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The Benefits of a Career in the Asphalt Industry

When you choose a career with an asphalt company, you become a leader in the construction industry. Think about all the miles of road that there are across the United States and how many of them are paved in asphalt. Millions of people rely on those roads to get them everywhere they need to be. This means that all those people depend on those working in the asphalt industry to keep the roads safe and functional. When a road is closed, it causes delays, frustration, and backups along adjacent roads. Those in the asphalt industry keep their communities moving. There are many benefits to having a career in the asphalt industry.

Job Security

Not many people can say they have job security these days. When you are looking for a career, security is a driving factor. Asphalt companies are not among the businesses fighting for survival. They are not going anywhere. Asphalt has been keeping our highways and roads functioning for just about 150 years. It is just as important now as when it was first used. The existing roads, parking lots, driveways, and other paved surfaces are always going to need maintenance and repair. In addition to existing roads, new roads are constantly created. Without a doubt, the asphalt industry provides job security.

Career Advancement

Each asphalt company has its own setup and style, but no matter which one you choose, there is going to be room for advancement. There are varying levels of knowledge, skill, and experience needed in construction, and asphalt is no different. Most organizations want you to contribute to the company in many different ways. There are many other positions within the asphalt industry, and not all of them are on the job touching the asphalt. There are plant managers, a foreman, laborers, road crew members, researchers, engineers, administration, and other support. Asphalt is not only found in construction. It is also found in civil engineering, technology, and research. Each person is dedicated to the safety and quality of the road system.

Hard-Working Partners

Everyone in the asphalt industry works hard and takes pride in their job. Workers in this industry are dedicated and hard working. To succeed in this industry, you must enjoy working with your hands and being involved in some aspect of construction. The entire team has a work ethic and lives by a higher standard for themselves and the community. Working in the asphalt industry offers a variety of extra perks. These include a well paying job that will last and is in the local area. There usually is not much travel involved with this job. You have the opportunity to contain education and growth into many different positions. You are not stuck forever out on the road pushing a broom. You are supporting and building the infrastructure for the community in which you live. You are using products that are sustainable for the environment. You are able to see the progress and the fruits of your labor on a regular basis.

There is no reason to delay looking for a job in the asphalt industry. You will not regret that decision.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

6 Common Myths About Concrete

Concrete is that all-important material so critical to large-scale industrial, commercial, and residential construction projects. In fact, aside from water, no other material is used more than concrete. Its wide range of uses means it’s the preferred material for concrete companies when erecting standing structures like bridges and buildings.

However, despite how much it’s used, there are some common misconceptions about this universally-adopted material. To clear the air, here are 6 common myths about concrete debunked.

1. Concrete is always a gray color.

While concrete initially has a gray color, it doesn’t necessarily mean that gray will be the final color. There are multiple additives and mineral colors that can be blended into the concrete mixture long before it’s dried. These additives can change the color of the concrete once hardened. This is ideal for residential and commercial projects where maintaining an aesthetic is critical.

2. You can use acid to strip a concrete sealant.

This is perhaps the most common misconception and it’s a dangerous one. Acid should never be used to strip concrete sealant, no matter what the reason. Acid’s corrosive properties can seriously damage the concrete’s integrity and allow water to permeate throughout the concrete. The best solution is to avoid acid altogether and use a solvent or sealant remover.

3. Concrete and cement are the same thing.

No, concrete and cement are not the same. Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Cement is mixed with water, sand, gravel, and other aggregates and additives when making concrete. There are very few applications where cement is used on its own. Cement is a dry powder that acts as a binder for all the additives, water, and aggregates in order to make concrete harden.

4. The higher the compressive strength, the more durable the concrete.

Strength and durability are not the same. Concrete’s compressive strength can vary from a low of 2,500 psi to a high of 10,000 psi. However, strength refers to how much load/weight the concrete can withstand. Durability refers to how long the concrete can maintain that load/weight without degradation (breaking down).

Several conditions can affect the concrete’s durability such as freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion, cracking, and sulfate or chemical reactions. The best way to maintain concrete’s durability is by using a top-notch sealant that helps to keep water and other substances from seeping inside and degrading the concrete.

5. Concrete is impermeable.

Actually, concrete is not impermeable. Concrete is actually porous, which means water, fumes and noxious liquids can pass through the top layer of the concrete relatively easily. This can take anywhere from a day, to a month, or even several years. This is why using a high-quality sealant is so important to protect the concrete from the outside elements.

6. You can lay concrete any time of year.

Unfortunately, you simply cannot lay concrete any time of the year or under all conditions. Extreme weather conditions affect how concrete hardens. Below freezing or excessively hot temperatures will prevent the concrete mixture from properly drying.

Concrete installation shouldn’t be done in the extremely cold winter months or the high heat of summer. Instead, spring and fall are the best seasons for mixing and hardening concrete.

Interested in a proactive, customer-centric partner for your next construction project? If so, contact us now.