If your business is planning a new parking lot installation or another asphalt paving job, you may wonder how long the material takes to cure. Various factors affect drying time, and you should understand that "curing" and "drying" are different. Below is what you need to know about how long you must wait to use a new asphalt parking lot.
Drying vs. Curing Your parking lot can accommodate foot and moderate vehicle traffic once it is dry. This typically takes two to three days after the installation. However, since it is not fully "cured" or hardened, you should avoid spilling harsh chemicals/auto fluids or driving exceptionally heavy vehicles—such as semi-trucks or construction equipment—on it. Moreover, you must wait 30 days before you can apply sealcoating, a waterproof sealant that protects it from UV light and extends its life span and integrity. The pavement needs about a month to oxidize and shed oil before you seal it. Finally, it takes the lot as much as a full year before it is "cured," or fully hardened. At that point, you can allow most heavy vehicles and machinery to park on your pavement without the risk of damaging it. The Conditions That Affect Asphalt Drying Time Environmental conditions affect how long it takes a parking lot to dry. High humidity in the air means the pavement cannot shed moisture quickly, so it dries more slowly. High temperatures, on the other hand, help evaporation and speed up drying time. Finally, sunlight and wind both help asphalt dry quickly, so cloudy days without a breeze and shade trees overhanging your lot will slow down drying. 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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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. 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. Winter weather can transform a safe, comfortable business into a slick, dangerous situation. The risk of slip and falls and injuries increases substantially with ice and snow. To protect customers and avoid liability claims, it’s important to be proactive and utilize professional commercial snow plowing services. Here’s a closer look at what else you can do to keep your company safe on icy days.
3 Ways to Reduce Business Slip and Falls 1. Maintain Roofing Exterior damage to commercial spaces often goes unnoticed until leaks appear. Dripping water is a common cause of business injury as customers and employees can slip on wet floors. Equipment, like pallet jacks, can also skid on slick surfaces, putting the machinery, the operator, and bystanders at risk. Getting ahead of leaks is key to reducing these hazards. Schedule a yearly maintenance inspection to identify roofing, gutter, and downspout damage. Problems with any of these elements can inhibit the flow of moisture as it melts, causing leaks. As such, if any issues are found, have them fixed immediately. 2. Use Walk-Off Mats People coming from outdoors track in snow, ice, and mud, which can create a trail of slick flooring. Placing absorbent walk-off mats at the entrances can help reduce the amount of moisture that makes its way inside. Use longer mats to help catch and remove more water. Additionally, place signage near doorways warning of wet flooring on days with winter precipitation. 3. Routinely Clear Surfaces Snow and ice make parking lots and walkways incredibly slick. Not only do such circumstances put pedestrians at risk of falling, but they also make drivers more susceptible to accidents. For these reasons, getting commercial snow plowing is essential to keeping the surfaces clear. Frozen precipitation also needs to be removed and dumped away from the building and parking areas to prevent melting runoff from refreezing as ice. 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 the winter weather still going strong, you need to make sure you have an effective plan for clearing accumulation from your business property. Hiring a commercial snow plowing company will ensure that wintry precipitation is taken care of to provide maximum safety for customers and employees and minimize potential damage. While the professionals will take care of the plowing, you can facilitate the process with the following tips. How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for Snow Plowing 1. Do a Pre-Snow Walkthrough or Provide a Site Map As snow piles up, it can cover features that protrude out of the ground and put them at risk of being damaged by machinery and tools. This goes for any items above ground level, like fire hydrants, curbs, utility hardware, and speed bumps. Doing a pre-snow walkthrough with the commercial snow plowing company or providing them with a site map will help them be aware of these risks and take precautions to avoid them. Marking these areas with snow stakes or safety cones can also minimize potential damage. 2. Clear Your Surroundings Blizzard-like conditions during the winter can result in white-outs. In these cases, it can be difficult to see even large items on the property, like dumpsters or parked cars. Removing whatever could potentially be in the way during snow removal will ensure the plowing can proceed without delays or potential damage. 3. Make a Designated Snow Mound Area Find a safe, designated area away from the building for the snow to be dumped. This precaution will eliminate the risk of flooding damaging the foundation once the snow melts. You can mark these areas with flags or cones. Having a backup mound area in case of heavy snowfall will prepare the property if there's excess snow. 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. Hartford gets approximately 38 inches of snow annually—well over the United States average. As beautiful as this precipitation is, it can create unwanted obstacles for business operations. While you might consider buying a snowblower or a truck plow attachment and asking an employee to perform snow removal for your commercial property, this is often inefficient and risky. The guide below explains the benefits of relying on professionals instead.
Why Should You Invest in Professional Snow Removal? 1. Keep Business Operating While recent years have shown that some employees can work from home successfully, other positions benefit or require time spent on-site. Your business might also rely on deliveries or customers coming to your commercial location. If there are heaps of snow in the parking lot, it makes it harder—if not impossible—for employees to park, harming productivity. Customers may assume that the business isn't open, resulting in lost profits. While DIY efforts may be able to clear part of this space, professionals operate as a team using heavy-duty equipment and effective deicing solutions to clear the area as quickly as possible. 2. Enjoy Cost Savings & Convenience Snow removal equipment can be expensive, especially since you need different tools for different situations. For example, you will likely need a V-plow rather than a straight blade plow for breaking up snowbanks. Even when not in use, these systems need to be maintained, adding to their costs—and you have to find a place to store them. When relying on professionals, you don't have to worry about this since they will bring their own, top-of-the-line equipment and use the most efficient tool for the job. 3. Prevent Liability Issues If someone slips and falls on icy pavement or stairs and you are found responsible for their injuries, you will be expected to pay for their medical expenses. This can also harm your business reputation if it seems like you don't emphasize maintenance or public safety. Professionals work fast at clearing sidewalks—giving the salt and the sunshine more opportunity to remove the last traces of snow or ice from these surfaces to reduce risks. In addition, they have their own insurance in case a team member gets hurt lifting shovelfuls of snow or operating the plow. If you have your own employee do it, you will have to pay out a workers compensation claim for any injuries they incur. 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. With freezing temperatures, regular snowfall, and the routine use of heavy equipment like snowplows and tire chains, winter is a tough time for an asphalt parking lot. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect your asphalt paving with the help of commercial snow plowing services. Here’s what to do to get ready for the season.
How to Prepare an Asphalt Parking Lot for the Winter 1. Repair Potholes Potholes form when water enters the ground, freezes, and expands. This expansion forces parts of your asphalt paving to crack, bend, and break. When the frozen water melts, it retreats and leaves natural depressions in these damaged spots. During the winter, existing potholes will likely worsen. This presents a danger to your customers and employees, increasing the risk of falls and damage to vehicles. Have your potholes repaired by an asphalt paving professional before winter hits. 2. Seal the Surface Sealcoating safeguards your parking lot by applying a sealant layer over the top. This solid coating protects the surface from water and ultraviolet light damage. Before the sealcoat is installed, cracks need to be filled in to create a uniform surface. A paving service can handle these tasks. Just be sure to plan accordingly because the lot won't be usable for 24 to 72 hours after the application of the sealcoat. 3. Hire Commercial Snow Plowing Professionals Enlist the services of snow removal professionals to care for your parking lot. Using your own tools, such as shovels or snowblowers, can be a labor-intensive undertaking and easily scratch, scrape, or crack your asphalt surface. Professionals use industrial-grade snow plows to get the job done quickly and effectively, and they know how to navigate parking lots so as not to damage 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. |
Carl Guarco2nd Generation Landscaper and expert in Snow Removal and Paving. Archives
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