Concrete & Asphalt Paving Austin, Tx

August is usually the hottest time of year in most areas of the country. That extreme heat can impact anything that is exposed to it on a daily basis. That includes paved surfaces. You may be lulled into believing that if pavement can withstand heavy vehicle traffic, it must be able to hold up under almost any circumstances. But that is just not true. In fact, weather has a huge effect on both asphalt and concrete. Here are a few ways in which the weather can impact roadways and parking lots:

• Summer sun and heat – The hot summer sun causes pavement to expand. Once this happens, it’s typical for cracks to form. If those cracks aren’t repaired right away, they can become larger and allow rain and irrigation water to seep under the surface. This can deteriorate the sub-layers of the pavement, weakening the foundation. Once it’s weakened, the pavement can develop potholes and/or crumble around the edges.
• Rain – Arguably one of the most damaging types of weather for any paved surface is rain. If your parking lot or roadway doesn’t have adequate drainage, puddles can form. That collected water can seep into the pavement and weaken the sub-layer beneath the surface. You can easily see the damage caused by runoff if you have a paved surface directly underneath a gutter or downspout. Eventually, the water will actually wear the pavement down to the point where only gravel and aggregate are left behind. It’s important to make sure you have adequate drainage to protect your parking lot and/or roadway.
• Cold weather – Even the warmest climates occasionally experience cold weather. When a freeze/thaw cycle occurs, pavement expands and contracts as the temperature changes. That can make existing cracks much worse, and once cracks are allowed to grow, it increases the chances that water will seep below the surface and cause more extensive damage.

While it’s true that weather can take a toll on paved surfaces, it’s also true that you can take preventive measures to minimize the damage. Routine maintenance – such as seal coating – and being sure to have small cracks and potholes repaired promptly can help to reduce the amount of damage caused by all types of weather. And that can extend the life of your paved surface. Talk to a local paving contractor about what steps you can take to prevent weather-related damage from occurring to your parking lot or roadway.

There’s no doubt about it: parking lots are a major expense for any business or government agency. While it’s true that asphalt and concrete are both extremely durable surfaces, nothing lasts forever. Eventually, over time and with the wear and tear that parking lots are exposed to on a daily basis, the paved surface will start to break down. Whether your parking lot accommodates 5 vehicles or 500, it’s important to know the best way to care for your paving investment. That’s why it’s so helpful to understand what typically causes parking lot damage so you can protect your surface as much as possible. Here a few of the biggest reasons why parking lots start to deteriorate:

• Heavy vehicle traffic – Every parking lot has to withstand the weight of vehicles on a daily basis. But if your parking area is frequented by extremely heavy vehicles – such as trucks or heavy metal machinery – that weight can cause substantial damage to the pavement. The sheer weight of heavy vehicles breaks down asphalt and concrete. If there are cracks in the pavement, the heavy weight will make those cracks worse very quickly. If your parking lot has to withstand this type of heavy traffic, it’s important that you have cracks repaired as quickly as possible and really stay on schedule with routine maintenance of the pavement.
• Exposure to the elements – Weather is hard on pavement. If you live in a cold climate, the freeze/thaw cycle causes damage to both asphalt and concrete surfaces. But it’s not just cold climates that are hard on parking lots. In fact, a sunny climate can be just as bad. When paved asphalt surfaces are exposed to the UV rays of the sun day after day, the binder in the pavement begins to break down. Sunshine has a similar effect on concrete: UV rays can break down the polymers inside the concrete surface, and that weakens the pavement. When cracks form in pavement, due to either freeze/thaw cycles or UV exposure, it allows water to seep into the surface, which causes even more damage.
• Lack of maintenance – Asphalt and concrete surfaces last much longer if they’re cared for properly. When it comes to caring for pavement, that means seal coating on a regular basis to protect it from the weather, and repairing potholes and small cracks as soon as possible after they form. The longer you wait, the worse the damage becomes. And that can happen in a hurry.

