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KEEP YOUR PROPERTY’S CONCRETE ADA COMPLIANT WITH THESE 5 TIPS

When you maintain ADA compliance, you signal to customers that you are committed to their care and comfort. Not complying with ADA regulations has serious consequences including loss of reputation, upset customers, and potential lawsuits.

Therefore, every business owner should understand ADA rules and regulations, including the rules for ADA compliant asphalt on your business property. Keep your property updated by following these 5 tips.

1. Make Sure Your Sidewalk Includes a Curb Ramp

Curbs pose a challenge for some people with disabilities. However, curb ramps make it easier for those using wheelchairs, canes or walkers to safely negotiate elevation changes. According to ADA regulations, you need a curb ramp installation to make it easier for those with disabilities to get around.

If you have a sidewalk with crosswalks, you need a curb ramp that follows ADA guidelines. Think of a sidewalk at an intersection where curb ramps are built-in. Curb ramps make it easy for customers with mobility issues to get around inside and outside your business.

2. Use Concrete for Access Ramps

Concrete ramps provide a durable, nearly maintenance-free material for access ramps. Concrete has high tensile strength and can handle heavy foot traffic without becoming pitted and damaged easily.

The ADA does not legislate what you need to use for your access ramps. However, the surface should deter moisture and contain enough texture to help prevent slips and falls. Concrete checks off all of these boxes and has qualities that less permanent materials, such as wood, lack. The longevity, appearance, and flexibility of concrete access ramps make concrete a natural choice.

Partner with a reputable local contractor for affordable business asphalt options.

3. Work With a Reputable Contractor

It’s important to research contractors through a number of options. First, search for a business profile at BBB.org. This will give you a list of any complaints made against the contractor and a brief summary of the company’s history. When reviewing complaints, it’s important to evaluate how the company handled unhappy customers. Every company will naturally have a few complaints, so knowing how they make it right for the customer can help you predict how responsive they are.

The company should also have references for previous jobs involving ADA compliant asphalt. Ensure that the company understands ADA regulations and ask them how they could help your business reach or retain ADA compliance. If your ramps, handrails and other ADA features are not installed correctly, you could face fines and lawsuits.

4. Meet All Requirements for Landings

You also need landings to prevent levels greater than the ADA threshold. Basically, the law prohibits level changes that surpass 1:48 at landings. For access ramps, that means installing flat landings at the top and bottom.

Here are a few guidelines to help you meet ADA rules:

  • Ensure all landings are level
  • Make landings as wide as the ramp
  • Create landings at least 60 inches long

5. Know When You Need Handrails

Handrails are valuable tools for those with mobility issues. They provide balance and can prevent falls. If your ramp has a rise of 6 inches or more or is at least 72 inches long, you’ll need to install ADA compliant handrails.

Follow these tips for business asphalt that can help you avoid fines and make your business more inviting to those with certain disabilities.

By admin Construction • • • • 0 Comments

Subcontractor and Commercial Concrete Contractor : What’s the Difference?

If you are looking for someone who can help you with your upcoming concrete project, you have multiple options available. You might be considering working with a subcontractor or a commercial concrete contractor. What is the difference between these two options? What do you need to know? There are a few key points to keep in mind.

What Is a Subcontractor?

A subcontractor is a company or agent that has been hired by another contractor to help with a specific area of your project. For example, if you hire someone to help you build your house, then your home contractor might hire a subcontractor to handle the electrical work if he or she does not have experience in this area. A construction company might also hire a subcontractor to help with the driveway if he or she does not have someone on the team that can handle that job. The subcontractor reports to the original contractor, not you, if he or she has a question or payment concern. If the contractor hires subcontractors he or she is in charge of them, not you.

What Is a Commercial Concrete Contractor?

Another option is to hire commercial concrete companies. A commercial concrete contractor is someone who has specific training and experience to handle concrete needs as they relate to your project. If you want your project to be done correctly the first time around, then you should go with a commercial concrete contractor.

For example, a commercial concrete contractor will likely be up to date on the latest trends in his or her field. That way, he or she can follow all best practices to deliver the best outcome to you. In addition, if you hire a commercial concrete contractor, then that professional is going to be directly responsible and accountable to you instead of another contractor. This is the biggest difference between hiring a subcontractor and a commercial concrete contractor.

What Are the Top Benefits of Working with Commercial Concrete Companies?

If you decide to work with a commercial concrete contractor, there are a few main benefits that you are going to notice. These include:

  • A commercial concrete contractor has the specialized training and experience required to make sure that your project goes well.
  • A commercial concrete contractor will connections in the industry that he or she can use to make sure that you get the best price possible on all supplies.
  • Commercial concrete companies will also know who else to talk to if you have concerns about other areas of your project.
  • A commercial concrete company will provide you with an accurate estimate and make sure the project is done on time because he or she is accountable to you.

