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7 Advantages of Choosing a Concrete Parking Lot for your Business

Don’t underestimate the value of a great parking lot to your business. From prospective clients to potential employees, your parking lot is a big part of the first impression your building makes. Obviously, you want that impression to be a good one. An adequate number of spaces is just the beginning. The parking lot should also be a safe environment for guests.

Asphalt is a popular car park material. It is inexpensive and quick to install. Smart business owners think long-term, however. More and more companies are choosing a concrete parking lot instead. Here are seven reasons to consider a concrete parking lot, even if the bid is a little higher:

 

1. Stronger

Concrete is far more durable than asphalt. It keeps its form without buckling even under the weight of heavy traffic and heavier vehicles. If you expect high traffic or visits from a lot of trucks, concrete is the material that can take the beating.

 

2. Longer-Lasting

As a business owner, you have a keen eye to “return on investment.” A lower price tag is not a great value if the product has to be replaced in half the time or less than the pricier option. In this case, concrete lasts far longer than asphalt, making it a better investment long-term.

 

3. Better-Looking

Don’t forget that crucial first impression. Even a basic concrete parking lot typically looks better than its asphalt cousins. Better yet, concrete can be textured, colored, and decorated to create a unique, appealing aesthetic customized to your business.

 

4. Better for the Environment

Most of the materials in concrete are natural and chemical-free. “Sustainable concrete,” which contributes to a stable rainwater cycle, is available as well. In the summer heat, asphalt parking lots soften and seep oils and chemicals, becoming unpleasant and unsafe to walk on. A concrete parking lot absorbs less heat, which keeps the office park from turning into a “heat island” that damages the local flora and fauna.

 

5. Low-Maintenance

Asphalt requires annual service and preventative maintenance. Concrete parking lots need service far less frequently. If you have enough to keep you busy at your company without having to schedule service calls every year, a concrete parking lot is the way to go.

 

6. Better Lighting

Asphalt is black or dark gray because it absorbs more light than it reflects. In contrast, concrete reflects three times as much light as asphalt. This reflected light reduces the amount of electric light required to keep the parking lot well-lit. A well-lit parking lot is crucial for safety, as it deters crime. Easy lighting also reduces electric bills.

 

7. Long-Term Cost Savings

Lower utility bills. Less maintenance. Longer lasting. You can probably see a pattern emerging. Yes, the initial installation cost can be higher and more time-consuming. Over the long term, however, the costs associated with a concrete parking lot can actually be a lot lower than an asphalt one, in terms of both cash and time expenditure.

 

 

Installing or replacing a parking lot is a critical investment in the life of a business. Remember, the best solution isn’t always the least pricey solution. From eco-friendliness to cost savings, consider the long-term advantages of a concrete parking lot.

 

By admin Construction • • • • • • 0 Comments

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.

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5 Different Ways to Get the Best Value from your Concrete Contractor

Whether you’re looking for concrete poured for a parking area, patio, or other project, you want to be sure that you’re getting the best value. How? Look for experienced professionals who will respect your time and financial budget while still bringing their expert opinion. This may sound like a tall order, but you can pull it off in five straightforward ways:

1: Do Your Homework

Research contractors in the area to help you narrow down a potentially large field of experienced businesses. See if you can find online reviews or talk to references.

Once you move on to getting a quote from the top contenders, do a little more digging. Do they have experience with the specific job you have in mind? More importantly, do their qualifications check out?

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies exaggerate or invent qualifications that they haven’t earned. This could mean:

  • poor results that don’t hold up to the elements
  • features not up to code
  • an expensive headache as another contractor tries to fix the mess

2: Get On the Same Page

Once you’ve decided on a concrete contractor, make sure that the two of you are on the same page about the project. Explain clearly what you want and listen to the contractor’s expert recommendations. Discuss any concerns you may have, for instance with zoning laws or requirements for home insurance. Finally, read through the written contract itself. If there are any areas that you don’t understand, bring them up before you put your signature down.

3: Beware of Cutting Corners

The price tag for this job matters, but it’s not the only important factor. Watch out for contractors who trim costs by using low grade materials or rushing through steps in the pouring process. It’s also not a good idea to cut corners time-wise. Over the long term, rushed jobs tend to have poor results.

On a related note, be careful with concrete curing times. Don’t continue your project until that surface is completely cured. You could cause a lot of damage to the concrete itself.

4: Be Prepared to Compromise…

On your schedule, that is. Experienced, in-demand concrete contractors may have their workdays planned for weeks in advance. If they aren’t available for the day you were counting on, see if there’s another date that could work for you. It may be worthwhile to shuffle your renovation schedule around a bit.

You may also want to compromise on small details of your project. If your concrete contractor strongly advises that you adjust something, there’s probably a good reason. Remember that you hired them in part for their expertise. Most contractors genuinely want you to get the best possible result and enjoy your concrete features for years to come. They are your partners in this stage of the project, so hear them out and make your best judgment call.

5: … But Know When to Stick to Your Guns

Ultimately, you know what you’re looking for and what your budget looks like. Your contractor may suggest a variety of upsells. These could include stamping patterns into the concrete surface or some fancy new sealant. Extra features aren’t necessarily a bad idea. In fact, they could potentially raise the value of the property and increase the longevity of the concrete. However, if your budget or vision for the property doesn’t include them, put your foot down. Ultimately you have the last word.