Concrete & Asphalt Paving Austin, Tx

Most of us are familiar with some of the more commonial in the world. What follows is just a partial list of how concrete is used: uses for concrete – such as for parking lots and roadways, for example. But this versatile, durable material has a wide variety of uses. In fact, concrete is the most commonly used manmade material in the world. What follows is just a partial list of how concrete is used:

• Roadways – One of the most common uses for concrete are roadways. Whether it’s a small country lane or a super highway, concrete provides a level, safe, extremely strong surface that holds up for many years under the heaviest traffic loads.
• Parking lots and driveways – Another popular use of concrete is for parking lots and driveways. Concrete is not only a durable choice – it’s also easily maintained by simply cleaning it, sealcoating it, and making minor repairs as needed.
• Bridges – HPC (high-performance concrete) is often used for bridges that need to hold up under heavy traffic loads without needing a lot of maintenance. HPC is incredibly durable and typically lasts for many, many decades before needing to be replaced.
• Dams – Most of us know how heavy a gallon of water is. Now, just imagine how much strengthit would take to stop the flow of a river full of water! Concrete does just that, which is why it is the material of choice for dams throughout the world.
• Sewers and culverts – The impermeable nature of concrete makes it the ideal choice for sewers and culverts, many of which need to hold up underground for long periods of time.
• Docks – One of the lesser-known uses for concrete is for floating dock systems. As opposed to wood – which is susceptible to water rot and damage from weather – concrete is not only an impermeable surface, but also one that is unaffected by weather conditions.
• Patios – Concrete patios have been a mainstay in many residential properties for years because of their durability and strength. But today’s homeowners have a much wider variety of options to choose from when it comes to concrete patios, including customized versions in a variety of shapes, as well as surfaces that can be stained or stamped to look like virtually any type of material.
• Fire pits – Over the past several years, fire pits have become increasingly popular for homeowners. And concrete, given that it’s not only strong but fireproof as well, makes an excellent choice for these backyard features.

To find out more about the various uses of concrete for your home or business, contact a reputable local concrete contractor today!

When you think of making choices that are good for the environment, deciding on using asphalt for your paving project may not immediately come to mind. But the fact is that asphalt actually is an environmentally friendly choice. Here are a few reasons why that’s true:

• Asphalt is reusable. You’ve no doubt seen construction and maintenance crews tearing up asphalt roads and driveways before replacing them with new pavement. But what you may not know is that the old material isn’t just dumped somewhere – it’s actually used to create new asphalt for other projects. The aggregate used in asphalt (typically consisting of rocks, gravel, sand and slag, primarily) are easily recycled over and over and over again. That means that asphalt companies don’t have to constantly collect new raw materials but, instead, can simply use old asphalt to create new material.
• The asphalt creation process has minimal impact on the environment. Although the binding material used in asphalt (bitumen) is made by refining crude oil, it typically only makes up about 5% of the asphalt mixture, with the remaining 95% consisting of aggregates. In fact, in recent years, the asphalt industry has reduced the amount of air pollution it produces by an estimated 97%! When it comes to industrial pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency ranks asphalt production as being a very low contributing factor.
• Asphalt helps protect drinking water. Believe it or not, asphalt is commonly used as a protective layer in drinking water reservoirs. There’s a good reason for this: because asphalt creates an impenetrable and safe barrier for potable water.
• Asphalt has a long lifespan. In fact, when asphalt is properly maintained and repaired on a regular basis, the pavement can last for decades. When the top layer of asphalt does eventually need more than repair measures can provide, it’s very common to resurface the top layer rather than replacing the entire roadway. And that top layer can, once again, be reused to create new asphalt.

If you’re trying to decide which surface is best for your next paving project, remember the environmentally friendly aspects of asphalt! Not only is this remarkably durable material safer for the environment, it’s also less expensive than many other pavement choices. To find out more about asphalt paving, and to determine whether or not it’s the right choice for your project, contact a reputable local paving contractor today and ask for a free estimate.

Let’s face it: asphalt is a major investment. So it only makes sense to protect that investment in whatever way possible. If your asphalt is old and worn, one excellent way of restoring it might be resurfacing. The process involves removing the top few inches of asphalt and pouring a fresh surface over the top, which is much less expensive than replacing the pavement altogether. But how do you know when you should – and when you should NOT – resurface your asphalt? What follows are some examples of when resurfacing is appropriate, as well as when it’s not such a good idea.

