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5 Planning Tips for Property Managers

Managing real estate can be a great way to earn a living. While there will always be a demand for property managers in the real estate industry, there are many important tasks that a property manager has to keep up with. One very important task that they need to follow is to keep up with the maintenance and repair for their concrete. While a asphalt and concrete can last for a long time, it does require some upkeep along the way. Eventually, the property will need either a new overlay or repairs to the existing concrete. There are five planning tips that a property manager should follow when going through this process.

Schedule and Prepare for the Consultation

If you have a property that you are looking to improve or notice that there are cracks or other wear and tear in the paving, it is important to have it checked out by a concrete and asphalt paving company as soon as you can. When you have one of these companies come out they will be able to provide a full consultation. This will include providing an assessment of the condition of your pavement and an analysis of what forms of remediation are available.

Once you have scheduled the consultation, you will need to prepare for it. This process will include clearing the pavement as much as possible and walking it to identify areas of concern that should be inspected. You should also questions prepared to ask your consultant when they arrive.

Review and Hone Your Budget

The cost of pavement projects can vary considerably from one to the next. It is important to have a good sense of what your project and future maintenance costs will be. You should assess your property budget regularly to ensure there are reserves available to pay for these costs.

Devise a Long-Term Maintenance Schedule

A maintenance schedule for any asphalt or concrete surface should also be put in place. Some forms of maintenance that are needed will include cleaning and reapplying sealer, cleaning up any spilled oil or stains as soon as possible and using chemicals that will not harm the concrete. Doing all of this will extend the life of your pavement.

Schedule Regular Site Inspections

Even if you stay current with your maintenance needs, you should stil inspect it regularly. A concrete inspector will be able to carefully check over your concrete to see if there are any cracks or other areas of concern. Based on these inspections, you may notice deferred maintenance items that can be fixed before turning into larger problems.

Choose the Right Commercial Paving Contractor  

One of the most important tips that you can follow for any pavement job is choosing the right contractor. There are likely a variety of asphalt and concrete companies in your local area to choose from. When you are looking for a contractor, you should do some research online to get a sense of consumer reviews. It would be a good idea to get a sense of their reputation for quality work, staying within budget, getting the work done on time and providing good customer service.

When researching contractors, you should also meet with at least a few different options. This will allow you to get multiple opinions and quotes, which could then be compared to select the best deal. Prior to signing any contract you should also get a current copy of their license and insurance.

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How To Build Concrete Steps & Add Value To Your Home

If you are reasonably handy with power tools and understand the importance of getting a project level and square, building concrete steps can save you a few dollars. As DIY tasks go, concrete steps can be somewhat labor-intensive. But with the right tools and by following these steps carefully, you can add value to your property.

1: Gather Your Tools & Materials

You will likely need the following tools and materials to complete a set of concrete steps: a 4-foot level, framing square, circular saw, hammer, wheelbarrow, shovel, concrete edger, broom, tape measure, circular saw, concrete, trowel, 2x lumber, gravel, rubble, and plywood.

2: Take Initial Measurements

Measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the doorway. Now calculate how many steps you will need extending away from the building at 7 inches per step. This is to say, each step is supposed to be no more than 7 inches. If the door threshold’s bottom is 21 inches from the ground, you usually need three concrete steps. If the height can’t be divided by 7 inches evenly, get each step as close as you can. You can make shorter steps, but not taller ones.

3: Set Your Footings

Excavate the ground where the concrete steps will be poured. Layout 2x lumber to form two boxes to pour the footings. Check that they are perfectly level. These should extend about three inches wider than your steps. As the concrete starts to harden, insert rebar into the footings so that it sticks up about 6-8 inches. Fill the center space with gravel.

