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Common Concrete Issues

Concrete is a common material used due to its durability and versatility. Under the right conditions, it is a sustainable material. But, there are numerous common concrete problems, which can prevent concrete from attaining its longevity. Recognizing these problems and understanding the solutions can improve the overall performance of concrete. The common concrete problems include dusting, blistering, plastic shrinkage cracking, discoloration, and scaling.

Dusting

Dusting on concrete occurs when a hardened concrete surface appears as a powdery material. Laitance, which is a layer of cement, water, and fine aggregates is the primary reason why dusting occurs on concrete. The laitance layer is weak, porous, and thin. As a result, the laitance makes the hardened concrete surface vulnerable and weak.

Other reasons why dusting appears include improper cure of the concrete surface, exposing the concrete to carbon dioxide while it is in a plastic state, and conducting finish operation on the concrete surface while it still has bleed water—this is water that separates itself from the concrete.

To avoid these problems, proper concrete curing procedures should always be followed; equipment that produces carbon dioxide should always be vented while the surface is in the plastic state, and the finishing operation should always be conducted on the concrete surface after bleed water has been removed.

Blistering

Blistering appears on a hardened or fresh concrete surface as bumps. These blisters occur when bleeding water or entrapped air rises to the sealed concrete surface. Blistering of concrete surfaces is problematic, as it causes the concrete to break easily under stresses like traffic. Other reasons why blistering occurs include excessive or inadequate use of vibration during concrete compaction, setting concrete surfaces over the vapor barrier, and sealing the concrete surface early.

To prevent blistering from occurring, appropriate concrete compaction procedures have to be followed, if possible, concrete should not be placed over vapor barriers, and trowel blades must be kept flat at all times to avoid sealing the concrete surface early.

Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs when a crack appears on fresh, hardened concrete surfaces. Like the name suggests, these cracks develop while the surface is still in the plastic state. These cracks occur when the concrete surface experiences a rapid loss of water before it sets. Although plastic shrinkage cracking is an aesthetics issue and not a structural issue, these cracks end up allowing chemicals to penetrate the surface, and this can result in structural problems later on.

The loss of water on concrete surfaces can occur due to several reasons like low relative humidity, high winds, and high concrete temperature or ambient air. To avoid these conditions, ensure you use fog spraying equipment, windscreens and windbreaks should be installed, and always avoid placing concrete at midday.

Discoloration

Discoloration of concrete can occur due to various reasons like material exposure, weather conditions, and even the curing time. Although concrete discoloration may look aesthetically unpleasing, there are numerous ways you can repair these issues. The first method is using a concrete cleaner. These will help give the concrete a better and natural look. If that does not work, you consider using a concrete stain.

Scaling

Scaling on concrete surfaces occurs when the surfaces start to chip or flake away. This is usually because of freeze-thaw, water seepage, poor concrete finishing, or weak concrete surfaces. To repair scaling issues, use trowel-grade light coat, as it helps fill the scaled area. Also, ensure that you seal your concrete at all times, as this helps to reduce scaling significantly.

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The Top Reasons You Should Be Sealing & Finishing Your Concrete

When properly installed and maintained, concrete has a lot to offer to business owners. This manmade substance is affordable, durable, attractive, and easy to keep clean. Having your concrete finished and sealed is key to getting the best results.

So what are finishing and sealing? Finishing is a process that smooths down the surface of the concrete. It’s typically done when the material has had time to partially dry but is still soft and workable. Sealing, meanwhile, is the application of various substances like acrylics, epoxies, and silicates. When applied to clean and dry concrete, they form a protective barrier. If these two jobs are skipped or rushed, you may find yourself with an expensive headache on your hands.

Here are the top five reasons why you need to have your concrete finished and sealed to keep it looking and functioning great:

1: Finished Concrete is Safer

The process of finishing concrete creates a smooth and level surface. It eliminates most of the micro-ridges and hollows that roughly poured concrete can have. This means that the surface doesn’t have hidden tripping hazards which your employees or customers could stumble over. Liquids will also glide away instead of pooling and creating slick spots. Finally, a smooth surface will not damage tires or objects placed on it.

2: Finished Concrete is Stronger

This advantage is due to several effects. Properly finished concrete has shed its excess water while maintaining the mix’s integrity. When the water evaporates, a highly durable form of concrete is left behind.

A flat or gently banked surface also does not collect rainwater, spilled chemicals, and other such substances. These liquids can eat into the concrete, creating pits that may turn into potholes over time. If the spills happen in freezing winter temperatures, the concrete will become damaged even faster. Although heavily damaged concrete can be repaired or resurfaced, these are major expenses that a savvy business owner can avoid.

