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Innovative Techniques for Protecting Asphalt Driveways from Winter Salt Damage

Winter poses challenges for asphalt driveways, but with strategic techniques, homeowners can safeguard their surfaces from salt damage. Discover these top ten strategies to shield your driveway and ensure its longevity.

Asphalt driveways are susceptible to winter’s harsh conditions, especially the corrosive impact of salt used for de-icing. To counter this threat, homeowners can employ innovative techniques offered by asphalt companies and driveway repair specialists. Let’s delve into the top ten strategies that focus on protecting your asphalt driveway from winter salt damage.

  1. Sealcoating Defense: One crucial defense against winter salt damage is the application of a high-quality sealcoat every few years. This protective layer acts as a formidable barrier, offered by reputable asphalt companies, enhancing the longevity of your driveway and minimizing vulnerability to corrosive salts.
  2. Infrared Asphalt Repair: Addressing existing cracks promptly is essential to prevent salt infiltration. Opt for specialists utilizing cutting-edge infrared technology for asphalt repair. This innovative technique not only efficiently fixes surface imperfections but also creates a seamless and durable surface, making your driveway more resilient against winter salt challenges.
  3. Permeable Asphalt: Eco-friendly options like permeable asphalt offer a dual advantage. Besides being environmentally conscious, these surfaces allow water drainage, minimizing salt accumulation. This reduction in salt exposure contributes to a more robust driveway, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Collaborate with asphalt companies knowledgeable about permeable solutions for optimal protection.
  4. Heated Driveway Systems: Investing in a heated driveway system is a proactive measure that goes beyond conventional de-icing methods. These systems efficiently melt snow and ice, eliminating the need for excessive salt usage. Beyond protecting your asphalt, a heated driveway enhances safety during winter months, providing a comprehensive solution to winter challenges.
  5. Warm Mix Asphalt: Embrace the advancements in asphalt technology, particularly warm mix asphalt. Known for its resistance to cracking, this innovative mix offers durability against the corrosive effects of winter salt. Collaborate with asphalt companies well-versed in incorporating warm mix asphalt to ensure a driveway that can withstand the rigors of winter.
  6. Additives for Protection: During asphalt installation, consider enhancing your mix with additives designed for winter salt protection. Collaborate with asphalt companies experienced in incorporating these additives for optimal results. These additions fortify the asphalt, creating a more resilient surface that can withstand the corrosive impact of salt, extending the life of your driveway.
  7. Proper Drainage Solutions: Efficient drainage is key to minimizing salt exposure. Install a proper drainage system to redirect melting snow away from your asphalt driveway. By reducing the accumulation of salt-laden water, you significantly mitigate the risk of winter salt damage. Consult with experts in driveway installation for a system tailored to your property’s needs.
  8. Porous Asphalt and Pavers: Consider a hybrid design that combines porous asphalt with pavers. This innovative approach provides durability while allowing effective water drainage. The permeable nature of this combination minimizes the impact of winter salt on the driveway, offering a resilient solution that balances functionality and aesthetic appeal.
  9. Environmentally Friendly De-icing: Collaborate with asphalt companies offering eco-friendly de-icing alternatives. These alternatives provide effective ice melting without the corrosive impact of traditional salt. By opting for environmentally conscious de-icing methods, you contribute to protecting both your driveway and the surrounding ecosystem, promoting sustainability in winter maintenance practices.
  10. Reflective Coatings: Integrate reflective coatings into your asphalt surface for added protection. Beyond shielding against UV rays, these coatings act as a barrier against winter salt, contributing to a longer lifespan for your driveway. Consult with asphalt specialists experienced in applying reflective coatings for optimal results in both protection and aesthetic enhancement.

By adopting these innovative techniques, homeowners can fortify their asphalt driveways against winter’s challenges. These strategies, offered by asphalt companies and driveway repair specialists, ensure a resilient surface that stands strong against salt damage, maintaining both functionality and visual appeal throughout the winter months. Take proactive steps to safeguard your driveway and enjoy a pristine and enduring asphalt surface.

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Why You Should See Your Concrete Driveway as the Investment it Really Is

When people think about making investments to their home that will ultimately improve the resale value, their mind usually goes directly for a few specific types of projects.

Naturally, you’ll want to make sure areas like the kitchen and bathroom are updated with modern designs and fixtures. You’ll also want to pay attention to critical systems like the roof or HVAC. But one area that most people don’t consider is also among the most crucial: the driveway.

That’s right – having a concrete driveway installed is absolutely an investment, and it should be treated as such. This is true for a number of different reasons, all of which are worth a closer look.

The Longevity Factor

For most people, the number one reason why a concrete driveway should be seen as an investment has to do with just how long-lasting it truly is. Concrete is an inherently durable material, which is why it is used so much throughout our daily lives.