It’s always best to have maintenance and repairs done by a professional paving contractor rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Nothing lasts forever, but your parking lot pavement will last a lot longer if you know what can damage the surface and take necessary steps to protect it.

Nothing lasts forever. This is true even for an extremely durable material like asphalt. Depending on several variables – like the level of use, what kind of a climate you live in, and whether or not the surface has been properly maintained – asphalt typically lasts for 20 years or even longer. But at some point, it will inevitably need to be replaced. While it’s true that only a professional paving contractor can tell you with any certainty whether or not you need entirely new pavement, there are some signs that may indicate you do. Here’s how you can tell when it’s time for new asphalt:

• Cracks: Any pavement can develop cracks, but if your asphalt has many tiny cracks that resemble the skin of an alligator, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace the surface. These “alligator cracks” typically indicate that the sublayer of your asphalt is damaged. This type of structural damage usually requires replacement of the pavement.
• Puddles: If you notice areas of standing water on your asphalt surface, it means that there is inadequate drainage. When the surface develops potholes and severe cracks, it can result in standing water. Puddles also form in depressed areas of the surface, which is usually an indication that the foundation of the pavement is damaged. Either way, standing water is often a sign that the pavement needs to be replaced.
• Potholes: While it’s true that the appearance of one or two potholes does not necessarily mean you need new pavement, if your asphalt is riddled with potholes, it is typically an indicator that the sublayer is damaged. And that means that the pavement needs to be replaced. When you notice a pothole, it’s important to call your local paving contractor and have it repaired right away. Potholes provide an easy way for water to seep underneath the surface, and that can damage the foundation of the pavement.
• Faded surface: It’s natural for black asphalt to fade as it’s exposed to the UV rays of the sun. But if the surface has not been periodically seal coated to protect it against the elements, faded asphalt could be a sign of more serious damage. Sun, like water, weakens asphalt, making it susceptible to damage.

For more information about signs that your asphalt is damaged, and to find out for sure whether or not it needs to be replaced completely, contact a local paving contractor.

Asphalt is an extremely durable material, without a doubt, but it needs maintenance just like any other paved surface. Whether you’re a homeowner with an asphalt driveway, or a business owner with a large parking lot to care for, it’s important to plan ahead for your asphalt maintenance. If you don’t properly maintain any paved surface, the results could be cracking, sunken areas, and/or potholes and crumbling around the edges. Here are some tips on how to plan ahead so that you can easily afford to maintain your asphalt.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance
As is true with any paved surface – or any building material, for that matter – the time for maintenance is before any damage occurs. Otherwise, your money will be spent on repair rather than maintenance. When it comes to properly caring for your asphalt surface, it’s important to address small issues early on. Tiny cracks in the asphalt can easily (and quickly) become big cracks that allow water to seep underneath the surface layer. Once that happens, substantial damage can occur to the pavement. But there’s another good reason to focus your efforts on preventive maintenance – it’s much less expensive than making costly repairs. As soon as you notice tiny cracks forming, contact a local paving contractor to repair those cracks, then apply seal coat to protect the surface from further damage. These minor repairs and seal coating are relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to fixing potholes and crumbling edges!

Making Asphalt Maintenance a Priority
You wouldn’t think of having your house painted once, then simply forgetting about it for decades to come, would you? It’s important to remember what a significant investment your asphalt pavement is, and to make it a priority when planning your home and/or business budget. Think of asphalt maintenance in much the same way you would with any other upgrades or maintenance you plan for your residence or workplace. Set aside a certain amount of money each month for anticipated pavement repairs. Whatever money is left over can be used in the future – when the surface will, inevitably, need to be replaced altogether.

Extend the Lifetime of the Asphalt Surface
Most asphalt surfaces last between 20 and 30 years if they’re properly maintained. But once the pavement is about 20 years old, you can expect that major work will need to be done to extend its lifetime. While it is possible that the pavement will need to be completely replaced after 20 years or so, if preventive maintenance is done on a regular basis, it’s quite possible that your surface can last as long as three decades. Plan ahead for the worse-case scenario, then be pleasantly surprised when your surface lasts longer than expected.