These are the top benefits of working with a commercial concrete contractor. You need to think about these benefits when you are deciding who to hire.

Work with a Professional Commercial Concrete Contractor

These are just a few of the many benefits of working with a commercial concrete contractor if you are looking for help with your concrete project. Make sure that you reach out to a professional commercial concrete contractor with any questions or concerns. If you work with an expert commercial concrete contractor, you will place your project in the best position to be successful.

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Own a Commercial Property? Hire a Pro Parking Lot Contractor

A clean, well-maintained parking lot with clear markings and lighting is a catch, especially in countries where cars are the primary transport mode. In a commercial property, the parking lot makes the business’s first impression. A pro parking lot contractor keeps your commercial parking lot looking impressive and well-maintained.

What Do You Want Your Parking Lot To Say About Your Commercial Property?

If your parking is cracked, dented, and faded, your client automatically assumes that your services are equally worn-out and careless. It is unprofessional and risks damaging your client’s car. According to an INRIX report, 63% of US drivers avoid businesses with parking challenges.

But with a well-maintained parking lot, your clients have an easy time parking and will very likely come back to your property.

In a competitive market, businesses’ top priority is the customer experience. Customers are more willing to pay a premium for a great experience. Whether it’s the tenants or their customers, they demand the best parking experience.

Make Your Commercial Parking Lot Appealing

Parking lots are bound to depreciate. To make your commercial parking lot more appealing, then you need to fix any cracks, potholes, and drainage issues in your paved parking space. This means regular maintenance and repair.

Regular Maintenance

Sealcoating

The cheapest way to maintain an asphalt parking construction is a seal coating. Seal coating adds a protective layer to extend your asphalt parking lot’s life. It protects the surface from UV rays, oils, and water damage. The black coat gives a sleek and shiny look. It extends your parking space life by 2 to 3 years when done correctly.

Rehabilitation

If your asphalt parking lot is already in bad shape, call in a parking lot contractor to determine the best rehabilitation option. The contractor will walk you through your options and the estimated cost for rehabilitating your garage. You may choose to resurface or repave your parking lot.

Resurfacing Vs Repaving A Parking Lot

If your asphalt parking lot has cracks and dents that don’t reach the foundation layers, then an asphalt overlay can add up to 8 years more life to your parking lot. The paving contractor will fill up any dents, seal cracks, and repair drainage issues before applying a thick (1.5 to 2 inches deep) asphalt layer. This is resurfacing.

But if your parking lot is crumbling away with cracks and manholes, it cannot make a good foundation for an asphalt overlay. Your best option would be to replace the entire pavement. This is repaving.

Repaving is the most expensive and durable option. But it extends your pavement’s life up to 25 years or more. Hire an experienced and reputable asphalt company to get the most value for your money.

When To Repave Your Parking Lot

Repaving may be costly because the contractor removes the whole asphalt parking construction. They rebuild everything from the foundation to the surface. Asphalt companies recycle your old asphalt and mix it with new asphalt to reduce the repaving costs.

Repaving is the long-term solution to your parking lot problems. Sure, you may resurface a couple of times, but that does not repair your foundation. Small cracks will use an overlay, but serious damages require repaving. In the long run, you will need to replace the entire thing.

If your parking lot is older than 25 years, it’s time to repave. A new asphalt pavement will last you another 25 years with good maintenance (i.e. seal coating and resurfacing). It keeps your business looking professional and worthy.

A well-maintained parking lot shows that you care about your clients. You get more tenants, and your clients get more customers. Your clients will be less grumpy when you charge top dollar amounts. It’s a win-win.

Contract a pro parking lot contractor to learn how to reduce costs and plan the repaving without disrupting business.

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How to Make a Concrete Mold

Are you interested in creating a concrete mold by yourself? You need to make sure that you know how to do this safely. Furthermore, you also have to have the right materials. What are the steps that you need to follow if you want to successfully build a concrete mold? There are several steps to note.

Gather the Right Materials

First, you need to gather the right materials. You will need panels to create the mold, drywall screws, silicone caulk, bar clamps, ball bearing, a cordless drill, a circular saw, and a caulking gun. You will probably also want to wear latex gloves during this process.

Step 1: Cut the Panels

First, you have to cut the panel to the right size. A lot of people use a melamine board. If you would like to minimize chipping as you are going through the board, use a fine-tooth saw blade. Then, set the depth to just below the depth of the saw cut. Usually, this is about ⅞ of an inch.

