Concrete & Asphalt Paving Austin, Tx

If you own an asphalt parking lot – whether it’s a large-scale lot or a small parking area – you should know how important it is to keep the pavement well maintained. Not only does a clean parking lot say positive things about your business; it also helps to extend the lifetime of your pavement and protecting your investment. Maintaining asphalt is simple – it’s just a matter of keeping the pavement clean, applying sealcoating periodically to protect the surface from the elements, and having minor repairs done promptly. While it’s true that minor repairs and sealcoating will need to be performed by a paving professional, there are steps you can take yourself to keep your parking lot clean.

What follows are our DIY tips for cleaning your asphalt parking area.

• Clearing debris – The most basic step in keeping your pavement clean is by either sweeping or blowing off any debris that may collect on the surface. Do this on a regular basis, as often as you can.
• Removing oil stains – Most stains on your parking lot pavement will probably be due to vehicle fluids. Oil is especially common. But if you treat the stain while it is still fresh, it’s relatively easy to clean. Just blot up as much of the oil as you can, then spread kitty litter on the stain and leave it to sit for several hours. Then simply sweep away the litter. Believe it or not, the kitty litter will actually absorb a great deal of the oil. If this doesn’t work, you might consider using a degreaser. Just be sure to follow the directions on the product package to make sure it’s appropriate for asphalt and that you’re using the degreaser properly.
• Removing grease stains – You can use bleach, baking soda or TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) to remove grease from an asphalt surface. Simply apply the cleaner to the stain and scrub it with a firm-bristled brush to remove the stain. Remember, the quicker you clean up a grease stain, the easier it will be to remove.
• Removing leaf stains – When leaves are left on pavement for any length of time (wet leaves in particular), they can leave stains on the surface. There are two effective methods for removing leaf stains.

The first is vinegar; simply apply it to the surface and scrub the stains with a stiff brush. If that doesn’t work, use a diluted bleach solution (one capful of bleach mixed with one gallon of warm water), apply the solution to the stain, scrub with a brush, and let it sit for 30 minutes or so before washing it away.

For more information about cleaning asphalt, and to arrange for sealcoating and minor repairs to be made, contact a local paving contractor.

Understanding a little about paving terminology can not only make it easier to know what to expect during your upcoming paving project; it can also help you to better understand the bids you receive from paving contractors. So what follows is part 2 of our paving glossary.

• Impervious Surface: Any surface that does not allow water to permeate is referred to as an “impervious surface.” The vast majority of asphalt and concrete pavement is impervious and, as a result, requires adequate drainage.
• Open-Grade Aggregate: This term describes a certain type of aggregate used in pavement that has more space between particles in the mix. Open-grade aggregate makes it easier for water to drain off of the paved surface.
• Overlay: Most commonly used to repair damaged pavement and extend the life of the surface, an overlay consists of a very thin layer of asphalt that is applied over the top of the existing surface.
• Raveling: This is a type of damage that occurs when the sand in asphalt aggregate washes away and leaves behind a rougher surface.
• Resurfacing: This term describes the process of installing a new layer of asphalt on the top of existing pavement. Resurfacing not only repairs any damage that might exist; it also extends the lifespan of the pavement.
• Seal Coating: Considered by most paving contractors to be the most important part of any pavement maintenance plan, seal coating involves applying a protective coating to the top of the surface to protect it from damage caused by rain or irrigation water, UV rays, vehicle fluid spills, and minor damage such as cracking.
• Slurry: This term refers to the thin, concrete mixture consisting of fine organic materials and water.
• Striping: Painted lines in parking lots and roadways are often referred to as striping. These lines are vital in maintaining safety of pedestrians and motorists, as well as ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the parking lot or roadway.
• Wheel Stops: This term describes the curbs placed in the front of parking spaces to prevent vehicles from bumping into each other and to keep them within the defined spaces in a parking area.

We hope you’ve benefited from our glossary of paving terms. If you have any questions, or if you run across terminology that isn’t included in our glossary, just ask a trusted paving contractor. You may not have to be an expert in paving terms, but gaining a better understanding of common words and phrases used in the asphalt and concrete industry will help you to understand the scope of future paving projects and how best to maintain your existing paved surfaces.