Most of us know that changes in the weather can dramatically impact the plants in our yard, our pets, and even the moods of our family members. But did you know that weather also affects paved surfaces? As tough and durable as asphalt and concrete are, weather still takes its toll on pavement. Here are how some changes in climate can affect paved areas.

• Summer heat: Hot temperatures expand paved surfaces, especially asphalt. This increases the chances for cracking. If cracks aren’t repaired quickly, they can become larger in a hurry. Cracks allow water to seep through the surface, and that will weaken the sub-surface layer of the pavement. The best way to protect the surface against direct sunlight and hot summer temperatures is by seal coating.
• Rainstorms: It’s fair to say that the greatest enemy of pavement is water. If your asphalt or concrete surface does not have proper drainage, water can collect and eventually weaken the bonding materials in the pavement. This can result in the pavement wearing away, so that only the aggregate and rock remain. This is often the cause of pavement having a crumbled appearance. If the paved surface is cracked, rain water can seep in and further weaken the pavement.
• Cold weather: Climate changes can be unpredictable. Even in warmer states, it’s possible to experience a cold snap in what would otherwise be a warm time of year. These changes in temperature expand and contract a paved surface. When that happens, cracks form, and those cracks easily lead to more extensive damage, including weakening of the sub-layer, water damage, and potholes.

Have you ever heard the old expression that “Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it”? The truth is that there’s nothing we can do about changes in our climate. But there IS something we can do to protect paved surfaces. The first thing to remember is to repair cracks right away. As we mentioned above, the longer you wait, the worse the cracks will become, and that ultimately leads to other problems. The second thing to remember is to have your paved surface seal coated on a regular basis. How often you’ll need to have it done depends on your climate conditions. A local paving contractor can help you decide how often to seal coat. Thirdly, if you notice that water collects in certain areas of your paved surface, or if you have poor drainage, talk to a paving contractor about what can be done to fix that issue before the pavement becomes too damaged.

Climate affects us all – even asphalt and concrete! Fortunately, with a little careful planning and some help from your local paving contractor, your paved surface will be able to withstand changes in the weather for many years to come.

If you’d like to create some visual appeal and interest in your garden, try designing a path! Even if you don’t have an actual garden, a creative pathway adds to the beauty and personality of any yard, no matter what the size or landscaping. Paths aren’t just for backyards. Walkways that meander around the front of the house, on the side and into the backyard are an excellent way to show off your home and the yard that surrounds it – not to mention convenient for you, your family, and your guests.

Fortunately, one of the best materials for any garden path is also one of the most durable and inexpensive: concrete. If that makes you immediately imagine a flat, grey, boring paved surface, think again! Today’s concrete options offer homeowners many different shades and designs. In fact, concrete can be colored and stamped to look just like much more expensive brick, paver and tile surfaces.

Instead of thinking about your path as simply a way of getting from one area of the yard to another, think of it instead as a chance to add a personal touch to your landscaping. Straight walkways that look like sidewalks may be efficient, but today’s concrete designs offer so many other options! Instead of a straight path, consider curving your walkway to lead your visitors through your favorite parts of the garden. Think of your path as a way to show off your beautiful landscaping, or a lovely view that you can only enjoy from certain points in the yard. Once your path leads visitors to where you’d like them to go, consider adding a bench to that spot, or maybe a concrete seating area where they can rest, take in the view and/or admire your landscaping.

While the traditional gray concrete is certainly still an option, there are so many other possibilities. Concrete surfaces are now available in a virtually endless variety of colors. Saw-cut or stamped designs can so closely mimic costly bricks and tiles that your guests will have a difficult time telling the difference. You can even have concrete poured as individual oversized pavers that resemble huge stepping stones, then add lawn or ground cover in between for a particularly impressive walkway.

Whatever style you choose for your garden path, make it your own! Today’s concrete is a versatile, durable, affordable material that will provide you with an excellent way to add your own unique flair and personality to the outside of your home. For more information about concrete designs and colors, contact a local paving contractor.

