By admin Asphalt Paving • Construction • • • 0 Comments

Why You Should Be ADA Compliant In Your Parking Lot

Improvements to your parking lot aren’t an expense, they’re an investment. Those simple changes can pay for themselves.

They’re also the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific guidelines and requirements to accommodate those with disabilities. For your parking lot to be ADA compliant, it must be accessible and have no barriers, among other requirements. A full list of requirements can be found here. It is a common misconception that parking lots constructed before 1990 have been grandfathered in and don’t need to meet ADA requirements. As of 2012, that isn’t true. All businesses are required by law to be ADA compliant.

Here are some of the ways you’ll benefit:

1. More Customers

ADA compliance is designed to make it easier for people to access everyday businesses. You’ll open opportunities for more people to visit your store or office, bringing in a whole new set of customers or clients.

People with disabilities make up the largest minority in the nation, and they represent more than 12 percent of the population. With the growth in the aging population, that’s a lot of potential new customers or clients!

2.  Tax Benefits

The IRS offers tax advantages in the form of credits and deductions for businesses that can help with the cost of making your parking lot ADA compliant. According to the ADA website, the credits can be up to $5,000 a year for businesses with less than one million in revenue “to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility” and the deductions can be up to $15,000 a year for all businesses for the cost of these improvements. Check with your accountant for more information.

3.  Higher Property Value

It’s hard to predict the future, and you could outgrow your current location. Making your parking lot ADA compliant may increase your business’s property value because potential buyers would not be saddled with the cost of improving the property, yet will still benefit from the upgrade.

4.  Competitive Advantage

If you’re ADA compliant and your competitor is not, you are likely to draw in more consumers. The aging population – which makes up a large percentage of those with disabilities – holds half of the discretionary income in the nation, Even people who aren’t disabled respect the needs of others and will patronize businesses that are accessible to their friends and family members with disabilities. This holds true for employees as well, and your competitive edge can extend to potential new hires.

5.  Community Spirit

While more difficult to quantify, making your parking lot ADA compliant tells your community “we care” by respecting the needs of others. Today’s consumer looks for businesses that are socially responsible. Consider the needs of people with disabilities and the difficulties they face in everyday activities. By showing consideration, you are telling the public you are a company to trust. If you are thinking of the public, the public is thinking of you.

Simple yet important changes to your parking lot can affect your bottom line, offsetting the cost of those improvements. Those improvements can be seen as more than a business expense, but rather, a marketing tool.

By admin Paving • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Temperature Should You Pour Concrete?

Concrete can be poured at any time when the temperatures have been above 40 F for over 72 hours. Moderate temperatures make the placement crew’s job easier as it sets up at a good pace, allowing ample time for edging, jointing, troweling and curing. In some instances, it can be placed when temperatures are lower but special additives are used, and heating may also be required. The other factors that can affect concrete pouring include wind speed, humidity levels, and the temperature of the sub-base which is the surface you will be pouring your concrete on.

Pouring your concrete in cold weather

In regards to concrete, cold weather is anything below 40ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in cold weather;
  • Should the sub-base be frozen thaw it with heaters. Alternatively, you could pour the concrete on Styrofoam material as it helps sustain the temperature in the concrete.
  • Order for concrete products that are designed to cure promptly. Cold weather concrete is capable of resisting thawing and freezing effects as they have air entrained voids.
  • Ascertain that the concrete you order for has a low slump also known as a drier mix to minimize bleed water. You can use a vacuum or squeegees to rid the concrete of bleed water. This will help decrease the setting time.
  • You could use hot water to mix the concrete or use extra cement, that is, 100 lbs per cubic yard of concrete to create a heated reaction.
  • Once you have successfully poured your concrete, maintain its temperatures at 50ºF for a minimum of 3 days to a maximum of 7 days. This can be achieved through the use of heated enclosures or an insulating blanket.
  • If you are going to make use of a heated enclosure, ascertain that it is weatherproof and windproof.
  • Once you determine that the concrete is well set, you can remove the insulating blanket or the heated enclosure to allow the concrete to air dry.