You don’t have to be planning a career in the paving industry to benefit from understanding some paving terminology. Whether your upcoming paving project is a small driveway or a massive commercial parking lot, it will help if you understand some terminology commonly used by paving contractors so you can understand the scope of your project and know what to expect. What follows is part 1 of our paving glossary.

• Accelerator: If you have a concrete paving project that needs to be complete in a hurry, your contractor might add a material additive to the concrete mix to help it harden. This additive is called an accelerator.
• Aggregate: Aggregate is a combination of rock, crushed stone, sand and other organic material. Aggregate is the key ingredient used in both asphalt and concrete.
• Alligator Cracking: There are many different types of damage that can occur in asphalt and concrete, and alligator cracking is one of those. Just as the name implies, alligator cracks are tiny cracks in the surface of the pavement that almost resemble the skin of an alligator.
• Ballast: The base for concrete pavement is comprised of a layer of gravel and other organic material. Referred to as the “ballast,” this base provides a strong and solid support for the pavement that is poured over the top.
• Bituminous Pavement: Asphalt is sometimes referred to as a “bituminous pavement” because it can flex to a certain extent without breaking. This is especially important in instances when the soil below the pavement shifts, which can cause damage to a surface that isn’t flexible enough to withstand it.
• Catch Basins: Providing adequate drainage is vital to protect newly paved surfaces, whether they’re asphalt or concrete. Catch basins are used to collect rain and irrigation water and divert it away from the pavement and into a drainage system.
• Crack Sealing: An important part of maintaining any paved surface is the repair of minor damage. Even the smallest crack can allow water to penetrate below the surface, weakening and damaging the asphalt or concrete. Crack sealing is one way of repairing and sealing off minor cracks to prevent water from seeping into the pavement.
• Fabric Overlay: Many paving contractors use fabric overlays over the base of a paved surface as an added measure of protection from water seeping into the base.
• Grading: Contractors go to great lengths to prepare a surface prior to pouring concrete or asphalt. Part of that process is grading, which involves leveling the ground where the pavement will be installed.
• Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement: Different types of asphalt are used in different circumstances. Hot mix asphalt consists of liquid asphalt and aggregate that is combined in a hot mix facility and transported to the site then spread before it has a chance to cool.

We hope that this list of commonly used paving terms helps you to know what to expect with your upcoming paving project! But this is only a partial list – there’s more to come. We’ll continue with our glossary of terms in our next blog.

Concrete may seem indestructible, but even this remarkably strong paving material can be damaged. And because your concrete surface is a major investment, it’s important to know what can cause degradation and how to avoid it. That’s why we’ve compiled the information in this article. Here are the most common causes for concrete damage:

• Weather – It may surprise you to learn that weather is the leading cause of concrete damage. This is especially true in winter, when the freeze-thaw cycle is repeated over a period of months. Water expands when it freezes. Over time the water that seeps into tiny cracks in a concrete surface and freezes then thaws, which can seriously compromise the integrity of the pavement.
• Chemicals – Concrete surfaces that are exposed to chemicals can easily become damaged. These include antifreeze, certain cleaning agents, fluids leaked from vehicles, and even natural solvents such as acid rain and carbonic acid.
• Ground underneath concrete – If the ground underneath your concrete surface is compromised in some way – by an increase in groundwater or movement of the soil due to some other cause – it can damage the concrete foundations and result in cracking, potholes and other damage.
• Structural stress – The older a concrete surface is, the more likely it is for the reinforcing steel to degrade and weaken. This is especially true for pavement that has to withstand constant vehicle traffic or heavy machinery, for example. An old parking garage, for instance, may begin to show signs of structural stress that can include cracking, spalling and scaling, among other things.
• Poor installation – If the concrete wasn’t installed properly to begin with, it won’t be nearly as durable as it would be if it were correctly installed. Improper installation could be due to a variety of situations – such as poorly mixed concrete, mistakes made by the paving contractor, inferior reinforcement material, etc.

