Most homeowners are probably focused on maintenance of the house itself. However, your driveway is an important aspect of your property that gets daily use. After years of wear and tear, you might notice cracks or potholes forming. With asphalt paving, you can improve the quality of the driveway and ensure it lasts for years to come. Take a look at the top benefits of this service.
Why You Should Pave Your Driveway 1. Curb Appeal Although a gravel or dirt driveway may be a serviceable, low-cost option, it might leave your property looking less than appealing to visitors or passersby. Asphalt paving will enhance your property’s curb appeal and help it look cleaner, neater, and more inviting. As an added benefit, a smooth driveway is also less likely to damage vehicles parked on it or cause injury due to tripping or slipping hazards. 2. Durability Asphalt pavement can last for up to 20 years with regular care before you’ll need to schedule driveway replacement. Asphalt can withstand environmental pressures ranging from extreme heat to freezing and thawing water, as it can expand and contract to adapt to changing weather conditions. Asphalt can also withstand regular exposure to harmful ultraviolet light when regularly sealed. These combined qualities will enable you to count on a smooth, even surface for years at a time requiring minimal upkeep. 3. Avoid Getting Stuck After rain or snow storms, soil is typically soft and unsupportive, and even the smallest vehicles can become stuck in the resulting mud. Not only will this make it difficult to leave and access your property, but it could lead to soil erosion and slowly damage or degrade your land. By paving your driveway or parking areas, you’ll ensure that your property is protected from accidental damage and that you can park without ever worrying about getting your vehicle stuck. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.
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When you own and operate a store, office, or medical practice, having a well-maintained parking lot is essential for the safety of employees and visitors. In addition to working with a top-notch commercial paving contractor to maintain smooth surfaces, you also need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Here are a few accessibility elements you must include in your parking lot.
How to Ensure Your Parking Lot Is ADA-Compliant 1. Dedicated Parking Spots Your lot needs to have the right amount of accessible parking spots. The number of spaces required depends on the total number of spots in the lot. As a general rule, you'll need one handicap spot for every 25 regular spaces. When a lot has between 500 and 1,000 spaces, 2% of the total number needs to be accessible. Each accessible space has to be 8 feet wide with an 8-foot-wide adjacent aisle. 2. Pavement Slope Accessible spaces and their adjacent aisles cannot have a slope in any direction that exceeds 2%. For example, commercial paving contractors can only create 1 inch of vertical change for every 50 inches of horizontal change. Slope measurements should be discussed and prioritized early in the project to avoid pavement resurfacing due to ADA complaints. 3. Business-Specific Additions While most commercial parking lots need approximately one accessible spot for every 25 spaces, this factor varies for certain businesses. A parking lot for a hospital, medical clinic, rehabilitation center, or physical therapy office needs 20% of all visitor spaces to be accessible. This regulation accounts for the higher number of people who need accessibility features when using these facilities. 4. Appropriate Signage Painting blue lines for ADA spaces and vertical stripes in adjacent aisles are requirements for commercial parking lots. In addition, you need post signage to adhere to regulations. Signs must include the International Symbol for Accessibility and should be mounted on a pole at least 5 feet off the ground. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. An asphalt driveway provides a strong and dependable surface for vehicle and foot traffic, making your home more accessible and inviting. The surface requires some routine care, especially as the seasons change. Spring is an ideal time for asphalt paving installation, as well as for sealcoating, which is an important part of the maintenance process. Here are some reasons why spring is the best time of year for asphalt work.
Asphalt Installation During the installation process, asphalt needs to be kept at a high temperature, but not so high that it melts or doesn't set properly. The material is also harder to work with when the temperature is too cool, as there is a greater risk that the material will thicken or even harden before it is laid. Spring's moderate, comfortable temperatures allow asphalt paving installers to apply the material evenly over the desired area, which ensures a strong foundation and a smooth and uniform surface. The season's conditions also allow the asphalt to cure properly, an essential step for the material's longevity. Sealcoating Sealcoating is a thin, liquid membrane applied to the top of asphalt, where it hardens and provides protection against moisture, oils, and ultraviolet light. It is a crucial step in ensuring the driveway lasts as long as it should and works best when it's applied at least once every three years. As with the asphalt itself, sealcoat is easier to work with in warmer temperatures, but not so warm that it melts. Spring conditions help the coating set and cure properly for the strongest seal. Taking care of this step in spring will address any moisture problems or stains that may have resulted from harsh winter weather and de-icing products. It will also help prepare your driveway for spring and summer rains. As an added benefit, your driveway will be sleek, smooth, and damage-free for the warmer season ahead, which increases curb appeal and adds value to your property. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. A new parking lot adds curb appeal to your business and makes the area safer for drivers and pedestrians. Knowing how long it takes for asphalt paving to cure and dry can help you avoid premature damage to the surface. Here’s more information on the curing process and which factors can impact the timeline.
