A driveway provides a smooth surface to park your vehicle and walk, and it also enhances the curb appeal of your property. But when a driveway needs resurfacing, it can be a safety hazard and harm the visual appeal of your home. To help you avoid these outcomes, here are three common signs that you need driveway resurfacing.
How to Know It's Time to Resurface a Driveway 1. Widespread Cracking Over time and with regular use, it's natural for a driveway to suffer a few cracks. But if the cracks begin to overtake the surface, or some of them are particularly deep, driveway resurfacing should be a priority. Water can seep into cracks, freeze up, and expand, making the damage worse. Water can also penetrate the cracks and foundation of the driveway and cause structural problems. 2. Potholes Potholes result from the expansion and contraction of freezing and thawing groundwater beneath the surface. They start as weak spots in the driveway. When heavy vehicles routinely travel over them, they weaken and dent. A pothole can damage your vehicle, create a slip and fall hazard, and mar the appearance of the property. While filling in a pothole is a possibility, it may not correct the problem at its source, and a full driveway resurfacing will eventually be necessary. 3. Crumbling Driveways can crumble from normal wear and tear, from the effects of aging or excessive sunlight, or from cracks or potholes that have worsened beyond repair. Loose bits of pavement will hit your car when driving over them, and people walking across the driveway will have a hard time gaining solid footing. If portions of your driveway are crumbling, resurfacing is the best option for ensuring a comfortable and attractive 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.
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If you’re a homeowner or business owner with a paved driveway or parking lot, eventually you will need to have these surfaces repaved. Fall is the perfect time of year to tackle all your residential and commercial paving projects. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about autumn repaving.
A Guide to Fall Repaving What is the most weather-resistant type of pavement? Asphalt pavement beats concrete in terms of durability and aesthetic-appeal. It expands and contracts without getting unsightly damage, making it the superior choice for pavement resurfacing in regions where fall and winter come with rapidly dropping temperatures. Which weather conditions are best for asphalt paving? The ideal temperature for repaving or installing new asphalt is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but a residential or commercial paving contractor can perform this job in ambient temperatures 20 degrees lower than that. Calm, sunny days are best, as windy or cloudy conditions can make asphalt cool faster than normal, causing it to set too fast. What is the advantage of paving in the autumn? Have residential and commercial paving done in the fall so you can repair small cracks to prevent them from filling with water, freezing, expanding, and turning into bigger cracks over the winter. For a business owner, autumn repaving has the added advantage of getting the parking lot in tip-top condition before the bustling holiday season. What other property improvements can protect my pavement? Heavy autumn rains and winter snow melting from your rooftop strains your gutter system, and if they drain or overflow onto your pavement, the perpetual moisture could damage the asphalt. Inspect your gutters in early fall, and take care of any problem areas before harsh weather sets in. 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 spill oil on the driveway, you might not need to schedule a pavement resurfacing appointment right away. It’s often worth it to try to remove the stain yourself and only call in a professional if you can’t get it off. Here are some tips to try.
What to Use to Get Oil Out of Pavement 1. Cat Litter Kitty litter is an easy and inexpensive way to remove oil. Pour some over the marking and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the oil before sweeping it up and throwing it out. If you’re dealing with a larger spill, cover the area with litter an inch deep and let it sit overnight. This extra time will improve the likelihood that all the oil will be absorbed and make the cleanup much easier. 2. Degreasers You can also try scrubbing out stains with household degreasers, like soap. Dish soap can cut through grease to clean up after an oily meal, so it might also help with oil marks on pavement. Pour some of your favorite dish degreaser onto the oil stain and scrub it with water and a brush. If your driveway is covered in oil stains, you may also consider trying a professional engine degreaser. Mechanics turn to these products to clean their garages too, so you should try it at home to possibly avoid pavement resurfacing. 3. Soda The bubbles and acidity from a can of soda can breakdown stains from oil and mitigate the need for pavement resurfacing. Pour a few tablespoons over a small mark or an entire can over a larger oil slick and leave it overnight. When you return, use a hose or a bucket of water to wash away the oil. Some mechanics even use this trick to get oil out of their shop clothes as well. 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. Letting your commercial parking lot fall into disrepair can be a significant liability. People could fall and get hurt or damage their vehicles, holding you legally and financially responsible for medical bills or car repairs. So you can take better care of your investment, below are a few common problems an asphalt paving specialist should address.
