By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

Highways Designed with Snow and Cold in Mind

One of the more critical things to consider when it comes to asphalt construction is also one of those things that most people just don’t spend too much time thinking about: the climate.

An asphalt highway in an area that is traditionally hot all year round like Texas may look the same as one that exists in Maine – at least on the surface. But the latter is located in a place that gets particularly cold winters and that is something that absolutely has to be taken into account. In fact, there are a number of important components to highways that are designed with snow and cold in mind that you should absolutely be aware of moving forward.

Temperature Extremes

One of the major ways that highways are designed with snow and cold in mind has to do with what happens to materials like asphalt during extreme changes in temperature.

Keep in mind that materials expand and contract as the weather changes around them and unless this is accounted for, it could result in significant cracking at best and a serious compromise to the integrity of the highway at worst. In Bangor, Maine, for example, the leverage low in January is just 7 degrees Fahrenheit. By April, the average high is 53 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a significant difference and over time that could cause premature and long-term damage to the highway itself if it were not a factor in the design.

Drainage

Because asphalt is porous, it actually performs better than other types of materials in colder weather. However, this comes with a cost. Because the ice and snow melts faster, drainage has to be a top priority.

Thankfully, PVC drain piping (and a layer of gravel under the surface) go a long way towards accomplishing these goals. Not only does it help keep the highway safe, but it also reduces the overall amount of salt that needs to be used to treat the roads during the winter as well.

Fencing Around Asphalt

Snow fencing is another technique that is commonly used to preserve safety and performance for highways that are located in areas that get a lot of snow. Snow fencing can actually be put up as the colder weather approaches, and it’s a great way to prevent drifts from appearing on the road, thus putting drivers in a significant amount of harm during extreme storms.

Road Slope and Bridge Design

Finally, a lot of people don’t realize that even the pitch of the road is taken into consideration in areas that see a lot of ice and snow during the cold winter months. Highways in rural areas, for example, have a banked curve of no more than 5% to help prevent issues like sliding. Bridges on these highways are also constructed with a protective coating to help prevent premature corrosion due to the massive volumes of road salt that get used every year as the temperatures start to drop and ice builds up.

If you’d like to find out more information about the various factors that are considered when experts design an asphalt highway with snow and cold in mind, or if you’d just like to talk about the finer points of asphalt construction with someone in a bit more detail, please feel free to contact us today.

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Good Asphalt Paving Job vs. Bad One – What To Look For

When you work with an asphalt contractor, you want to know that the job is going to be done right the first time. A good asphalt paving job is done with care, and is going to last for years, while poorly done asphalt paving is going to have a number of complications until it fails completely. The thickness of the asphalt overlay, the asphalt surface transitions, the drainage protocol, and the application of primer all play a role in how well the entire job is completed.

The Thickness of the Asphalt Overlay

Any good asphalt contractor is going to use a minimum or two inches of asphalt when they complete an asphalt paving job. This is an industry standard, and one that is followed by all reputable asphalt contractors worth hiring. If the company tries to spend less money to complete the job, they might try to get away with using only one inch of asphalt. This is going to cause the paving to crack, and does not provide a stable base for your completed project. If the company you want to hire only uses an inch of asphalt, it’s time to look further for a new contractor.

The Asphalt Surface Transitions

Surface transitions are important to how a newly covered driveway looks, and how smooth the transition is between the driveway and the road. There shouldn’t be any bumps in between the driveway, sidewalk, or road when you hire a quality asphalt contractor. When it comes to quality work, a smooth, seamless driveway without noticeable transition areas is a job well done.

The Drainage Protocol

It is important that water drains well off of your asphalt paving, as water can break down the surface of your asphalt if it is left to pool. A good drainage protocol will ensure that any water that lands on your asphalt surface runs off and away from the asphalt that has been laid down. Without a good drainage protocol, you will notice puddles on the asphalt, or water accumulating at the end of your driveway that will cause damage to the asphalt.

