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Highways Designed with Snow and Cold in Mind

One of the more critical things to consider when it comes to asphalt construction is also one of those things that most people just don’t spend too much time thinking about: the climate.

An asphalt highway in an area that is traditionally hot all year round like Texas may look the same as one that exists in Maine – at least on the surface. But the latter is located in a place that gets particularly cold winters and that is something that absolutely has to be taken into account. In fact, there are a number of important components to highways that are designed with snow and cold in mind that you should absolutely be aware of moving forward.

Temperature Extremes

One of the major ways that highways are designed with snow and cold in mind has to do with what happens to materials like asphalt during extreme changes in temperature.

Keep in mind that materials expand and contract as the weather changes around them and unless this is accounted for, it could result in significant cracking at best and a serious compromise to the integrity of the highway at worst. In Bangor, Maine, for example, the leverage low in January is just 7 degrees Fahrenheit. By April, the average high is 53 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a significant difference and over time that could cause premature and long-term damage to the highway itself if it were not a factor in the design.

Drainage

Because asphalt is porous, it actually performs better than other types of materials in colder weather. However, this comes with a cost. Because the ice and snow melts faster, drainage has to be a top priority.

Thankfully, PVC drain piping (and a layer of gravel under the surface) go a long way towards accomplishing these goals. Not only does it help keep the highway safe, but it also reduces the overall amount of salt that needs to be used to treat the roads during the winter as well.

Fencing Around Asphalt

Snow fencing is another technique that is commonly used to preserve safety and performance for highways that are located in areas that get a lot of snow. Snow fencing can actually be put up as the colder weather approaches, and it’s a great way to prevent drifts from appearing on the road, thus putting drivers in a significant amount of harm during extreme storms.

Road Slope and Bridge Design

Finally, a lot of people don’t realize that even the pitch of the road is taken into consideration in areas that see a lot of ice and snow during the cold winter months. Highways in rural areas, for example, have a banked curve of no more than 5% to help prevent issues like sliding. Bridges on these highways are also constructed with a protective coating to help prevent premature corrosion due to the massive volumes of road salt that get used every year as the temperatures start to drop and ice builds up.

If you’d like to find out more information about the various factors that are considered when experts design an asphalt highway with snow and cold in mind, or if you’d just like to talk about the finer points of asphalt construction with someone in a bit more detail, please feel free to contact us today.

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6 COMMON CAUSES BEHIND PARKING LOT BREAKDOWN

If you’re the owner or manager of a building with a parking lot, you may have noticed that it’s starting to show signs of wear. An asphalt parking lot is exposed to several elements that can cause severe damage over time.

1. Harsh Weather Conditions

Freezing temperatures can cause water from rain and snow to freeze, causing micro cracks in the asphalt to expand. Over time, this will cause the surface of the parking lot to crumble.

2. Dirt, Debris, or Engine Oil Spills

Just about any type of dirt or debris can trap moisture, preventing it from evaporating or draining properly. Even oil and other non water substances can be absorbed by the asphalt coating on a parking lot. Over time, this moisture seeps into the asphalt, causing fissures as the temperature drops and the moisture freezes.

3. Poor Drainage System

A faulty or clogged drainage system will prevent water from draining properly. Water that ponds on top of the asphalt can cause a number of problems. In addition to the aforementioned freezing and cracking, the debris, oil, and acids that are trapped by puddles of water can wear away at the asphalt covering of a parking lot. Be aware that in addition to fixing the damage that has been done by the standing water, a property owner will also need to fix the drainage system. This may be as simple as removing debris from drain inlets, but it may also require reconstruction of pipes, outlets, and/or drain fields.

4. Low-Quality Sealants

If a parking lot was never sealed properly by the original asphalt contractors it will likely start to deteriorate much faster than one that was properly sealed. An improperly sealed parking lot will have a lot of cracks as the underlying gravel layers will be exposed to the elements. This means that over time the asphalt coating will wear away and the gravel underneath will be exposed. If the parking lot is in regular use, this will mean that the rocks in this layer will become scattered and uneven. Eventually, parking lots in this state may need to be completely rebuilt, not just resealed.

