By admin Asphalt Driveway • Construction • Paving • 0 Comments

Top 5 Tips for Working with Concrete

Concrete has revolutionized operations in the construction industry. It allows both contractors and DIY enthusiasts to easily build walkways, driveways, and other projects without dealing with sophisticated storage procedures. Although working with concrete may seem intimidating to newbies, it is simple and straightforward if you adhere to best practices. Here are the top five tips that will ensure that your concrete project looks great and lasts longer.

1. Include an Additive to Make It Easier to Mix

You don’t have to spend a lot of money buying the most expensive concrete to achieve better results. As a DIY enthusiast, you can begin with the affordable concrete bag from your local hardware. You can stick to the typical mix concrete for simple projects since it doesn’t require additives.

However, if you are working on a large and sophisticated project, add a plasticizer to your concrete since it helps the cement to mix and flow easily. This ensures that the concrete mix gets into all the desired areas. Keep in mind that there is no magic when it comes to drying your concrete. Do not add anything to speed up or slow down the drying time since it may be catastrophic in future. If you’re working in areas that experience hotter temperatures, use a tarp to cover up your mold as it dries.

2. Use Proportionate Amounts of Water

When mixing your concrete, pour a small amount of water into the mixture first and mix for a few minutes until the whole amount of water is absorbed and add more water gradually as you mix. If you add an excessive amount of water at once, the mixture will become runny and hard to deal with. You should also spare a small amount of dry concrete just in case the mix becomes too thin.

You should use either a spade or a flat shovel for mixing. Add water to one side of the mixing tray or wheelbarrow and pull the concrete into it a little amount at a time to ensure that all particles get absorbed. Resist the urge of using a hosepipe to spray water on your mix.

3. Choose the Right Molds for Better Results

Mold materials that produce the best results are usually made out of melamine. Avoid using cardboard as mold since water tends to seep under creating a rough finish. However, in a melamine material, the water can’t escape since it’s non-porous. Instead, your concrete will mimic the melamine’s smooth and attractive look resulting in a perfect finish. No matter the kind of material you choose, just make sure that you make a mold that is strong enough to sustain the heavy concrete.

4. Remember to Wear PPE Before You Start Working with Concrete

Personal protective equipment is essential when working with concrete. It should have both elbow and knee pads, waterproof gloves, dust masks, goggles, and knee-high footwear. Make sure that you put on long pants and long-sleeved shirts when handling wet concrete. Keep in mind that exposure to damp concrete may result in third-degree burns and severe irritation if you aren’t protected adequately.

5. Choose the Right Finish to Make Your Project Look Impressive

Most people tend to think that they have limited options when it comes to the overall appearance of their concrete. However, the truth is that there are lots of simple solutions that can make your concrete project look more attractive, custom, and expensive. Concrete dyes, stamping, and acid stains can all create that impressive look. Polish your concrete with an orbital sander for a smooth finish.

pros and cons of asphalt and concrete
By admin Asphalt Driveway • Asphalt Paving • • 0 Comments

Pros and Cons: Asphalt vs. Concrete Commercial Parking Lots

Commercial parking lots must be designed to withstand large volumes of traffic, seasonal weather conditions, and heavy vehicle loads. These factors must also be weighed against the anticipated lifespan of the commercial parking lot, the disruption that maintenance will cause, and the amount of money that can be spent building and maintaining the area. While, asphalt companies and concrete companies are both quick to point the benefits of their products, it is important to also consider the possible cons.

The Pros of Concrete Installation
There are several benefits to building a commercial parking lot with concrete. These pros include:

  1. Better Suited For Hot Weather. — Concrete commercial parking lots tend to be better suited for hot weather. Unlike asphalt parking lots that can soften and become oily in extreme heat conditions, concrete lots often feature a lighter color that results in cooler temperatures during the summer. Its surface is also less likely to expand or change during the hot summer months.
  2. Less Maintenance. — One of the biggest benefits of concrete parking lots is that they don’t require regular maintenance.
  3. Longer Life Span. — Concrete commercial parking lots tend to last longer than asphalt. In fact, in the right conditions a concrete lot can last for more than 40 years.
  4. Additional Customization Options. — Concrete parking lots are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and design options.

The Cons of Concrete Installation
One of the biggest things to consider when choosing between a concrete and asphalt parking lot is the climate. In fact, many of the cons of concrete installation are centered around its reaction to below freezing temperatures.

  1. Subject To Frost Heaves. — Concrete parking lots are unfortunately subject to frost heaves. Frost heaves not only create uneven surfaces, but they often require immediate maintenance so that the area can remain safe for daily use.
  2. Susceptible To Salt Damage. — The salt used to melt ice and snow can cause long-lasting damage to concrete.
  3. More Expensive To Install. — Concrete might be easier to maintain than asphalt, however it is more expensive to install.
  4. Long Curing Time. — Concrete can take up to seven days before it is properly cured and ready to be used.
  5. Water Runoff Management. — Unlike asphalt, concrete is not permeable, which means that businesses will need to implement a water runoff management plan, especially in areas that are susceptible to extended periods of heavy rain.