Pouring your concrete in hot weather

  • Hot temperature in regards to concrete pouring is anything above 77ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in hot weather;
  • Avoid pouring the concrete when it’s too hot to avoid temperature-related issues. You can do so either early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • You can erect shades along with wind barriers to protect the poured concrete from crusting or stiffening. Crusted concrete is highly susceptible to plastic shrinkage, crazing, and cracking.
  • Have a few people help you with the mixing process. Prolonged mixing only results in increased temperatures. You can add ice to the water mix to cool the temperature of the mixture.
  • You can dampen the sub-base to help minimize its temperature before pouring your concrete.
  • You can control the evaporation after pouring through the use of wet burlap, polyethylene sheets, waterproof paper, and windbreaks.
  • Should the weather be extremely hot, you will need to observe continuous moist curing for the next couple of days until the concrete is dry.

Finally, note that it is not advisable to place concrete when temperatures exceed 100 F, as it can flash set and there won’t be enough time for proper finishing.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • • • 0 Comments

Top 6 Factors that Affect Asphalt Paving Costs

Asphalt is one of the leading paving choices for its affordability and cost-efficiency. When an asphalt parking lot or driveway is properly paved and maintain, it can last for decades.

When installed properly, asphalt becomes less visible to most users than other parts of a construction project. For incredible end result, ensure asphalt installation is of high quality. Finding a balance between value and cost within a budget can be an uphill task.

So, what factors can affect asphalt paving cost?

 

Total Square Footage

When planning for asphalt paving, the size of coverage needs consideration. Long and wide pavements need a significant amount of base material, labour, time, and asphalt to complete. The depth of the prepared site is also an important factor.

Some tools like the Basic Construction’s Asphalt Calculator can approximate the amount of materials required. Estimation is made with reference to a benchmark mix density of 148 pounds per every cubic foot.

Although densities vary between mixes, the stated value is a standard rule-of-thumb ideal for estimation purposes. Reduced bulk rates may be available for considerably large projects.

 

Asphalt thickness based on load requirements

In most projects, a 4-inch depth is usually adequate. Nonetheless, 5 to 6 inches of full-depth asphalt guarantees a stable and strong paving ideal for a wide range of loads and climates. Some contractors make use of 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel or aggregate as a base for 3-inch asphalt pavement. Routinely, the cost incurred to apply asphalt to a parking lot is cheaper than that of a driveway. The greater surface results in price reduction per square foot. Heavy loads require thicker asphalt layers resulting in a more significant budget.

 

Possible obstructions

The lifespan of any paved surface relies on proper drainage. In case there are obstructions, more work is needed to make enough room for the new asphalt paving. Extra work increases the cost necessary to construct the asphalt pavement to completion.

 

Distance to the nearest hot plant

Asphalt transport cost from the production plant to the project site is a considerable factor in budgeting. Also, the type of asphalt required affects transport costs. Hot mixes cost more to transport than warm blends.

Some suppliers manufacture in-house asphalt while others combine raw materials from various locations. The best and most dependable suppliers own and operate an asphalt plant. They use their manufactured materials to make the asphalt guaranteeing consistent and high-quality products.

 

Permit requirements

Any asphalt project connecting to a public road must satisfy necessary requirements of the municipality. A permit may be necessary, and in some cases, you may need to change plans to suit municipality requirements. Changes and acquisition of permits may result in increment of the project cost.

 

Quality of the base

High quality base guarantees durability. However, it also attracts high cost. Installing between 8 and 10 inches of gravel below your asphalt is essential for drainage. The higher the material quality of the base, the more expensive your asphalt project becomes.

It is undeniable that asphalt is the most preferred material for paving. Before any undertaking, prepare a budget. Include every detail that may change costs. If you’re working on a shoe string budget, consider consulting an expert to help you minimize cost and maximize quality. Call us today to speak with one.

 

By admin Asphalt Driveway • Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

Issues with Standing Water on my Asphalt Parking Lot

Flooded parking lots make navigation nearly impossible for motorists and also poses mobility problems to pedestrians. What’s more, such derelict parking spaces end up causing damage to your precious car, and you’re forced to make expensive repairs every now and then. But where do these annoying puddles come from? And can the formation of these puddles on your asphalt parking lots be prevented?

The surface lining roads, pavements and curbs constantly undergo wear and tear as the vehicles use them and as the seasons come and pass. Weather plays a crucial role in shaping up these roads, especially during snowy weather conditions. The falling snow finds its way into small cracks and crevices lining the asphalt parking lots and pavements. With time, the snow starts to erode the surface of your parking lot, and that’s one of the main element behind the gaping potholes on your parking lots and roads.

