concrete as the Portland cement reacts with water.

This intertwining of the cement, sand, and gravel is what makes concrete one of the most durable surfaces for supporting the weight of cars and SUVs, tractor trailers, and large machinery.

How long should concrete dry?

When it come to concrete cure time, always follow the suggestions of concrete contractors that have installed your new concrete surface. But, general concrete cure times are as follows:

  • 24 to 48 hours – after the initial concrete pour, the forms can be removed, and the new concrete surface can withstand foot traffic, so people can walk on the surface
  • 7 -10 days – which is just a partial concrete cure time, but the new surface can support vehicular traffic and the movement of equipment across the floor.
  • 28 days – in just under 30 days, the concrete should be fully cured and can handle the full weight or full pounds per square foot as determined by the concrete mix strength

These time considerations will also depend on the quality and strength of the concrete mixture, the thickness of the concrete slab, any adverse weather conditions, along with the professionalism of the installation.

Problems with concrete that is not cured correctly

When the full concrete cure time is not allowed before substantial weight is applied to the new surface, the surface’s durability, water-tightness, and strength will all be diminished. Also, improper curing can result in a concrete floor or surface that will tend to develop thermal cracks and plastic shrinkage cracks.

Once cracks start to develop throughout the concrete, you can expect water infiltration, weed growth, chipping, spalling, dips, and bulges that will make the surface unsightly, difficult to walk/drive on, and will greatly reduce the life span of the concrete surface.

To avoid these problems with concrete slab that is not installed or cured properly, always use professional concrete contractors for your projects.

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7 BENEFITS OF INSTALLING CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS

Many homeowners and business owners ask, “which driveway material is best”. The choices include brick, asphalt, pavers, gravel, or a concrete driveway. But, when you ask any driveway contractor, they will tell you that a concrete driveway is the best material, by far.

Pavers, gravel, and brick have the problem of sinking into the soil, causing an uneven and bumpy driveway. You can also weed growth in the joints along with trip and fall hazards. Asphalt driveways have a much shorter life span when compared to a concrete driveway. The problems with asphalt driveways include crumbling, dips and upheavals, along with a lot of cracking on the surface and edges.

A professional concrete contractor is expert at choosing the right concrete mix, will determine the appropriate driveway thickness, and install rebar if necessary to provide additional structural and weight capacity for your driveway.

7 Concrete Driveway Benefits

1. Long-lasting driveway surface

A concrete driveway installed by a concrete contractor can last 25 to 30 years. With little maintenance and in moderate climates, you can expect your concrete driveway to outlast all other materials that are available.

2. Easier to maintain

Concrete driveways are low maintenance surfaces. If the driveway is exposed to harsh weather or heavy traffic, then re-sealing the concrete surface more often to maintain its pristine condition.

3. Holds up better to heat and light

Asphalt driveways react badly to both heat and light. Yet, concrete is almost impervious to UV radiation or high summer temperatures. A concrete driveway is the preferred material for warmer climates because it can withstand exposure to direct sunlight and heat without deterioration.

4. Better load-bearing capacity

If you park multiple cars or heavy vehicles like SUVs or pickup trucks in your driveway, then concrete is the best material to bear up under heavy weight. This is because concrete is a non-flexible material that will not dip or buckle due to weight concerns.

5. Environmentally-friendly material

Concrete is made of cement, sand, and gravel, while asphalt is a mixture of high-VOC (volatile organic compound), petroleum-based materials that will constantly release harmful fumes into the atmosphere and the soil. Concrete is considered a sustainable building material because almost 100% of it can be recycled.

6. Sell your property faster

A concrete driveway can increase the value of your home by up to 10% when you decide to sell. Also, home buyers look for a driveway that has been installed by a concrete contractorbecause they know it will last longer, with little or no maintenance.

7. Easier to remove ice and snow

Because concrete driveways will not dip or bulge when installed and maintained properly, it will be easier to shovel or run a snow blower across. Also, there are good ice melt options available that will not corrode or deteriorate your concrete driveway surface.

If you want a driveway that features a bright, professional appearance without messy surface issues, then concrete is the better choice when compared to asphalt, brick, pavers, gravel, or other materials. Also, today’s concrete contractor can create a unique, custom driveway for your home.

Stamped concrete, border details, and a wider variety of concrete stains can add personality and pizzazz to your home.

To learn more about how a modern concrete driveway can increase the value of your home and reduce your outdoor maintenance, talk with a concrete contractor, today!

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Commercial Water Drainage Tips for Concrete

If you have a concrete outdoor area such as a parking lot or patio that is having issues with drainage, there are things that can be done to help. Start by implementing these three improvements:

1. A Porous Top Paving Layer – Adding a coating such as asphalt will help the area to absorb some water. While asphalt will not absorb all of the water from a large rain storm, it will typically absorb between five to ten percent of the water, helping to eliminate deep puddles. Asphalt drainage is typically not thought of when other drainage solutions are being considered, but it can be an extremely cost effective way to improve the appearance and reduce the maintenance on a property.