The Pros of Asphalt Installation
Asphalt installation offers many potential benefits, including:

  1. Easy Installation. — An asphalt commercial parking lot can be laid, cured, and ready to use in as little as two days.
  2. Not Affected By Cold Temperatures. — Unlike concrete, asphalt is typically not affected by below freezing temperatures. Its surface doesn’t deteriorate from extended salt use during winter months.
  3. Materials Are Readily Available. — Asphalt is a material that is readily available, which means that commercial parking lot projects can often be completed more quickly.
  4. Less Expensive To Install. — Asphalt parking lots are significantly less expensive to install.
  5. Easier To Repair. — While asphalt does require more maintenance than concrete, these repairs are often inexpensive and easy to complete.

The Cons of Asphalt Installation
Asphalt parking lots do have a few potential drawbacks, including:

  1. More Preventative Maintenance. — Unlike concrete that requires minimal maintenance, asphalt does require quite a bit of preventative maintenance. The additional level of maintenance can make asphalt more expensive than concrete in the long run.
  2. Surface Damage From Gasoline. — Gasoline stains and leakage can cause damage to the surface of the asphalt commercial parking lot.
  3. Shorter Lifespan. — While asphalt can last for 15 – 20 years, concrete is known for lasting between 30 and 40 years.
  4. Negatively Affected By Heat. — Asphalt parking lots can be affected by extreme heat. Higher temperatures can cause the surface to shrink, expand, and produce an oil sheen.
  5. More Permeable Surface. — When compared to concrete, asphalt has a much softer and more permeable surface that is more susceptible to excess damage from snowplows during the winter months.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: The Choice Is Yours
Both asphalt and concrete installations offer a wide variety of benefits. Selecting the right choice for your business is made easier when you work with a trusted concrete and asphalt company, who will help you to weigh the pros and cons. Whether you want to save on the initial upfront costs of asphalt or prefer the design options associated with concrete, it is safe to say that either option will create a good commercial parking lot.

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6 Must-know Tips for Preparing Your Concrete for a Long Life

Pouring a new slab of concrete may look simple, but in all actuality, it takes a lot of finesse and a lot of attention to detail. The final outcome can look absolutely amazing, and this is why you will want to do all you can to make sure the concrete slab looks new for as long as possible. Fortunately, taking care of concrete isn’t as difficult as many people make it out to be. For now, let’s take a quick look at six tips for preparing your concrete for a long life.

1) Make Sure It Is Poured By Professionals

The first step you will want to follow to make sure your commercial concrete lasts as long as possible is to have it poured by professionals. And not only do you want it poured by professionals, but you want it to be mixed by professionals too. In fact, the mixture of the concrete is the number one determining factor in how well the concrete will set up.

2) Use a Microfiber Pad

When cleaning concrete floors, it is best to use a microfiber pad as this helps remove dirt particles without scratching the concrete. And since concrete has a soil as an ingredient, it is not uncommon for the dust to be quite thick on concrete floors, meaning they should be cleaned at least three to four times a week.

3) Use a Neutral Floor Cleaner

Using plain water to mop your concrete floors is a great idea because it doesn’t mess with the chemicals in the concrete. Unfortunately, though, using plain water won’t always remove all of the dust and dirt that has been attracted to the concrete floors. With this in mind, you will need to add a neutral floor cleaner to the mop water at least twice a week when cleaning the floors.

4) Clean All Concrete Floors

Some people think that the only concrete floors that need cleaning are the ones inside. The truth is, though, whether it be concrete sidewalks, concrete garage floors or concrete driveways, all of these areas need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Driveways should be cleaned at least twice a season, while garage floors should be cleaned at least once a month. And if possible, concrete sidewalks should be cleaned at least once a week.

5) Clean Stains As Soon As Possible

If you spill something on the concrete, you will want to clean it up as quickly as possible before it sets into the concrete and stains it. If spills and stains absorb into the concrete, it can lead to decay and you want to avoid this.

6) Always Dry Mop the Wet Floor Cleaner

You don’t ever want your cleaning agent to become dry on the concrete floors. Instead, you want to clean the floors and dry mop them before the cleaning agent dries. If the cleaning agent dries on the floor, it can lead to cracks and decay.

The Takeaway

Regardless of the concrete project,, you will want to take advantage of commercial concrete installation. Concrete companies that have prior experience in pouring concrete and can make sure the job is done right the first time around as well as provide you with lots of helpful tips for extending the life of your concrete floors.