Identifying Damaged Concrete

In most cases, damaged concrete will be obvious. You may see one or more of the following signs:

• Cracking
• Crumbling
• Discoloration
• Spalling (flaking)
• Scaling (wearing away of the mortar layer of the concrete)

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your concrete investment and ensure that it lasts for many years to come. For more information about identifying damaged concrete, and to find out effective ways to keep your paved surface in good condition, contact a local, reputable paving contractor and schedule an appointment.

Asphalt is an incredibly versatile material. And there are good reasons why it’s used in such a variety of ways – not only is it durable and typically made from recycled material; it’s also a relatively inexpensive choice for many paving projects. But that’s not all: asphalt is remarkably long-lasting. In fact, many asphalt surfaces can last 15 to 20 years or longer if they’re cared for properly.

There are several different types of asphalt that a paving contractor may use, including the following:

• Hot mix – Just as the name implies, this type of asphalt – which is a combination of stone, sand, gravel, and a binding agent – is heated to about 300°F before it’s poured.
• Warm mix – This type of asphalt doesn’t cool as quickly as hot mix does, and it contains emulsions that make it a little easier to spread and pour.
• Cold mix – The most affordable type of asphalt is cold mix, which requires no heat at all. Cold mix asphalt is typically used to repair cracks and other damage in already-paved surfaces.
• Cutback – This type of asphalt is a combination of asphalt cement and petroleum solvent, and is used primarily for spray applications.
• Mastic – This formula is extremely dense and is typically used for waterproofing.

Asphalt Applications

What follows are some of the most common uses for asphalt, some of which may surprise you!

• Roadways – Believe it or not, approximately 94 percent of the roadways in the US are paved with asphalt!
• Parking lots – Once again, asphalt is the most common material used for parking lots. In fact, about 90 percent of the parking space in the US are paved with asphalt.
• Walking paths – Pathways are another common use for asphalt, from city parks to national parks and much more.
• Driveways – Due most likely to its durability and relatively low cost, asphalt is becoming increasingly common for residential driveways.
• Waterproofing – The most fluid form of asphalt is often used as an effective waterproofing agent for walls and rooftops under construction.
• Other projects – Asphalt is used for a large variety of construction projects, such as playgrounds, parks, dams, reservoirs and retention ponds.

Considering its durability, strength, and relatively low cost, it’s no wonder that asphalt is used in such a variety of ways. To find out more about this popular paving material, and to learn if asphalt is the best choice for your upcoming project, contact a local, reputable paving contractor.

If you are responsible for the upkeep of a parking lot that is attached to a business, facility or apartment/condominium complex, you already know how important it is to keep that parking lot as clean and attractive as possible. These outside areas are reflections of the businesses they’re connected to, and the more appealing the parking area is, the more customers/clients/potential residents they attract. So it makes sense to pay close attention to the narrow strips of landscaping within and adjacent to parking lots. But there’s another reason why this landscaping is important: choosing the right plants for parking strips can help to protect your pavement.

Water is one of the worst enemies of pavement. And while we can’t do much about pavement’s exposure to rainfall, we can do plenty to protect our paved surfaces from irrigation water. The most effective way to do this is to choose drought-tolerant plants for your parking lot landscaping. These hardy plants not only require very little irrigation water; they’re generally low maintenance when compared to other plants.

Here are some helpful tips to create attractive, drought-tolerant, parking lot landscaping that will not only attract visitors but preserve your pavement at the same time:

• Avoid planting trees in parking strips. As nice as it is to enjoy the shade provided by trees, most require a significant amount of watering, and tree roots can easily damage surrounding pavement within a few short years.
• Consider hardscape. While gravel on its own may not be appealing, you can use gravel in combination with other drought-tolerant plants to create attractive parking strip landscaping. Decorative bunch grasses in combination with colored gravel, for example, can create a landscape that is not only beautiful, but also one that requires very little water and maintenance.
• Avoid grass. Although there are some types of drought-tolerant turf available, generally speaking it’s best to simply not consider grass as an option for parking strips.
• Ask your landscape professional and/or garden center for shrubs, grasses and ground covers that do well in your local area but require very little water and maintenance. When considering shrubs, look for those that are evergreen, water-wise, and remain relatively short throughout their lifecycle.