4 Common Types of Asphalt Parking Lot Damage 1. Warping Vehicle weight stresses the pavement, causing it to warp as a result. Inspect the parking lot for odd impressions. By catching the issue early, an asphalt paving technician can smooth out the blemishes and prevent any significant structural damage. Severe warping can weaken the layers below the surface, resulting in the need to replace the damaged sections or the entire installation. 2. Potholes If the seal is worn, water can seep into the asphalt. The water-logged pavement expands and contracts in fluctuating temperatures, causing the material to break down. Driving and walking on the parking lot can dislodge the damaged areas, causing potholes to form. The craters are significant safety hazards, so call an asphalt paving professional before someone slips and gets hurt. 3. Fading In addition to water, exposure to sunlight can also alter the surface. Ultraviolet rays can cause the vibrant black color to turn a dull gray. Sunlight also causes asphalt to become dry and brittle, increasing the risk of cracks forming. Resealing will restore the appearance and strength of the parking lot. This can help preserve the parking lot and prevent the need to have it dug up, repoured, and replaced entirely. 4. Standing Water After heavy rain, you shouldn’t see pools of water in the parking lot. Excess moisture quickly seeps into the pavement, deteriorating the asphalt. Standing water could point to a drainage problem that needs to be fixed. Examine the areas where the puddles are and evaluate how they can be correct to provide better draining capacity. 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 a ubiquitous part of modern life—you can find it on airport runways, highway roads, driveways, and even on tennis courts. Although this material is becoming increasingly popular, most people don’t know where it comes from and why it’s so widely used. Here’s a closer look at asphalt paving.
Little-Known Facts About Asphalt Paving 1. Interesting History The first records of asphalt paving were in 615 BC during the reign of King Nabopolassar of Babylon. An inscription described the road to the palace as something made ‘with asphalt and burned brick.’ Aside from the Babylonians, the Greeks also used asphalt as a construction substance. It was utilized primarily for binding materials together because of its stickiness. The Romans eventually used it for sealing their baths, reservoirs, and aqueducts, calling it ‘asphalton’ from the ancient Greek word ‘asphaltos.’ 2. Eco-Friendly Asphalt is either sourced naturally from rock deposits, known as bitumen, or manufactured from petroleum by-products. Most commercial asphalt paving projects use man-made materials rather than mined bitumen, preserving natural resources. Additionally, reclaimed asphalt can be recycled and reused for other pavements after processing, clearing out a bit of space in the landfills. It’s not surprising that reclaimed asphalt pavement is among the most recycled paving materials in the country. The development of warm-mix asphalt has allowed the paving material to be produced at lower temperatures. As such, it reduces energy requirements and decreases fuel emissions, keeping its environmental impact relatively low. 3. Extremely Durable Asphalt is durable and can last as long as concrete. And since it’s more flexible, it can withstand extreme temperature changes under pressure. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing will not damage the material; however, it requires a sound drainage system to prevent water from seeping through and weakening the base. Once the poured asphalt mix cures and hardens, the surface can be used almost right away without damaging it. 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 enough time, even the most skillfully laid asphalt driveway will begin to show signs of wear. When the damage is more widespread than a few tiny cracks, but you’re hoping to avoid a full replacement, your best option is often driveway resurfacing. Here’s what you need to know about this service.
What Is Driveway Resurfacing? Driveway resurfacing is a method that rejuvenates a surface after any damage becomes pervasive. Technicians will pour new asphalt over the area, giving the surface a second life and making it look brand new. However, there are several preparatory steps. First, the driveway will be rigorously cleaned; the contractor will blast any grime, scat, or algae away with a hose. Once all the contaminants are gone, the technician will fill in the cracks and potholes to avoid any structural voids that could lead to problems later on. Finally, they’ll pour a layer of fresh asphalt over the driveway and even out the new coat. Why Resurface Your Driveway? When you have numerous potholes and extensive alligator cracking, repairs are often ineffective. Water will still seep into the old asphalt and then freeze and expand in the winter, causing new cracks. At the same time, a full-scale replacement—where all the material is removed, and a new foundation is laid—can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with driveway resurfacing services, you will have a gorgeous, pristine driveway again and add years to its life span—for an affordable price. This service also takes substantially less time than a replacement, reducing the inconvenience. 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. Driveways are one of the main functional and aesthetic features of a home’s exterior. However, if your asphalt surface is beginning to display signs of deterioration, such as hairline cracks or potholes, it’s important to address these issues right away. Below is a comprehensive overview of driveway replacement and resurfacing so that you can determine which is right for your needs.