3: Sealed Concrete is Protected From the Climate

Concrete companies urge you to seal your new concrete floors, parking lots, and sidewalks for good reason. Rain, ice, and snow are more likely to get into tiny cracks and pits in unsealed concrete. Sealing creates a water-resistant barrier that adds to the longevity of this material.

Certain kinds of sealers will also chemically penetrate the concrete. This creates a denser and stronger material. Your concrete contractor can advise you on the best products for your business’s needs.

4: Sealed Concrete is Easier to Keep Clean

You don’t want to work in an unsightly environment or have your customers see mystery stains on the concrete. Sealant can protect this surface from discoloration due to road salts, motor oil, spilled chemicals, etc. These dry and sealed surfaces also resist hard-to-remove mildew and staining mold growth.

5: Sealed Concrete is Stylish

Different concrete sealers can create different effects. One type may have an attractive high shine gloss reminiscent of polished marble. Another might create a matte finish that reduces glare from the sun. This can be a great feature in sunny working areas.

You can also order tinted concrete sealers. These come in a wide variety of color options, from neutrals to brighter shades. However, tinted sealers aren’t just for looks. Ask your concrete company to lay down strategic stripes or boxes of contrasting color and you can mark out walking paths, dangerous loading zones, and more.

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How to find the best concrete maintenance contractors?

Hiring the best concrete maintenance contractor is not always simple. You want a contractor who is honest, dependable, and qualified for the job at hand. Make sure you are asking the right questions when you interview a company. If you don’t, you could be paying more than expected, and the job may take longer than you want.

Here are 5 ways to choose the right concrete maintenance contractor for the job.

  • Ask to see their portfolio. When you are doing your research, make sure to check the contractor’s portfolio. The right contractor will be able to show you a gallery of photos. You will have the chance to see their most recent work and get a better idea of what they can offer you. You will be able to check their services and get an idea of what to expect from a final project. Their portfolio will allow you to visualize what they can do for you and your home, and maybe even give you some new ideas.
  • Look for a contractor with experience. Generally, you should look for a contractor with at least five years of professional experience. This will demonstrate that they are reliable and will provide you with quality work. Additionally, experienced contractors will be able to offer you suggestions to help you get the results you are looking for. They will explain how one concrete option is better for your space than another.
  • Check their reputation. Take a look at the contractor’s reviews. You should be able to find them on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, or Facebook. Do the reviews say the company is reputable? Are they easy to work with, friendly? Look at the bad reviews and see if the company responded and tried to rectify the complaint or offered a solution. You may also want to ask friends and family if they know of a contractor, or if they know anything about the company you are considering.
  • What does their insurance cover? It’s very important to know up front what, exactly, a contractor’s insurance covers. If there is any type of mishap on the job, you want to make sure you won’t be liable for it. Find out how the contractor’s insurance protects you and your property from things like on-the-job accidents and damages. Typically, a reputable contractor will have general liability coverage and worker’s competition policies. You can also choose to contact the contractor’s insurance company directly to verify they have coverage and what it covers.
  • Finally, make sure to get an estimate. When you speak to each contractor, request an estimate for the project. Make sure they have included everything; the cost of the base materials, the thickness of the concrete, reinforcement, coloring, sealer, and the down payment. Then collect these estimates to compare with other contractors. Look at what each contractor offers. What will you be paying for with each one?

Make sure you talk to several contractors before you make your choice, and make sure to read your contract carefully before you sign. When you make your final decision, look at each of these factors and weigh them. One contractor may charge a little more but will offer better quality and better customer service. Look at what you will be getting for the price and make sure the contractor offers everything you need. And finally, don’t pay your balance upfront. A reputable company won’t ask you to. Contact Superior Aggregates today for an estimate! Let us help you with your concrete needs.

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

How to budget for your parking lot updates in 2019

Parking lot management may not be too involved, but smart owners create a strategic plan for preventative maintenance and upkeep at the start of every year. If you want to take a proactive approach to your parking lot budget, consider these tips when determining your budget for parking lot updates in 2019. Utilizing a trusted partner in this process can cut down the time commitment on your part, and leave you with the bandwidth to concentrate on the immediate needs of your business.

Where is your pavement in the useful life cycle?

