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Asphalt Sealing: How to protect your parking lot from sun damage

Asphalt parking lots are great if you’re looking for something relatively affordable and easy to install, but keeping them pristine means doing what you can to block out the sun. During the hottest months of summer, the hot sun beating down on the asphalt can take quite a toll. If you’re looking for a way to better protect your asphalt parking lot, check out these five tips.

1. Basic coat

The easiest thing you can do if you want to protect your parking lot from sun damage is to apply a standard asphalt sealing coat. These sealing coats come in all sorts of different varieties, but they’re all designed to protect your parking lot from damage due to the sun, water or rock pitting. Keep in mind that the type of coat you choose will determine the quality of your seal, so it’s important to choose the right one if protection is a priority. This coat should be applied once a year.

2. Slurry Sealer

Standard asphalt sealing coats are good when it comes to providing some protection, but they don’t do a lot to change the actual texture of your parking lot. Slurry sealers are designed with lots of aggregate in the sealer, which means crackes and holes in your asphalt parking lot are filled while the asphalt is sealed to keep out UV rays and water. However, these seals require about 24 hours to dry and cure, so you need to have some time on your hands.

3. Microsurfacing

Microsurfacing is another popular choice when it comes to sealing asphalt parking lots. This is essentially a type of slurry seal that’s designed to set a lot quicker, which means you don’t have to keep traffic off your asphalt as long. This is an expensive option but a good one if you’re looking for a way to put a solid seal on a high-traffic area.

4. TRMSS

This isn’t the most popular type of sealer for residential and light commercial use, but tire rubber modified surface sealer is great if you need a strong seal for areas that consistently get heavy traffic. This rubberized sealer does a great job of replenishing the oils your asphalt parking lot needs while spreading aggregate to help fill cracks and small holes. TRMSS is most often used for things like streets and airport runways.

5. Fill Cracks

While your asphalt parking lot is always going to have some level of exposure to the sun, you can seriously cut down on the effect that exposure has by filling the cracks and holes in your parking lot regularly. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your asphalt so you can be aware of damage right when it happens and get it fixed right away. While this won’t replace a good sealer, filling the cracks in your parking lot is crucial.

As great as asphalt parking lots are, they require a bit of upkeep if you really want to get the most out of them. The good news is, taking the time to seal and repair your parking lot when it’s needed will prevent damage from UV rays, water and rock pitting and will keep your lot looking great for years.

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7 Types of Asphalt Cracking and Their Causes

There are numerous causes of asphalt cracking. These include harsh weather or climate conditions, drainage problems, incorrect or poor quality materials, and traffic loads. Proper identification of crack type and cause is vital. Each type of crack has distinct causes. Timely maintenance is critical to keep asphalt conditions from deteriorating further. Here are 7 types of asphalt cracking, the major reasons why the cracks occur, and the possible fixes for each.

1. Edge cracking

Edge cracks are longitudinal cracks within a few feet of one of the edges of the pavement. They can be caused by settlement of the underlying material, soil drying, or lack of lateral support. Possible contributors can be nearby trees or shrubs. These should be cleared away. Filling with asphalt emulsion slurry will often take care of this problem. Drainage may need improvement.

2. Slippage cracking

These cracks are crescent shaped. A number of factors can lead to slippage cracks. Non-adhesive materials, such as water or dirt between layers, can lead to poor bonding between the surface and material beneath. Low-strength or deficient asphalt mix is one possible factor. Usually the solution is to remove material around the crack until a layer with good bonding is reached. The upper area can then be patched.

3. Reflection cracking

Reflection cracking happens because of asphalt pavement overlays that have been placed over a pavement structure that has been cracked or jointed. There is then shifting or movement of the old pavement. These cracks or joints can reflect from that pavement to the surface. Crack sealant can sometimes fix low severity cracks. Pavement that is cracked more severely may need the layer replaced.

4. Transverse cracking

Cracks approximately perpendicular to the centerline are commonly known as transverse cracks. Transverse cracking may occur due to low temperature thermal cracking or because the asphalt grade is too hard for the particular climate conditions. These cracks are often caused by asphalt layer shrinkage. They are not load related but can be aggravated by heavy traffic. Generally, repairing this type crack calls for sealant or, if necessary, replacement with a new overlay.

5. Fatigue cracking

Fatigue cracks are sometimes called alligator cracking because they favor the skin of these reptiles. As the name fatigue cracking suggests, this deterioration is load related. It can be aggravated by deterioration of a weak base, subgrade, or surface. Poor drainage can be a factor. The distressed area material must be removed and replaced with the correct asphalt mix.

