By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • • 0 Comments

7 Types of Asphalt Cracking and Their Causes

There are numerous causes of asphalt cracking. These include harsh weather or climate conditions, drainage problems, incorrect or poor quality materials, and traffic loads. Proper identification of crack type and cause is vital. Each type of crack has distinct causes. Timely maintenance is critical to keep asphalt conditions from deteriorating further. Here are 7 types of asphalt cracking, the major reasons why the cracks occur, and the possible fixes for each.

1. Edge cracking

Edge cracks are longitudinal cracks within a few feet of one of the edges of the pavement. They can be caused by settlement of the underlying material, soil drying, or lack of lateral support. Possible contributors can be nearby trees or shrubs. These should be cleared away. Filling with asphalt emulsion slurry will often take care of this problem. Drainage may need improvement.

2. Slippage cracking

These cracks are crescent shaped. A number of factors can lead to slippage cracks. Non-adhesive materials, such as water or dirt between layers, can lead to poor bonding between the surface and material beneath. Low-strength or deficient asphalt mix is one possible factor. Usually the solution is to remove material around the crack until a layer with good bonding is reached. The upper area can then be patched.

3. Reflection cracking

Reflection cracking happens because of asphalt pavement overlays that have been placed over a pavement structure that has been cracked or jointed. There is then shifting or movement of the old pavement. These cracks or joints can reflect from that pavement to the surface. Crack sealant can sometimes fix low severity cracks. Pavement that is cracked more severely may need the layer replaced.

4. Transverse cracking

Cracks approximately perpendicular to the centerline are commonly known as transverse cracks. Transverse cracking may occur due to low temperature thermal cracking or because the asphalt grade is too hard for the particular climate conditions. These cracks are often caused by asphalt layer shrinkage. They are not load related but can be aggravated by heavy traffic. Generally, repairing this type crack calls for sealant or, if necessary, replacement with a new overlay.

5. Fatigue cracking

Fatigue cracks are sometimes called alligator cracking because they favor the skin of these reptiles. As the name fatigue cracking suggests, this deterioration is load related. It can be aggravated by deterioration of a weak base, subgrade, or surface. Poor drainage can be a factor. The distressed area material must be removed and replaced with the correct asphalt mix.

6. Block cracking

Block cracks resemble giant rectangles or squares in your pavement. Lack of sufficient moisture in the original application, or later on, is one possible cause. Extreme temperature cycles can cause an inability of the asphalt binder to contract or expand sufficiently as well. Traffic is not usually a factor. Small cracks can be sealed. Overlay replacement is the usual remedy for more severe block cracking.

7. Longitudinal cracking

Longitudinal cracks run paralleled to the pavement centerline. A number of factors could cause longitudinal cracking. There can be shrinkage of the asphalt. A joint could have been constructed poorly. Improper paver operation can be a cause. The surface in these cases will need to be resealed with proper adjustments made.

Asphalt crack repair is important. As you can see from the many causes for asphalt cracks, it is vital to identify the problem correctly. Untreated cracks get larger and can lead to potholes. Once the problem is identified, the appropriate remedy or fix can usually quickly and safely bring the asphalt back to its proper function.

By admin Construction • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

5 Different Ways to Get the Best Value from your Concrete Contractor

Whether you’re looking for concrete poured for a parking area, patio, or other project, you want to be sure that you’re getting the best value. How? Look for experienced professionals who will respect your time and financial budget while still bringing their expert opinion. This may sound like a tall order, but you can pull it off in five straightforward ways:

1: Do Your Homework

Research contractors in the area to help you narrow down a potentially large field of experienced businesses. See if you can find online reviews or talk to references.

Once you move on to getting a quote from the top contenders, do a little more digging. Do they have experience with the specific job you have in mind? More importantly, do their qualifications check out?

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies exaggerate or invent qualifications that they haven’t earned. This could mean:

  • poor results that don’t hold up to the elements
  • features not up to code
  • an expensive headache as another contractor tries to fix the mess

2: Get On the Same Page

Once you’ve decided on a concrete contractor, make sure that the two of you are on the same page about the project. Explain clearly what you want and listen to the contractor’s expert recommendations. Discuss any concerns you may have, for instance with zoning laws or requirements for home insurance. Finally, read through the written contract itself. If there are any areas that you don’t understand, bring them up before you put your signature down.

3: Beware of Cutting Corners

The price tag for this job matters, but it’s not the only important factor. Watch out for contractors who trim costs by using low grade materials or rushing through steps in the pouring process. It’s also not a good idea to cut corners time-wise. Over the long term, rushed jobs tend to have poor results.

On a related note, be careful with concrete curing times. Don’t continue your project until that surface is completely cured. You could cause a lot of damage to the concrete itself.

4: Be Prepared to Compromise…

On your schedule, that is. Experienced, in-demand concrete contractors may have their workdays planned for weeks in advance. If they aren’t available for the day you were counting on, see if there’s another date that could work for you. It may be worthwhile to shuffle your renovation schedule around a bit.

You may also want to compromise on small details of your project. If your concrete contractor strongly advises that you adjust something, there’s probably a good reason. Remember that you hired them in part for their expertise. Most contractors genuinely want you to get the best possible result and enjoy your concrete features for years to come. They are your partners in this stage of the project, so hear them out and make your best judgment call.

