5 Types of Spring Road Hazards

Did you know that many people believe that during the spring season is the safest period to venture into the roads, unaware of the concrete problems that await them? Research undertaken by the US department of transport shows that drivers are cautious during winter when its ice snowy as compared to the warmer spring season.

As winter fades away and ushers in longer days and intense sunshine, more drivers in the country will be hitting the concrete roadways with overconfidence attitude because the ice has started to thaw. This assumption is not the case because, with the melting ice, new hazards crop up, creating real problems which end up disastrous.

During this anticipated and exhilarating moment of the spring season, hazards range from wet parking lot pavers, a proliferation of motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and animals emerging from their hibernation to constant rainfall and hailstorms.

If you are a business owner, you should be aware of the following spring road hazards before embarking on a business trip or mission on the roads.

Active animals

Many animals hibernate during winter. When spring season starts, these animals initiate their nature and start migrating, mating, and looking for food. These animals can cross the roads abruptly without signaling, especially at dusk or dawn, when its harder to spot them.resulting to an accident.

Potholes

After the snow and ice vanishes through the thawing process in winter, it leaves dents on concrete roadways.plowa are deployed to tend the road during winter boring out chunks of the way leaving behind enormous potholes. Consequently, during the cold season, potholes are filled with ice and snow; hence their impact on automobiles and drivers is greatly minimized. When spring sprouts, ice, and snow thaws leave deep potholes that damage vehicles, they lead to accidents. Hitting potholes culminates in concrete problems like bent rims, malignment of your car, popping tires, and damaging suspension. Freezing and thawing lead to contracting and disintegration of concrete on pavements and parking lot pavers, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs.

Frequent rainstorms

According to a survey released by the federal highway administration, the rain was responsible for 46%of all weather-related accidents from 2005-2014. Storm proves to be the most treacherous weather-related driving hazard, especially when it mixes oil residue on wet pavement inducing hydroplaning. Heavy rainfall laden with wind can impede visibility and flood out roads quickly, making the paths slippery. These slippery roads reduce your vehicle handling ability leading to concrete problems like swerving, hydroplaning, and reduced tire traction caused by big puddles

Increased Motorcyclists and Bicyclist

During the warmer spring season, many motorcyclists and bicyclists will be hitting the road, this means that there will be increased traffic culminating into increased accidents. Due to the small sizes of motorcycles and bicycles, it becomes difficult to see them at a distance. This invisibility can result in an increased risk of accidents/deaths if the drivers don’t exercise extra caution since there are many distractions within his/her visibility. Drivers are encouraged to share the roads with them cautiously when nearing them to mitigate the chances of accidents.

Floods

The emergence of spring brings warm weather and longer days. However, it supersedes a variety of conditions that could be hazardous. These include heavy rains and rapid snowmelt, which aggravates the risk of flooding. This peril becomes a nightmare for drivers because fast-flowing water exerts pressure to contact areas like concrete pavements, hence reducing your vehicle’s handling ability.
Road trips during lovely spring weather can be the most breathtaking expedition as a driver. However, it’s of paramount importance to remember this can abruptly turn into a catastrophe. Being aware of spring road hazards can help you to navigate safely hence reducing chances of probable accidents.

Concrete Patio Pavers vs. Solid Concrete

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your home or office’s exterior, then you are probably thinking about using pavers or concrete. With so many options from which to choose, you want to make sure that you go with the right one to meet your needs. That is why it is important to compare pavers and concrete, looking at the pros and cons of each.

Pavers vs. Concrete: Appearance

First, it is important to take a look at the appearance. Most people consider pavers to be more visually appealing than concrete. This is because there is more flexibility in the appearance of pavers. You can tailor the designs and colors to meet their needs. While concrete also comes in a range of shades, the diversity is not as significant. While you can go with stamped or decorative concrete, the color tends to fade quickly. Therefore, most people like the appearance of pavers just a little bit more.

Pavers vs. Concrete: Installation

On the other hand, pavers are also more difficult to install than concrete. A concrete slab is almost always poured. This means that the installation process tends to move a bit more quickly. On the other hand, pavers need to be laid by hand one at a time. Therefore, it is advisable to have a professional to install both pavers and concrete. While it is possible to handle pavers as a DIY project, it is always better to hire professionals to make sure the appearance is as beautiful as possible. If the pavers have to be removed and laid a second time, this will add to the cost.

Pavers vs. Concrete: Costs

With both pavers and concrete, the cost is going to depend on the surface area that has to be covered, the materials, whether previous pavers and concrete have to be removed, and the cost of labor. In general, the cost to cover a 120 square foot area with pavers is going to fall somewhere between $1,300 and $1,700. On the other hand, the cost to cover the same area with concrete is going to fall somewhere between $800 and $1,100. The exact price is going to vary, which is why it is always a good idea to get a quote ahead of time.

Pavers vs. Concrete: Maintenance

In general, concrete is easier to maintain than pavers; however, pavers are more durable. Concrete tends to crack and stain over time. Eventually, the concrete slab will have to be replaced. Concrete needs to be brushed and rinsed off from time to time. So the maintenance is pretty easy. When pavers are placed, the pieces are usually covered with a polymer that helps to interlock the pavers and keep them durable. This allows them to last longer.

Find the Right Option for Your Landscaping Needs

This is a brief overview of the differences between pavers and concrete patio options. While concrete is cheaper and easier to install, it doesn’t last as long. Furthermore, pavers provide more customizability for projects. If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your outdoor landscape, think about reaching out to a local concrete company to talk about concrete and paver options for your property! The possibilities are nearly endless with the right concrete company!