By admin Construction • • • • 0 Comments

7 Critical Checks for Parking Lot Drains

Business owners commonly think about cracks and damage that lead to asphalt repair; however, it is just as important to think about parking lot drains as well because parking lot repair can be expensive. Water is a good thing when it comes to parking lots; however, too much water can also lead to serious damage. Even shallow puddles can cause the surface to become slippery. Cars can lose control and collide with other vehicles, leading to both personal injuries and property damage. This can cause the reputation of the business to suffer. This is where it is important to check parking lot drainage, starting with the drains themselves.

Checking for Parking Lot Drainage: The Drains

Some of the most important items that need to be on this checklist regarding parking lot drains include:

Water Collection: First, take a look around the drain. Make sure there isn’t any water ponding around the drain. If water starts to pool around the drain, it will collect along the sides. As a result, pressure around the drain will start to increase. During the winter, this water will freeze. When water freezes, it expands. This will cause the drain and concrete to crack, leading to damage.

Flush with the Surface: All parking lot drains need to be flush with the asphalt surface. If it is not, this is a major concern. If the drain is not flush with the asphalt, this can cause water to pool. It can also lead to flooding.

Ring Popping Up: Another potential issue that people might notice with their parking lot drains is that the ring is popping up a little bit. In this case, a small asphalt patch can fix the issue. Just make sure the patch is level. This will prevent a collar from forming that will stop the water from draining correctly.

Inside: Be sure to check inside the drain as well. Take the time to look for gunk, foul smells, and debris. If there is a clog inside the drain, this can also lead to a mosquito nest, which is a major nuisance. To look inside the drain, test the drain by pouring water into it. It should drain properly.

Blockage: Of course, it is also important to make sure that parking lot drains are not blocked by either debris of vegetation. If the drain is blocked, water cannot reach it properly. This will lead to flooding.

Loose Material: Sometimes, there is loose material that forms around the drain. This could be sand, gravel, or other materials. This is a major problem if the drain is near a major road. This aggregate can be brought in by runoff and heavy rain. Ensure this is not accumulating within t the drain.

Pooling: Finally, look at the center of the parking lot. Does the water pool in this location? Parking lots usually slope from one end to the other to help water drain. If water is pooling in the center, this means the center of the parking lot has dropped, causing water to pool and preventing it from draining properly. This will require a parking lot repair.

These are the most important elements when it comes to checking parking lot drains. This is important for making sure that all moisture drains properly. It will prevent property damage from arising down the line and save people money on asphalt repair.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

What Causes Asphalt Pavement to Deteriorate?

Asphalt pavement is the most commonly used material the world over for roads, airport tarmacs, parking lots, and driveways because it is very durable, resilient, cost-effective, and quick and easy to put down. When proper inspection and asphalt maintenance is conducted it can be expected to last for as much as 25 years. However, it’s not indestructible, and there are many factors that can cause pavement damage over time, including exposure to the elements, improper construction techniques, and just normal wear and tear. Here are some of the most common causes of asphalt pavement damage.

Causes Of Asphalt Pavement Deterioration

  • Water and moisture. Water will always seek out the cracks and seams on any surface, breaking down the material that holds the asphalt together and washing out the foundation from underneath, leading to cracks and collapse. This is especially true in areas with heavy rainfall and poor drainage.
  • Heat and sunlight. The UV rays from the sun and the heat they generate will eventually dry out the flexible asphalt material and cause it to lift up and separate from the compacted material of its foundation, again causing cracks and fissures that also allow water in leading to further pavement damage.
  • Petroleum and other chemicals. Asphalt pavements that are used to accommodate motor vehicles such as roads, airport tarmacs, and driveways are constantly exposed to leaks of oil and gasoline as well as the chemicals emitted from combustion. This can cause the asphalt to begin to break down in as little as a few years without proper maintenance. Asphalt companies routinely do repairs on damage from these chemicals.
  • Utility work. When utility companies have to service underground gas, sewer, or power lines they often don’t do a very good job of repairing the asphalt pavement they have to tear up to get at the lines, leading to immediate and accelerated future damage.
  • Tree roots. Especially in dryer regions or those with sandy soil where tree roots have to grow further out in search of water, they can do a lot of damage to any asphalt pavement they encounter by undermining the foundation and causing a collapse of the road or driveway.
  • Heavy traffic. Obviously any asphalt pavement that has hundreds or even thousands of heavy vehicles traveling over it every day is going to need repairs of potholes and fissures more frequently due to normal wear, and asphalt companies are constantly at work maintaining them, as every driver knows.
  • Expansion and contraction. Asphalt pavement that is exposed to extreme cold and hot temperatures will expand and contract as it heats and cools. This causes it to weaken and can lead to upheavals, or blowups, that can happen literally overnight and cause a major hazard to drivers and their vehicles.
  • Poor construction and application. Improper construction techniques are a common cause of asphalt pavement damage. This usually means that the base foundation below the asphalt was improperly compacted or the asphalt was too thinly applied or applied at the wrong temperature.

