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Unveiling the Secrets: 7 Lesser-Known Facts About Commercial Asphalt Paving

Commercial asphalt paving, often overlooked, is a vital component of modern infrastructure. While it might seem mundane, asphalt holds intriguing secrets that most may not know about. Let’s dive into seven fascinating aspects of commercial asphalt paving that might surprise you.

The Ancient Roots of Asphalt:

While asphalt might seem like a product of modern engineering, its roots trace back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, utilized naturally occurring asphalt for waterproofing and construction purposes. The famous ancient city of Babylon used asphalt for its roads and structures, highlighting its enduring legacy.

Asphalt’s Green Credentials:

Contrary to popular belief, asphalt is a remarkably eco-friendly paving material. With advances in technology, modern asphalt mixes incorporate recycled materials like old tires, glass, and asphalt millings. Additionally, asphalt is 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for commercial paving projects. By opting for asphalt, businesses contribute to the circular economy and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Science Behind Asphalt’s Durability:

Ever wondered why asphalt withstands the test of time? It’s all about the science. Asphalt’s durability stems from its unique composition of aggregates, binder, and air voids. This concoction allows asphalt to flex under heavy loads, preventing cracks and potholes. Moreover, ongoing research and development have led to the creation of high-performance asphalt mixes that excel in durability, further extending the lifespan of paved surfaces.

Asphalt’s Silent Role in Urban Heat Islands:

Urban heat islands, characterized by higher temperatures in densely populated areas, are a growing concern. Surprisingly, asphalt plays a role in mitigating this issue. Light-colored asphalt pavements, known as cool pavements, reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, reducing heat absorption and subsequently lowering urban temperatures. By incorporating cool pavements into commercial paving projects, businesses can contribute to creating cooler, more comfortable urban environments.

Asphalt’s Contribution to Road Safety:

Beyond providing a smooth driving surface, asphalt plays a crucial role in road safety. Its dark color enhances contrast with road markings, improving visibility, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night. Additionally, asphalt’s skid resistance properties help vehicles maintain traction, reducing the risk of accidents. Through meticulous engineering and maintenance, commercial asphalt paving ensures safer journeys for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The Art of Asphalt Maintenance:

Proper maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of asphalt pavements. From routine inspections to timely repairs, commercial asphalt paving involves a meticulous process aimed at preserving the integrity of paved surfaces. Techniques such as crack sealing, pothole patching, and asphalt overlay help rejuvenate aging pavements, ensuring they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

Asphalt’s Role in Economic Development:

Commercial asphalt paving isn’t just about constructing roads; it’s about fostering economic growth. Well-maintained roads and parking lots are essential for businesses, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and customers. Moreover, investing in quality asphalt infrastructure enhances property values and attracts investments to commercial areas. By prioritizing asphalt paving projects, businesses contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities.

In conclusion, commercial asphalt paving is a multifaceted field filled with surprises. From its ancient origins to its modern-day contributions to sustainability and safety, asphalt continues to play a pivotal role in shaping our urban landscape. By understanding and appreciating these lesser-known facts, businesses can make informed decisions when it comes to their paving needs, ensuring long-lasting and impactful infrastructure investments.

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5 Benefits of Commercial Asphalt Paving in 2023

Commercial Asphalt Paving Is Easy to Maintain

One benefit of commercial asphalt paving is that it is pretty easy to maintain. Of course, regular maintenance is required to keep the asphalt in good condition. However, asphalt companies can maintain asphalt relatively easily. One part of this is ensuring that the asphalt does not have any sitting debris or standing water. Doing so helps ensure that the asphalt does not develop potholes or cracks.

Plants may grow in the cracks if you do not regularly maintain your asphalt. As a result, these plants can damage your asphalt and require you to repair the asphalt. Even so, maintaining commercial asphalt is fairly simple and one part of this is removing debris and dirt. This makes sure that your asphalt lasts for a considerable amount of time and looks good. You can consult many asphalt companies to do this work for you.

It is a Flexible Solution

Another benefit is that commercial asphalt paving is a flexible solution. Now, a flexible solution can mean different things depending on the context. In this context, it means that asphalt is a more flexible material compared to other materials like concrete.

Asphalt is easier to repair, as previously mentioned. Additionally, asphalt is a material that breathes with the ground. You can create a routine maintenance plan to avoid more expensive repairs.

