In many cases, paving a new driveway over an existing asphalt surface isn’t a good option. If there is significant cracking in the original surface, it will likely reflect upward into the new asphalt within a short period of time.
We recommend asphalt as a cost-effective alternative to concrete paving. Asphalt costs less than half the price of concrete, and is more forgiving in winter weather when salt is used to melt ice and snow.
The word “patio,” which means courtyard, is Spanish in origin. The word first entered the English language in the early 1800s, and today, it’s used to describe an open courtyard or a paved outdoor area that adjoins the house.
Asphalt pavements go by many names and descriptions, including asphalt concrete, bituminous concrete, blacktop, macadam, plant mix, tarmacadam and tarmac. Whatever label you choose, asphalt is the most popular paving material for driveways, parking lots, racetracks, roadways and runways.
Did you know that the first US street paved with asphalt was one that ran in front of Newark, NJ's City Hall in 1870? Washington, DC's Pennsylvania Avenue was paved with asphalt in 1876, just in time for the nation's centennial celebration.
During his explorations in 1595, Sir Walter Raleigh and his men discovered a natural lake of asphalt on the island of Trinidad. The crew put the material to good use, and re-caulked and waterproofed the entire complement of ships.
When we lay down a new parking lot, the first step is to properly grade the entire area and then install drainage channels to keep water from pooling or from rushing into the streets and overwhelming the storm drain system.
So what exactly is compaction when it comes to road construction? This is the process by which soil particles are pressed together. Rollers, tampers, or vibrators are used to expel the air from the mass, essentially making it more dense.
Did you know that standing water, or ponding, should always be avoided when it comes to commercial parking lots? The Asphalt Institute recommends a traverse slope of between 1.5 and 3 percent on all pavement surfaces to ensure proper surface drainage.
Porous asphalt pavements are sometimes used to help manage storm water. Since the pavement is relatively porous, it allows water to drain through the pavement surface and into a stone recharge bed, where it can infiltrate into the soils below the pavement.
Some people prefer paving stones for their driveways and backyards. A benefit of brick pavers is their installation. The process is very quick and easy, and it’s safe to use the paver as soon as they have been installed.
Perpetual asphalt pavements used to construct roadways are 100% recyclable and save U.S. consumers over 1 billion dollars a year. This roadway resource will ensure that future generations will have the materials they need to maintain and build roads.
Even though you won't see it after the driveway's completed, one of the most important parts of a paved driveway is the base. This thick layer of aggregate stone takes all of the weight, and can be 6 to 8 inches thick.
Is there a pothole in the parking lot that your residents are beginning to complain about? We’re always ready to repair and repave trouble areas with as little disruption to your tenants as possible.
Although a few cracks here and there won’t cause immediate issues with your driveway, they will give the outdoor elements more places to begin eroding it. When you want to ensure your driveway lasts as long as possible, we’re here for you.
Many state and federal projects are turning to perpetual pavements, which were introduced in 2000. This type of pavement relies on asphalt for three separate layers. The goal is a roadway that only needs occasional milling of the top layer.
“In the very midst of the city, the ground was covered by some dark stuff that silenced all the wheels and muffled the sounds of hoofs…..It was like magic.” From Little House on the Prairie, an account by Laura Ingalls Wilder when her family encountered asphalt pavement for the first time.
We recognize that no business owner wants to be to blame for a customer’s injury because their parking lot was too uneven to negotiate. When it’s time to repave your parking lot, you may find it useful to choose a material that is more durable.
Why is porous asphalt an ideal type of asphalt to use in areas where snow and ice are a concern? Because studies have shown that plain untreated porous asphalt performs the same as conventional asphalt treated with deicing chemicals.
A driveway is more than just a place to park your car. It's also a place for your children to play, or where you can shoot hoops, or just a place to relax. A paving expert can give you a strong, smooth surface perfect for any use.
Flexible pavements are asphalt or bituminous pavements and are the most commonly types of roadways in the United States. The term "flexible" refers to the flexible composition, which allows the total pavement structure to bend to accommodate traffic loads.
If a golf course doesn't have proper drainage, it can cause a lot of problems, such as turning a fairway into a marshy mess. Paved golf cart paths can help direct water around and over them to help your drainage work well.