Studies show that one of the best ways for people to destress and relax is by spending time outdoors. That’s true even if it’s just for a few minutes. Being outside and getting a little fresh air can help people feel more energized, clear-headed and refreshed. In fact, spending a coffee break or lunch break outside has even been linked to employees having better social interactions with coworkers and generally feeling healthier (which translates into having fewer sick days). Maybe that’s why more and more employers are providing their workers with comfortable outside areas where they can take a quick break or enjoy their lunch relaxing in an outdoor space. What follows are a few ideas to help you design an outdoor area where your employees can rejuvenate before returning to work.

• Choose the right paving material. You might like the appearance of stone pavers or brick, but unfortunately these materials are costly, not to mention the installation. Instead, consider either concrete or asphalt – both of which come in a wide variety of stamped patterns and colors, many of which look just like pavers or brick, but at a much more reasonable price.
• Include comfortable seating and conversation areas. Select chairs that are both ergonomic and weatherproof, and tables that are large enough to accommodate several people sharing lunch together. If you plan to occasionally hold meetings in your outdoor space, make sure that the furniture you choose suits that purpose as well.
• Provide a sufficient number of electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. Your employees should be able to access their laptops, tablets or smartphones while in the outdoor area. And electrical outlets are an absolute must – particularly if you intend on holding meetings in the space on occasion.
• The right amount of shade and sun. It’s important that your outdoor employee area have the right combination of sun and shade. A lot of people enjoy a few minutes of sun at different times throughout the day, but the heat can be uncomfortable in the summertime or if you live in a warm climate, so make sure that the majority of the area is adequately shaded by mature trees and/or a patio roof or umbrellas.
• Don’t forget the landscaping. Make the outdoor area even more comfortable and appealing with landscaping. Include trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the area. But remember that water can damage paved surfaces, so make sure that you include a well-designed drainage system that carries landscape water away from pavement.

Designing an outdoor area for your employees can be a fun and creative exercise for you, and your employees will thank you for your efforts. To find out more about the wide variety of pavement options available, contact a local, reputable paving contractor.

As you begin your spring cleaning chores, don’t forget about the concrete surfaces in and around your home or business! Keeping concrete clean is an excellent way to extend the life of the surface, not to mention improving the appearance. Stains can vary – such as mildew, food stains, ground-in dirt, or vehicle fluid residue, to name just a few. You can probably remove simple stains yourself, but if you have stains left behind by vehicles, it might now be so easy to do it yourself. For really tough stains, or to clean a large concrete area such as a parking lot, you should contact a local paving contractor. But if you’re ready to give it a try on your own, here are a few helpful tips to get your concrete in tip-top shape for the upcoming spring and summer months.

• Common stains – If you’re attempting to remove stain like food, paint, or mildew, a pressure washer and biodegradable detergent should do the trick. For really stubborn common stains, you might need to use a common detergent and a bristle brush to get the job done. Rinse the surface afterwards. Whether you rinse with a pressure washer or a regular garden hose, remember that water can easily damage concrete, so you should remove any standing water left behind with a good outside broom.
• For vehicle fluid stains, the process is a little more complicated. Note that even if you follow these steps, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to completely clean the stain, which is why it’s best to leave this to the professionals. But if you’re determined to try it yourself, start by cleaning all debris and dirt off of the concrete surface using either a pressure washer or a regular garden hose. If the stain is fresh – like spilled motor oil, for example – you can try to absorb some of it by sprinkling cat litter, baking soda, or sawdust on the spill and leaving it overnight. If the stain is old, you can skip this step. After removing any absorption material, you can try scrubbing the area with a bristle brush and either TSP or muriatic acid. But if you choose to use this material, be very careful since both can be very harmful to people and animals. You’ll need to wear gloves and protective clothing, and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.

If you choose to contact a paving contractor to remove stubborn stains (and we highly recommend that you do), be sure to ask about seal coating of your concrete surface. This will help to protect it from both stains and weather, and will help to extend its life significantly.

