By admin Asphalt Paving • • 0 Comments

5 Benefits of Commercial Asphalt Paving in 2023

Commercial Asphalt Paving Is Easy to Maintain

One benefit of commercial asphalt paving is that it is pretty easy to maintain. Of course, regular maintenance is required to keep the asphalt in good condition. However, asphalt companies can maintain asphalt relatively easily. One part of this is ensuring that the asphalt does not have any sitting debris or standing water. Doing so helps ensure that the asphalt does not develop potholes or cracks.

Plants may grow in the cracks if you do not regularly maintain your asphalt. As a result, these plants can damage your asphalt and require you to repair the asphalt. Even so, maintaining commercial asphalt is fairly simple and one part of this is removing debris and dirt. This makes sure that your asphalt lasts for a considerable amount of time and looks good. You can consult many asphalt companies to do this work for you.

It is a Flexible Solution

Another benefit is that commercial asphalt paving is a flexible solution. Now, a flexible solution can mean different things depending on the context. In this context, it means that asphalt is a more flexible material compared to other materials like concrete.

Asphalt is easier to repair, as previously mentioned. Additionally, asphalt is a material that breathes with the ground. You can create a routine maintenance plan to avoid more expensive repairs.

The Paving Process is Simple

It is also worth mentioning that the commercial asphalt paving process is pretty simple. Naturally, you have to start off by creating a sound structure. After that, you have to consider what kind of traffic you expect on your asphalt. As the expected weight increases, the thickness of the surface also has to increase.

Asphalt companies can get together the materials required to create asphalt fairly quickly. Due to this fact, they can usually begin paving your asphalt project without any major delays. It is also best to pour asphalt on warm and sunny days. The paving process for asphalt is much simpler than the paving process for other materials.

Commercial Asphalt Paving is Multi-Use

You might think of roads and parking lots when you think about asphalt. Those are a few common uses of asphalt. However, they are far from the only uses of this material. Asphalt is an excellent material for a number of outdoor projects. For example, asphalt also works well if you need a paved walkway.

Additionally, asphalt is an ideal material for an outdoor sports complex that includes basketball and tennis courts, as well. You can renovate several areas of commercial space with asphalt paving. For this reason, you might consider contacting local asphalt companies if your commercial space requires renovation.

Improve Drainage Systems with Asphalt

It can be a major issue if your space has water where water should not be. If your commercial space has poor drainage, this can cause damage and require frequent repairs. Additionally, excessive water can lead to erosion, potholes, and other undesirable effects. Excessive water may also cause puddles and these puddles can be a hassle for both you and your customers.

These puddles can be more than an annoyance. In fact, puddles can prove to be a legitimate safety hazard, as well. However, if you get commercial asphalt paving, you won’t have to worry about these issues. Many asphalt companies offer high-quality commercial asphalt paving at a reasonable price.

By admin Construction • • 0 Comments

Commercial Water Drainage Tips for Concrete

If you have a concrete outdoor area such as a parking lot or patio that is having issues with drainage, there are things that can be done to help. Start by implementing these three improvements:

1. A Porous Top Paving Layer – Adding a coating such as asphalt will help the area to absorb some water. While asphalt will not absorb all of the water from a large rain storm, it will typically absorb between five to ten percent of the water, helping to eliminate deep puddles. Asphalt drainage is typically not thought of when other drainage solutions are being considered, but it can be an extremely cost effective way to improve the appearance and reduce the maintenance on a property.

2. Surface and Subsurface Drainage – Have a professional asphalt paving company review your surface and subsurface drainage systems. Often, regular maintenance will help to eliminate blockages such as debris and weeds clogging inlets. In some cases it may be a good idea to construct a new drain inlet or even add additional water storage under the concrete.

3. Local Conditions – People often wonder why their concrete pad has suddenly stopped draining water after a storm, especially if it has “worked” for years”. If nothing is wrong with the coating and drain maintenance is up to date, it might just be that local conditions have changed. This may mean that there are more storms, or improvements in the nearby area may be forcing water onto your property. Fortunately, asphalt companies are often able to devise a solution to help. Here are four of the most common solutions that are implemented by our team of professionals.

4 Ways Concrete and Asphalt Can Aid Commercial Drainage

1. Pervious Concrete – Pervious concrete has been around for a few decades, but the recent change in weather patterns and a focus on eliminating standing water has caused a renewed surge in interest. Pervious concrete can be poured into just about any shape or pattern you can imagine, and it will topically absorb three to four times more water than “standard” concrete.

2. Concrete Drainage Additions Can Assist Standard Blends – If you’re looking at improving the drainage in an already existing concrete structure, then you’ll likely want to construct additional drains. This may mean adding more inlets, and/or improving the drainage system so that more water can be stored by adding additional piping or gravel drainage under or around the area.

3. Concrete and Asphalt Can Be Sloped – Adding a slight slope to a concrete or asphalt area will help water to drain to an empty field. These slopes are very mild (typically less than 2%), and most people don’t notice that a parking lot or patio is sloped when they’re using it. In fact, most paved areas are designed to have a slight slope, but over time it’s possible for asphalt, concrete, and the gravel underneath them to shift slightly, essentially “flattening out” these areas.

4. Asphalt Can Also Be Extra-Porous. Apshalt, like concrete, can be mixed and poured to be more or less porous. Consider using a type of asphalt that is more porous. This will allow an area to absorb more water, increasing the overall absorption in some cases by up to ten percent or more.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

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.

By admin Asphalt Driveway • • • • 0 Comments

Is a Concrete Driveway the Best Choice for Your Home?

