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Necessary Asphalt Paving Solutions: Driveway Paving vs. Parking Lot Paving

Asphalt companies do many kinds of paving for their clients, as you likely know. Two of the most common types of paving that these companies do are driveway paving and parking lot paving. These two kinds of asphalt paving have similarities and differences. It is important that you know about driveway paving and parking lot paving in detail. Keep reading to find out more about driveway paving and parking lot paving. 

Parking Lot Paving 101

As when discussing anything, it is important to start with the basics. Asphalt is one type of material that is used in parking lot paving. There are advantages and disadvantages to paving a parking lot using asphalt. One of the advantages of choosing asphalt is that whoever you hire to pave your parking lot can install the asphalt more quickly. 

Additionally, one more advantage of choosing asphalt is that it is cheaper because paving the parking lot takes less time with asphalt than it does with concrete. A shorter paving project means a cheaper paving project. Asphalt companies can usually lay down the asphalt for the parking lot in only a few days. Of course, this depends on how large the parking lot is, but in general, asphalt parking lots take less time to complete than concrete parking lots. 

An asphalt parking lot can be a good choice because it has a long lifespan, too. You do need to get some preventative maintenance done on asphalt, but if this maintenance is done, the asphalt will work and look like it is new for quite some time. If maintained properly, asphalt pavement may last twenty years or more. Even when the asphalt is replaced, the top layer is normally the only layer that gets repaved. The middle layer and base layer of the asphalt are considered to be permanent and do not need to be repaved, generally speaking. 

Driveway Paving 101

Asphalt is also commonly used to pave driveways. Of course, driveway paving is different from parking lot paving in a number of ways. That being said, an asphalt driveway still has a number of advantages compared to a concrete driveway. One advantage that you should know about is that an asphalt driveway is more flexible than concrete because asphalt is more flexible compared to concrete overall. 

Because of this flexibility, asphalt paving is less likely to crack. By contrast, concrete either cracks or remains firm. Asphalt has a level of flexibility before cracking that concrete does not. Additionally, as you might have guessed, an asphalt driveway is usually cheaper to install than a concrete driveway. 

How Does Driveway Paving Compare to Parking Lot Paving?

Asphalt companies typically have plenty of experience doing both parking lot paving and driveway paving. One thing you should know is that parking lot paving often takes more time and is more expensive. This is because of the simple fact that parking lots are bigger than driveways, generally speaking. Additionally, driveway paving is done in residential areas, whereas parking lot paving is often done in commercial areas. 

One similarity that asphalt driveway paving and asphalt parking lot paving share is that they are both generally cheaper than concrete paving. That is one reason you might prefer asphalt paving instead of concrete paving. In any case, you can find many trustworthy and competent asphalt companies in your area if you need any sort of paving done.

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Pricing a Crack Sealing Job: What You Need to Know

One of the difficult things about pricing a crack sealing job is that no two projects are created in quite the same way. Sometimes, concrete repair can be done quickly. Other situations that go beyond normal “wear and tear” require a more extensive approach.

Regardless, so long as you break the process down into a series of smaller and more manageable steps, you’ll be able to come up with an accurate estimate in terms of the crack sealing cost to work from moving forward.

Surface Preparation for Concrete Companies

One of the most important things to understand about concrete repair is that it’s not something you can just hastily get started on. Preparing the surface is one of the keys to success and that process can take more time than people realize.

Naturally, the surface will need to be spotless before work can begin in earnest. If you’re working with a modestly-sized driveway, this will go faster than if you’re talking about a massive commercial parking lot with A) a lot of dust, dirt, and debris that need to be cleared, and B) countless large and small cracks.

The Amount of Crack Sealing Material You’re Going to Use

Next, you have to consider the amount of crack sealing material you’re going to use. This will typically be dictated by the size of the space you’re working with, as well as how extensive the cracks are that you’re working to repair.

If the job involves a very large, very old parking lot, you’re probably dealing with more extreme cracks. Because of that, you’ll use more asphalt crack filler than if you were performing routine maintenance on a more recent lot. The more material you use, the more expensive the job will be.

Manpower Cost

No discussion of anticipated crack sealing cost estimates would be complete without diving into one of the most important parts: manpower. Each person performing the work will need to be paid appropriately, and it should come as no surprise that a job that requires multiple people will naturally cost more than ones that will be completed alone.