6. Block cracking

Block cracks resemble giant rectangles or squares in your pavement. Lack of sufficient moisture in the original application, or later on, is one possible cause. Extreme temperature cycles can cause an inability of the asphalt binder to contract or expand sufficiently as well. Traffic is not usually a factor. Small cracks can be sealed. Overlay replacement is the usual remedy for more severe block cracking.

7. Longitudinal cracking

Longitudinal cracks run paralleled to the pavement centerline. A number of factors could cause longitudinal cracking. There can be shrinkage of the asphalt. A joint could have been constructed poorly. Improper paver operation can be a cause. The surface in these cases will need to be resealed with proper adjustments made.

Asphalt crack repair is important. As you can see from the many causes for asphalt cracks, it is vital to identify the problem correctly. Untreated cracks get larger and can lead to potholes. Once the problem is identified, the appropriate remedy or fix can usually quickly and safely bring the asphalt back to its proper function.

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How to budget for your parking lot updates in 2019

Parking lot management may not be too involved, but smart owners create a strategic plan for preventative maintenance and upkeep at the start of every year. If you want to take a proactive approach to your parking lot budget, consider these tips when determining your budget for parking lot updates in 2019. Utilizing a trusted partner in this process can cut down the time commitment on your part, and leave you with the bandwidth to concentrate on the immediate needs of your business.

Where is your pavement in the useful life cycle?

Pavement does not last forever and requires regular upkeep and maintenance. Whether your parking lot is need of sealing, patching, or it’s time for replacement, it’s important to approach this upkeep in a proactive manner. In addition to having an adequate amount of funds available, it is also important to remain proactive in order to minimize disruption to your cash flow as repairs and maintenance are conducted. Undergoing an inspection is an effective way to determine the most impactful update projects while scheduling them when the downtime will cause the least possible impact on your cash flow.

Is preventative maintenance and upkeep a part of your 2019 budget? It should be.

The physical condition of your parking lot is the foundation of your business, and including the upkeep of your lot in your 2019 budget is essential. In addition to regular maintenance it is key to have reserves in place should the need for a major refurbishment or repair arise. Without a proper budget, you may be left scrambling in the event of an unseen event or emergency. Don’t let this happen to you! Proper maintenance and regular updates can prevent future issues that grow more expensive with neglect. By adding such line items to your 2019 budget you will be ahead of the curve and in a much stronger position if an unexpected repair need arises at your parking lot.

Determine your top 3 goals or “must-dos” to increase your customers’ parking experience in 2019

The start of 2019 is a perfect time to review your goals for the year and put them into action. Whether it is reconfiguring the lot to maximize space, or updating payment options for your customers, this is the right time to put those plans in place. When you budget and plan for future improvements your parking lot is much less likely to experience downturns and dips in revenue caused by being off-line. Tackling these top 3 goals for 2019 with a schedule that includes a budget for the necessary funds can help you to avoid damage and repair in the future.

Create ongoing relationships with a trusted partner in order to maximize results

The day-to-day running and management of your parking lot holdings can take up a lot of your time, and bringing in a trusted partner can yield positive results. With the right partner, you can focus on the business aspects of your parking lot and leave the budgeting and planning to a specialist. Thinking that you don’t have enough time to properly plan and budget for updates to your lot can lead to a lot of avoidable trouble down the road.

Make 2019 the year that you implement proper budgeting and maintenance plans for your parking lot. Proper maintenance, repair, and updates can help you to maximize profits while minimizing downtime and unexpected expenses!

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3 Winter Repairs You Should Be Making

Improving the lot around your business is important for economic growth. A number of things can go wrong in the winter with all the ice, snow, and rain, and there are repairs that businesses should be making to their lot. This will help prevent flooding and damage to the property, as well as increase customer safety.

Pothole Repair

Pothole repair is needed because it helps with improved curb appeal. If the parking lot is well maintained, it can convey to customers that you are a responsible business owner and value customer safety. Repairing potholes also saves money, since potholes that go unrepaired pose a risk for future damage that can be more expensive. Pothole repair is important for the safety of your customers and employees and can be a trip hazard for pedestrians. Businesses will be held liable for these injuries. Pothole repair can be difficult in the winter, but temporary repairs need to be made in order to ensure that drivers can get safely to the business. For temporary repairs, a cold mix asphalt should be used. This mix works especially well if the temperature is below the recommended level and it’s an emergency. All ice, moisture, and debris should be removed from the area before beginning the repair.

