Effects of the Colorado Cold on Asphalt
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Effects of the Colorado Cold on Asphalt

With the temperature starting to drop outside, there are a lot of people in Colorado who are wondering how this is going to affect their pavement. Cold weather and freezing precipitation can damage asphalt without proper preparation. Therefore, by understanding how cold weather can impact asphalt, you can prevent damage from happening. Take a look at some of the helpful information that we have put together below!

Freezing Temperatures Cause the Asphalt To Contract

First, the freezing temperatures are going to cause the asphalt to contract. This means that the molecular structure of asphalt is going to become tighter. As asphalt contracts, cracks may start to form on the surface. If cracks form, this is going to shorten the life expectancy of asphalt. Because it is so cold outside, it is possible that repair processes will be less effective. Therefore, it is a good idea to do everything possible to ensure the integrity of the surface before the temperature starts to drop.

The Impact of Rock Salt

Anyone who has lived in the Colorado area has probably seen rock salt all over the roads. It is possible that rock salt might also damage asphalt. Rock salt is made out of sodium chloride. Sodium chloride can accelerate asphalt deterioration as precipitation freezes and thaws throughout the winter. As a result, this could shorten the lifespan of concrete and asphalt paving materials as well.

Winter Weather Can Impact Asphalt

During the winter, hail, snow, and freezing rain are all common in Colorado. All of this has the potential to damage asphalt. As ice, sleet, and range strikes the surface, it often freezes overnight. When it freezes, it impacts the molecular structure of asphalt, leading to damage. Then, even though it thaws during the day, it may refreeze during the next night, creating more damage. The good news is that there are specialized types of asphalt, such as porous asphalt, that can withstand this type of precipitation.

The Impact on the Paving Process

Cold weather is also going to impact the paving process. Paving during winter months is a bigger challenge than during the warmer months; however, it is not impossible. During the winter, asphalt tends to dry much faster than it does during warmer months. Wind speed, air temperature, and surface temperature all play a role in how quickly asphalt dries Therefore, it is important for asphalt pavers to use specialized tools that are able to get the asphalt in the proper position quickly before it dries.

Preventing Asphalt Damage During the Winter

Finally, it is also important to address asphalt damaged during the winter. Proper maintenance of all asphalt surfaces is critical. By sealing asphalt properly, this will create a surface layer that will provide consistent protection from winter weather and cold temperatures. By limiting the damage of precipitation during the winter, it will extend the lifespan of asphalt by preventing holes and cracks from forming.

Rely on the Help of Trained Professionals from Colorado Asphalt Companies

These are just a few of the most important points that everyone should keep in mind if they are looking for Colorado asphalt companies. We are here to make sure that you get the most use possible out of your asphalt. Give us a call today to learn more about the impacts of winter weather on asphalt!

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The History of Concrete: An Overview and How It Is Used Today

Today, one of the most ubiquitous materials as concrete. Many people see concrete on their driveway, and utility buildings, and in numerous other locations. Concrete is popular because it is an expensive, durable, and versatile. At the same time, many people might be wondering where concrete came from. When it comes to the history of concrete, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

Early Concrete Predecessors: Limestone

The history of concrete can be traced back to ancient times. There were numerous ancient materials that were used by early civilizations. These ancient materials formed the foundation of concrete as we know it today. For example, one of the most common materials that is used to make concrete is limestone. When sand and water were added to Limestone, it became a plaster type material that was used to help stones adhere to one another. As a result, these materials were improved. Over time, modern concrete came into existence following these procedures and limestone is an important ingredient in modern concrete.

The Evolution of Cement into Concrete: A Key Part of Concrete History

Another important element that goes into modern concrete is cement. Cement has been around for an extended period of time. Nearly 12 million years ago in the Middle East, natural deposits were formed when an oil shale and Limestone combusted spontaneously, leading to cement. Keep in mind that cement and concrete are not the same things. Concrete is a composite building material that is made out of cement along with numerous other ingredients. At the same time, cement was used thousands of years ago and still plays a key role in concrete today.

Concrete History: Its First Uses in Human Civilization

The first uses of concrete can be traced back to ancient traders in the Middle East. These traders occupied and controlled numerous oases that eventually became a small empire. Eventually, these traders discovered the advantages of using hydraulic lime. This is cement that gradually hardens underwater. Eventually, they learn how to build kilns to supply mortar that was used for the construction of rubble houses. This is where the first concrete floors were discovered. These ancient peoples understood that in order to keep the concrete functional, they needed to keep it dry. Excess water leads to voids and weaknesses in the concrete. The building practices that they discovered form the foundations of making modern concrete today.

Concrete Has a Number of Uses Today

The practices that were used by the ancient peoples formed the foundation of how modern concrete is used today. Today, despite all of our technological advances, we still rely on concrete. Concrete can be found in the floors of utility rooms, in driveways, and in numerous other places. Furthermore, it is even possible to seal concrete to prevent liquid from damaging it. In this manner, concrete is still one of the most useful materials today. Those who are looking to get the most out of their concrete should make sure that they rely on an experienced company that can guide the way. By trusting an expert concrete company that understands how concrete history influences its uses today, everyone can rest easy knowing that they are going to get the most out of their concrete investment.

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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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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.