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3 Ways Asphalt and Concrete Surfaces Positively Impact Communities

Asphalt companies have made a significant contribution to our nation’s transportation system by paving roads that are cost-effective, safe, and can withstand the harsh cycles of freezing temperatures. Without asphalt roads that feature a dark surface which significantly reduces glare and is skid-resistant to reduce accidents on wet roads, the number of highway and road accidents would be higher.

There are other advantages of asphalt surfaces that positively impact our communities, making them safer and quieter while adding fuel efficiency.

3 Reasons to Support Asphalt Roads

1. Asphalt is sustainable and recyclable

Asphalt roads have a thick base course along with an intermediate and top wear course which is about 3 inches. When the time comes for resurfacing, it is only the top wear layer that is milled off, then reused to make a fresh new top layer about every 20 years. The underlying courses typically never need replacement and can remain very strong indefinitely.

Because asphalt is 100% recyclable, American taxpayers save billions of dollars each year when municipalities complete roadwork using sustainable asphalt surfaces.

2. Less noise means better communities

The smooth nature of asphalt roadways and the properties of asphalt itself make for a driving surface that is much quieter than other roadway materials. Notice that there are no construction joints on asphalt-paved surfaces. It is these joints that often lift up or buckle, causing noise as trucks and cars drive.

Many states have roadway smoothness requirements that must be met, and asphalt is the easiest way to create roads that are built smoothly and provide an extremely quiet driving surface. And, when the time does come to repair or replace asphalt, it is the quickest road to repair, which eliminates long hours of road construction.

3. Asphalt roads offer better fuel efficiency

The ultra-smooth surface of asphalt means there is less friction between car tires and the road. This adds to driving that is more controllable, more comfortable, and saves on gasoline. Even the construction of asphalt roads is efficient, because it is completed in just a few easy stages, which eliminates rerouting of traffic that can add to a driver’s commute time.

Fuel efficiency trickles down to greater benefits to the community, like better air quality and a smaller carbon footprint. When automobiles have better fuel efficiency, they cost less to operate and maintain. It is estimated that thousands of dollars can be saved by driving on asphalt roads.

Finally, asphalt can be formulated with a number of different additives to fit the different weather and road conditions that exist all over the country. There are some asphalt mixtures that contribute to a smoother surface and some that promote better rainwater drainage.

With the ability to engineer an asphalt roadway solution to fit the unique needs of each community, every one wins with a product that is recyclable, provides a smooth and quiet ride, and contributes to the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks.

Superior Aggregates Inc. has been solving asphalt paving problems for municipal, commercial, and residential customers in Boulder, CO and surrounding communities for over 27 years. From quick repairs to complete asphalt surface installations, we provide the highest in workmanship and material quality.

Contact Superior Aggregates to learn more about how our asphalt and concrete services can benefit you and your community.

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How Asphalt Gets Damaged: When to Contact an Asphalt Company for Repairs

An asphalt driveway or parking lot can last for years, but eventually you will need to contact an asphalt company for a replacement or repair. Asphalt gets damaged over time from temperature extremes, general wear and tear, spills on the asphalt, and when equipment is parked on the asphalt that is too heavy. There are a number of reasons to have your asphalt repaired, and it’s important to understand when it’s time to call for help to protect the longevity of your driveway or parking lot.

Temperature Extremes and Excessive Storms

When you live in an area that experiences temperature extremes, this can wreak havoc on your asphalt surfaces. Your asphalt will expand during hot weather, and contract slightly when the weather is freezing. This will eventually cause cracks in your asphalt that will need to be repaired. During heavy storms, your asphalt can get damaged by falling debris, and even hail storms when the hail is large enough. If you notice damage to your asphalt after a storm, you will want to have an asphalt company come to assess the damage.

Freezing Temperatures and Cracking

If water gets below the surface of your asphalt driveway or parking lot and freezes, this is going to cause frost heaves on your asphalt to form. When the ice develops, it is going to push up sections of your asphalt if there is enough water. This is why you address cracks in your asphalt immediately, so that water can’t get below the surface and cause frost heaves. Asphalt companies will work with you to address any cracks that develop before they can cause further damage to your asphalt.

Heavy Equipment and High Traffic Areas

Heavy equipment can lead to damage to your asphalt surfaces, especially when the equipment is parked for any length of time. In areas where you have substantial traffic, you may see your asphalt wear down faster than in areas where few cars travel. If you find indentations or cracks from heavy equipment that was parked on your asphalt, you will want to get this repaired. When you have indentations, this is going to ruin the structural integrity of your asphalt surface.

Oil and Chemical Spills on Your Asphalt

If you find an oil spill on your asphalt surface, this needs to be cleaned up right away. Chemical spills should be handled by asphalt companies with the experience you want to stay safe during the cleanup process. Oil and other chemicals can damage the asphalt, and cause you to need a parking lot or driveway replacement earlier than expected. Always have spills cleaned up immediately to avoid damage to your asphalt.

Asphalt companies can come to assess any damage to your parking lot or driveway when you believe there is damage to your property. Don’t ignore cracks, as these can let in water that may eventually freeze. Pay attention to any spills on your asphalt, and get these professionally cleaned up as needed. When you take good care of your asphalt surfaces, you should be able to avoid an early replacement. Looks for cracks, and call for help from asphalt companies when you need it.