Considering Resurfacing Your Asphalt When…

• The base of the pavement is still solid. If the subgrade beneath the surface is still intact and undamaged, then the new layer of asphalt that you pour after removing the top few inches will have a solid foundation underneath it. If the sublayers of the pavement are compromised in any way, the new asphalt will sink and form depressions in the surface. A paving contractor can tell you if the base of the pavement is in good shape or not.
• You want to have a “like-new” surface without paying for replacing the pavement entirely. If the surface of your asphalt is oxidized and faded looking, resurfacing will make it look new again.

Resurfacing Won’t Work When…

• Your pavement has potholes. Typically, potholes are deep – deep enough to damage not only the top surface of the pavement, but the sublayers below as well. Depending on the advice you receive from your paving contractor, it’s usually best to simply have the potholes repaired or – if the pavement has extensive damage to both the surface and the base – to have the asphalt replaced altogether.
• The pavement has “alligator cracks” on the surface. If you see tiny cracks that look almost like an alligator’s skin on the surface of your asphalt, it’s usually an indication that the sublayers and/or base of the pavement is damaged. Resurfacing won’t resolve the problem.

Of course, the only way to know for sure whether or not resurfacing will work for your asphalt pavement is to have the surface assessed by a reputable local contractor. They can tell you whether you need resurfacing, damage repair, or whether you need to entirely replace the pavement. Your asphalt surface is a major investment, and a trusted paving professional can recommend which steps are right to protect that investment now and for years to come.

When it comes to roadway planning – whether it’s a two-lane country road or a busy six-lane freeway – transportation planners have one thing in common: making that roadway as safe as possible for the people who’ll be using it. While there are a variety of different paving options available, concrete is often the material of choice for roads, and there are good reasons why that’s true. This incredibly durable material not only has a long lifespan, it’s also affordable and requires very little maintenance. But there is another important reason for the popularity of concrete in roadway paving: the safety it provides for the people who travel on it. Here are just some of the benefits that come with choosing concrete as your paving option:

• Construction – Concrete roadways are constructed using joints (often with steel reinforcement) that keeps the surface smooth, as well as reducing the chance for cracking, breaking or buckling.
• Skid-resistance – Paving contractors are able to add texture to the surface of concrete roadways to prevent skidding, thereby helping to prevent crashes from happening.
• Abrasive nature – Even concrete that is not textured provides some skid-resistance due simply to the basic ingredients of the mix, which typically includes cement, aggregates, rock and water. The abrasive nature of concrete provides it with some natural skid-resistance, which is further enhanced when texture is added.
• Durability – Although both asphalt and concrete are extremely strong surfaces, rigid concrete is generally more durable that asphalt. That means that concrete roads are less likely to develop potholes, making them safer in the long run. And concrete holds up well under the heavy traffic that roads and highways are exposed to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Lower maintenance requirements – In most instances, concrete requires less maintenance than asphalt. This, in turn, results in fewer maintenance crews on roadways, and that means less congestion and a safer commute for travelers.

Both concrete and asphalt have advantages and disadvantages. The initial installation of asphalt, for example, is typically less expensive than concrete. However, higher maintenance costs for asphalt over the lifespan of the pavement often negate those initial savings. And when taking into consideration the many safety advantages of concrete, it’s easy to see why this material has been the pavement of choice for transportation planners for many decades. For more information about the many safety advantages and other benefits of concrete for roads and highways, contact a reputable local paving contractor today.

We’re so fortunate in the US to have a variety of just about everything to choose from – whether it’s food, clothing styles, home/office décor, music, entertainment options, etc. In fact, the list is virtually endless. But you may not know that we have a choice when it comes to asphalt as well. In fact, this extremely durable pavement comes in three varieties, and understanding the differences in these types of asphalt can help you to make the right choice for your pavement project. Here are brief descriptions of each variety of asphalt available from paving contractors:

• Hot asphalt – If you’ve ever driven past a road construction crew repairing potholes or other road damage, then you’ve likely seen hot asphalt being used. Just as the name implies, hot asphalt is applied when the material is heated to very high temperatures. It is at this stage when the asphalt is most pliable and easiest to work with. The cooler the asphalt gets, the harder it is to use until, eventually, it cools completely into the rock-hard pavement surface that we’re all familiar with.
• CM cold mix asphalt – This type of asphalt is much less commonly used, and is normally only applied in cold temperatures. Although cold mix asphalt is usually considered to be a temporary solution, it does have some limited applications where it works well. This includes areas that have very little or no traffic at all, since this variety of asphalt is very slow to cure.
• UPM asphalt – Another cold mix asphalt, UPM is very high quality and can be used as a permanent fix for virtually any type of damage that occurs in asphalt pavement. It is relatively easy to use and requires no special equipment or machinery. Although easy to use, UPM asphalt is also extremely durable and long-lasting.

