We understand that not everyone loves the idea of adding driveways and sidewalks to their property made from basic concrete. When you need better paving options, let’s talk about the look you’re trying to achieve and which paving materials can help you accomplish it.
Our paving technicians counsel our customers to inspect for cracks in their asphalt driveways, and parking lots, at least once a year, and fill any cracks with a crack sealer to keep moisture from seeping into the base material and causing erosion.
Which is more expensive – asphalt or concrete driveways? Actually, concrete driveways can end up costing 40 percent more than asphalt driveways, especially over the life of the driveways. This is because concrete is more costly to install and to maintain and has a shorter lifespan.
Asphalt makes occasional appearances in the annals of history. For example, asphalt was used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm mummies. The Persian word for asphalt is "moom," which is related to the English word "mummy."
Asphalt is black, but it’s also green. Why? Recent studies indicate that pavement smoothness is a significant factor in “rolling resistance,” which affects the amount of energy vehicles consume. Asphalt pavements tend to be smoother than concrete and contribute to reduced fuel consumption.
When the ground contracts during a freeze, it can change shape underneath the pavement. This can cause cracks that can make your parking lot look bad. Fortunately, asphalt pavement can be flexible, so it won't crack under the changing ground surface.
Typical parking stall dimensions will vary depending on the angles at which the stalls are arranged in relation to the aisle. The minimum width for public use parking spaces is going to be 9 feet by 15 feet.
Residential paving contractors meet with homeowners to provide estimates for home projects like driveways, patios, new walkways, or concrete floors. Together the contractor and homeowner choose the best type of materials and location for the prospective project.
There are several different factors that help to determine the thickness of the asphalt pavement on your commercial parking lot. This will include everything from current soil conditions to traffic flow and vehicle weight.
Are you looking for ways to enhance your curb appeal without doing anything drastic to your home’s exterior? In many cases, installing a new driveway can make the change you desire.
It’s important to remember that water is the worst enemy of most outdoor surfaces. Whether you opt for an asphalt or concrete parking lot, it’s important to have cracks repaired before water can seep down into them and create larger problems with the surface.
While asphalt use has really taken off in the last century, its use as an adhesive or binder goes back thousands of years. Historical records have it being used for waterproofing, ship caulking, and even as mortar for walls in Babylon.