Pavement does not last forever and requires regular upkeep and maintenance. Whether your parking lot is need of sealing, patching, or it’s time for replacement, it’s important to approach this upkeep in a proactive manner. In addition to having an adequate amount of funds available, it is also important to remain proactive in order to minimize disruption to your cash flow as repairs and maintenance are conducted. Undergoing an inspection is an effective way to determine the most impactful update projects while scheduling them when the downtime will cause the least possible impact on your cash flow.

Is preventative maintenance and upkeep a part of your 2019 budget? It should be.

The physical condition of your parking lot is the foundation of your business, and including the upkeep of your lot in your 2019 budget is essential. In addition to regular maintenance it is key to have reserves in place should the need for a major refurbishment or repair arise. Without a proper budget, you may be left scrambling in the event of an unseen event or emergency. Don’t let this happen to you! Proper maintenance and regular updates can prevent future issues that grow more expensive with neglect. By adding such line items to your 2019 budget you will be ahead of the curve and in a much stronger position if an unexpected repair need arises at your parking lot.

Determine your top 3 goals or “must-dos” to increase your customers’ parking experience in 2019

The start of 2019 is a perfect time to review your goals for the year and put them into action. Whether it is reconfiguring the lot to maximize space, or updating payment options for your customers, this is the right time to put those plans in place. When you budget and plan for future improvements your parking lot is much less likely to experience downturns and dips in revenue caused by being off-line. Tackling these top 3 goals for 2019 with a schedule that includes a budget for the necessary funds can help you to avoid damage and repair in the future.

Create ongoing relationships with a trusted partner in order to maximize results

The day-to-day running and management of your parking lot holdings can take up a lot of your time, and bringing in a trusted partner can yield positive results. With the right partner, you can focus on the business aspects of your parking lot and leave the budgeting and planning to a specialist. Thinking that you don’t have enough time to properly plan and budget for updates to your lot can lead to a lot of avoidable trouble down the road.

Make 2019 the year that you implement proper budgeting and maintenance plans for your parking lot. Proper maintenance, repair, and updates can help you to maximize profits while minimizing downtime and unexpected expenses!

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

3 Winter Repairs You Should Be Making

Improving the lot around your business is important for economic growth. A number of things can go wrong in the winter with all the ice, snow, and rain, and there are repairs that businesses should be making to their lot. This will help prevent flooding and damage to the property, as well as increase customer safety.

Pothole Repair

Pothole repair is needed because it helps with improved curb appeal. If the parking lot is well maintained, it can convey to customers that you are a responsible business owner and value customer safety. Repairing potholes also saves money, since potholes that go unrepaired pose a risk for future damage that can be more expensive. Pothole repair is important for the safety of your customers and employees and can be a trip hazard for pedestrians. Businesses will be held liable for these injuries. Pothole repair can be difficult in the winter, but temporary repairs need to be made in order to ensure that drivers can get safely to the business. For temporary repairs, a cold mix asphalt should be used. This mix works especially well if the temperature is below the recommended level and it’s an emergency. All ice, moisture, and debris should be removed from the area before beginning the repair.

Catch Basin Repair

Catch basins and storm drains play an important role, especially in the winter with all the run off. Catch basins will catch and prevent contaminants from entering the drainage system. Without them, debris could enter the system and clog it, which will lead to some serious flooding and a negative effect on the property. If water pools in the lot, then the pooling on the asphalt can lead to the deterioration of the pavement. When water enters the joints it can cause the mortar to pop out and repairs are needed. Sometimes even cracks appear near the perimeter to allow more water to get in. Depending on the damages, repairs can extend from patching up asphalt around the perimeter to a complete structure repair.

Cracksealing

Winter is the perfect time for cracksealing because pavement expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes. This means that joints and cracks are expanding when the pavement moves. Cracksealing is preventative winter road maintenance that is meant to extend the life of the pavement. It’s important to seal up cracks because cracks can allow for water and other materials, such as dirt, debris, and sand, to get into the pavement structure. These cracks will then accelerate the weakening and deterioration of the payment. With the proper seal cracking, and when properly executed, it can help extend the life of the payment from six months to four years. Before beginning any cracksealing, the area should be clear of any moisture, debris, vegetation, or dirt, in order for it to be the most effective. If using heat, be careful not the scorch the pavement and note that the sealant needs to be placed in the pavement before the crack cools to allow for it to adhere best. The entire crack should be filled and then leveled to make sure that the payment remains smooth. It’s important that any repair material or sealant is only applied only within the manufacturer’s recommended application temperature, otherwise it won’t work. More sealant isn’t always better. Too much can lead to problems when paving over. Cracksealing is important because it can buy time and help save money by delaying the expense of other major reconstructive work.