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The Differences Between Summer Asphalt and Winter Asphalt: Need To Knows

To the average person, and they look like pretty much all asphalt the same. After all, asphalt looks like a hard, black substance that is made from small rocks that have been stuck together using tar. At the same time, experts in the industry understand that asphalt comes in many shapes and forms. In order for people to find the right asphalt to meet their needs, they need to understand the differences between the types of asphalt. One of the biggest differences between different types of asphalt and all the time of year during which it is used. Two of the most popular types of asphalt are summer asphalt and winter asphalt. Those who are looking to get the most out of their asphalt need to trust an asphalt company to explain the differences to them.

An Overview of Summer Asphalt

First, it is important to highlight the summer asphalt. Usually, summer asphalt is available between April and December. In some places, this is also referred to as hot asphalt. This type of asphalt is used to pave certain areas such as long driveways, roads, and parking lots. Usually, this type of asphalt is next at around three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. It is also made during the summer, thus the name.

Hot asphalt has to remain at this temperature and has to be applied quickly after it is mixed. If this asphalt cools, it can be harder to lay. If this asphalt does end up cooling, it can be reheated; however, this will also impact its quality. Because this type of asphalt has to be applied on the ground that is both dry and warm, this is the most common type of asphalt available during the summer.

An Overview of Winter Asphalt

Next, it is important to talk about winter asphalt. Because most asphalt is laid during the summer, winter asphalt is usually reserved for patching repairs. Winter asphalt can be used to tackle situations involving potholes, cracks, and other common problems. When this type of asphalt is poured on the cooler ground that is present during the winter, it usually takes longer to cure. As a result, smaller batches are better. This is our winter asphalt can help.

Winter asphalt is usually available between the months of January and March. Furthermore, this type of asphalt does not need to be reheated constantly. Often, this makes it easier to use. Furthermore, winter asphalt can also be stored and used later if there are other patching issues that arise. As a result, winter asphalt has a wide array of applications; however, it is usually not used to pave large parking lots and long roads.

Trust the Expertise of an Experienced Asphalt Company

This is a brief overview of the similarities and differences between two common types of asphalt. If you have asphalt needs, then you need to make sure that you rely on the right type to help you with your issues. This is where the guidance of an experienced asphalt company can help. When you rely on a helpful asphalt company, you can rest easy knowing that you are going to end up with a high-quality product that has been built to last. Make sure that your asphalt is both durable and reliable.

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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.

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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!

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What to Ask a Commercial Paving Company

Anyone that owns or manages a commercial property will know how important it is to have a quality parking lot, walkways, and other paved areas. To ensure the job looks great and the paving lasts for a long time, you need to hire a quality commercial paving company. To ensure that you hire the right company for your needs and situations, you should make sure that you have all of your questions answered. There are three questions in particular that you should ask any commercial paving company.

What Projects Have You Completed Lately?

Whenever you are going to hire any commercial asphalt company, it is always helpful to see the work that they have done in the past. One of the advantages of a pavement contractor is that you are often able to check out the work that they have done for yourself. You should ask a commercial paving company for a list of projects that they have worked on over the past few years.

You should take a look at some recent projects as well as those that were completed a few years back. This will allow you to see what the final product looks like as well as whether the paving holds up to the elements. If you see work that looks sloppy or cracked, it could be a red flag. The contractor should also be able to give references that you could contact to see what their overall experience was like.

What is included in the scope of work?

When hiring a commercial paving company, it is very important to fully understand what you will be getting in your contract. If you ask for multiple bids from different contractors, you should have each contractor carefully list out all of the services that they will be provided along the way. This will make it much easier for you to compare services on apples to apple basis.

Today, many contractors offer a range of different services to their customers. The team at Superior Aggregates, Inc can provide many different asphalt and paving services. This can include design, commercial concrete and asphalt installation services, ongoing maintenance, commercial seal coat, and striping services, as well as many other services that may be needed for your project. By comparing bids, you will get a better sense of whether the offer you are receiving provides you with the most value.

Have you done work in this area?

A commercial asphalt company will ideally be experienced working in your city. There are many reasons why this is advantageous. If they are experienced and licensed in your area, it also means that they have gone through the process of getting all zoning and local approval work done. Depending on where you live, this could end up saving a lot of time and frustration. Additionally, when you are speaking with a pavement contractor, you should also confirm that they are fully licensed, insured, and bonded.

Another reason why local experience is important is that it will ensure the contractor is experienced with working terrain similar to yours. If a contractor is new to your area and is not used to the type of land that your property is situated on, it could lead to challenges that the contractor is not expecting. A local and experienced contractor will have already dealt with these challenges successfully.

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Tips to Avoid Pricey Asphalt Repairs

An asphalt driveway, parking lot or other parcel can be extremely durable and continue to look good for a long time. However, to keep your asphalt in good condition, it is important that you keep it properly maintained. There are five tips in particular that could be followed to help protect your asphalt, extend its useful life and prevent more costly repairs in the future.

 

Remove all Debris

One of the most important asphalt care tips to follow to keep your asphalt in good working order is to remove all debris that you come across. Tree branches and other debris are going to be blown onto your asphalt from time to time. When these items are not removed, they can block the flow of water and create standing pools. This could start to cause deterioration and damage to your asphalt. Due to this, it is very important that you have this debris removed as soon as it is noticed. This can be even more important during the winter months when ice and snow could form around the debris.

 

Repair and Seal All Cracks and Holes

For asphalt maintenance, it is also very important that you have the asphalt repaired as soon as you can. If you notice that there are small holes and cracks in your asphalt, you should call a professional for asphalt repair to ensure these are filled in as soon as you can. When you have these holes repaired, it will help to prevent ice, salt, water and other debris from getting in, which could cause further damage in the future.

 

Shovel Regularly

If your business is located in a cold climate, the impact of bad winter weather on asphalt can be noticeable. Once the snow and ice melts, many people will identify a range of holes and cracks in their asphalt. However, this can be managed better if you shovel regularly. When you are able to shovel on a regular basis, it will help to clear all of the snow and ice and will prevent cracking.

 

Be Careful of De-Icing Products

While it is important to get rid of snow and ice, you should be careful about the products that you use. Most of the major de-icing products that you will find will contain rock salt. While this can help to break down and prevent ice, it can also cause serious damage to your asphalt. For proper asphalt care, you should look for a product that uses potassium chloride as it will be effective without harming your asphalt.

 

Don’t Ignore Pooling Water

If you notice that there is standing water on your asphalt, you should have the issue fixed as soon as you can. Pooling water can be due to poor drainage or deterioration of the asphalt. If you do not call a professional for asphalt repair to fix this issue quickly, it will continue to become more problematic as it will cause further deterioration and pot holes.

Ultimately, with proper asphalt maintenance and care, you could expect that your asphalt will last for a long time. To ensure that you are caring for your asphalt, you should follow these five tips. These will help to ensure that you remain diligent about caring for your asphalt, which will keep it in great shape for years to come.