Preventive Measures

Asphalt pavements also get damaged by heavy vehicles and trucks, either parked or moving. The excess tonnage of these earth monsters causes the pavements to get depressed, and in the process, the walkways are weakened. The best way to avoid weak and unstable sidewalks is by making sure the contractors compact the soils on the pavements foundation properly such that it can comfortably support heavy vehicles. Also, heavy vehicles ought not to be parked for extended durations on the asphalt parking lot. Finally, by regularly cleaning the parking lot it will last longer and will be much safer for all.

Drainage Fixes

Stagnant water pools on your parking lot may also come from a poor drainage infrastructure. The parking lot should have a robust drainage system capable of handling all the water rushing in from torrential rainfalls and burst sewage pipes. It’s worth noting that, puddling is a preventable problem. Consult with your local asphalt experts and get them to divulge other secrets and tips on how one undertakes proper parking lot maintenance.

Finding Asphalt Contractors

There’s no need whatsoever for you to panic just because of a clogged up parking lots. There’s always an easy solution and way out of the parking lot nightmares. The solution involves seeking the services of a reliable, trusted and accredited asphalt contractor and then paying them to undo the asphalt damage. The first thing that a licensed pavement repair contractor will do once you contact them is sending an expert to inspect the extent of damage on your parking lot.

The emissary from the asphalt construction company then uses their past exposure and experience to figure out what exactly is causing the unsightly potholes. The asphalt specialists may, for instance, decide to go with one of the most commonly used pavement repair procedures known as the infrared asphalt treatment. Alternatively, the issue may be emanating from old and malfunctioning drainage pipes, and in that case, the expert guides you on how to buy and install new gutters, curbs, and even trench drains from reputable concrete companies.

In conclusion

To save money and still walk away with a terrific pavement job, here’s what you should do. Always hire the most experienced asphalt pavement Solutions Company over the new and counterparts in the asphalt industry. To solve the standing water problems once and for all, you’re highly recommended to reach out to a registered asphalt pavement service provider.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • • 0 Comments

5 Reasons Why Your Business Should Install Asphalt Paths And Sidewalks

In business construction, there are a lot of things to consider. One of them is providing walkable access to the storefront. After all, there are numerous benefits to doing so. Here are 5 reasons why your business should install asphalt paths and sidewalks.

It Increases Security

Security is a vital concern for any business owner. After all, keeping employees and customers safe is important. So is safeguarding your business against a break-in and theft or vandalism. A common security measure for businesses is to use a security camera. However, these aren’t always successful. The low quality of the picture that most commonly-used cameras produce renders the devices ineffective as evidence. Plus, they don’t really deter criminal activity.

On the other hand, pathways in front of a business bring eyes to the street. You can easily see people approaching, so can your neighbors. Knowing they’re being watched is a proven deterrent for would-be criminals. Plus, these features have been shown to instill a sense of community and to decrease littering and speeding.

It Helps the Local Economy

When you add walkable access to your business, it often creates a domino effect with your neighboring businesses following suit. When that happens, your commercial neighborhood becomes more walkable and boosts the number of patrons to your businesses. Studies indicate that pedestrians spend at least 65 percent more than those who drive. Such projects boosted retail sales in Brooklyn 172% and infused more than $1 billion into local Portland, Oregon businesses.

Along with that comes an increase in employment in the area. Researchers found that when a commercial neighborhood was redesigned to be pedestrian-friendly, employment spiked to 300%. It’s a sound investment with businesses installing asphalt pathways or sidewalks received an average return of $11.80 for every $1 they invested in such projects.

It Stimulates Tourism

Tourists enjoy experiencing an area they visit by walking it. When they do so, they more easily visit businesses that are easily accessed by walkways. The benefit is that it creates an impression that will have them coming back and recommending visits to friends and family. Studies show that walkable commercial neighborhoods can increase tourism by as much as 300%. So it makes good sense for businesses to get in on this benefit when they add walkable accessibility to their front doors.

It Stimulates Additional Investment

When municipal governments notice the benefits of having businesses accessible by walkways, they often invest additional improvements to the area, such as parks and seating areas.

They also begin attracting additional private investment in the neighborhood. That’s a really good thing because neighborhoods with walkways have much fewer empty storefronts. A good example of this is New York City’s expansion of walkable space in Union Square, which decreased storefront vacancies by 49%.

It Boosts Property Values

When a neighborhood becomes more walkable and safe, a final benefit is that its property value increases. For home values, that can spike as much as $82 a square foot, which increases the equity of those homes.
For landlords, that often translates to being able to charge $300 per month more for rent. With that comes renters better able to afford to pay higher rent.