Consider the Benefits of Asphalt for Your Next Paving Project
When taking on a residential paving project, One of the first things to consider is what material to use. Asphalt is a popular choice among homeowners when installing driveways and walkways on their property, and with good reason. The benefits of asphalt make it a great choice for residential paving. Taking time to understand those benefits can make your choice of materials easy when it’s time for your next paving project. Quick Installation Any construction or renovation on your property can significantly disrupt your daily routine. One of the benefits of asphalt paving is a quick installation. Your average driveway typically only takes one to two days to complete. The time involved will vary depending on the size of the area being paved. However, asphalt paving usually takes half the time of installing concrete or paver driveways. The quicker your asphalt pavement is installed, the sooner you can use it and have your daily routine return to normal. Excellent Durability Having a new driveway or another paved surface installed can be a big investment. For this reason, the durability of the material used is an important factor. Another one of the benefits of asphalt is its flexibility, which allows it ...
Recycled Asphalt – 5 Reasons it Can Be a Great Paving Option
Many business owners are joining the ranks of the eco-friendly. From separating their recyclables and eliminating the use of plastic bags to driving electric cars, the eco-friendly movement is constantly gaining momentum. However, recycling probably wouldn’t even enter your mind when considering a new asphalt parking lot. You’re focused on the expense and durability of a newly paved surface. You might be surprised to find out that recycled asphalt, also known as reclaimed or RAP, can impact those concerns as well as the environment. What is Recycled Asphalt? So, almost everyone has encountered road construction in their travels. Besides being annoyed by the inconvenience, have you ever wondered what happens to all the torn-up asphalt? Maybe not, but much of that asphalt is recycled and used in new asphalt applications. It is used to repave those roads and maybe even your new parking lot. To be recycled, the asphalt is ground down into small gravel size pieces. This allows it to harden and bind together, creating asphalt millings. The millings can be used as a base material for new asphalt applications or added to hot mix asphalt. It is a good idea to discuss using recycled material with your asphalt ...
Asphalt Driveway Installation – Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers
When you’re considering asphalt driveway installation, you are bound to have a few questions. While most of them are things you should discuss with your asphalt professional, we are going to give you some insight by answering some of the most commonly asked questions about asphalt driveway installation. Let’s start with what is probably the first question on your mind: How Much Does Asphalt Driveway Installation Cost? This is a valid question, however, there is no simple answer as there are a variety of factors that go into calculating the cost of asphalt driveway installation. From driveway preparation and the type of asphalt used to labor and location, each aspect of the installation process has an impact on the cost. Your asphalt professional will go over each step and provide you with an accurate estimate to install your new driveway. Is a Base Required for Installation? An asphalt driveway must be installed on a stable base. If not, it could affect the asphalt’s longevity as an unstable base will lead to cracks in your asphalt. Reputable asphalt contractors will assess your specific situation and determine if putting down a base is necessary for your asphalt driveway installation. If it is ...
Asphalt Driveway Maintenance – Is Fall Too Late for Sealcoating?
Fall is fast approaching. Soon the leaves will start to change colors, and the air will begin to cool. For many homeowners, this means it’s time for fall yard work. One of the most important tasks you can perform during the fall season is asphalt driveway maintenance. When it comes to fall maintenance of your driveway or any other asphalt surfaces, you need to ask yourself one question: Is fall too late for driveway sealcoating? The Answer It depends on which part of the fall season we’re talking about. May to October is generally considered the best time for sealcoating and other asphalt driveway maintenance. Remember, the fall season extends well into December. By then, the temperatures will have dipped way too low for sealcoating. The best time for fall asphalt maintenance is early in the season, primarily September to October. However, it all depends on Mother Nature and what weather she decides to bestow on us. It is best to consult with your local asphalt professional to determine if the current fall weather is conducive for asphalt sealcoating. Ideal Sealcoating Conditions The best time for asphalt sealcoating is during the daytime when the pavement and air temperatures are 50 ...
