By admin Snow Removal • • • • 0 Comments

Snow Plow Damage on Asphalt

Living and working in the Snow Belt means having to deal with snow removal yourself, or hiring professional help. Snow piles up fast, therefore, you snow removal solution should be just as effective. This is especially important for businesses as snow piling on roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots mean lost revenues as customers are unable to access the business.

However, companies should consider the negative implications of the snow removal methods they select. These negative implications include liabilities arising from snow removal and safety concerns. The use of snow plows, in particular, may cause damage to sidewalks, roadways and parking lots. Companies should, therefore, have this in mind when they prepare annual budgets. Provisions should be made for the repair of damaged infrastructure. This provision should be made when budgeting for winter expenses and expenditure (which will include the costs of snow removal).

Companies can also be proactive and take steps towards preventing damage to infrastructure during the winter from snow plowing. These steps include;

  • Filling and Sealing Cracks – Before the winter months roll in it will be prudent if an inspection of the infrastructure around you is carried out. This means the parking lot, driveways and sidewalks. Any cracks should be identified and filled. This will prevent the intrusion of water which periodically freezes and thaws during winter making infrastructure more susceptible to damage due to water’s expansion and contraction.
  • Protect from Snow Plows – Again before winter begins to make sure the parking lot, sidewalk or driveway is clear of any objects such as dirt, litter or rocks. These objects can crack the asphalt when run over by a snow plow. Place visible markers at curbs to protect sidewalks and driveways.
  • Shovel often and correctly – Shoveling as soon as it snows minimizes the amount of snow and water on your parking lot at any given moment thus reducing the probability of damage from water thawing and freezing. Ensure the shovel you use does not damage your parking lot, select a shovel that is not sharp.
  • Check Your De-Icer – Carefully select the de-icing agents you will use. Some agents such as rock salt can damage cement and asphalt. Using milder agents is recommended.
  • Repair Potholes – Ensure any potholes detected during winter in your parking lot are repaired promptly. Asphalt can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of traditional repairs using infrared asphalt repairs.

Budgeting for snow removal

Damage from snow plows usually occurs from the scraping of the asphalt by a blade set too low. The scraping action can strip off pavement sealer. Therefore, sealer applications should be included in the budget in order to restore the asphalt once the snow and ice clear.

Quality Snow Removal Solution Investments

The most important investments needed during winter for snow removal will be in personnel and materials. The personnel hired to perform snow removal should be experienced and/or from reputable companies with the know how to minimize damage to infrastructure. Hiring experienced drivers should be a priority. In terms of materials, you will require to invest in suitable de-icing agents and visible markers to guide drivers on where to plow and where not to plow.

Winter is coming. The snow and ice should not surprise you this season. Developing a plan for the prevention of damage and postseason restoration will go a long way towards minimizing costs associated with snow plow damage. Do not wait until you have to replace the whole pavement, instead undertake frequent repairs and maintenance. This will result in significant cost saving in the long run.

By admin Paving • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Temperature Should You Pour Concrete?

Concrete can be poured at any time when the temperatures have been above 40 F for over 72 hours. Moderate temperatures make the placement crew’s job easier as it sets up at a good pace, allowing ample time for edging, jointing, troweling and curing. In some instances, it can be placed when temperatures are lower but special additives are used, and heating may also be required. The other factors that can affect concrete pouring include wind speed, humidity levels, and the temperature of the sub-base which is the surface you will be pouring your concrete on.

Pouring your concrete in cold weather

In regards to concrete, cold weather is anything below 40ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in cold weather;
  • Should the sub-base be frozen thaw it with heaters. Alternatively, you could pour the concrete on Styrofoam material as it helps sustain the temperature in the concrete.
  • Order for concrete products that are designed to cure promptly. Cold weather concrete is capable of resisting thawing and freezing effects as they have air entrained voids.
  • Ascertain that the concrete you order for has a low slump also known as a drier mix to minimize bleed water. You can use a vacuum or squeegees to rid the concrete of bleed water. This will help decrease the setting time.
  • You could use hot water to mix the concrete or use extra cement, that is, 100 lbs per cubic yard of concrete to create a heated reaction.
  • Once you have successfully poured your concrete, maintain its temperatures at 50ºF for a minimum of 3 days to a maximum of 7 days. This can be achieved through the use of heated enclosures or an insulating blanket.
  • If you are going to make use of a heated enclosure, ascertain that it is weatherproof and windproof.
  • Once you determine that the concrete is well set, you can remove the insulating blanket or the heated enclosure to allow the concrete to air dry.

Pouring your concrete in hot weather

  • Hot temperature in regards to concrete pouring is anything above 77ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in hot weather;
  • Avoid pouring the concrete when it’s too hot to avoid temperature-related issues. You can do so either early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • You can erect shades along with wind barriers to protect the poured concrete from crusting or stiffening. Crusted concrete is highly susceptible to plastic shrinkage, crazing, and cracking.
  • Have a few people help you with the mixing process. Prolonged mixing only results in increased temperatures. You can add ice to the water mix to cool the temperature of the mixture.
  • You can dampen the sub-base to help minimize its temperature before pouring your concrete.
  • You can control the evaporation after pouring through the use of wet burlap, polyethylene sheets, waterproof paper, and windbreaks.
  • Should the weather be extremely hot, you will need to observe continuous moist curing for the next couple of days until the concrete is dry.

Finally, note that it is not advisable to place concrete when temperatures exceed 100 F, as it can flash set and there won’t be enough time for proper finishing.