Alligator cracking is a common type of deterioration that can appear on asphalt surfaces. It is often spotted in parking lots and gets its name from its striking resemblance to the scales of a reptile. While alligator cracking can sometimes seem minor compared to larger, deeper cracks, this network of smaller hairline fractures can eventually require significant repairs from a commercial paving contractor. If you've noticed alligator cracks in your parking lot, here's what to know about repairing and preventing them.
What Should You Do if You See Alligator Cracking? The long-term solution needed to repair your asphalt surface's alligator cracks will depend on several factors. However, the problem needs to be addressed immediately to prevent more damage from occurring in the meantime. The first step you should take is to block the cracked area from traffic since the weight of vehicles could cause the damage to worsen significantly. Once the area is safe from further damage, you'll need a commercial paving contractor to evaluate the sub-base beneath the cracked surface. They may apply a temporary filler or sealant to prevent additional decay before they perform more intensive work. Depending on the level of damage discovered and what your budget allows, the professionals will likely need to either remove and replace parts of the sub-base or the entire sub-base before re-paving the surface. What Can You Do to Prevent the Cracks From Returning? The only way to prevent alligator cracking from returning to your asphalt surface is to ensure that the sub-base is free of damage and built to withstand the pressure placed on it. Speak at length with your commercial paving contractor about precisely how the area is used. Share specific information about how much traffic and moisture it typically sees and which types of vehicles drive over it on a regular basis. They'll adjust the thickness and use the right mixture to ensure the sub-base is prepared to handle the level of stress it will be under. 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.
0 Comments
If you’ve decided to sell your home, you want to increase its value. A quick and efficient way to do this is to improve the look of your driveway with asphalt paving. Here’s some more information on how this home improvement project can help.
How a New Driveway Can Improve the Value of Your Home As one of the first features a potential buyer will see, a neat, well-designed driveway makes an excellent first impression. This can have a positive impact on a buyer’s overall perception of the property, which can influence their thoughts as they examine the rest of the house. A new driveway will also be attractive to motivated buyers who are not interested in properties that require significant renovation. They may also be more willing to meet or even bid above the asking price when they know they’re getting fresh asphalt paving as part of the deal. Is Asphalt Paving Better Than Concrete? One of the biggest advantages of asphalt is its lower price tag. On average, it’s about half the cost of concrete. Asphalt is also more durable than concrete and can withstand cold temperatures much better. It rarely cracks or flakes, which means fewer repairs and a longer life span. In rare instances when repairs are necessary, they’re relatively easy to take care of because the driveway can simply be resurfaced. Repairing concrete, on the other hand, requires an entirely new surface to be laid before any cracks can be filled. Another advantage of asphalt paving is its dark color. Oil spills are rarely visible, which keeps the driveway looking like new for longer. This isn’t the case with concrete, which discolors quickly and is difficult to clean. Asphalt paving can be placed within a matter of days, whereas concrete can take up to a week to install. Furthermore, asphalt is usually ready to drive on within 48 hours of installation. Concrete typically needs about seven days to cure. 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 extremely durable and can withstand many weather conditions. However, that doesn't mean that your parking lot is impenetrable. Excessive rainfall, for instance, can do serious damage if the surface isn't properly maintained or repaired right away. Here's a closer look at how the moisture can harm your parking lot and how to protect the surface.
How Does Rain Affect an Asphalt Surface? Cracks in the surface of your parking lot allow rain to penetrate the asphalt paving. Once it does, it weakens the bond that holds the binder and the aggregate materials together, resulting in erosion and a gradual deterioration of the asphalt layers. If the rainfall occurs closer to the fall or winter months, there's also the possibility of freezing, which worsens the potential for damage. After water penetrates surface cracks, it will freeze and expand. When the ice melts, it will leave behind bigger cracks, dips, and potholes. How Can You Prevent Rain Damage? Sealcoat is a mixture of liquids and small particles applied to asphalt paving for protection. It essentially forms a seal, creating a layer that shields the surface from water, oil, and sun damage. When a parking lot is sealcoated properly, water has fewer opportunities to seep into the surface and wreak havoc. You can also prevent damage by keeping up with asphalt maintenance. Inspect the surface regularly and have all cracks repaired as soon as possible. Always practice caution when using sharp tools, shovels, or heavy machinery on your asphalt surface to avoid making cracks for water to enter. The parking lot should also have an effective drainage system in place. If the lot doesn't already have them, consider installing grates and catch basins or storm drains to carry excess water away from the asphalt. 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. Properly maintaining your asphalt paving will ensure a long-lasting driveway. While a proper foundation and professional installation are vital factors, additional maintenance is essential to make sure it won’t erode due to traffic and the elements. Here’s some advice on how to care for this surface.
