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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.

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CONCRETE CURE TIME: HOW LONG UNTIL CONCRETE IS FULLY DRY

When concrete contractors install a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or concrete slab floor, they will advise the client that the surface must cure before being walked or driven upon. Concrete cure time is the process of allowing the new surface to fully dry and develop its strength and water resistance in the process.

Proper concrete curing will also improve the mechanical properties of the new surface, such as delaying any shrinkage and resisting any cracking while the new floor is still drying. The slower the concrete cure time, the more moisture will remain in the material, which will allow for a stronger, more durable concrete floor.

Different concrete cure methods

The amount of time it will take for any concrete cure time depends upon many factors, such as how much moisture is in the air, sunlight, temperature, along with the composition of the cement. Also, there are 3 main concrete drying methods that may affect how long concrete contractors will advise customers to stay off the new concrete floor.

  • Water curing involves sprinkling, misting, or ponding of the surface with water.
  • Concrete coverage slows down curing with wet sand, wet burlap, or wet straw
  • Waterproof barriers such as plastic film or waterproof paper

The purpose of each curing method is to retain moisture in the concrete for as possible to as the new surface gains additional strength. This process of developing strength is actually the growth of a crystal matrix (or hard finger-like projections) within the concrete as the Portland cement reacts with water.

This intertwining of the cement, sand, and gravel is what makes concrete one of the most durable surfaces for supporting the weight of cars and SUVs, tractor trailers, and large machinery.

How long should concrete dry?

When it come to concrete cure time, always follow the suggestions of concrete contractors that have installed your new concrete surface. But, general concrete cure times are as follows:

  • 24 to 48 hours – after the initial concrete pour, the forms can be removed, and the new concrete surface can withstand foot traffic, so people can walk on the surface
  • 7 -10 days – which is just a partial concrete cure time, but the new surface can support vehicular traffic and the movement of equipment across the floor.
  • 28 days – in just under 30 days, the concrete should be fully cured and can handle the full weight or full pounds per square foot as determined by the concrete mix strength

These time considerations will also depend on the quality and strength of the concrete mixture, the thickness of the concrete slab, any adverse weather conditions, along with the professionalism of the installation.

Problems with concrete that is not cured correctly

When the full concrete cure time is not allowed before substantial weight is applied to the new surface, the surface’s durability, water-tightness, and strength will all be diminished. Also, improper curing can result in a concrete floor or surface that will tend to develop thermal cracks and plastic shrinkage cracks.

Once cracks start to develop throughout the concrete, you can expect water infiltration, weed growth, chipping, spalling, dips, and bulges that will make the surface unsightly, difficult to walk/drive on, and will greatly reduce the life span of the concrete surface.

To avoid these problems with concrete slab that is not installed or cured properly, always use professional concrete contractors for your projects.

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Types of Commercial Concrete Curbs

There are three main types of commercial concrete curbs: barrier curbs, decorative curbs, and mountable curbs. These curbs all serve very different purposes, so it is important to know the differences if you need curbs for your business. Creating beautiful and properly shaped curbs isn’t easy, so it’s best to go with a concrete company that has plenty of experience with making curbs. Read on to learn more about the different types of commercial concrete curbs.

Barrier Curbs

Barrier curbs are intended to keep people and vehicles out of a certain area. They are intended to be entirely functional, not decorative. Barrier curbs are often found at the edges of streets, where they keep vehicles from straying onto the sidewalk. They are also used to surround parking lots for the same purpose. In addition to providing a barrier to people and vehicles, these curbs also keep water from flowing out of a street. Instead, the water is directed into a drain.

Sometimes barrier curbs are placed between parking spaces in a lot. This can make it easier for drivers to park their vehicles. It also prevents one vehicle from parking across two spaces, which is important if your lot is often very full.

Decorative Curbs

Decorative curbs are intended to be beautiful, though they do serve a purpose. This type of curb is also known as a mower curb. This is because these curbs are often used to prevent lawnmowers from cutting down fragile plants like flowers and ornamentals. Not only will decorative curbs prevent lawnmowers from damaging fragile plants, but these curbs will also keep pedestrians from wandering into flower beds and the like. If you have a sidewalk that cuts through your business’s landscaping, you should have decorative curbs installed along both sides.

Decorative curbs are often colored and stamped with a design. These curbs can also have unique shapes. Decorative curbs are a great way to increase the beauty of your business’s grounds while also protecting the landscaping. If you are planning to get decorative curbs for your business, make sure to look at pictures of decorative curbs so that you can get a good idea of what is possible.

Mountable Curbs

Mountable curbs are designed to let people or vehicles pass over them. These curbs can be found at the edges of sidewalks where they cross a street. In this situation, mountable curbs are intended to let people pushing strollers or walkers easily transition from the sidewalk to the asphalt when crossing a street. Mountable curbs also give people in wheelchairs easy access to the street. In fact, mountable curbs are required by many jurisdictions to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

Mountable curbs can also be found at the entrances of parking lots. They divide the parking lot from the street while still letting vehicles pass over them without a jolt. This is why mountable curbs slope downwards instead of upwards like other types of curbs.

Finding the Right Concrete Company

It can be tricky to create concrete curbs that not only look good but also work properly. If you need curbs for your business, find a concrete company that has extensive experience creating curbs. Make sure to take a look at examples of their past work so you can ensure that they are capable of creating high-quality commercial concrete curbs. It’s also a good idea to get an estimate so you have a good idea of how much the work will cost.