The key takeaway is that so long as it is properly maintained, that driveway could last three or more decades without showing any obvious signs of distress. This means that you make sure that water needs to drain away from the driveway and not onto it whenever possible, for example. You’ll also want to take care to clean up any spills or stains as soon after they develop as possible.

Concrete is adept at standing up to the heaviest cars and trucks out there – which is great for the resale value of a home or even a commercial property.

No Fuss, No Muss

Along the same lines, concrete is also known for being notoriously easy to maintain. This is true to the point where most people go for years without thinking too much about their driveway at all.

If you were working with a material like asphalt, for example, you’d need to reseal it once a year or so. This is especially true if you live in an area of the country that gets all four seasons. You can get away with skipping a year, but if you do it too much you’ll be dealing with major issues after just five years.

With concrete, you should always seal it for maximum longevity, but beyond that, you don’t have to worry about much at all. Even cleaning concrete is comparatively simple. In most situations all you need is a broom, and the occasional session with the pressure washer will get up anything particularly “tough” from the surface.

Because of benefits like those outlined above, not only will you likely be able to sell a home faster with a concrete driveway, but you’ll likely command a higher asking price, too. This is because prospective buyers know that they don’t have to pull out an asphalt driveway (or worse, gravel) and replace it with a concrete one of their own.

In the end, your concrete driveway is absolutely an investment – and it’s one that deserves to be protected. Whether you’re not even thinking of selling your home or are preparing for a big move, it’s an element that you need to be proactive about taking care of. Concrete is a big part of the curb appeal of any space and if you do put a little work in now, it represents effort that will continue to pay dividends for years to come.

If you’d like to find out more information about why your concrete driveway is an investment in every sense of the term, or if you’d just like to discuss your own needs with a team of professionals in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.

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3 Ways Asphalt and Concrete Surfaces Positively Impact Communities

Asphalt companies have made a significant contribution to our nation’s transportation system by paving roads that are cost-effective, safe, and can withstand the harsh cycles of freezing temperatures. Without asphalt roads that feature a dark surface which significantly reduces glare and is skid-resistant to reduce accidents on wet roads, the number of highway and road accidents would be higher.

There are other advantages of asphalt surfaces that positively impact our communities, making them safer and quieter while adding fuel efficiency.

3 Reasons to Support Asphalt Roads

1. Asphalt is sustainable and recyclable

Asphalt roads have a thick base course along with an intermediate and top wear course which is about 3 inches. When the time comes for resurfacing, it is only the top wear layer that is milled off, then reused to make a fresh new top layer about every 20 years. The underlying courses typically never need replacement and can remain very strong indefinitely.

Because asphalt is 100% recyclable, American taxpayers save billions of dollars each year when municipalities complete roadwork using sustainable asphalt surfaces.

2. Less noise means better communities

The smooth nature of asphalt roadways and the properties of asphalt itself make for a driving surface that is much quieter than other roadway materials. Notice that there are no construction joints on asphalt-paved surfaces. It is these joints that often lift up or buckle, causing noise as trucks and cars drive.

Many states have roadway smoothness requirements that must be met, and asphalt is the easiest way to create roads that are built smoothly and provide an extremely quiet driving surface. And, when the time does come to repair or replace asphalt, it is the quickest road to repair, which eliminates long hours of road construction.

3. Asphalt roads offer better fuel efficiency

The ultra-smooth surface of asphalt means there is less friction between car tires and the road. This adds to driving that is more controllable, more comfortable, and saves on gasoline. Even the construction of asphalt roads is efficient, because it is completed in just a few easy stages, which eliminates rerouting of traffic that can add to a driver’s commute time.

Fuel efficiency trickles down to greater benefits to the community, like better air quality and a smaller carbon footprint. When automobiles have better fuel efficiency, they cost less to operate and maintain. It is estimated that thousands of dollars can be saved by driving on asphalt roads.

Finally, asphalt can be formulated with a number of different additives to fit the different weather and road conditions that exist all over the country. There are some asphalt mixtures that contribute to a smoother surface and some that promote better rainwater drainage.

With the ability to engineer an asphalt roadway solution to fit the unique needs of each community, every one wins with a product that is recyclable, provides a smooth and quiet ride, and contributes to the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks.

Superior Aggregates Inc. has been solving asphalt paving problems for municipal, commercial, and residential customers in Boulder, CO and surrounding communities for over 27 years. From quick repairs to complete asphalt surface installations, we provide the highest in workmanship and material quality.

Contact Superior Aggregates to learn more about how our asphalt and concrete services can benefit you and your community.