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Asphalt Paving Services You Need And When to Get Them

While it’s true that asphalt pavement and other surfaces are inherently durable, that doesn’t mean that you can go years without routine maintenance and expect to avoid issues. As is true with all types of surfaces, you need to take proactive steps to stop a small problem today before it has a chance to become a bigger (and likely more expensive) one tomorrow.

Case in point: understanding the differences between the various asphalt paving services that are available will help you learn more about why they’re so important and when you should have each one performed.

Sealcoating

Due to the fact that your asphalt driveway is almost constantly exposed to water and other weather-related elements, sealcoating is often recommended. This is when you seal the surface of the asphalt pavement to protect it from moisture, erosion, fading, and other issues.

Generally speaking, this should become part of your regular maintenance regimen – so expect to have it performed every few years or sooner.

Cracksealing

As the name suggests, cracksealing is when you use a special type of adhesive sealant that is designed to both fill and properly seal any cracks that have developed on the surface of your pavement. Having this performed can also help slow down deterioration, which goes a long way towards increasing the overall lifespan of your asphalt as well.

This type of asphalt paving service is fairly straightforward – you’ll need to have it performed whenever you see cracks begin to develop. Even something very small that may be hard to see without careful examination would still be a cause for action.

Striping and Marking

Especially when you’re talking about a public, commercial space like a parking lot, it’s essential to make sure markings are as clear as possible. When people know where they’re expected to park, they tend to do so properly – thus avoiding accidents and other issues down the road.

A lot of people don’t realize that striping and marking isn’t something that you “do once and forget about.” Daily sun exposure will absolutely cause things to fade overtime. The harder those markings are to see, the more likely you are to be found liable in the event of an accident.

Therefore, this is a call you’ll need to use your best judgment to make. If you’re having a hard time seeing the parking marks, everyone else is, too – which is when you should enlist the help of professional to correct the issue.

Asphalt Repairs

Overall, there are a number of general asphalt repairs that people can expect as wear and tear runs its course. In addition to cracks in the surface of the asphalt itself, you may deal with potholes, dull or faded coloring, warping, areas that sink lower than they should, and even drainage issues. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for any type of tripping hazard. Be especially mindful after severe weather instanes.

These are the types of asphalt repairs that will typically be completed on an as-needed basis, although preventative maintenance is always encouraged.

If you’d like to find out more information about the various asphalt paving solutions that are available and when you might need each one, or if you’d just like to talk to an experienced team of asphalt contractors about your upcoming project in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.

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How to Patch Driveway Asphalt: 5 DIY Important Tips

Despite the fact that asphalt is a naturally rugged, long-lasting material, there will still come a day when your driveway begins to show its age. Given the conditions that most driveways find themselves under constantly, this should come as no surprise.

The good news is that this doesn’t mean you’re due for a total replacement – at least not yet. Patching and other forms of asphalt maintenance are very possible to do successfully on your own – you simply need to keep a few key things in mind to make sure the project goes properly.

Begin With an Inspection

By far, the most important thing to understand about DIY asphalt repair has to do with how you should always conduct a thorough inspection of your driveway or parking lot at the outset. This will help you put together a concrete (no pun intended) game plan moving forward.

Case in point: the size of the track. If the cracks that you’re dealing with are 0.5 inches in width or less, you can simply use crack filler and a caulking gun. If they are bigger than that, you’ll need to use something more extensive, like gravel. But you won’t know unless you examine the area first.

The Importance of Asphalt Maintenance Products

Next, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right asphalt maintenance products to begin with. Failure to do so could doom your project before it even has a chance to start.

You should make it a habit to visually inspect your driveway a few times a year, for example, and use crack filler as necessary. There may be long periods of time where you don’t have to, but it’s always best to check. At the very least, this allows you to stop a small problem now before it has a chance to become a much bigger one later on.

The Art of Proper Surface Preparation

It’s equally important to understand that you cannot simply “jump right in” to your DIY asphalt repair project. Proper surface preparation is one of the keys to success.

First, you’ll want to make sure that the entire area you’re working with is clean. You should also take care to remove any asphalt that has become loose. Note that this is true even if it requires you to make a slightly bigger hole in order to do so.

Make Sure Your Equipment is Ready

Finally, make sure that you have all the appropriate equipment ready before you start. This will make sure that you can fluidly move from one part of the process to the other without delay.

In addition to the tools outlined above, you’ll also need a tamping tool. You’ll use it two times – once immediately after the holes and/or cracks have been filled, and again when you’ve gone through the finishing process. This will help eliminate any air holes that may be present.

Contact the Professionals

Finally, while DIY asphalt repair is absolutely possible, you also need to understand that some situations may require you to call in professional asphalt companies to make sure everything gets done properly.

If you feel like the process is too big or too complicated to handle on your own, get recommendations from friends or family members that have worked with asphalt companies in the past. At the very least, you’ll likely save money over making mistakes and you’ll also likely end up saving a significant amount of time, too.

If you’d like to find out more information about DIY asphalt repair and what you should watch out for, or if you’d just like to talk about the specifics of your next big project with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.

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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.