Spring is the time of year when most of us are busy doing spring cleaning chores. It’s also an excellent time to clean any asphalt pavement that you may have around your home or business. Keeping your asphalt pavement clean will help to extend the life of the surface, not to mention improve its appearance. The best way to remove stains from pavement is to have it done professionally by a local paving contractor. But if your surface has only minor stains, you might be able to handle the job yourself. Here are a few tips for how to clean asphalt safely and effectively.

• No matter what kind of a stain it is, the first step is to remove all debris and dirt from the surface. Try sweeping first, and if that doesn’t do the trick, use a garden hose to remove dirt. If you notice any puddles left behind after spraying off the surface, be sure to sweep off standing water with an outside broom. Letting water stand on asphalt can damage the surface.
• For simple stains, use any type of household cleaner – such as dishwashing liquid or diluted vinegar, for example – and a bristled scrub brush. Simply scrub the stain with the cleaner, then rinse off with water, and repeat if necessary. This method usually works well for common stains, but if you have marks left behind by oil or other vehicle fluids, you’ll need to follow additional steps.
• Removing vehicle fluid stains from any type of asphalt surface is challenging, so we highly recommend that you contact a paving contractor to get the job done. This is particularly true if the stain is large, or if you have a bigger area to clean – such as a parking lot, for example. But if you’re simply trying to remove a few small stains from your driveway, you may be able to do it yourself.

Begin by spreading a substance that will absorb the spill (if it’s a fresh stain). Sawdust, baking soda, or cat litter are good choices. It may take a while to absorb, so it’s best to leave it on overnight. After much of the spill has been absorbed, sweep away the absorption material and rinse off the surface. If the stain is still there, you might try any one of a variety of commercial degreasers you can purchase from a home improvement store.

Keeping your asphalt clean really does extend its life. Another way to restore the appearance of the surface, as well as protect it from weather and vehicle fluids, is by seal coating. Contact a paving contractor for more information.

While it may not seem like it in the last days of winter, spring really is right around the corner. At this time of year, most of us make plans to do some spring cleaning around the house. As you prepare for this annual ritual, don’t forget the outside of your house as well. In fact, spring is a great time to make plans for a new driveway – an improvement that will not only enhance the curb appeal of your home, but also significantly increase its value as well. But there are other benefits of adding a new driveway to your home:

• If you choose the right material for your new driveway – specifically asphalt or concrete – it will require very little maintenance throughout the course of the year. Simply sweep or blow off debris on a regular basis, wash away any spills that might occur from vehicles being parked on the surface, and seal coat the pavement from time to time to protect it and keep it looking new.
• A new driveway is surprisingly economical, particularly when you take into consideration how it can increase the property value of your home. This is especially true when you choose either asphalt or concrete, both of which are quite affordable for most homeowners.
• Designing your own driveway – with the assistance of a trusted paving contractor – can add a personal flair to the appearance of your home. You may be surprised by the options available nowadays with both asphalt and concrete. Thanks to modern methods for creating and installing these two pavement options, your driveway can be virtually any shape, color or pattern you desire. It can even take on the appearance of bricks or pavers – at a fraction of the cost for either of those materials.
• Consider expanding your existing driveway space and/or changing the shape of it. As you plan your new driveway, talk to your paving contractor about ideas for how to expand the existing parking space. You might also consider changing the shape of the driveway by adding curves or other design elements that will enhance the appearance of your home.
• Protect your new driveway by adding borders or curbs to guard against landscape water leaking onto the surface. One of the most common ways that both asphalt and concrete are damaged is by water. If you have landscaping around your driveway, talk to your paving contractor about installing borders and/or curbs around the new paved surface to protect it from future water damage.

Not only will this protect your investment – it will also add a polished, finished look to your landscaping.

Spring will be here before you know it, and springtime weather is often the best time of year to install asphalt or concrete. Contact a trusted, local paving contractor today and ask for an estimate.