Do: Seal cracks.Inspect the pavement frequently for cracks and potholes so that you can act quickly to prevent additional damage. Small fissures may appear harmless at first, but incoming precipitation and cold winter weather will cause the crack to expand. Dealing with small problems now can help you to avoid more expensive repairs down the road. Use sealcoating.Sealcoating will add a layer of protection to defend your pavement against rainfall, vehicle fluids, and harmful UV radiation. Apply it every three to five years to ensure sufficient protection. In addition to the added durability, the surface will also look newer. Don’t: Leave debris. Removing dirt, leaves, and other debris should be part of your year-round asphalt maintenance schedule, but it’s especially important in colder climates. Remains left behind during freezing weather will stick to the surface and lead to potentially harmful effects. Standing water is one of the worst offenders, and will create potholes and fissures if left untreated. Allow heavy equipment on the surface.Extra-large vehicles and equipment are a severe hazard for asphalt paving. Driveways littered with cracks and other issues are in for more damage once a heavy truck rolls onto the pavement. If you require large machinery for a home improvement project, ask your contractor to park on the street instead of your driveway. 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 durable material that’s frequently used for driveways, parking lots, and roads. However, if asphalt paving isn’t installed properly, it can develop cracks prematurely and cause the entire structure to deteriorate. Here are a few common types of asphalt cracks. 1. Block Cracks These are rectangular or square-shaped cracks in asphalt paving. They generally develop if the aggregate was too dry when it was first applied. Freezing temperatures can also lead to this problem because of the shrinkage in the asphalt. A thin layer of asphalt sealing can usually repair block cracks. 2. Edge Cracks Edge cracks appear at the perimeter of a parking lot or road. They typically result from poor drainage, weak asphalt, or strong frost heaves. It’s possible to reduce this issue by clearing debris at the edge of the asphalt paving and improving drainage. 3. Alligator Cracks Alligator cracks resemble the dry skin of alligators and can develop from harsh weather conditions, poor draining, or bad quality foundation materials. They typically cover a large area and can be repaired with a full patch-up. 4. Transverse Cracks These vertical cracks typically develop on busy roads or high-traffic parking lots. Freezing temperatures are the main culprit, as they cause the aggregate to shrink. Contractors generally pour joint sealing material into the cracks to repair them. 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. Whether you own a commercial complex, grocery store, or fitness center, your business property will likely need a parking area to accommodate visitors. There are a lot of complicated decisions you’ll need to make to achieve the right parking lot design. Before you start this commercial paving project, here are five factors to keep in mind during planning.
How to Design a Parking Lot 1. Determine Dimensions Using measurements from surveys and property blueprints, determine the location and size of the lot. With the basic dimensions ready, you can create a visual layout of your commercial paving plans. These plans should proportionately illustrate parking spaces, entrances, exits, walkways, drainage features, and other visible details. 2. Choose the Angle of Spaces If you have a high-traffic area that sees a lot of visitors throughout the day, consider angling parking spaces between 45 and 60 degrees. This positioning will make it much easier for visitors to safely pull in and out of their spaces. If your lot is designed for longer-term parking—such as for overnight visitors or employees—90-degree angles will give you a higher number of parking spaces and efficiently use the available space. 3. Address Accessibility Requirements Connecticut laws dictate how many reserved handicap spaces you must include in your parking lot based on the number of available spaces. Make sure your lot plans include a compliant amount of handicap spaces and that each is sized appropriately. 4. Pick Pavement Thickness Consult with your commercial paving contractor to determine the appropriate thickness for the lot’s asphalt. General-use commercial lots should be about 4.5 inches deep. However, if the area will be exposed to excessive weight—such as that of delivery trucks—the asphalt may need to be as deep as 7.5 inches. You might also need a thicker lot if the soil composition and integrity are poor. 5. Layout Markings & Signs Visitors should be able to use a parking lot intuitively. That’s why it’s crucial to identify all markings and signs that will direct traffic. For example, it should be clear where visitors can and cannot park, as well as what direction to drive. 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 pothole is a cavity in a road surface that can cause a variety of car-related issues such as flat tires, cracked rims, and steering damage when you drive over it. While potholes can be fixed with asphalt paving, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Keep these hazards away from your driveway or parking lot by learning how they form and the most effective ways to prevent them.