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3 Reasons Most DIY Concrete Patios Fail

Tips from a Concrete Company to Set Your Patio Up for Success!

Concrete patios are becoming more of a trend and it’s not difficult to see why – they’re sturdy, they’re long-lasting, and they look amazing! But to have a concrete patio that’s sure to be the talk of the neighborhood, you’ll have to keep three important factors in mind.

If a concrete patio isn’t set correctly, it could cause dilapidations over time, which could potentially be dangerous. Make sure your patio is safe – don’t take shortcuts and refer to our additional concrete tips and tricks for more assistance.

From our concrete company to your home, follow along to create a concrete patio that avoids these common mistakes!

“Make sure your patio is safe”

Reason #1: No Concrete Form Is Built

In order to make sure your patio is stable and won’t crack/crumble over time, it is integral to have a concrete form. A concrete form works to keep your concrete mixture in place while it dries. When you originally mix your concrete, it will be more of a liquid (similar to a peanut butter texture) that can ooze and spill easily.

That’s why a form is so important, in order to keep your concrete in place while it hardens. Once it is set, it will become stiff, and you will be able to remove the concrete form as you wish. Be sure to allow 24-48 hours for your concrete to dry, depending on the type of mixture you used. You should be able to find this information in the directions located on the container.

“A concrete form works to keep your concrete mixture in place while it dries.”

Reason #2: Concrete Form or Template Isn’t Level

Because you’re going through the process of creating your gorgeous new patio, of course you want it to look its best! That’s why it’s so important to make sure before pouring your concrete that the form or template you’re using is level. If not, it could lead to bubbles, cracks, and splits within your new patio – which, surely, isn’t the look you’re going for.

This can sometimes be tricky to determine when working on uneven terrain, so it may be helpful for you to purchase a leveler, just to be completely sure that your form or template is level. This will ensure that your new concrete patio is smooth and seamless!

“Make sure before pouring your concrete that the form or template you’re using is level.”

Reason #3: Measurements are Rushed

As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to take your time when pouring concrete. As a concrete company ourselves, we wholeheartedly understand the intricacies that come with this process. Measurements are one of the very first things you should do before even thinking about leveling, mixing, or pouring your concrete.

If your measurements are rushed, there’s a higher chance they won’t be exact – which could lead to uneven forms, crooked templates, and an overall unideal outcome of your concrete patio. One of the biggest pieces of advice we can give you is to take your time to make sure the measurements are exact – from there, everything else should go smoothly!

“It is extremely important to take your time when pouring concrete.”

Contact us for more assistance

As your trusted concrete company, we are here to help you with whatever project you may be working on. For more tips, tricks, and advice, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team members!

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What is Pervious Concrete?

Pervious concrete is just as the name implies – it’s a pavement application that allows stormwater through it so that it can seep into the ground. It’s made in a similar fashion to standard concrete, but without sand or water. Excluding sand and water in the mixture creates voids in the material that allows water to pass through. These voids typically account for 15-25% of the area once it’s hardened.

Although pervious concrete has been around for centuries, it’s only gained popularity in the United States in the last 50 years. It actually gained popularity in Europe after World War II due to a shortage of cement.

 

What are the benefits of pervious concrete?

There are a lot of benefits to using pervious concrete, namely reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that makes its way into the sewers. While this may sound harmless, runoff water picks up a good deal of surface pollutants along the way before it reaches the sewer.

Because pervious concrete reduces the amount of pollution in the water, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) named it a Best Management Practice for Stormwater.

While the chief benefit is its pollution reduction, there’s plenty more upside to using pervious concrete. Reducing surface water means fewer puddles and – in colder climates – fewer icy spots in the cold winter months. Conversely, its light color reduces the amount of heat stored, thus maintaining a lower surface temperature than standard concrete. That means safer walkways and driveways all year.

Pervious concrete is also better for surrounding landscaping, like grass and trees. When the water seeps back into the ground, it supplies the surrounding root systems with valuable water that it would not otherwise get.

 

Where can pervious concrete be used?

Pervious concrete has been most widely used as a pavement material, so concrete contractors are increasingly using it for driveways and walkways. However, it’s worth noting that because of its porous construction, pervious concrete will potentially degrade faster in high-traffic areas.

Don’t let that be a deterrent for you, though. The benefits of using pervious concrete far outweigh the drawbacks. In fact, many cities and towns throughout the United States have begun utilizing pervious concrete for their municipally-owned areas like parks, parking lots, and public walkways.

That it reduces the amount of water and ice that can form at the surface has made pervious concrete an appealing option for roadways as well. Reducing the number of accidents caused by hydroplaning through water or losing control on ice is an immediate benefit to any public roadway.

Keep in mind that there is a bit of maintenance that comes with using pervious concrete. Regular cleaning of the area helps the concrete maintain those voids that allow water to pass through. Again, the long-term benefits of going with pervious concrete for your driveway or walkway should outweigh any drawbacks.

If you’re interested in further exploring pervious concrete, talk to your concrete contractor or concrete company about it. They can help you decide if it’s viable for your specific use case and help you weigh the benefits of pervious concrete versus other options that are available.