Catch Basin Repair

Catch basins and storm drains play an important role, especially in the winter with all the run off. Catch basins will catch and prevent contaminants from entering the drainage system. Without them, debris could enter the system and clog it, which will lead to some serious flooding and a negative effect on the property. If water pools in the lot, then the pooling on the asphalt can lead to the deterioration of the pavement. When water enters the joints it can cause the mortar to pop out and repairs are needed. Sometimes even cracks appear near the perimeter to allow more water to get in. Depending on the damages, repairs can extend from patching up asphalt around the perimeter to a complete structure repair.

Cracksealing

Winter is the perfect time for cracksealing because pavement expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes. This means that joints and cracks are expanding when the pavement moves. Cracksealing is preventative winter road maintenance that is meant to extend the life of the pavement. It’s important to seal up cracks because cracks can allow for water and other materials, such as dirt, debris, and sand, to get into the pavement structure. These cracks will then accelerate the weakening and deterioration of the payment. With the proper seal cracking, and when properly executed, it can help extend the life of the payment from six months to four years. Before beginning any cracksealing, the area should be clear of any moisture, debris, vegetation, or dirt, in order for it to be the most effective. If using heat, be careful not the scorch the pavement and note that the sealant needs to be placed in the pavement before the crack cools to allow for it to adhere best. The entire crack should be filled and then leveled to make sure that the payment remains smooth. It’s important that any repair material or sealant is only applied only within the manufacturer’s recommended application temperature, otherwise it won’t work. More sealant isn’t always better. Too much can lead to problems when paving over. Cracksealing is important because it can buy time and help save money by delaying the expense of other major reconstructive work.

 

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Resurfacing Concrete With Asphalt

Concrete is an inexpensive building material that shows up in a number of domestic and commercial applications. It is often used for floors, driveways, sidewalks, and even parking lots. However, concrete has limitations. These problems may show up over time or as the concrete weathers:

  • Unsightly staining. This can range from mold to spilled garage chemicals to simple weathering that gives it a dull look.
  • Cracks. These may start from impacts, extreme temperatures, or water. They can start out small but, if not addressed, will spread and worsen.
  • Surface pitting. This kind of damage, which may come from sources like weather or chemical contact, makes the concrete vulnerable to cracking. It is also unsightly.
  • Potholes. These can develop and worsen during use.
  • Bulges. They may appear after a winter and hint at potential water damage. Bulges also stress and weaken the concrete in these areas.
  • Erosion. If you see erosion in the earth under the edges of the concrete, this is a sure sign of water flowing down there.

What can you do if you notice these issues? Can you prevent trouble before it develops? In both cases, you may want to resurface your concrete with asphalt.

What is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing involves placing a solid layer of asphalt over the existing concrete. It does not involve removing the concrete or randomly patching problems. Resurfacing creates a smooth surface that is pedestrian and vehicle friendly. It also does not allow water to seep in and cause damage.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt?

Asphalt has a number of advantages over concrete. These include:

  • Price. Asphalt is often a more budget-friendly solution than pouring new concrete. It may be half the price or less.
  • Durability. Due to how it’s made, asphalt tends to hold up better to harsh weather. If you live in an area with intense winters, asphalt may be the better choice.
  • Easy maintenance. Asphalt is easy to remove snow and ice from. It holds up better to road salting. Snow and ice melt faster on this heat-retaining surface. Finally, due to the color, it does not show stains as much.
  • Easy repair. When concrete gets damaged, you will typically need to replace or resurface it. Meanwhile, asphalt can be directly repaired. The material bonds well to patches and new areas. This makes it easy to repair cracks and other damage.
  • Quick installation. Asphalt has a noticeably quicker time for installation, making it a great fit for businesses that don’t want to shut down for very long.
  • Repaving is easy. Because asphalt is made of a number of layers, it is straightforward to remove and replace just the surface.

Take it To the Pros

When it comes to surfaces you walk and drive on, you want to make sure it gets done right the first time around. It’s vital to create a smooth surface that won’t harm tires or cause people to trip. Large areas like parking lots may require banking so water drains properly. It’s also important that the surface creates a seal, keeping water out. Water can cause a lot of damage, especially during freezing winters.

This is why it’s essential to hire experienced professionals. The right company can evaluate what your home or business needs. They’ll give you a quote and get the job done quickly.