5: … But Know When to Stick to Your Guns

Ultimately, you know what you’re looking for and what your budget looks like. Your contractor may suggest a variety of upsells. These could include stamping patterns into the concrete surface or some fancy new sealant. Extra features aren’t necessarily a bad idea. In fact, they could potentially raise the value of the property and increase the longevity of the concrete. However, if your budget or vision for the property doesn’t include them, put your foot down. Ultimately you have the last word.

 

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

3 Winter Repairs You Should Be Making

Improving the lot around your business is important for economic growth. A number of things can go wrong in the winter with all the ice, snow, and rain, and there are repairs that businesses should be making to their lot. This will help prevent flooding and damage to the property, as well as increase customer safety.

Pothole Repair

Pothole repair is needed because it helps with improved curb appeal. If the parking lot is well maintained, it can convey to customers that you are a responsible business owner and value customer safety. Repairing potholes also saves money, since potholes that go unrepaired pose a risk for future damage that can be more expensive. Pothole repair is important for the safety of your customers and employees and can be a trip hazard for pedestrians. Businesses will be held liable for these injuries. Pothole repair can be difficult in the winter, but temporary repairs need to be made in order to ensure that drivers can get safely to the business. For temporary repairs, a cold mix asphalt should be used. This mix works especially well if the temperature is below the recommended level and it’s an emergency. All ice, moisture, and debris should be removed from the area before beginning the repair.

Catch Basin Repair

Catch basins and storm drains play an important role, especially in the winter with all the run off. Catch basins will catch and prevent contaminants from entering the drainage system. Without them, debris could enter the system and clog it, which will lead to some serious flooding and a negative effect on the property. If water pools in the lot, then the pooling on the asphalt can lead to the deterioration of the pavement. When water enters the joints it can cause the mortar to pop out and repairs are needed. Sometimes even cracks appear near the perimeter to allow more water to get in. Depending on the damages, repairs can extend from patching up asphalt around the perimeter to a complete structure repair.

Cracksealing

Winter is the perfect time for cracksealing because pavement expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes. This means that joints and cracks are expanding when the pavement moves. Cracksealing is preventative winter road maintenance that is meant to extend the life of the pavement. It’s important to seal up cracks because cracks can allow for water and other materials, such as dirt, debris, and sand, to get into the pavement structure. These cracks will then accelerate the weakening and deterioration of the payment. With the proper seal cracking, and when properly executed, it can help extend the life of the payment from six months to four years. Before beginning any cracksealing, the area should be clear of any moisture, debris, vegetation, or dirt, in order for it to be the most effective. If using heat, be careful not the scorch the pavement and note that the sealant needs to be placed in the pavement before the crack cools to allow for it to adhere best. The entire crack should be filled and then leveled to make sure that the payment remains smooth. It’s important that any repair material or sealant is only applied only within the manufacturer’s recommended application temperature, otherwise it won’t work. More sealant isn’t always better. Too much can lead to problems when paving over. Cracksealing is important because it can buy time and help save money by delaying the expense of other major reconstructive work.

 

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.

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

8 Easy Ways To Improve Business Curb Appeal

The outward appearance of your business plays a vital role in making a first impression—whether good or bad. Before deciding to walk inside, potential customers will form a subconscious opinion based on how it looks on the outside. By making a few simple adjustments, your storefront can become considerably more welcoming. Here are eight ways to enhance your curb appeal, simply and affordably:

 

1. Effective Signage

Make sure you invest in a sign that has your business name, logo, and website and/or phone number. This should be large enough so it’s easy to read from the street, and minimal without being too wordy. Stick to no more than three colors.

 

2. Spruce It Up

Trim hedges, sweep the sidewalk and porch, and wash your windows so they sparkle and shine. Go around and do any paint touch-ups where needed. Placing a couple of large potted plants on either side of the entrance adds a splash of life and beauty.

 

3. Embellish the Front

Think about adding a pretty new awning over your entrance to provide shade and shelter, or maybe installing a brand new front door. If that’s not in the budget, painting your existing door a vibrant color adds a fun touch and offers a warm, inviting welcome.

 

4. Parking Lot

If your establishment has a parking lot that accommodates several cars, consider having parking lines painted on or existing ones touched up. Follow up with seal coating to protect it from cracking and potholes. In addition, having a well-lit parking lot is much appreciated and helps customers feel safe.

 

5. New Concrete

How does your sidewalk look? If it’s chipped or cracked, you might consider hiring someone to repair or replace the damaged areas. Not only does a smooth, clean walkway make a great impression, it’s a good idea that can prevent any potential accidents from happening—something you definitely don’t want on your business property. Another way to boost your business kudos is to provide accessibility for disabled visitors, such as a installing a wheelchair ramp.

 

6. Help Out Neighbors

If your business is among other shops in in a strip mall, offer to tidy up for those around you who might need it. Being a good Samaritan for your work neighbors is a nice gesture as well as a way to improve upon the looks of your storefront area.

 

7. Offer a Sale

If you run a retail business, consider placing a few clearance items outside or some interesting items displayed in the window that will attract customers. According to a recent survey, 20% of the purchases made by American adults are done on impulse. Here’s your chance to lure them in with some offers they cannot resist!

 

8. Percent Off or Limited Time Offers

Everyone loves a bargain, and what better way to get potential customers through the door than with a large, “50% Off Today Only” sign? A sale—especially one with a limited time offer—brings a sense of urgency and gets people to buy.

 

These are just a few easy ways to improve the visual appeal of your business that will make a considerable impact on the perceived value, without spending a lot of time or money.