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How Asphalt Gets Damaged: When to Contact an Asphalt Company for Repairs

An asphalt driveway or parking lot can last for years, but eventually you will need to contact an asphalt company for a replacement or repair. Asphalt gets damaged over time from temperature extremes, general wear and tear, spills on the asphalt, and when equipment is parked on the asphalt that is too heavy. There are a number of reasons to have your asphalt repaired, and it’s important to understand when it’s time to call for help to protect the longevity of your driveway or parking lot.

Temperature Extremes and Excessive Storms

When you live in an area that experiences temperature extremes, this can wreak havoc on your asphalt surfaces. Your asphalt will expand during hot weather, and contract slightly when the weather is freezing. This will eventually cause cracks in your asphalt that will need to be repaired. During heavy storms, your asphalt can get damaged by falling debris, and even hail storms when the hail is large enough. If you notice damage to your asphalt after a storm, you will want to have an asphalt company come to assess the damage.

Freezing Temperatures and Cracking

If water gets below the surface of your asphalt driveway or parking lot and freezes, this is going to cause frost heaves on your asphalt to form. When the ice develops, it is going to push up sections of your asphalt if there is enough water. This is why you address cracks in your asphalt immediately, so that water can’t get below the surface and cause frost heaves. Asphalt companies will work with you to address any cracks that develop before they can cause further damage to your asphalt.

Heavy Equipment and High Traffic Areas

Heavy equipment can lead to damage to your asphalt surfaces, especially when the equipment is parked for any length of time. In areas where you have substantial traffic, you may see your asphalt wear down faster than in areas where few cars travel. If you find indentations or cracks from heavy equipment that was parked on your asphalt, you will want to get this repaired. When you have indentations, this is going to ruin the structural integrity of your asphalt surface.

Oil and Chemical Spills on Your Asphalt

If you find an oil spill on your asphalt surface, this needs to be cleaned up right away. Chemical spills should be handled by asphalt companies with the experience you want to stay safe during the cleanup process. Oil and other chemicals can damage the asphalt, and cause you to need a parking lot or driveway replacement earlier than expected. Always have spills cleaned up immediately to avoid damage to your asphalt.

Asphalt companies can come to assess any damage to your parking lot or driveway when you believe there is damage to your property. Don’t ignore cracks, as these can let in water that may eventually freeze. Pay attention to any spills on your asphalt, and get these professionally cleaned up as needed. When you take good care of your asphalt surfaces, you should be able to avoid an early replacement. Looks for cracks, and call for help from asphalt companies when you need it.

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Asphalt Paving Services You Need And When to Get Them

While it’s true that asphalt pavement and other surfaces are inherently durable, that doesn’t mean that you can go years without routine maintenance and expect to avoid issues. As is true with all types of surfaces, you need to take proactive steps to stop a small problem today before it has a chance to become a bigger (and likely more expensive) one tomorrow.

Case in point: understanding the differences between the various asphalt paving services that are available will help you learn more about why they’re so important and when you should have each one performed.

Sealcoating

Due to the fact that your asphalt driveway is almost constantly exposed to water and other weather-related elements, sealcoating is often recommended. This is when you seal the surface of the asphalt pavement to protect it from moisture, erosion, fading, and other issues.

Generally speaking, this should become part of your regular maintenance regimen – so expect to have it performed every few years or sooner.

Cracksealing

As the name suggests, cracksealing is when you use a special type of adhesive sealant that is designed to both fill and properly seal any cracks that have developed on the surface of your pavement. Having this performed can also help slow down deterioration, which goes a long way towards increasing the overall lifespan of your asphalt as well.

This type of asphalt paving service is fairly straightforward – you’ll need to have it performed whenever you see cracks begin to develop. Even something very small that may be hard to see without careful examination would still be a cause for action.

Striping and Marking

Especially when you’re talking about a public, commercial space like a parking lot, it’s essential to make sure markings are as clear as possible. When people know where they’re expected to park, they tend to do so properly – thus avoiding accidents and other issues down the road.

A lot of people don’t realize that striping and marking isn’t something that you “do once and forget about.” Daily sun exposure will absolutely cause things to fade overtime. The harder those markings are to see, the more likely you are to be found liable in the event of an accident.

Therefore, this is a call you’ll need to use your best judgment to make. If you’re having a hard time seeing the parking marks, everyone else is, too – which is when you should enlist the help of professional to correct the issue.

Asphalt Repairs

Overall, there are a number of general asphalt repairs that people can expect as wear and tear runs its course. In addition to cracks in the surface of the asphalt itself, you may deal with potholes, dull or faded coloring, warping, areas that sink lower than they should, and even drainage issues. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for any type of tripping hazard. Be especially mindful after severe weather instanes.

These are the types of asphalt repairs that will typically be completed on an as-needed basis, although preventative maintenance is always encouraged.

If you’d like to find out more information about the various asphalt paving solutions that are available and when you might need each one, or if you’d just like to talk to an experienced team of asphalt contractors about your upcoming project in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.