The Application of Primer

Primer is used to help new asphalt adhere to any old asphalt that is already in place. If you are paving over a surface, primer is used to prevent the new asphalt from breaking down quickly once it is laid on top of an old surface. If the application of primer is ignored, the asphalt contractor is missing a critical step in the process of good asphalt paving.

If you are looking for an asphalt paving contractor, it is important to ask questions. Learn what type of primer is used in the process of laying down an asphalt surface, and ask how thick the initial asphalt is. Understand that the industry standard is two inches of asphalt, and anything less is going to result in a surface that is prone to cracks. A good drainage plan is necessary, and you will want to know how well the asphalt contractor is able to handle transitions. Take the time to do your research, and understand what it takes to do a paving job well.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

What’s the Difference Between Summer Asphalt and Winter Asphalt?

There are many reasons why so many homeowners choose asphalt to pave their driveways, patios, and other outdoor hard surfaces. Not only is it cost-effective, but asphalt is durable, flexible, easy to repair, and is low maintenance. An asphalt driveway can easily last 30 years before needing replacement.

But, how long an asphalt surface lasts depends on the asphalt company you choose and the asphalt mix (or aggregate) the contractor uses – summer asphalt or winter asphalt.

When is the best time to install asphalt?

The optimum temperature for an asphalt installation is when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which asphalt cures the fastest.  But, a good asphalt company can install an asphalt driveway at any time of the year, if they use the right asphalt mix.

Still, timing is important. During the winter, the asphalt company will want to avoid freeze/thaw cycles (for obvious reasons). And, during the summer, asphalt is rarely laid fresh during the portion of the day when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

But when it comes to temperature, asphalt manufacturers have developed different formulations to suit each season. There is a summer asphalt (hot mix aggregate) that works better during the higher temperatures of this season. And, winter asphalt (or cold mix aggregate), is designed to be installed during the low temperature months of December through March.

Best Uses for summer asphalt

From spring to the end of fall, summer asphalt is heated to temperatures between 275-325 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is important that the hot asphalt stays within that temperature range as it is being quickly applied. If it cools too much, it should be reheated. Also, the ground surface needs to be warm and dry for an ideal summer asphalt application.

This aggregate is not only best to be applied during warm months, summer asphalt is also better suited for long driveways, commercial parking lots, and public roads.

Winter asphalt applications

Winter asphalt is best for wet and/or cold weather applications. This formulation does not need to be heated constantly in order for the asphalt to adhere well to the subsurface. But, because winter asphalt is poured when the surface is cold, it will take longer to cure.

Still, you can mix and use a batch of winter asphalt and save the remainder for driveway or repairing cracks in your driveway or street patch jobs at any time. While winter asphalt is not ideal for large asphalt installations, it is an easy and economical way to keep your driveway looking pristine when repairs are needed.

For smaller jobs and when you simply want to even out your existing driveway surface for a safer, smoother driveway, then winter asphalt is the go-to choice.

When you partner with a professional asphalt company, they will know exactly the right type of aggregate mix to use, what time of day is best, and in what weather conditions will provide for the best driveway installation. Most driveways in America are paved with asphalt because it creates a skid-resistant surface, which makes your driveway safer to walk and run on. Also, an asphalt surface is smoother and more uniform than other materials.

By admin Asphalt Driveway • Snow Removal • • • • 0 Comments

How And When to Salt Driveway or Pavement Surfaces | Snow Removal Pros

Winter is upon us once again, which can only mean one thing – much of the country will soon be bombarded by a plethora of winter storms, if that isn’t already the case.

If you live in a part of the country that experiences all four seasons, you’re no doubt familiar with the trucks that drive around neighborhoods that salt the roadways to keep things safe. Of course, this demands the question – when should you salt your driveway or pavement surfaces, and how do you best go about accomplishing that goal? The answers to questions like those require you to keep a few key things in mind.

Show Removal Basics: Breaking Things Down

One of the most important things to understand about this process in general is that you’ll need to take a very proactive approach when it comes to snow removal.

That is to say, you shouldn’t wait for the snow to fall before you begin taking care of the situation. In a best case scenario, you should put salt down on places like your driveway asphalt and other surfaces prior to the beginning of the storm. Spread salt evenly across your surfaces to make sure that you have equal protection moving forward.