5. Heavy Vehicles or Machinery

Heavy machinery and other equipment puts a large weight load on the asphalt and gravel layers of a parking lot. Depending on the type of soil the parking lot has been built on, heavy equipment will compact the gravel layers under the asphalt and cause cracking in the top layer of asphalt. In fact, it’s not uncommon for layers under the asphalt to deform without there being any immediate indication of damage. This is because the top layer of asphalt has a small amount of flexibility, allowing heavy equipment to rest on its surface without showing cracks. Under the surface, however, the newly compacted gravel layers will form gaps between the asphalt and the gravel. Over time, this will lead to deformation of the entire parking lot.

6. General Neglect

When a parking lot has been neglected for a long time, it’s likely that it will have all of these problems. Lack of maintenance will cause clogged drainage systems, which will result in an increase in debris and other build up on the surface of the parking lot. Over time, this will result in large parts of the parking lot crumbling and cracking.

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Common Asphalt Paving Errors [How to Avoid Them]

When you have quality asphalt paving in your driveway, it makes a massive difference in the way your house looks. Asphalt is a durable material, and it can improve your curb appeal. However, when you or your contractor do not install it correctly, you will have problems later on down the road. Please continue reading to find out more about the common paving errors and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Project Planning

Proper planning is essential for the installation and maintenance of asphalt paving. Ensuring that you have all of the appropriate equipment and material is part of the planning process. You also want to have the best weather conditions possible and should consider that when planning. You want to spend the appropriate amount of time on the project. You do not want to rush through it. If you are not experienced with installing asphalt, you want to find a qualified asphalt contractor.

2. Paying Less for Poor Quality Work

Price is essential when searching for asphalt companies, but it should not be the only factor. While you may find a contractor that is affordable, it does not mean they will provide quality work. Therefore, you want to be cautious about selecting the asphalt contractor that offers the lowest price.

3. Choosing Low-Quality Materials

You may not realize it, but there are various types of asphalt paving materials available. They are not the same as they have varying quality. While we all want to save money where we can, you may not want to purchase more affordable material to decrease the price. When poor-quality asphalt is used, the results are often poor and less than expected. Instead, you want to purchase high-quality asphalt to ensure you have a smooth surface without any imperfections. Higher-quality asphalt holds up better to wear and tear and severe weather.

4. Rushing the Process

You want to take your time with your asphalt paving project. When you rush the project, there is a chance you will not follow the proper procedure. You also want to install the asphalt at the same speed the entire time. You do not want to speed up or slow down in different areas because it impacts how uniform the paving looks. Any asphalt contractor you select should use speed limiters to ensure you have a consistent and clean application of your asphalt.

5. Choosing the Wrong Asphalt Contractor

You want to select a highly qualified and reputable asphalt contractor. There are a number of asphalt companies available, but they are not all the same. You want one that is experienced and pays attention to the details because they matter, especially in paving. The contractor you select should plan well for the project, have the right equipment, and pay attention to the weather. You do not have to select the most expensive contractor, but you do not want to pick the cheapest. Adhering to your budget is essential, but you should not make your decision solely on cost. You also want to select a contractor that uses high-quality equipment and knows how to operate it.

If you keep these tips in mind when you are planning your asphalt paving job, you will have smooth, quality asphalt when you are finished.

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How Long To Wait To Drive Over New Asphalt

There is nothing like driving on a smooth new asphalt surface. Even though it is hard to do, you have to be patient and wait before you can use it. There are some steps you can take to help speed up the process. Continue reading to find out more information.

Can I Drive on New Asphalt Right Away?

No, it would be best if you waited two to four days before you drive on new asphalt. If you drive on it while it is wet, you can cause damage to the surface. If you can, waiting a full week is best.

How Long Does New Asphalt Take to Dry?

While asphalt is durable and lasts a long time, some time is needed when installed to ensure it dries or cures properly. The amount of time asphalt takes to dry depends on several factors.

These factors include:

  • Air Temperature
  • Climate
  • Humidity
  • Paving Thickness

The more humid or cold the weather impacts the length of time it takes for asphalt to dry. Generally, it should take two to three days, but cold or humid weather could increase drying time to a week.

How Can I Speed Up The Drying Process for Asphalt?

Asphalt companies will explain several steps you can take to speed up the drying time for asphalt.