The Paving Process is Simple

It is also worth mentioning that the commercial asphalt paving process is pretty simple. Naturally, you have to start off by creating a sound structure. After that, you have to consider what kind of traffic you expect on your asphalt. As the expected weight increases, the thickness of the surface also has to increase.

Asphalt companies can get together the materials required to create asphalt fairly quickly. Due to this fact, they can usually begin paving your asphalt project without any major delays. It is also best to pour asphalt on warm and sunny days. The paving process for asphalt is much simpler than the paving process for other materials.

Commercial Asphalt Paving is Multi-Use

You might think of roads and parking lots when you think about asphalt. Those are a few common uses of asphalt. However, they are far from the only uses of this material. Asphalt is an excellent material for a number of outdoor projects. For example, asphalt also works well if you need a paved walkway.

Additionally, asphalt is an ideal material for an outdoor sports complex that includes basketball and tennis courts, as well. You can renovate several areas of commercial space with asphalt paving. For this reason, you might consider contacting local asphalt companies if your commercial space requires renovation.

Improve Drainage Systems with Asphalt

It can be a major issue if your space has water where water should not be. If your commercial space has poor drainage, this can cause damage and require frequent repairs. Additionally, excessive water can lead to erosion, potholes, and other undesirable effects. Excessive water may also cause puddles and these puddles can be a hassle for both you and your customers.

These puddles can be more than an annoyance. In fact, puddles can prove to be a legitimate safety hazard, as well. However, if you get commercial asphalt paving, you won’t have to worry about these issues. Many asphalt companies offer high-quality commercial asphalt paving at a reasonable price.

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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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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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WHY REPAIRING YOUR ASPHALT IN A TIMELY MANNER MATTERS

Many businesses do not include asphalt repair in their maintenance budgets, but they should. It’s incredibly important to fix asphalt potholes and cracks as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. Improved curb appeal, increased safety and longer-lasting concrete result from giving your asphalt the attention it deserves.

CURB APPEAL

What impression does your business asphalt give? Do customers have to navigate several potholes to reach your front door? Potholes are unsightly and inconvenient and make your property look rundown, even if it’s otherwise well maintained.

Often, your client sees the parking lot long before they get inside to form an impression of your products or services. In order to keep clients, tenants and customers content, it’s important to perform asphalt repair as quickly as possible. It will improve the look and feel of your entire property.

Asphalt repair services include the following:

  • Seal-coating
  • Crack filling
  • Pothole repairs

It’s important to work with a reputable business to ensure that the repairs last as long as possible. Additionally, there are things that you can do to keep your asphalt in great shape throughout the year.

Asphalt maintenance tips for owners:

  • Sweep your asphalt pavement several times a year. This prevents gravel from enlarging cracks and holes. It’s also important to perform a self-inspection to determine the severity of defects.
  • Call a local company that specializes in asphalt repairs to seal your asphalt every three years. Sealcoat protects the asphalt from moisture and oxidation. Think of it as sunscreen, which protects your skin from damage, for your business asphalt.
  • Fill in cracks as quickly as possible with the help of a trusted contractor. Repairing and sealing cracks can help prevent them from widening further,

SAFETY

There are also many safety concerns when it comes to cracks and potholes in your parking lot or sidewalks. Customers with mobility issues can quickly trip and fall on large potholes. To keep your clients safe and increase the useful life of your concrete, make repairs quickly.

Unfortunately, many people continue looking through their mobile devices when crossing the parking lot. This can cause them to trip in potholes or cracks and become injured. Large potholes can also damage cars, trucks and other vehicles. Potholes form because there’s a problem with the base of your concrete. To avoid problems with appearance and safety, it’s important to have potholes fixed as quickly as possible.

DIY patch kits can temporarily prevent water penetration and further damage to the asphalt pothole. However, a professional contractor with experience in asphalt repairs can cut out the damaged asphalt and pour in new concrete, fixing potholes from the inside out.

FINANCIAL SAVINGS

Taking care of asphalt repair early can save you money down the road. Potholes allow moisture to sink into the surface of your asphalt, causing further deterioration. On the other hand, fast asphalt repairs can immediately improve the look and safety of your business.

The longer you can keep your current asphalt looking and performing well, the more savings you’ll realize. So, contact a proven contractor to provide an honest evaluation of your next best steps,

Asphalt potholes are a sign that your aging concrete may need replacement in the near future. So, it’s important to pay attention. Therefore, it’s important to get the best asphalt repair along with a professional inspection of your business asphalt.