How Long Does Asphalt Take to Cure?A new asphalt parking lot takes six to twelve months to cure, and roughly two to three days to dry before it can be used without damaging the surface. Waiting for asphalt paving to harden and dry properly ensures the oxidation process takes place. Otherwise, the surface will retain excessive oil and can break apart easily under pressure from rotating tires. Resurfaced asphalt can dry within a few hours, as it can quickly cool down to the ambient temperature. Wait 30 days before applying a sealer to a new commercial parking lot. Sealcoating protects the lot from cracks and wear and tear due to the elements. Sealing it too early or waiting too long to schedule sealcoating can lead to premature degradation from tire marks and imprints. The asphalt sealer takes about two to three days to dry. What Can Impact the Timeline?Sunlight, temperature, and moisture can determine how long asphalt paving takes to fully cure and dry. Heat from the sun can quicken the drying process, and the opposite is true on days with less sunlight. Temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to the asphalt softening again before it has fully cured, so late spring or early summer is ideal for installation. It’s also important to schedule curing on a dry, warm day with limited humidity because moisture in the air can interfere with the asphalt’s oil composition and lead to a weakened surface. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. With winter approaching, it's time to prepare your property for the snowy weather. The right preparations can protect your asphalt driveway from the damage inflicted by snow and ice and make it easier for snow removal professionals to clear the accumulation. Here's how to get your driveway ready for this winter season.
How to Get Your Driveway Winter-Ready 1. Clear Debris Prior to the first snowfall, make sure your driveway is free from any significant debris. The weight of ice and snow on top of branches or loose rocks could crack or otherwise wear out the surface. Consider power-washing your driveway to remove any stubborn dirt or oil residue, which can also cause deterioration and discoloration when mixed with snow. 2. Get the Right Ice Melt Many ice melts contain chemicals that can damage the integrity of your driveway's surface by wearing away the top layer. For example, standard rock salt—sodium chloride—is corrosive and can leave residue behind. This type of ice melt can also widen existing cracks. The best products use calcium-based formulas, which effectively melt ice and snow while keeping your driveway intact. 3. Have Cracks Sealed Inspect your driveway for any cracks before the snow arrives. When the accumulation melts into gaps and subsequently freezes over, the frozen water will expand the cracks and cause further damage. Having your driveway professionally sealed and repaired beforehand will ensure there are no fissures for snow melt to enter, saving you from potentially extensive driveway repairs in the spring. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. If you're preparing for residential paving services to install a new asphalt driveway, you may be wondering how to treat the surface in the days following the work. By taking the right precautions, you'll have a durable, attractive driveway for years to come. Here's some advice to keep your new driveway in excellent condition after installation.
Do: Wait before driving on it. Avoid driving or walking on the surface for 24 to 48 hours after the work. Doing so before the asphalt has time to fully dry risks tire marks and footprints that create cosmetic issues and tripping hazards. Wait longer, such as 72 hours, if you schedule residential paving services during hot weather since the malleable material needs extra time to cure. Drive slowly on the asphalt for the next few months. Tell everyone in your family who drives or has a car to go slowly over your newly paved driveway. Speedy driving increases the risk of scuff marks, tire marks, and indentations on sections that have not cured as fast as others, such as those in shaded areas. Additionally, avoid driving on the edges to prevent chunks of the paving material from cracking and breaking off. Don’t: Park in the same spot every day. Refrain from parking in the same place on a daily basis. Doing so risks depressions that allow water to pool and seep into surface cracks. Water that infiltrates the driveway undergoes freeze/thaw cycles that cause further cracking and sub-base damage, resulting in potholes. Encourage family members to park in different spots, too. If overnight street parking is allowed in your neighborhood, use that to your advantage. Let chemical spills linger. Clean up gasoline, motor oil, and other chemical spills on your new driveway as soon as you see them. Chemicals break down the binder in asphalt, causing it to split and crumble. First, put on thick gloves to avoid touching the chemicals, and use paper towels to absorb as much of the fluid as possible. Then, create a soapy mixture with water and liquid dish detergent, and gently clean the paved surface with a soft brush. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Due to its natural flexibility and sleek black appearance, asphalt is the ideal material for constructing driveways. While it’s durable, the material is bound to develop some cracks over the years. Eventually, driveway resurfacing might be required. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, here’s what you should know.