2. Surface and Subsurface Drainage – Have a professional asphalt paving company review your surface and subsurface drainage systems. Often, regular maintenance will help to eliminate blockages such as debris and weeds clogging inlets. In some cases it may be a good idea to construct a new drain inlet or even add additional water storage under the concrete.

3. Local Conditions – People often wonder why their concrete pad has suddenly stopped draining water after a storm, especially if it has “worked” for years”. If nothing is wrong with the coating and drain maintenance is up to date, it might just be that local conditions have changed. This may mean that there are more storms, or improvements in the nearby area may be forcing water onto your property. Fortunately, asphalt companies are often able to devise a solution to help. Here are four of the most common solutions that are implemented by our team of professionals.

4 Ways Concrete and Asphalt Can Aid Commercial Drainage

1. Pervious Concrete – Pervious concrete has been around for a few decades, but the recent change in weather patterns and a focus on eliminating standing water has caused a renewed surge in interest. Pervious concrete can be poured into just about any shape or pattern you can imagine, and it will topically absorb three to four times more water than “standard” concrete.

2. Concrete Drainage Additions Can Assist Standard Blends – If you’re looking at improving the drainage in an already existing concrete structure, then you’ll likely want to construct additional drains. This may mean adding more inlets, and/or improving the drainage system so that more water can be stored by adding additional piping or gravel drainage under or around the area.

3. Concrete and Asphalt Can Be Sloped – Adding a slight slope to a concrete or asphalt area will help water to drain to an empty field. These slopes are very mild (typically less than 2%), and most people don’t notice that a parking lot or patio is sloped when they’re using it. In fact, most paved areas are designed to have a slight slope, but over time it’s possible for asphalt, concrete, and the gravel underneath them to shift slightly, essentially “flattening out” these areas.

4. Asphalt Can Also Be Extra-Porous. Apshalt, like concrete, can be mixed and poured to be more or less porous. Consider using a type of asphalt that is more porous. This will allow an area to absorb more water, increasing the overall absorption in some cases by up to ten percent or more.

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6 COMMON CAUSES BEHIND PARKING LOT BREAKDOWN

If you’re the owner or manager of a building with a parking lot, you may have noticed that it’s starting to show signs of wear. An asphalt parking lot is exposed to several elements that can cause severe damage over time.

1. Harsh Weather Conditions

Freezing temperatures can cause water from rain and snow to freeze, causing micro cracks in the asphalt to expand. Over time, this will cause the surface of the parking lot to crumble.

2. Dirt, Debris, or Engine Oil Spills

Just about any type of dirt or debris can trap moisture, preventing it from evaporating or draining properly. Even oil and other non water substances can be absorbed by the asphalt coating on a parking lot. Over time, this moisture seeps into the asphalt, causing fissures as the temperature drops and the moisture freezes.

3. Poor Drainage System

A faulty or clogged drainage system will prevent water from draining properly. Water that ponds on top of the asphalt can cause a number of problems. In addition to the aforementioned freezing and cracking, the debris, oil, and acids that are trapped by puddles of water can wear away at the asphalt covering of a parking lot. Be aware that in addition to fixing the damage that has been done by the standing water, a property owner will also need to fix the drainage system. This may be as simple as removing debris from drain inlets, but it may also require reconstruction of pipes, outlets, and/or drain fields.

4. Low-Quality Sealants

If a parking lot was never sealed properly by the original asphalt contractors it will likely start to deteriorate much faster than one that was properly sealed. An improperly sealed parking lot will have a lot of cracks as the underlying gravel layers will be exposed to the elements. This means that over time the asphalt coating will wear away and the gravel underneath will be exposed. If the parking lot is in regular use, this will mean that the rocks in this layer will become scattered and uneven. Eventually, parking lots in this state may need to be completely rebuilt, not just resealed.

5. Heavy Vehicles or Machinery

Heavy machinery and other equipment puts a large weight load on the asphalt and gravel layers of a parking lot. Depending on the type of soil the parking lot has been built on, heavy equipment will compact the gravel layers under the asphalt and cause cracking in the top layer of asphalt. In fact, it’s not uncommon for layers under the asphalt to deform without there being any immediate indication of damage. This is because the top layer of asphalt has a small amount of flexibility, allowing heavy equipment to rest on its surface without showing cracks. Under the surface, however, the newly compacted gravel layers will form gaps between the asphalt and the gravel. Over time, this will lead to deformation of the entire parking lot.

6. General Neglect

When a parking lot has been neglected for a long time, it’s likely that it will have all of these problems. Lack of maintenance will cause clogged drainage systems, which will result in an increase in debris and other build up on the surface of the parking lot. Over time, this will result in large parts of the parking lot crumbling and cracking.