Even if a storm cropped up unexpectedly and snow is already on the ground, don’t worry – you can still put salt down. Yes, it’s true that the poor weather will likely make it more difficult to do so. But especially as the storm drags on, this is very much one of those situations where doing something is better than doing nothing at all.

Especially if you’re dealing with asphalt surfaces, you should be judicious about where you put down salt. While it’s true that products like rock salt can cause long-term damage to concrete, they aren’t nearly as hard on the asphalt itself. This is because asphalt is less porous than concrete is. Because of that, it will hold up better to the application of salt over the long-term. This is also part of the reason why, if you’re thinking about having something like your driveway redone, and you live in an area of the country that experiences significant winter storms, asphalt would certainly be an option that you would want to consider.

Beyond that, knowing how and when to salt your driveway or pavement surfaces requires you to come to a better understanding of how salt actually works in this context. Most of the products that you’re likely to find in a local hardware or home improvement store work by lowering the freezing point of water. This makes it more difficult for ice to form over longer periods of time. This is also a big part of the reason why it’s so important to put salt down prior to any upcoming winter weather – you’re not trying to solve a problem, you’re trying to prevent one from happening at all.

If you are dealing with concrete surfaces, there are other environmentally friendly products that you can consider. They’re less harsh on the concrete than rock salt, although you may not see the results quite as quickly. Likewise, you may have to put more of the product down on the ground than you would with rock salt – although when you consider that you’re preventing damage to your surfaces, that may be worth what many perceive to be a minor inconvenience.

If you’d like to find out more information about how and when to salt driveway or pavement surfaces on or around your property, or if you’d just like to speak to experts at local concrete companies in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

Common Asphalt Paving Errors [How to Avoid Them]

When you have quality asphalt paving in your driveway, it makes a massive difference in the way your house looks. Asphalt is a durable material, and it can improve your curb appeal. However, when you or your contractor do not install it correctly, you will have problems later on down the road. Please continue reading to find out more about the common paving errors and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Project Planning

Proper planning is essential for the installation and maintenance of asphalt paving. Ensuring that you have all of the appropriate equipment and material is part of the planning process. You also want to have the best weather conditions possible and should consider that when planning. You want to spend the appropriate amount of time on the project. You do not want to rush through it. If you are not experienced with installing asphalt, you want to find a qualified asphalt contractor.

2. Paying Less for Poor Quality Work

Price is essential when searching for asphalt companies, but it should not be the only factor. While you may find a contractor that is affordable, it does not mean they will provide quality work. Therefore, you want to be cautious about selecting the asphalt contractor that offers the lowest price.

3. Choosing Low-Quality Materials

You may not realize it, but there are various types of asphalt paving materials available. They are not the same as they have varying quality. While we all want to save money where we can, you may not want to purchase more affordable material to decrease the price. When poor-quality asphalt is used, the results are often poor and less than expected. Instead, you want to purchase high-quality asphalt to ensure you have a smooth surface without any imperfections. Higher-quality asphalt holds up better to wear and tear and severe weather.

4. Rushing the Process

You want to take your time with your asphalt paving project. When you rush the project, there is a chance you will not follow the proper procedure. You also want to install the asphalt at the same speed the entire time. You do not want to speed up or slow down in different areas because it impacts how uniform the paving looks. Any asphalt contractor you select should use speed limiters to ensure you have a consistent and clean application of your asphalt.

5. Choosing the Wrong Asphalt Contractor

You want to select a highly qualified and reputable asphalt contractor. There are a number of asphalt companies available, but they are not all the same. You want one that is experienced and pays attention to the details because they matter, especially in paving. The contractor you select should plan well for the project, have the right equipment, and pay attention to the weather. You do not have to select the most expensive contractor, but you do not want to pick the cheapest. Adhering to your budget is essential, but you should not make your decision solely on cost. You also want to select a contractor that uses high-quality equipment and knows how to operate it.

If you keep these tips in mind when you are planning your asphalt paving job, you will have smooth, quality asphalt when you are finished.