Step 2: Clamp the Longer Side Walls to the Base of the Mold

Next, take the panels and lay them on a work surface. Place the longer walls on the edges. Hold them in place using the bar clamps.

Step 3: Drill the Pilot Holes

Once you are confident that the clamps are holding the board and place, drill several pilot holes spaced equal distances apart. Then, place the drywall screws through these holes. 1-inch drywall screws tend to work the best. Make sure that every screw is seated firmly. That way, the walls are drawn tight against the base. This will keep the mold in place when you use it.

Step 4: Add the Shorter Side Walls Next

After this, you should place the shorter sidewalls on their edges. Make sure they are next to the longer sides. Go through the same process with the shorter sides as you did with the longer side. Drill a few pilot holes. Then, add the screws. Make sure the screws are seated firmly to hold the concrete mold in place.

Step 5: Bevel the Corners

This is when you want to put on your gloves. Squirt a bead that is about half an inch in size of silicone caulk into every corner of the mold. After this, dip the ball bearing in some water. Draw the ball bearing down every caulked corner to make sure the curve is smooth.

Step 6: Clean Up Your Work by Removing Any Excess Caulk

Finally, wait for the silicone caulk to cure. Then, remove any excess silicone that may be in place. You may want to start by picking at the end of the strip with your fingernail. Then, pull any excess caulk away. Dispose of it safely.

Rely on a Professional Local Asphalt Company for Help Making a Concrete Mold

If this sounds like a complicated process, then you may want to reach out to a trained professional for assistance. With the help of an asphalt contractor, you can make sure that you do this job right the first time. If you do not have the right concrete mold, you may have a hard time finishing your project. Fortunately, there are professionals who have the training to make sure this process is performed correctly. You do not have to go through this alone. Do not hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

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How To Build Concrete Steps & Add Value To Your Home

If you are reasonably handy with power tools and understand the importance of getting a project level and square, building concrete steps can save you a few dollars. As DIY tasks go, concrete steps can be somewhat labor-intensive. But with the right tools and by following these steps carefully, you can add value to your property.

1: Gather Your Tools & Materials

You will likely need the following tools and materials to complete a set of concrete steps: a 4-foot level, framing square, circular saw, hammer, wheelbarrow, shovel, concrete edger, broom, tape measure, circular saw, concrete, trowel, 2x lumber, gravel, rubble, and plywood.

2: Take Initial Measurements

Measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the doorway. Now calculate how many steps you will need extending away from the building at 7 inches per step. This is to say, each step is supposed to be no more than 7 inches. If the door threshold’s bottom is 21 inches from the ground, you usually need three concrete steps. If the height can’t be divided by 7 inches evenly, get each step as close as you can. You can make shorter steps, but not taller ones.

3: Set Your Footings

Excavate the ground where the concrete steps will be poured. Layout 2x lumber to form two boxes to pour the footings. Check that they are perfectly level. These should extend about three inches wider than your steps. As the concrete starts to harden, insert rebar into the footings so that it sticks up about 6-8 inches. Fill the center space with gravel.

4: Build A Frame

Measure and cut two plywood sections to mirror the sides of the concrete steps, based on your measurements. Set one on each footing with 3 inches protruding at the bottom. Check that they are also level. Cut 2x materials to create the face of each step, not the part you would walk on. Hammer them in place. Cut a 2×4 to create a brace. This typically is one length that extends from the ground and over the steps. Attach shorter braces — called cleats — that point down and support each step o the front. Hammer the last cleat into the ground and attach the long length to ensure it stays in place. Check to make certain your concrete steps will all be level, and the form is square.

5: Fill In The Form

Consider using stones, bricks, or cinderblock pieces to fill up a portion of the form. This will cut down on the amount of concrete needed. This strategy also tends to alleviate some pressure on your forms when the concrete is poured. Save room to insert lengths of ½-inch thick rebar about 3-4 inches below the concrete steps’ surface.

6: Fill With Concrete

Mix your concrete in the wheelbarrow and shovel it into the concrete steps form. It’s essential to prepare a firm but moist concrete mixture. This will help prevent leakage, reduce the hardening time, and allow you to manipulate it effectively.

7: Detail Your Concrete Steps

Use the edger to enhance the outer areas’ appearance once the concrete is fairly hard. Then take the broom and add traction lines to the spaces people will place their feet.

8: Remove Forms

Concrete steps usually take 12 to 24 hours to cure. Once the concrete has hardened, remove the forms. A flat tool such as a trowel may prove effective. Keep in mind that hard impacts or prying from tools such as a crowbar can damage the steps.

Concrete steps require some muscle to build. While handy homeowners can save a few bucks on labor, a masonry contractor may be worth considering.