When asphalt pavement has been installed by a reputable contractor and is properly inspected and maintained it will normally provide many years of service. It’s important when choosing which asphalt companies to use that they have the experience and expertise to do the job right and be available to service their work.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

Pavement and Fuel Consumption: Is There a Link?

Fuel efficiency in motor vehicles has been a major concern ever since the 1970s and has garnered even more attention in recent years due to the global warming debate. Interested parties include environmentalists, government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, the trucking and transportation industries, and the everyday consumer driving their cars. The focus has mainly been centered on creating better vehicle designs, with more aerodynamic forms and fuel-efficient engines, as well as alternative fuels. But recently a whole new field of environmental science has emerged that is taking a close look at the pavement that vehicles drive on and how it affects fuel efficiency. Their findings so far indicate that pavement does indeed have a significant impact on how much fuel a vehicle uses with far-reaching implications for those concerned with road construction and asphalt maintenance.

Roughness And Responsiveness

Asphalt is by far the most used material for building roadways around the world, accounting for about 90% of the 2.5 million miles of pavement existing in the U.S. and 3.2 million miles in Europe. The scientists and engineers who are studying the relationship between pavement characteristics and fuel consumption are generally measuring the effects of three basic factors:

  • Roughness – The smoothness of the roadway affects the drive train components and suspension system of a vehicle as well as the flexing of the sidewalls of the tires. A rough pavement makes these systems work harder, which in turn causes the engine to work harder to overcome these stresses, using more fuel.
  • Macrotexture – This is a measurement of the pavement surface that has an effect on the friction and resistance between the tires and the road.
  • Structural Responsiveness – This is a measure of how much a pavement material will deform, or give, under the weight of a vehicle passing over it.

All of these factors taken together have a big impact on fuel consumption. And they change over time as the roadway is used and as natural elements such as heat, cold, and water deteriorate the pavement and cause potholes and rough surfaces requiring asphalt repair.

Smoother Is Better And Asphalt Is Best

The research has shown that the smoothness of pavement is the dominant factor in fuel efficiency. The rougher the road, the greater the fuel consumption. And the studies have shown that asphalt is the best material for the construction and maintenance of smooth pavements. A U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) report in 1999 stated: “Concrete roads may produce rougher readings than asphalt roads, even if the concrete road is of very high quality. Features such as joints between sections can contribute to the roughness of concrete highways.”

It’s clear that making a bigger investment in asphalt maintenance on the nation’s highways and byways at the federal, state, and local level will have significant benefits for fuel-efficiency. This would not only help to make for a cleaner environment, but it would save the trucking and transportation industries, as well as the average consumer, a lot of money on fuel costs, which would be good for the economy. It would also mean significant savings on vehicle maintenance and repair.

Adequate asphalt maintenance and repair should be a high priority for the nation’s policymakers. It’s the right thing to do.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

Spring Cleaning Your Parking Lot: A DIY Guide

Keeping a run down and the disheveled parking lot is a risky proposition. Holes in the asphalt can cause blown out tires, which is a nuisance and can lead to unnecessary tire repair requests. Customers tripping and falling on your property is even worse because they might hurt themselves and potentially sue for damages.

To avoid these scenarios, it’s best to focus on asphalt maintenance and repair. Tackle this project during the warm spring months to get your parking lot up to snuff. And then focus on maintenance to keep your property looking pristine and in good repair.

1. Regular Asphalt Cleanings Are an Absolute Must.

Cleaning your parking lot is about more than presenting an attractive appearance. While it’s certainly nice to keep a clean lot for your customers, cleaning and maintaining your lot will go a long way toward preserving the durability and lifespan of your asphalt.

Start by removing and eliminating all surface debris. Get rid of the garbage, leaves, and other trash and refuse built up marring the surface of your parking lot. By removing this gunk and debris on a regular basis, you’ll prevent damage and unsightly stains from ruining your attractive asphalt parking lot floor.

2. Fix Unsightly Potholes Using Proper Asphalt Repair.

Potholes are going to happen whether you like it or not. When water works its way underneath the pavement’s surface, it expands and contracts and gets underneath in the groundwater. This creates potholes that will otherwise ruin your asphalt.