When to Resurface a Driveway Driveway resurfacing is a less extensive and time-consuming process than replacement. The process involves pouring a new layer of asphalt over the existing layer to hide aesthetic flaws and restore it to a brand new appearance. It’s best for smaller problems such as fading, stains, and even hairline cracks, as these don’t affect the foundation of the driveway. If there are minor cracks or holes, the contractor will patch them with a sealant prior to resurfacing it. When to Replace a Driveway Driveway replacement involves removing the asphalt and digging up the foundation to install a brand new one. Because this process includes construction, it’s more expensive than resurfacing. However, it’s the only solution for major issues such as large cracks, potholes, and asphalt crumbling and deterioration; these are often signs that water has penetrated the foundation of the driveway. The problems will only worsen until a full replacement is made. You may also need to replace a driveway if you have drainage issues; look for water pooling on various areas of the 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. Cracks in the driveway can detract from your property’s curb appeal, making the surface seem worn and allowing space for weeds to grow. To prevent damage, you’ll need to target the root of the problem. The below guide explains some of the common culprits behind cracking as well as tips to help you avoid the need for a full driveway replacement.
4 Common Causes of Asphalt Cracks 1. Improper Installation Asphalt paving requires a solid base material. Without the proper amount of support, it’s only a matter of time until the driveway begins to crumble. If the base isn’t strong enough, you’ll have to either continue to fill potholes or schedule a driveway replacement. However, you can avoid this issue by verifying that your contractors are reputable and experienced before the project begins. 2. Tree Roots Tree roots are known to grow up to 20 feet out from their base. This means that any nearby structures are susceptible to damage. Cutting the roots off at the source is the best way to prevent damage. It redirects the tree’s nutrients to other parts of the root system and helps preserve the condition of the driveway. 3. De-Icing Products Products that are made to de-ice surfaces can also increase the possibility of cracks. The harsh chemicals will weaken the surface and allow moisture to seep into the material. Opt to use sand instead of de-icers to protect the asphalt and prevent the need for a future driveway replacement. 4. Excess Weight Whether it’s part of your business or a temporary rental, parking heavy equipment on a driveway can quickly decrease its longevity. Asphalt is made to withstand only so much weight and can begin to show signs of cracking if the machinery is left in one place for too long. Finding another area to store the equipment will maintain the driveway’s appearance for years to come. If this is not an option, vary your parking space daily to reduce damage. 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. What you sell inside your store and the quality of your staff aren’t the only factors that affect your business’s success. The area outside of your store—including your parking lot—can influence your sales. Using asphalt paving for the lot can benefit your business, as the material offers many advantages.
3 Benefits of Asphalt Paving for Businesses 1. Durability Asphalt is popular due to its durability. The material has a life span of about 15 to 20 years. However, business owners who routinely resurface their pavement can extend it even more. As a result, you’ll reduce future expenses and losses by not having to replace your parking lot for many years. 2. Weather Resistance Harsh weather conditions can cause significant problems for some types of pavement, but asphalt is designed to avoid damage even when subjected to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Also, asphalt is more flexible than materials like concrete, so it won’t crack due to temperature-related expansion and contraction. This will ensure that the material won’t get damaged as a result of temperatures warming up during the spring, ensuring safer conditions for your customers. 3. Time- & Cost-Efficient Installing a new parking lot will disrupt your normal business operations. However, choosing asphalt will limit the effect the paving process has on your customers; thanks to its short curing time, your parking area won’t be off-limits for long. Asphalt installation and repair costs are also lower than other materials because it is derived from crude oil. Recycled asphalt can further lower costs since it reuses pre-manufactured materials. 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. Once you have your driveway professionally paved, you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of your investment. From waiting for the asphalt to cure to knowing when it’s time to sealcoat, there are several important guidelines for caring for your driveway post-installation.
Residential paving experts recommend the following helpful tips. Do: Park in different places.If you park in the same place on your driveway every day, you may leave impressions on the asphalt over time, so try to alternate spots. If you plan to leave any vehicles parked for extended periods, place plywood or padding beneath the wheels to protect your paved surface. Watch how you turn the wheel.If you turn your wheel too sharply while pulling out of your driveway, you may crack or puncture the surface. The same problems may arise when you park your vehicle crookedly. Always keep the steering wheel straight when you traverse your asphalt driveway. Don’t: Drive on it immediately.Residential paving companies advise you to wait a minimum of 24 hours before using your asphalt driveway. Since asphalt contains oils, it takes slightly longer to cure than concrete. During the warm months, you might want to a couple days before traveling on it. Sealcoat too soon.If you sealcoat your driveway within a year after asphalt paving, you might make it more vulnerable to holes and cracks. Wait at least a year, then have it resealed every two to three years. Allow your residential paving team to fill cracks and repair damages before sealcoating. 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
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