How Do Potholes Form? After water from rain or snow seeps beneath a crack in the pavement, it freezes and expands, which causes the size of the crack to expand as well. When the water eventually thaws, the pavement contracts and creates a gap beneath the pavement’s surface. Then, as traffic passes over the gap, the pavement weakens and breaks down, forming a pothole. Because of the process that creates them, these hazards are most common in seasons that feature heavy rainfall or snowstorms. How to Prevent Potholes You can prevent potholes by filling and sealing any cracks in your asphalt pavement as quickly as possible to keep water from seeping beneath the surface. It also prevents rocks, sand, and other materials from entering the crack and causing it to grow. In addition, it’s important to only install high-quality asphalt, as it’s much more crack-resistant than other kinds. You should also keep oil and gasoline from spilling on the surface, as these substances can weaken the material and make it more susceptible to potholes. 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. While you may be able to avoid a pothole in the street, having one on your driveway is an inconvenience, as well as a potential threat to your car. The sooner you have it removed by an asphalt paving specialist, the easier it will be to avoid costly auto repairs. Here’s what you need to know about potholes in your driveway.
What Causes Potholes? Potholes usually develop during winter. Water from melted snow and ice seeps into the asphalt, and when the temperature drops, that liquid freezes. As the water expands, it pushes the asphalt up until it gets warmer. Then, when a car drives over it, the asphalt crumbles into the vacant space left by the melted ice, creating a pothole. The Risk to Your Car Hitting a pothole can cause several different auto woes, ranging from inconvenient to severe. The most common damage is a flat tire or a damaged tire sidewall. If the pothole is deep enough and the contact is powerful enough, your suspension can be bent, affecting your ability to control the car later. What Can You Do About Them? For worry-free pothole repair, enlist a professional asphalt paving specialist. While it may be technically possible for a resident to try to patch a pothole on their own, it’s easy to make mistakes that can make the driveway even more of a mess. The technician will start by cleaning out the pothole to remove any debris in the way. The next step is usually to heat the pothole so the asphalt is more malleable and can absorb new material. The technician will then pour on new asphalt to fill in the gap. The last step is to wait for the mixture to cool. 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. Pavement resurfacing will eventually become a necessity for any business with its own parking lot. By eliminating potholes and cracks, you do more than improve your curb appeal. You also reduce tripping hazards for pedestrians and create a smoother driving experience for your customers and employees. Of course, you'll need to make temporary arrangements while these parking spaces are unavailable. Here are some tips to keep your business running during this time.
How Can Business Owners Deal With Pavement Resurfacing Work? 1. Complete Pavement Resurfacing in Phases Rather than shutting down the entire parking lot, most businesses can maintain operations by having the paving work done in phases. For example, you could close off the left half of the lot for repaving while keeping the right side open. After the left side can be used again, the right half can be repaved. While parking will be limited, this will keep you from needing to close off the lot entirely. 2. Schedule Work Outside Normal Business Hours The paving contractor will need to use equipment that can take up considerable space. Drivers and pedestrians will need to exercise caution to account for these tools and the crew. Scheduling the pavement resurfacing outside your normal business hours can eliminate these risks and allow the professionals to complete their work faster. 3. Encourage Employees to Work From Home If you're having an employee parking lot resurfaced, it may be helpful to have some employees work from home during the project. With modern technology, many businesses are better equipped for work-from-home setups than in the past, which may make this a relatively easy transition. Be sure to communicate the need for these temporary arrangements well in advance to ensure your employees are prepared. 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 known for its durability and longevity. While newly-laid material can easily handle the wear and tear of winter weather, the season can wreak havoc on older driveways and cause damage, like potholes. Fortunately, you can minimize or avoid harm to your driveway by taking the necessary precautionary steps. Here's a closer look at the potential impact of winter weather and your role in protecting the asphalt.
How Potholes Form Asphalt is excellent at repelling moisture, which makes it a top choice for driveways. However, it's only waterproof at the surface. When a crack or divot forms from impact or wear and tear, water can penetrate the surface. Once the temperature drops, the moisture freezes and expands, which pushes the material away and widens the crack. If this process occurs repeatedly, the expansion eventually creates dangerous potholes. How to Reduce Harm to Your Driveway While you can't control the weather, you can significantly reduce its impact. By catching issues early, you can avoid extensive damage. Assess your driveway in the fall and regularly throughout winter for signs of damage, and schedule asphalt paving repairs as soon as possible when problems are found. For snow removal, utilize a rubber-tipped shovel or have the plow raised at least ¼ inch to avoid direct contact with metal. When to Repave It When damage is widespread, there are two primary options: resurfacing and repaving. With driveway resurfacing, a new layer is poured on the surface, but the bulk of the original material is left in place. However, if the damage is major or has reached the foundation, then the asphalt paving needs to be redone completely to restore your driveway's integrity. 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. |
Carl Guarco2nd Generation Landscaper and expert in Snow Removal and Paving. Archives
November 2022
Categories |