Making sure that your people have access to the best equipment (like gas-powered crack cleaning machines, for example) will help them work more efficiently, which should cut down on a lot of the manpower requirements (and labor costs) as a result.

The Type of Material You Are Using

Finally, you need to carefully consider the type of material you’re using and how that will impact the overall cost of the project. Some types of premium materials are simply more expensive than others, even if you’re talking about the same quantity or volume.

When using asphalt seal coating, for example, there are multiple types to consider. You can choose between asphalt emulsion, coal tar emulsion, acrylic asphalt sealer, and gilsonite. Asphalt emulsion is typically on the more cost-effective side of the price scale. However, depending on the conditions of the job you find in front of you, it may be wise to invest in something on the pricier end.

Even the brand of a particular material and the store you choose to buy it from can impact how much you will pay, so be sure to take all of this into consideration and adjust your prices accordingly.

If you’d like to find out more information about the factors that impact crack sealing cost and how you should price each job, please don’t delay – contact us today.

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How to Prevent Potholes from Forming

Asphalt potholes are a hazard that you want to avoid whenever possible. Driving on potholes can lead to popped tires, and other damage to your vehicle. If you own a parking lot with potholes, people can get hurt if they don’t see a pothole while walking. Asphalt companies will encourage you to have potholes on your property fixed to avoid damage to vehicles or personal injuries. Preventing asphalt potholes from forming can keep your driveway or parking lot safe for use.

Clean the Driveway or Parking Lot Every Week

The best way to catch cracks or small potholes early is to have a weekly cleaning schedule for your driveway or parking lot. This can be done using a simple broom, hose, or blower. When you check your driveway weekly, and clean it off, you are going to notice any problems as soon as they begin.

Patch Any Cracks Immediately After Discovery

If you find a crack in your asphalt, this should be repaired right away. Asphalt companies are usually available quick to take care of small cracks you uncover during a routine cleaning. When you ignore a crack in your asphalt, the problem is only going to get worse over time. Water can get below the surface of your asphalt through a crack, and wreak havoc with your sub-structure below.

Invest in Asphalt Sealing Every Few Years

The asphalt on your driveway is going to fade over time. To keep the structural integrity of your asphalt intact, have the driveway sealed every two to three years. Asphalt companies will apply a thin layer of asphalt onto the existing surface, where it will then protect your driveway for a few years. Once the seal has worn off, you can apply another coat.

Remove Weeds From Your Driveway

Weeds can get into the cracks or crevices of your asphalt, and will continue to grow if you don’t remove them. As weeds grow, they are going to multiply. This will cause a crack to widen further, and eventually a pothole will form. If you find weeds in your driveway, take the time to remove them periodically. Use a spray to prevent weeds from growing in the cracks of your driveway if possible.

Clean Up Oil Stains Immediately

Oil should never be left to sit on your driveway, as this is going to destroy the asphalt. Oil spills are messy, and the oil is hazardous enough to cause damage to the asphalt. If the oil remains without getting cleaned up, you will eventually have cracks and potholes form because of the damage.

Improve the Drainage of Your Parking Lot or Driveway

If you have problems with puddles forming on your asphalt, this is going to lead to the formation of asphalt potholes. When there is a puddle, this means the water is not draining from your property adequately. Standing water breaks down the surface of your asphalt, leading to weak, cracked asphalt that starts to sink. 

Pay attention to any problems with your asphalt surface, and contact an asphalt company for crack repair and pothole filling if you need it. Take the time to clean your asphalt weekly, and deal with small repairs quickly to avoid a complete failure of your asphalt surface.

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5 Things You Need to Know About Alligator Cracking

Concrete cracking occurs for a number of reasons, and it’s important to take care of cracks to prolong the lifespan of your asphalt. Alligatored asphalt is a term used by concrete companies to identify cracks that look like alligator skin. The cracks can be small, and caused by too much traffic, heavy loads, or from temperature extremes. If you have problems with the structural integrity of your concrete, it’s time to learn more about solving the problem.

Alligator Cracking Is Common

One of the first things to understand about concrete cracking, is that alligator cracking is a common type of damage you will see with asphalt. It can occur no matter how old the concrete is, and will need to be repaired to prevent water from getting below the surface to cause further issues.