Has your driveway seen better days? Cracks, potholes, and drainage issues are all tell-tale signs that a new driveway install may be in your immediate future.

If you’re ready to replace your driveway, you have many options, including having a concrete driveway or a cement driveway installed. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of installing a concrete vs. a cement driveway.

The Differences Between Concrete and Cement Driveways

Concrete and cement are often used interchangeably because they look similar; however, they are not the same. Very few things are constructed with cement alone.

Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Along with cement, concrete is also manufactured with water and aggregates including gravel, stone, and sand, which make up about 75% of concrete. Cement, meanwhile, is made from a mixture of silicon, calcium, iron, and aluminum, which are then heated up to a very high temperature before being ground into a fine powder we know as cement. It is then often used as a component of concrete.

Using cement alone is more suitable for smaller projects such as grout or to repair damaged concrete. Most experts don’t recommend using just cement to construct a driveway because it is less durable than concrete and won’t last as long.

Using Concrete to Construct a Driveway

Concrete is one of the most popular and durable materials in the world. It’s used to construct homes, commercial buildings, driveways, columns, and foundations.

Some of the benefits of choosing a concrete driveway over cement, asphalt, or gravel include:

Durable and Long Lasting

Well-maintained concrete driveways can last 30 years or more. Ensure you hire a reputable concrete company to install your driveway as proper installation plays an important role in the durability and lifespan of your driveway. Typically constructed with separate square slabs, concrete driveways are durable enough to handle heavy trucks, RVs, and boats. Concrete driveways often last 50% or longer than asphalt surfaces.

Low Maintenance

Concrete driveways are incredibly easy to maintain. They typically require only regular sweepings or power washes. A concrete sealer should be applied once a year, especially in colder climates that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

Cost-effective

Although concrete driveways are more expensive to construct than other surfaces, they’re most cost-effective in the long run because of reduced maintenance costs, fewer repairs, and a longer life expectancy.

Increased Home Value

Concrete driveways can help increase your home’s value. Not only do many people think concrete is more aesthetically pleasing than other surfaces, but potential homebuyers may be more likely to buy your house knowing the surface requires little maintenance and can last for 30 or more years before a replacement driveway is needed.

Environmentally Friendly

Concrete is a recyclable material, which makes it environmentally friendly. It also requires reduced energy than other materials because it doesn’t need to be repaired, resurfaced, and it lasts longer.

The Cons of Installing a Concrete Driveway

Overall, there are very few cons to installing a concrete driveway. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a concrete driveway due to budgetary constraints, then it may be more cost-effective in the short term to install an asphalt driveway.

Although concrete requires minimal maintenance, it does need to be sealed once a year to ensure the durability of the surface. Fluids or oil stains from cars can be very difficult to remove once they seep into the surface.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

4 Reasons Why Your Asphalt Surface Needs a Good Foundation

As the saying goes: you can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. The same holds true for asphalt surfaces.

Asphalt surfaces also need strong, durable foundations so they don’t crack and break apart under pressure. Building an asphalt parking lot or driveway is a big investment, and it won’t last nearly as long without a solid foundation underneath it. A poor foundation means you could be paying for expensive repairs – or even complete replacement – prematurely.

A good asphalt foundation typically consists of the best materials and compact gravel available and should be strong enough that the gravel doesn’t break apart when you put your foot on it.

In this article, we’ll explain 4 reasons why your asphalt surface needs a well-built foundation during the asphalt installation process.

1. Your surface will have proper drainage

An asphalt surface’s foundation has a tremendous impact on drainage. Asphalt should be laid in a specific way to funnel water away.

During heavy rains, all of that water must go somewhere. An improperly designed and constructed foundation can lead to low spots or dips on the asphalt during the paving process, which can cause water to gather and puddles to form. Foundations that aren’t completely smooth can also create dips or sinks while being paved.

Many asphalt drainage problems, including slow draining, occur during the initial design stage. Asphalt parking lots, roads, and driveways need an appropriate level of elevation drop to remove water effectively.

2. Your surface will need fewer repairs

A properly built asphalt surface foundation can lead to fewer repairs throughout the surface’s lifetime. For example, if you notice “ponding” on the surface, it’s usually because the asphalt’s foundation has sunk in certain areas or become uneven due to the foundation losing some of its base integrity. This can happen over time.

A foundation that breaks down prematurely can be caused by rocks shifting and moving due to pressure, which can lead to warping and cracking. Early cracking is often caused by a poorly constructed foundation.

3. Your surface will be safer

When asphalt parking lots, driveways, and roads have strong foundations, they are significantly safer to drive and walk on. Cracks and dips that form when the gravel below the asphalt sinks can cause people to trip and fall.

The well-built foundation will also insulate the upper layers of the asphalt during the winter to stop ice from forming on the surface, preventing hazardous surface conditions in the process. If the foundation was poorly constructed and excess moisture is allowed to the surface, the constant freeze-thaw cycle can create new cracks and cause existing ones to expand.

4. Your surface will last longer

Asphalt pavement can last about 15 to 30 years on average, but its lifespan largely depends on how well the foundation was laid and whether regular maintenance was performed.

In fact, the condition of the foundation plays a large role when determining whether to resurface or replace an asphalt surface. If the foundation is still strong and intact after 20 years, you may want to consider resurfacing. Replacement is often recommended if the driveway is 20 to 30 years old and the foundation has completely failed.

Consider hiring only asphalt companies with good online reviews and a strong Better Business Bureau score.