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? That’s a Good Question
It’s probably one of the first things you Google when planning on having a new driveway installed. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. There are numerous factors your asphalt contractor needs to take into consideration when working up a quote. Let’s take a look at those factors and their impact on asphalt driveway cost. Size Although there are other equally important factors that influence asphalt driveway cost, size is the one most obvious. The bigger the driveway, the more expensive the installation will be. The most common question homeowners ask when talking to asphalt contractors is ‘How much per square foot?’ While it is a valid question, you may not always receive an accurate response. The price you receive may only be just for the asphalt itself, not the other factors involved in calculating the cost of installing a new asphalt driveway. When the contractor comes out to assess the job, you will probably receive a higher estimate than expected. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand that until all the factors are considered, it’s impossible to accurately determine how much your new driveway will cost. Driveway Preparation The condition of the ground where the driveway is to be installed ...
Parking Lot Sealcoating – When is the Best Time to Have It Done
Remember how great your asphalt parking lot looked when it was first installed? Like every other aspect of a commercial property, it needs to be maintained to keep it in good condition. If your parking lot is showing signs of wear and tear, parking lot sealcoating is a great way to refresh and protect an asphalt surface. Wondering if your parking lot needs to be seal coated? Understanding what sealcoating is and when is the best time to have it done can help answer that question. What is Sealcoating? Sealcoating sometimes referred to as liquid asphalt, is a protective coating. It is made from a combination of liquid and tiny granular particles. It typically contains oils and materials commonly used in asphalt paving including dissolved asphalt and is applied by spraying or spreading it with a squeegee. The particles fill in small cracks, creating a smooth and level surface. Any large cracks or potholes should be filled before parking lot sealcoating begins. The oils soak into the existing asphalt to replace those that have been depleted. In addition to restoring the asphalt to an ‘almost brand new’ condition, sealcoating protects asphalt surfaces from the sun, water, chemicals, and abrasion caused by ...
Is Your Commercial Parking Lot ADA Compliant? What You Need to Know
For the owner or manager of a commercial property, the condition of their parking lot should be among their top concerns when it comes to property maintenance. In addition to the obvious influence it can have on a visitor’s first impression, the condition of a commercial parking lot significantly impacts the safety of all who use it. Maintaining the asphalt surface to prevent personal injury is important. However, to be in ADA compliance,a commercial parking lot must also be properly striped. This clearly identifies areas designated for handicap parking and provides the proper amount of space needed for a handicapped person to easily access both their vehicle and the business. Whether you are having a brand new commercial parking lot or are resurfacing your existing one, it is vital that the striping, size, and number of handicap-accessible parking spots created meet ADA compliance requirements. It is also important to check with your state or local municipality to see if they have any requirements beyond the ADA’s accessibility requirements. ADA Compliant Requirements Compliance with the ADA standards is federally required for businesses and public entities when it is readily achievable to do so. As striping or restriping is viewed as relatively ...
Commercial Asphalt Maintenance Spring Checklist
Winter can be tough on your asphalt surfaces. Now that spring is here and the harsh winter weather is behind us, it’s the perfect time to assess the condition of your asphalt. Commercial parking lots take a lot of abuse normally. With the wear and tear of winter weather piled on top of that, there are bound to be some issues that need to be addressed. Taking care of those issues now can prevent you from having to deal with larger, more costly repairs later. Here are some things you should add to your commercial asphalt maintenance checklist this spring. Conduct a Thorough Inspection Take the time to walk your entire parking lot and perform a comprehensive visual inspection. Make a list of any issues you discover and schedule commercial asphalt maintenance as soon as possible. Keep in mind, even the smallest crack could easily develop into a much more serious problem. Water can seep into those cracks and cause a couple of different issues. If the temperatures are still dipping below freezing at night, that water can freeze, causing those cracks to grow. If the temperatures remain above freezing, the water that seeps through the cracks can saturate the ...