Depending on the climate, there are many drought-tolerant options that can be combined to create parking lot landscapes that are not only appealing, but easy to care for, and require very little irrigation. Remember that choosing drought-tolerant plants for your parking lot landscaping can save water and your pavement as well!

Spring is here, and although most of us are glad to welcome the warmer weather after the colder winter months, spring can bring damaging rain in many parts of the country. Heavy rains can be especially hard on paved surfaces. This is particularly true in spring, after the pavement has been weakened by the huge swings in temperatures during the winter months. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect your asphalt surface now, before the spring rains can damage the pavement even more. Here are some important maintenance and repair tips that can add years to the lifespan of your asphalt surface.

• Repairs: If you notice any type of damage on your asphalt – such as cracks, potholes, depressions where puddles form, or crumbling around the edges – it’s important to have that damage repaired as quickly as possible. It’s common for paved surfaces to be damaged over the winter, and the sooner you have it repaired, the less likely it is for the damage to become worse.
• Adequate drainage: Water is one of the most common causes of asphalt damage. So it’s important to take steps now in the early spring to protect your pavement from the coming spring rains. One of the most effective ways to do that is by making sure that you have drainage systems in place that prevent water from coming in contact with the pavement and seeping below the surface. Downspouts should be pointed away from the asphalt and instead directed toward surrounding landscaping. Gutters and sloping pavement can ensure that water runs off the surface rather than collecting on the top.
• Sealcoat: Your paving contractor can apply a thin liquid layer of sealcoat over the top of your asphalt to protect it from not only spring rain, but the strong UV rays of the sun, as well as vehicle fluid that can leak onto the pavement. In fact, sealcoat should be applied on a regular basis. The frequency depends on the age of your asphalt surface and your climate.

It’s common for asphalt to be damaged over the winter months, so early spring is an excellent time to take steps to prevent more damage from occurring. With proper preventive maintenance, your asphalt surface can last for many, many years. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to protect your pavement and extend the lifespan of your asphalt. To find out more, contact a local paving contractor today for an assessment and a free estimate.

If you own or manage a business, you know all too well how important it is to maintain a clean and safe parking area for your customers and other visitors. Because your parking lot is a major investment, it’s important to do whatever you can to ensure that the pavement doesn’t become damaged in any way. Part of maintaining a parking area includes keeping it clean and having minor repairs made on a regular basis. But you may be overlooking one very important aspect of safeguarding your parking lot: adequate drainage. Water – whether it’s from rain or plant irrigation – is truly the enemy of pavement. Water seeps under the surface, weakening the sublayers and ultimately damaging the pavement.

If you hire a reputable, professional contractor to install a new parking lot, that company will incorporate drainage solutions into their installation from the get-go. But if you have an older parking lot, or if you inherited the parking area from a previous business, you may need help to fix current drainage problems. In most cases, inadequate drainage is obvious – pooling water on the surface or water running down certain areas of the parking lot are typical signs that your drainage needs improvement. But there are other indicators as well. You may notice sand or gravel accumulating in certain areas of the surface, for example, which is often a sign that water is breaking down the pavement.

The best way to know for certain whether or not you have drainage issues is to contact a local paving contractor. They will consider a variety of options to resolve these problems, such as one or more of the following:

• Curbing – Asphalt curbs can help to direct water off of and away from your paved surface and into either landscaping or an existing drain.
• Improving the slope – If the current design of your parking area isn’t sloped correctly, you’ll never be able to completely resolve your drainage problems. This might require your paving contractor to improve the slope of your parking lot.
• Installing inlets and drains – A paving contractor can strategically locate inlets and drains in various locations throughout your parking lot, allowing rain and irrigation water to drain off before it can damage the pavement.