4: Build A Frame

Measure and cut two plywood sections to mirror the sides of the concrete steps, based on your measurements. Set one on each footing with 3 inches protruding at the bottom. Check that they are also level. Cut 2x materials to create the face of each step, not the part you would walk on. Hammer them in place. Cut a 2×4 to create a brace. This typically is one length that extends from the ground and over the steps. Attach shorter braces — called cleats — that point down and support each step o the front. Hammer the last cleat into the ground and attach the long length to ensure it stays in place. Check to make certain your concrete steps will all be level, and the form is square.

5: Fill In The Form

Consider using stones, bricks, or cinderblock pieces to fill up a portion of the form. This will cut down on the amount of concrete needed. This strategy also tends to alleviate some pressure on your forms when the concrete is poured. Save room to insert lengths of ½-inch thick rebar about 3-4 inches below the concrete steps’ surface.

6: Fill With Concrete

Mix your concrete in the wheelbarrow and shovel it into the concrete steps form. It’s essential to prepare a firm but moist concrete mixture. This will help prevent leakage, reduce the hardening time, and allow you to manipulate it effectively.

7: Detail Your Concrete Steps

Use the edger to enhance the outer areas’ appearance once the concrete is fairly hard. Then take the broom and add traction lines to the spaces people will place their feet.

8: Remove Forms

Concrete steps usually take 12 to 24 hours to cure. Once the concrete has hardened, remove the forms. A flat tool such as a trowel may prove effective. Keep in mind that hard impacts or prying from tools such as a crowbar can damage the steps.

Concrete steps require some muscle to build. While handy homeowners can save a few bucks on labor, a masonry contractor may be worth considering.

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Landscaping Projects with Sand & Gravel Delivery

If you are thinking about conducting a landscaping project in your yard, they need to make sure that you have the right material. Two of the most common options that can help you get your landscaping project underway are sand and gravel. At the same time, sand and gravel come in many different shapes and forms. Therefore, you need to make sure that you understand the option so that you can make the right decision to meet your needs. Take a look at a few of the options below.

Utility Sand

One of the most common options is called utility sand. Also referred to as fill sand, this sand is rather coarse in its texture. It is a mixture of several particles including tan, white, gray, and brown. The most common use of utility sand is underneath paving stones. For example, this is a common material that is used to cushion concrete. Utility sand packs particularly well even though it is not processed at all. Even though it is not the softest sand, it is commonly found in numerous yard landscaping projects.

Beach Sand

Another option you might want to go with is called beach sand. Beach sand is incredibly fine in its texture. It is very similar to what people see on their vacation. Some of the most common locations of beach sand include playgrounds, volleyball courts, and even sandboxes. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as play sand. It is free of silica and safe for children to play in. For those who want a soft spot in their backyard, beach sand is a good choice.

Masonry Sand

Another option that might be helpful in backyard Landscaping projects is called masonry sand. Also referred to as white sand, this and comes in tan, gray, white, and beige colors. This is a clean sand that is usually used to create concrete or mortar. Masonry sand is also commonly found underneath bricks, blocks, and stones. It is much easier to work with than utility sand, which may make it less expensive. Masonry sand is also commonly found under patio and deck construction. Finally, masonry sand can also be used to create clean, white lines between bricks or blocks, which some homeowners like in their landscaping projects.

Decomposed Granite

Finally, those who might want to go with gravel instead might have heard about decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is commonly found in yard landscaping projects. In some cases, decomposed Granite can be found in the flowerbeds and around bushes, covering up the soil. In other situations, decomposed Granite could be used to line walkways and pathways. Decomposed granite can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional landscaping options. As a result, it is not unusual to see decomposed granite around flower beds and walkways. At the same time, it is not the most comfortable playing surface. Therefore, decomposed granite should not be used around sandboxes, playgrounds, or other places where children might be running around.

Choose the Right Sand or Gravel for the Landscaping Project

For those who were thinking about adding a landscaping project to the yard, it is important to come up with the right material. There are multiple types of sand and gravel available. Anyone who has a landscaping project in the near future for their yard should consider reaching out to trained professionals who can help them with sand delivery and gravel delivery before the project starts!

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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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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.