A Guide to Driveway Resurfacing What is resurfacing? When an asphalt driveway is damaged, you can patch, resurface, or replace it. Resurfacing--covering the existing driveway with a new layer of asphalt--is often recommended when there are cracks and holes throughout the surface but the subgrade is still mostly intact. This allows you to restore the look of the pavement without paying the full cost for a brand new installation. Why can’t you just patch the cracks?In many instances, when asphalt cracks are larger than a quarter-inch wide, patching is not that effective. Water is still able to penetrate the surface, and in the winter, this puts the pavement at risk of the freeze-thaw effect, which will only increase the width and depth of the damage. Resurfacing saves you time and effort by completely covering all cracks and gaps leading to the subgrade. When is resurfacing not effective?If the cracks in your pavement are several inches deep, it’s probably too late to resurface. In these instances, the foundation is already shot and will need to be rebuilt before new asphalt can be poured. Also, if the driveway is buckling or wavy in spots, resurfacing won’t be effective in the long run. What’s the difference between sealcoating and resurfacing?Approximately six months after your driveway is installed, it should be sealed with a protective coating to safeguard against oxidization, chemical spills, and moisture absorption. This maintenance is then repeated every two to three years to prevent the asphalt from drying out and becoming stiff and brittle. Unlike resurfacing, it doesn’t stop cracks in the surface from growing and spreading. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. A well-maintained driveway keeps your car tires safe and enhances the overall look of your property. However, with storms and time, there can be some damage to the asphalt. Eventually, this damage can lead to crumbling or cracking of the driveway itself. When this happens, driveway resurfacing can help ensure that your driveway is returned to its best possible state.
What Can Cause a Driveway to Crumble? Water and weather are the two primary culprits behind crumbling driveways. When it snows, melting snow can slip between small cracks or crevices and then freeze. When the water freezes, it expands, which can create larger cracks. Additionally, over time, water runoff or stormwater can cause erosion and crack. Additionally, extreme weight or machinery that damages the ground can cause driveway issues. How Can a Contractor Repair the Damage? Depending on the extent of the damage, there are a few ways that driveway resurfacing can help. First, they will clean the driveway thoroughly. This helps ensure that no debris is caught in cracks, and the contractor can see the damage that needs to be fixed. Next, they will fill any cracks or other areas of damage, such as potholes. This process involves using asphalt filler for small cracks and patching material for larger areas or dips. After everything is filled, they will once again clean your driveway. This will give the contractors a smooth surface to work with for the final step. Finally, they will apply a sealant to the entire area. The sealant locks everything into place and ensures that the cracks and other patch areas will be protected from more damage. Once your driveway has been sealed, you will need to keep vehicles off it for at least 24 hours. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt paving is attractive and affordable and is used for many parking lots. Unfortunately, when the surface isn’t properly maintained, it’s prone to cracks. Here’s how to ensure your parking doesn’t have this problem.
How to Prevent Cracks in an Asphalt Parking Lot Many cracks in asphalt parking lots are due to poor drainage. Without proper water direction, puddles will form on the asphalt after it rains. The liquid can then seep under the asphalt and react with the material and ultraviolet light from the sun. This reaction, known as oxidation, weakens the asphalt and makes it more prone to cracking. Schedule an inspection from an asphalt paving company to ensure your lot has proper drainage. Regularly check your parking lot for oil or gasoline stains. Like water, oil and gasoline can seep under the asphalt and make it more vulnerable to cracks. Scrub any stains using a firm-bristled brush, along with bleach, baking soda, or trisodium phosphate. Also, about once a week, sweep your parking lot to remove any sticks, leaves, or other debris that could hinder drainage and increase the risk of cracks. Within a year after your parking lot is installed, schedule professional sealcoating to protect the asphalt from water, gasoline, oil, and ultraviolet rays. Have the lot resealed every two years. How Asphalt Cracks Are Repaired As soon as you notice a crack in your asphalt parking lot, call for repairs so that it doesn’t get bigger. The repair specialist will remove any vegetation or dirt from the crack using a trowel or similar tool, rinse it with a pressure-washer or hose, and wait for it to dry. Next, they’ll fill the crack with asphalt, make it smooth and level so that it blends in with the rest of the parking lot, and let it dry for 24 hours. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt is a popular paving option thanks to its durability, versatility, and clean appearance. Yet over time, exposure to the elements can cause asphalt paving to experience wear and tear. Fortunately, knowing what to look for can help you better care for your investment.
5 Potential Issues With Asphalt Paving 1. Potholes Potholes are holes that develop on the surface of the asphalt when moisture that has seeped underneath repeatedly freezes and thaws. Having sealcoating applied every three to five years and scheduling asphalt repair as soon as you notice issues will help prevent potholes from forming. 2. Depressions Depressions often develop before potholes and are a sign of moisture intrusion. These divots in the pavement are most noticeable after precipitation, as water will accumulate in them, forming puddles. A weakened foundation may cause the issue, but minor depressions can typically be remedied with surface patches. 3. Crescent-Shaped Cracking Also referred to as slippage cracking, crescent-shaped cracks may spread across your pavement if low-quality bonding materials were applied beneath the uppermost surface. If the issue is widespread, the asphalt will likely need to be removed and replaced. 4. Raveling Raveling occurs when the stone base of the paved area pulls apart from the asphalt. Typically, the surface will take on an uneven, rough texture. Raveling is often the result of paving during poor weather conditions, as extreme temperatures or moisture can prevent the asphalt from solidifying properly. 5. Alligator Cracking This particular issue gets its name from its appearance, which resembles reptile skin. The small, widespread cracks occur when the surface is exposed to loads that are too heavy for it to bear. Alligator cracking can also occur if the lot has improper drainage or the surface is too thin. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. |
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