Your parking lot is a major investment, so it only makes sense to do whatever you can to protect that investment. Ensuring that you have adequate drainage is one of the most important steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your parking lot. To find out more, contact a local reputable paving contractor today.

Whether you own a home or a business, just about all of us have tried to cut a few corners once in a while to save a little money. But when it comes to installing and/or repairing pavement, doing it yourself is not such a good idea. Here are a few of the reasons why it’s always best to hire a professional paving contractor:

• Quality – Paving professionals know all the necessary steps involved to produce the best results possible. That includes details that a layman might not even consider, such as planning an adequate drainage system to ensure that water doesn’t collect on the surface of the pavement, for example. If you want a high quality result, hire a professional to get the job done.
• Preparation – The process involved in pouring asphalt or concrete may not look complicated, but the truth is that there’s more to it than meets the eye. That’s literally true when it comes to pavement, which requires a lot of preparation upfront to ensure that the asphalt or concrete has a solid foundation underneath. If that base is compromised in any way, or is not properly prepared before the pavement is installed, it could significantly shorten the lifespan of the surface.
• The right equipment – In order to successfully repair and/or install either asphalt or concrete, you’ll need the right paving equipment. Improvising or making do with what you have on hand won’t work. And renting the proper equipment can be more expensive than you think. When you hire a professional paving company, they will have the proper tools to get the job done right.
• You’ll save money – That may sound counterintuitive, but it’s really true. Let’s assume that you’re trying to install and/or repair pavement in order to save money. That’s the most common reason why people try to tackle this kind of task on their own. So you buy the material and either make do with the tools that you have on hand or rent equipment to get the job done. But because you’re not a trained professional, you may skip a step in the process and/or fail to make all the necessary preparations beforehand. The end result is pavement that not only doesn’t look as good, but also pavement that is not as durable or long-lasting as a surface that is worked on by professionals. So you end up having the repairs done or (worse yet) having the surface repaved entirely in a relatively short period of time, which ends up costing you more than it would have to simply hire a paving company to do the work to begin with!

We all want to save money, but when it comes to pavement, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. For a free estimate on your next asphalt or concrete project, contact a local reputable contractor and schedule an appointment.

Whether you’re responsible for commercial parking lot maintenance, or simply trying to take care of your own driveway at home, most of us have experienced the disappointment of finding one or more potholes in our otherwise-pristine asphalt pavement. And while it may be tempting to put off having these repaired, it’s important to remember that potholes are more than just a nuisance. What follows are several reasons why you need a reputable paving contractor to repair those potholes as soon as possible:

• Potholes lead to greater damage of the paved surface, and that can happen quicker than you may imagine. In fact, if you don’t have the pothole repaired, it can lead to erosion of the substructure underneath the surface. That happens when water and vehicle fluids are allowed to penetrate the pavement and weaken the foundation layers of the asphalt. And once those sublayers are damaged, the entire surface may need to be replaced. It’s a lot less expensive to repair a pothole than replace an entire asphalt surface!
• Potholes are dangerous – not only for vehicles, but for people as well. It is particularly hazardous if you own a parking lot filled with potholes. It goes without saying that you don’t want your visitors to injure themselves by stepping into a pothole and falling down. But there’s another reason to repair those potholes – some people are all too happy to sue a business for hundreds of thousands of dollars once someone falls and is injured on your property because of a pothole. In fact, there are personal injury lawyers who actually specialize in these kinds of lawsuits! That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your business by having damaged asphalt repaired quickly.
• A well-maintained asphalt surface adds to the curb appeal of your business and your home! One of the best ways to attract new and returning customers to your place of business is to keep the outside of your storefront or office as clean and tidy as possible, and that includes your parking area. Filling potholes and having other minor repairs done on a regular basis, in addition to keeping the surface clean, helps attract those customers. The same holds true for homeowners. Whether you are trying to sell your home, or simply want to show your pride of ownership, promptly repairing damaged pavement increases the curb appeal of your residence.

Many types of asphalt repair can be done all year long, especially if you live in a mild climate. To find out more about pothole repair, contact a local reputable paving contractor and request a free estimate.