Proper asphalt repair means completing the pothole repair process. This process consists of four steps and is simple enough for every DIY expert looking to save a couple of bucks by making the repairs themselves.

The 4 step process to fix potholes includes:

  • Cleaning out the pothole by removing unnecessary and unwanted dirt and debris that gets underneath the pavement. This debris can otherwise weaken a pothole repair.
  • Heating up the pothole is necessary for the elimination of excess moisture. Getting rid of this extra moisture from beneath the payment makes it possible to apply new asphalt.
  • Putting new asphalt in the pothole is the third step. For the most part, hot mix asphalt is the ideal choice to perform this repair. After applying it in the hole, you should compact the asphalt to increase resistance and ensure water reduction.
  • Cooling the new asphalt is the fourth and final step. If more debris is discovered around or near the repair, please remove it at this time.

All in all, it’s typically okay to drive on repaired potholes immediately after fixing the problem. So don’t worry about cordoning off the area because it’s an unnecessary inconvenience at best.

3. Sealcoating Is an Excellent Choice for Asphalt Maintenance.

Sealcoating is a powerful way to prolong the health and lifespan of your asphalt parking lot. Why? Simply put, it fills in the damaged areas on the surface by providing a protective coating.

Sealcoating is perfect because it prevents water damage, damage from vehicle fluid, and it even stops harm from powerful UV rays dead in its tracks. To achieve the best results with seal coating, you should apply a new coat every 3 to 5 years to gain maximum surface protection.

Each new seal coating application means giving your surface a fresh and updated look. It’s also the perfect way to guarantee proper asphalt maintenance.

Recap

In conclusion, please remember that parking lot of spring cleaning and maintenance is a must to keep your asphalt in excellent condition. Always remember to clean the surface, repair potholes as they pop up, and apply seal coating every 3 to 5 years to ensure proper maintenance and asphalt repair. If you follow these guidelines, your parking lot will maintain an attractive appearance for many years to come.

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The Top Ways to Remove Paint from Concrete

Do you need to remove paint on concrete, but you aren’t sure where to start? There are a number of methods for stripping it. These create a clean surface ready for repainting or concrete repair. Some important factors include:

  • How much surface area you’re dealing with
  • What condition the paint is in
  • Your technical skill level

Here are five methods for removing unwanted paint from commercial concrete:

Elbow Grease

If you have a small spill of wet or badly weathered paint, you may be able to simply scrub it off. You’ll need a scraper, a wire brush, some upper body strength, and plenty of patience.

Sweep the area and apply a cleaning solution. Diluted trisodium phosphate works well here. If you don’t have that or aren’t comfortable working with it, try soap and water. Wet the area down and let it sit for a few minutes before beginning to work. Re-wet the concrete as you go. If nothing else, you may be able to remove enough paint that you’ll only need one round of paint stripper to take off the rest.

Power Washer

If you have a commercial power washer, there is a chance that it can handle this problem. Power washers can be very effective for still-wet paint from spills. It may also be used to remove old, cracked, or peeling paint. However, dry and cured paint in good condition may require more aggressive methods of removal.

Paint Stripper

Paint strippers are very effective and can clear off large areas of paint. However, these chemicals can be dangerous, so follow the instructions carefully.

Start the process with a thorough concrete cleaning. Use a broom or vacuum. If necessary, scrub off sticky residue with soap and water.

Next, get a chemical paint stripper from your local building supply or home improvement company. If you know whether the paint is oil based or water based, use a paint stripper formulated for that. Otherwise, try products intended for oil based paint.

Apply the paint stripper. Make sure that you wear protective gear. Once the stripper has set for enough time (this varies by the brand), scrape up softened paint and scrub the area with a wire brush. If some paint remains, repeat the process.

Scouring Paste

To make a scouring paste, simply mix a chemical paint stripper with something absorbent. Many people use crushed cat litter or powdered clay. Next, apply the paste and wait. Fast acting paint strippers may require 20 minutes to soak in, while slower formulations may need several hours.

Scrape the excess paste off and then scrub the area. The combination of an abrasive with the chemicals should help lift the paint in one or two applications.

Soda Blasting

This is a ‘dry’ form of scouring that blasts the area with chemical powders. Like with paint strippers, this is effective for larger areas. Baking soda is the most commonly used chemical. You’ll need to rent a pot blaster and purchase some coarser soda. Sand blasters cannot handle this job, and household baking soda is too fine to be effective. You should be able to buy the right kind of soda from the same place where you got the pot blaster. Follow the directions carefully, and don’t forget to use a respirator or dust mask while working.