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

What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are both viable hard surface options for parking lots and driveways, but despite what many may believe, the two are not the same. Yes, there are similarities, such as the importance of a solid base, basic material composition and the need to adequately cure. But to help you make a more educated decision for your refinishing needs, we’ve outlined the top 10 key differences between concrete and asphalt. Have a look:

  1. Longevity: Concrete can usually last upwards of 40 years, while asphalt has a lifespan of about half of that.
  2. Durability: To piggyback off the last point in terms of longevity, concrete tends to be more durable than asphalt, which helps it to last longer.
  3. Aesthetics: Concrete tends to be a lot more versatile of a material than asphalt. For instance, it can be stamped, comes in various colors and has an assortment of finishes available. Asphalt on the other hand is a little less aesthetically pleasing. It comes primarily in black and no finishing options are available.
  4. Cost: Cost is an important aspect of any project, and a new driveway or parking lot is certainly no exception. On that note, asphalt has a tendency to be cheaper, typically costing anywhere from $2.50 to $4 per square foot. Concrete tends to range from $4 to $6 a square foot.
  5. Climate considerations: Concrete is generally better in warm climates and asphalt in colder climates. That’s because concrete has a tendency to crack in freezing temperatures and can be damaged by salt. Asphalt, on the other hand, tends to soften in hot temperatures, potentially leading to deformation. Asphalt can get very hot to the touch in warm, sunny climates as well.
  6. The adhesive: One of the biggest differences between concrete and asphalt is the adhesive that binds the mineral, stone and sand materials together. In concrete, the adhesive is cement. In asphalt, it’s tar.
  7. Cure time: Concrete takes a few days to cure before it can be driven on, while asphalt takes just a few hours.
  8. Resurfacing: Asphalt can be resurfaced to give the lot or driveway a new top coat. Resurfacing isn’t possible with concrete.
  9. Crack repair: In order to repair cracks, stains or deformations, asphalt can be resurfaced. Standalone cracks and holes can also be easily repaired, with the end product blending in fairly well with the rest of the lot or driveway. This isn’t the case with concrete, as crack repairs are generally far more obvious and potentially unsightly.
  10. Maintenance: It’s recommended that asphalt lots or driveways be resealed once every three to five years to extend operational use. This is easy to do and doesn’t require any special tools or products. Good maintenance can extend the life of asphalt surfaces. Concrete doesn’t have to be sealed to last, as consumers typically choose to seal a concrete driveway to enhance its appearance.

As you can see, concrete and asphalt are far from the same material, and the differences that we’ve listed above are all important considerations to note when you’re deciding on your next resurfacing project.

So what is best for your parking lot or driveway – asphalt or concrete?

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

What are the Side Effects of Paving Asphalt over Concrete?

Many people who are looking for a new asphalt surface for their parking lot or driveway will simply pave over an existing concrete service. This can save time and money. However, many experts do not recommend it for a wide variety of different reasons. Asphalt paved over concrete tends to crack and be bumpy to the point where it could be dangerous for pedestrians and damaging to vehicles. This article lays out several reasons why you should consider having a concrete removed before the asphalt poured. To learn more about why professionals recommend the concrete be removed in the first place, read on.

The Surface Will Not Be as Smooth

The first and most obvious negative aspect of paving asphalt over concrete is that the surface will not be as smooth. You have no doubts seen when asphalt has been laid on over concrete and is bumpy and uneven. Even the best professional paving companies will likely end up with results that don’t meet your expectations due to the bumpiness of the surface. If the concrete itself has been poorly laid and is bumpy and cracked, this effect will be greatly exaggerated.

The Asphalt Will Be More Likely To Crack

Asphalt laid over concrete is also much more likely to crack. This is due to two main reasons. Number one, if the concrete is cracked or damaged below the asphalt it will not provide a stable surface and will likely cause cracks in the asphalt in the same places. Number two, concrete is known to expand and contract based on the weather conditions. This will cause cracks in the concrete as well as in the asphalt on top of it.

The Costs of Maintenance May Be Higher In the Long Run

The two above points, in effect, will cause the cost of maintenance to be higher in the long run. Maintaining asphalt is normally relatively cheap and not time-consuming at all. However, cracked and uneven asphalt will require a great deal more maintenance. While you may save a little bit of money by laying down asphalt over concrete in the first place, your cost will likely be higher in the long run.

The Surface May Actually Be Dangerous for Pedestrians

These days many businesses and even private citizens are worried about how dangerous surfaces could be a precursor to lawsuits. There is a small subset of people that are always looking for an opportunity to file a lawsuit. A poorly maintained or otherwise dangerous surface that causes a fall for a pedestrian could easily be the source of a lawsuit, as many different businesses have found out. For this reason and many others, you want your surface to be as even and smooth as possible.

The Asphalt May Have To Be Torn Up

Not only will maintenance of asphalt laid over concrete be higher in the long run, you may even have to tear up the asphalt due to damage from the underlying concrete. If this is the case, you will also have to tear up the concrete at the same time. This can be a very expensive proposition. This could easily be avoided by having the concrete torn up in the first place.