Apply Sealcoat

A sealcoat protects your asphalt and helps it last longer. A sealcoat gives you a barrier between the asphalt and the elements that impact it, such as UV damage and water. Seal coating can also fill in any cracks in the asphalt.

Heat Lamp

A heat lamp can help speed up the drying time when you live in a colder area. You can leave the heat lamp over the asphalt for several hours. This helps to absorb moisture, so it dries faster.

No Traffic

Keep both vehicles and people off the asphalt until it has cured. If you allow traffic on it too early, it damages the surface and may allow tire marks in the asphalt.

Complete Drying Process

It takes time for the asphalt to dry completely. The asphalt construction company will give you directions about how long you should wait, and you do not want to use it before that time has elapsed. You can expect two days to one whole week before your asphalt is ready for traffic. The air temperature, humidity level, climate, and paving thickness make a difference in the amount of time it takes to dry. You may have problems if you do not allow the asphalt to dry before you use it. You may have tire marks, cracking, and other damage to your asphalt. To speed up the drying process, you should consult professional asphalt companies to ensure you are not damaging the surface.

How Can I Tell When Asphalt is Cured?

You can tell when your asphalt is cured or dry because it is hard to the touch. It will no longer feel tacky or soft or give off any fumes. You will notice the color has changed from black to gray.

What Impacts How Quickly Asphalt Can Be Cured?

Several factors impact how long it takes asphalt to cure. These include climate, humidity, air temperature, traffic, professional equipment, paving thickness, and knowledgeable installation.

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How Does Asphalt Recycling Work?

While you might recycle aluminum cans or plastic bottles at home, many construction companies rely on asphalt paving companies for recycled asphalt. The main material in asphalt, bitumen, tops the global list of most frequently recycled items.

The petroleum product asphalt provides structural strength, can withstand low and high temperatures, plus it can bind together with other materials. Constantly required in the construction of buildings, roads, sidewalks, pools, patios, and much more, this prized substance can also harm the environment to produce. In the US alone, in 2019, manufacturers produced more than 420 million tons of asphalt.

Asphalt paving companies don’t have to use new asphalt though. They can turn to asphalt recycling to reclaim already used asphalt. This reduces its environmental impact. Once recycled, it becomes shingles, waterproofing, or paving products.

Let’s explore how manufacturers mill asphalt, then recycle it, and how it gets used in its most common form – paving.

Asphalt Milling

Asphalt begins the manufacturing process as crude oil. First heated to distill it, the manufacturer then transfers the oil to an extraction container where it removes volatile components called fractions. The heavy deposit leftover – topped crude becomes asphalt after three more steps.

The manufacturer uses a volatile substance to cut back the asphalt. This creates a malleable substance.

Next, the oil goes through an emulsifying process that makes the substance easier to combine aggregate. In this step, the manufacturer grinds the asphalt into tiny globules measuring less than five microns, then mixes it with water. By adding an emulsifying agent like clay, oil, silicate, or soap, the manufacturer reduces the potential for the asphalt and water to separate.

In the final step of making commercial asphalt, the manufacturer pulverizes it to powdered form and sieves it to create granules of a uniform size.

Asphalt Recycling

Asphalt recycling offers a cost-efficient and green method of obtaining this widely used construction material. Recycled asphalt provides no less a product than new asphalt. It provides the same durability and versatility.

Recycled asphalt goes through a milling process in which the manufacturer removes the top layer from the surface on which it got used. This might mean removing the top of a parking lot or driveway or shingling from a rooftop.

Transported to an asphalt plant, the reclaimed product goes through sizing and screening, just as it did when originally made. Unlike its original processing cycle though, when recycled the manufacturer can use either a hot or a cold process to start.

Once it has repeated the original milling process, an asphalt paving company can again use it for a new project. Asphalt offers an ideal construction material since it can undergo multiple recycling cycles without harming its durability or quality.

Asphalt Paving

In some cases, recycled asphalt provides advantages that virgin asphalt cannot. It can contain mineral fillers that increase its strength. It costs less and demands less labor. With respect to its appearance and performance, it offers increased permeability and varying shades of gray. Virgin asphalt comes in black only.

Try Recycled Asphalt

The demand for asphalt continues to grow – about three percent each year. Turn to the $7.1 billion asphalt recovery market for your construction needs. It offers a real money saver for asphalt paving companies.