Heavy Loads are Only One Cause of Alligator Cracking

Too much weight on your driveway or parking lot is only one way that alligator cracking occurs. Excessive traffic on the concrete will eventually cause it to wear down and crack. An inadequate subgrade below the surface can lead to alligator cracking, because the concrete is not being properly supported during use.

It’s Expensive to Neglect Alligator Cracks

If you don’t take the time to repair small concrete cracking issues, it is going to get expensive to repair the problem over time. When you ignore alligator cracks in concrete, the integrity of the surface of your driveway or parking lot is ruined. This means water and other debris can get below the surface, degrading the supporting foundation. Cracks will start to get larger, and eventually you will need to replace the entire project.

You Can Clean Alligatored Concrete Easily

Understand that you don’t have to use a pressure washer in order to properly clean alligatored concrete. This surface can be cleaned with a regular hose, water, and stiff broom to remove dirt and debris. If you try to use a pressure washer on alligatored concrete, you could end up applying too much pressure and causing further damage to the concrete.

Summer is the Best Time to Repair Concrete

If you have alligatored asphalt on your property, summer is the best time to consider hiring concrete companies to take care of the work for you. The weather is nice, and you want to be sure that you have enough warmth for the asphalt to cure. When asphalt is laid in the warm weather months, it can be applied with the intent that it will shrink slightly when the cold weather hits. If you have noticed problems with alligator concrete cracking, summer is a great time to call for a repair.

When you take good care of your asphalt, it can last for many years without a problem. Pay attention to any small cracks, and get those filled in before they become too large to repair. Avoid heavy traffic on your concrete, and clean the surface periodically to remove any dirt, debris or chemical spills. When you take care of small repairs, your driveway is going to last longer. Good maintenance is less expensive than replacing the existing surface because of neglect.

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7 Signs You Need a Mill and Overlay

When it comes to private road construction, something like an asphalt driveway is an investment – and it’s one that should always be protected. That includes paying attention to certain warning signs that indicate a mill and overlay would be highly recommended for not only your driveway, but for also sidewalks and other private roads you may be dealing with. 

Asphalt Chipping

One of the most immediate signs that you need a mill and overlay comes by way of any asphalt chipping that you may be experiencing. This is most commonly caused by structural stress and a mill and overlay can help cut down on this a great deal.

Large and Deep Cracks

Large and deep cracks are similar warning sign in that they are caused by overloading thin driveways, sidewalks, or private roads. Note that these cracks will need to be properly repaired prior to the mill and the overlay being added.

Numerous Small Cracks

Numerous small cracks are usually caused by weaker base materials. However, excessive stress and even poor drainage can also exacerbate the issue significantly.

Large Potholes

If water is allowed to seep into any of those aforementioned cracks that you’re seeing with your driveway, sidewalk, or private road, it is highly likely that you’ll be looking at potholes in your future. That water then freezes and expands and when it thaws, it causes those cracks to turn into potholes. Luckily, a mill and overlay can help with all of this.

Numerous Pockmarks

One clear warning sign that you need a mill and overlay has to do with numerous pockmarks forming over a (relatively) short period of time. This, too, is usually caused by one of a few unfortunately common reasons – like a lack of repairs, maintenance and general upkeep over the years, weak materials used in the subgrade, and poor construction overall. These pockmarks will likely continue to worsen and form full-fledged potholes if they aren’t addressed as soon as possible.

Faded Color

Obviously, an asphalt road, pathway, or driveway is going to be exposed to the elements constantly. As time marches on, and it sees a constant exposure to not only the sun and heat but also rain, wind, and even snow in some parts of the country, the asphalt coating will slowly begin to degrade. That will not only leave your asphalt more susceptible to normal wear and tear like cracking, but it will also cause it to fade in color far easier, too.

Widespread Oil Staining

Let’s face facts – sometimes, your car leaks oil or other types of chemicals. But if you don’t clean up those spills right away, a number of bad things can happen. For starters, that stain will become harder and harder to clean – creating an unsightly appearance. But also, that oil can seep further into the asphalt and cause additional damage like cracking. A mill and overlay can help take care of all this and more.

If you’d like to find out more information about the signs to watch out for to let you know that you might need a mill and overlay, or if you just have any additional questions about things like private road construction that you’d like to go over in more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.