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.
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Snow removal for your driveway seems simple enough; all you do is shovel the snow away or throw some salt on it, right? Many homeowners don’t know that there’s actually more to it than that. If you’re not convinced that you should hire professionals for this job, consider the following problems that can arise when attempting DIY removal.
Why Avoid DIY Snow Removal? 1. Injury Shoveling is hard physical labor involving repetitive movements and consistently lifting wet, heavy snow. You can easily injure your back, shoulders, or neck if you don't have experience with the proper shoveling form. You can do your own snow removal without hurting yourself by keeping your hips and shoulders aligned, bending at the knees, and lifting the shovel with your legs. However, you’ll avoid injury altogether by hiring snow removal professionals who are trained to work quickly, efficiently, and safely. 2. Inefficiency Many people start shoveling without realizing that there’s an efficient order sequence to follow. In general, it’s best to clear a path down the middle first and then work on one side at a time. You should also avoid standing or stamping on unshoveled snow; it’s harder to remove when packed. However, the most sensible methods depend on your driveway’s size, layout, and other factors. Professionals will know exactly how much deicer to use and whether shoveling, plowing, or using a snowblower is more appropriate for your property. 3. Landscape Damage Moving snow from your driveway to your lawn will clear a path for walking and parking, but it may also kill your grass with weight and over saturation. Salt is no better; it could melt the snow and ice and cause runoff into the lawn, depleting the nutrients in your soil. Snow removal experts use equipment like salt trucks that are designed to lay the salt in a precise area so that the chemicals don't harm your lawn. The professionals can also move and spread the snow evenly so that it doesn't put too much weight on your grass. 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. The first snowfall isn’t as far away as you might think! Now is the time to make sure your commercial properties are ready for Mother Nature and the approaching winter.
Without proper treatment, snow and ice events can wreak havoc on your property. The most common property injuries are slip and falling accidents. Don’t put your business property at risk. Start your search for a commercial snow removal company now so you have time discuss snow management before the snow starts! What to look for: 1. What Snow Removal Services Do They Offer? Ask what they do and won't do for your snow removal needs. Do they clear parking lots, sidewalks and entrances of snow and ice? Do they spray deicers? Are the spray deicers bad for the pavement? Do they offer preventative snow and ice measures? What do they suggest you do to prevent issues? Do they haul and remove the snow off property or is it pushed into a specific area? If so, where do you want the snow pushed to? 2. What Insurance Do they Carry? Do they have the required insurance for snow removal? 3. How Quickly Do They Come After a Winter Snow Fall or Storm? How quickly will your snow removal company will be on your property after it snows? Do they come during the storm or wait until it is completed? Share with the snow removal company your hours of business so they know how to best serve your employee and client needs. You don’t want piles of snow at the entrance of your property when employees, visitors, and clients arrive. Most importantly, find a company that you can trust and who provides quality work, quick turnaround times, safety and helps you meet your property goals for commercial snow removal services in the Hartford area. 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 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. Snow is part of winter life when you live and work in Connecticut. While you may anticipate this weather as a business owner, your customers will expect you to deal with accumulation on your parking lots and roadways. Fortunately, you can avoid the hassle of keeping up with snowfall when you hire a local snow plowing company to clear your pavement. Here are five ways that commercial snow plowing will support your business.
5 Reasons Your Business Needs Commercial Snow Plowing 1. Prevents Accidents Even the most careful person can slip and fall on a patch of ice or snow. When these accidents happen on your business property, you may be liable for any injuries that occur. Commercial snow plowing will ensure that your walkways are clear and safe for both customers and employees. 2. Encourages Visitors When people see lots of snow cover, they might consider the area to be off-limits. As a result, not clearing your parking lot may deter customers who would otherwise spend money on your products or services. This obstacle may also make it more difficult for you to receive deliveries from vendors. 3. Keeps Staff Focused While you may be tempted to have employees clear the parking lot and walkways, this job can be time-consuming and cumbersome. With commercial snow plowing, your staff can focus on their regular business duties while professionals clear away your parking lot. 4. Cuts Costs Another pitfall of DIY snow removal—especially when it comes to covering large areas of pavement—is the high cost of equipment. Snow plowing companies are equipped with the heavy-duty tools required for the job, allowing you to save your money for more important business expenses. 5. Protects Pavement Leaving snow and ice on parking lots can contribute to moisture buildup and temperature fluctuations—problems that can lead to faded paint lines and potholes. Shoveling snow on your own can also increase the risk of chipping the pavement. If you want to avoid the need for asphalt paving, it’s better to hire a snow removal contractor who uses tools and techniques that will keep your parking lot in good condition. 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. Every homeowner understands the importance of maintaining their property. It pays off to keep everything in great shape so that you can maximize the return on investment when the time comes to sell. Each season poses different challenges when it comes to maintenance. Winter, for example, requires special treatment for the driveway. From snow removal to protection against the freeze/thaw cycle, follow these tips to keep the residential paving in good condition and avoid a driveway replacement.
Driveway Maintenance Tips for the Winter 1. Do the Necessary Repairs Do essential repairs before winter takes its toll on your driveway. Fill in any cracks or holes so that water and ice don’t penetrate the outer layer and worsen these problems. Once you deal with cracks and holes, apply a sealant for extra protection. This seal prevents unwanted materials from further damaging the driveway during the winter. 2. Be Smart About Snow Removal Snow blanketing your driveway is inevitable, and when it happens, it’s important to use smart snow removal strategies. Use a rubber-tipped shovel instead of a metal one to avoid scraping the top layer of the driveway. If you’re plowing, make sure the skid plates are adjusted to at least a ¼ inch above the driveway to avoid damage. 3. Create Favorable Drainage Another thing you can do to protect the driveway is to ensure the drainage systems around the property don’t contribute to potential damage. Keep gutter spouts pointed away from the driveway, and put up retaining walls for problematic areas to prevent water from pooling in 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. |
Carl Guarco2nd Generation Landscaper and expert in Snow Removal and Paving. Archives
November 2022
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