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

How Does Asphalt Paving Work

No matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned construction worker, knowing the proper method of asphalt paving can make or break your ability to be successful in this industry. No matter if you are starting your own company, work for someone else, or if you simply want to learn the basics of asphalt paving, you should know that the method is often the most important part of the job. That said, the following is a short guide on the basics of asphalt construction.

The 7 Areas of Pavement Construction

If you are searching for the basics of pavement construction, they are as follows:

  1. Site prep: Before you are able to begin paving, you must make sure the site is properly prepared. This can involve the replacement of areas that are extremely damaged, milling, applying of a leveling course, and more. Every site is different. However, you need to make sure each site is properly prepared before you can begin construction.
  2. Demolition and removal of old material: Next, you must demolish and remove any materials and debris that may stand to adversely affect your paving efforts. This can provide the use of bobcats, forklifts, large dump trucks, forklifts, heavy machinery, and more. The purpose of this step is to remove the existing surface, so your site can be prepared to receive the new asphalt.
  3. Grading: The purpose of this step is to make sure the area is prepared for the appropriate water drainage necessary to sustain the new pavement over time. Using various tools and technology (most often, laser transit), this step is done to ensure the new pavement will not be greatly damaged by rain, water, and other watery elements.
  4. Base: One of the most important parts of creating new asphalt pavement is to ensure that the sub-base is laid properly. As we know, having a stable foundation is vital to being able to properly build anything. This is because the sub-base serves as a stable support for new pavement. Additionally, the sub-base is also important because it can help protect the new asphalt from the winter elements.
  5. Binder: Next, the binder is added. This consists of a larger aggregate and oil mixture, which makes it exceptionally strong and durable. In short, the binder is considered to be the strength behind all new asphalt surfaces.
  6. Final surface layer: Once you had added the binder, it is now time to install the top layer of your asphalt surface. This is a smaller aggregate mixed with sand and soil. The combination of the previous material mixed with this layer creates the smooth, shiny, jet black asphalt, which most are accustomed to.
  7. Joints/transitions: Lastly, since most surfaces are connected to things such as driveways, parking lots, and roadways, asphalt construction workers must take the time to smooth the transition spaces between the new and older surfaces. This not only makes everything safer, smoother, and sturdier, but it also makes everything appear more uniform and professional.

Overall, there are various methods of asphalt paving. No matter which method you choose, you must be sure that you are completing each step with the utmost precision and professionalism. Otherwise, the new asphalt will become akin to old asphalt and will thus, will need to be redone by a contractor or company that can.

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

Why is Parking Lot Striping Important?

If you’re like most people, then you spend a lot of time in parking lots. From going to the grocery store to heading to the mall for four hours on a Saturday, we spent a great deal of time in these areas. But while you park, leave your vehicle, then hop back in for the ride home, you probably don’t really think about the different aspects of parking areas and how they work. From the striping to the flow of traffic, there are many aspects that result in a well-functioning and great looking parking area.

In this post, we’ll discuss parking lot striping and talk about five reasons why it’s important.

Safety

Parking lots can be massive with hundreds of spaces crammed into a little area. With so many people walking to and from their vehicles—not to mention the hundreds of cars leaving and coming in at the same time—staying safe can be a tough task. That’s were parking lot striping comes in. This striping helps to label pedestrian areas in order for drivers to know to stay clear of these locations. In addition, striping on parking lot paving can help to improve the flow of traffic. From angled parking spaces to arrows that label the direction of traffic, this striping helps the parking lot function properly to limit accidents and other complications.

Handicap Access

Another reason why striping on parking lot paving is so important is that it gives proper access to handicapped individuals. Some parking lots don’t clearly label these areas, which could lead to others parking in these reserved spaces. In order to provide access for these handicap individuals, parking lot striping makes it easy. This striping can help drivers and pedestrians clearly see these parking spaces to ensure the right individuals park there.

Appearance

Have you ever noticed a parking lot that was just recently completed or one that was just repainted? If so, then you probably noticed how great it looked. That being said, another benefit of parking lot striping relates to the curb appeal. In fact, this can be a deciding factor for a customer to walk into your store or not. In addition, it’s vital to routinely re-paint your parking lot to give off a great impression and welcome customers into your store.

Guides Traffic

One of the more beneficial purposes of striping is to properly direct traffic. Given how some parking lots can fit hundreds of cars, it’s important to have the right traffic guidance in place—including freshly painted striping that clearly marks parking lot spaces, the direction of traffic, walking paths, and more.

Maximizes Parking Area

Another reason striping is vital for parking lots is because it helps to maximize the parking area. If you have faded striping or no striping at all, this can make it confusing for drivers, which could lead to an ineffective flow of traffic and a lot of wasted space. That being said, it’s best to strategize where to place your parking spaces, then ensure that the striping is done appropriately.

Striping Does it All

From helping businesses get customers in the door to providing safety for those customers, parking lot striping is probably more important than you thought. So the next time you head to the grocery store or bank, take a look at the parking lot striping and think about how important it really is.

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.

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

Resurfacing Concrete With Asphalt

Concrete is an inexpensive building material that shows up in a number of domestic and commercial applications. It is often used for floors, driveways, sidewalks, and even parking lots. However, concrete has limitations. These problems may show up over time or as the concrete weathers:

  • Unsightly staining. This can range from mold to spilled garage chemicals to simple weathering that gives it a dull look.
  • Cracks. These may start from impacts, extreme temperatures, or water. They can start out small but, if not addressed, will spread and worsen.
  • Surface pitting. This kind of damage, which may come from sources like weather or chemical contact, makes the concrete vulnerable to cracking. It is also unsightly.
  • Potholes. These can develop and worsen during use.
  • Bulges. They may appear after a winter and hint at potential water damage. Bulges also stress and weaken the concrete in these areas.
  • Erosion. If you see erosion in the earth under the edges of the concrete, this is a sure sign of water flowing down there.

What can you do if you notice these issues? Can you prevent trouble before it develops? In both cases, you may want to resurface your concrete with asphalt.

What is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing involves placing a solid layer of asphalt over the existing concrete. It does not involve removing the concrete or randomly patching problems. Resurfacing creates a smooth surface that is pedestrian and vehicle friendly. It also does not allow water to seep in and cause damage.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt?

Asphalt has a number of advantages over concrete. These include:

  • Price. Asphalt is often a more budget-friendly solution than pouring new concrete. It may be half the price or less.
  • Durability. Due to how it’s made, asphalt tends to hold up better to harsh weather. If you live in an area with intense winters, asphalt may be the better choice.
  • Easy maintenance. Asphalt is easy to remove snow and ice from. It holds up better to road salting. Snow and ice melt faster on this heat-retaining surface. Finally, due to the color, it does not show stains as much.
  • Easy repair. When concrete gets damaged, you will typically need to replace or resurface it. Meanwhile, asphalt can be directly repaired. The material bonds well to patches and new areas. This makes it easy to repair cracks and other damage.
  • Quick installation. Asphalt has a noticeably quicker time for installation, making it a great fit for businesses that don’t want to shut down for very long.
  • Repaving is easy. Because asphalt is made of a number of layers, it is straightforward to remove and replace just the surface.

Take it To the Pros

When it comes to surfaces you walk and drive on, you want to make sure it gets done right the first time around. It’s vital to create a smooth surface that won’t harm tires or cause people to trip. Large areas like parking lots may require banking so water drains properly. It’s also important that the surface creates a seal, keeping water out. Water can cause a lot of damage, especially during freezing winters.

This is why it’s essential to hire experienced professionals. The right company can evaluate what your home or business needs. They’ll give you a quote and get the job done quickly.