While it’s important to understand that there are three different types of asphalt, it’s also important to leave asphalt repairs to the professionals whenever possible. Even UPM asphalt – as relatively easy to use as it is – is challenging to apply if you haven’t done it before. Asphalt repair is not for the faint of heart or for the inexperienced home or business owner. If you make a mistake with pavement, it’s virtually impossible to fix that mistake on your own, so let the professionals perform whatever asphalt repair project you may have. For more information about the varieties of asphalt, and to schedule asphalt repair for your home or business property, contact a local reputable paving contractor.

Fall is finally here. And for many of us, the cooler temperatures are a welcome relief from the heat of the summer months. But autumn brings its own set of challenges; namely falling leaves. While there’s no doubt that those multi-colored leaves are part of what we love about the fall season, leaves that are left for any length of time on a paved surface can not only create a slick surface when wet; they can also end up damaging your pavement. So what is the one simple thing you can do to save your asphalt parking lot? We can sum it up in one word: sweep!
It may be hard to believe, but by simply keeping your parking lot clean, you can avoid a lot of other problems as well as save money. What follows are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy from a clean and tidy parking lot:

• Removing falling leaves will make the surface safer for traffic and pedestrians. If you’ve ever tried to walk on fallen leaves – especially if they’re wet – you know just how slick that surface can be. Sweeping leaves from your parking area will keep it safer for your customers and other visitors.
•  Sweeping leaves off of your pavement will prevent moisture from being trapped underneath the leaves and on the surface of the pavement. One of the most common ways that pavement is damaged is by water seeping under the surface through tiny cracks. Once that happens, greater damage to the pavement is inevitable. Removing leaves from the surface prevents them from trapping moisture on top of the paved surface and improves drainage
•  Removing leaves improves the “curb appeal” of your business. Imagine yourself in front of two companies: one with a well-kept, clean parking lot; and the other with a parking lot obscured by falling leaves and other debris. Which one would you choose to do business with? The vast majority of people will always choose the one with a clean parking lot. Make your business more appealing to returning and new customers by keeping your parking lot clean.
•  Sweeping leaves and other debris off of your parking area on a regular basis will allow you to assess the condition of your pavement. When it comes to maintaining any paved surface, it’s important to have minor repairs made as quickly as possible. This will prevent further damage from occurring and, as a result, will save you from major expenses later on.

It may be hard to believe, but the simple act of sweeping your parking lot can not only help to maintain your pavement investment; it can help your business as well. To find out more about how to properly care for your paved surfaces, contact a local paving contractor today.

Most business owners and managers understand why it’s important to take care of your company’s physical location. After all, customers who are given the choice between doing business in a well-maintained facility compared with one that’s run down will always choose the one that’s well-maintained. But when it comes to parking lots, there’s another very good reason to keep them clean and properly maintained: if you don’t, it could result in a law suit.

A parking lot that has potholes, large cracks, an uneven surface, missing or broken wheel stops, and/or faded or nonexistent striping can be hazardous to customers and others visiting your place of business. In fact, parking lots are typically referred to as a “premises liability” by those in the legal profession. Of course, nobody wants another person to be injured – and certainly not injured due to our own negligence. But when another person gets into an automobile accident or falls down in a poorly maintained business parking lot, there is more at risk than simply the wellbeing of the person who is injured. For the company owner, it can mean a costly law suit – one that can have a devastating impact on your business. In fact, depending on which state you reside in, you could be held responsible for paying everything from hospitalization to long-term medical treatment to time lost from work for anyone injured in your parking lot.

Unfortunately, in our litigious culture literally anyone can file a law suit against another company or individual, whether or not that involves a poorly maintained parking lot. In fact, it’s quite possible for someone to fall down or get into an accident in a parking that is perfectly clean and brand new. But there’s one important difference: if that law suit goes to court, you as the business owner/manager will have a much better chance of winning if you can show proof that your parking lot was well maintained and free of any obvious hazards.

And when it comes to hazards, even debris left on your paved surface can diminish your protection against law suits. If your parking lot is covered with fallen leaves, for example, that can hide any potential problem areas on the pavement and create a slick surface for pedestrians and traffic as well.
Protect yourself and your business by cleaning your parking area on a regular basis. And make sure that any damage to the pavement is repaired quickly. To find out more about how best to care for your parking lot, contact a local reputable paving contractor today.

There’s no doubt about it – having new pavement installed is a big investment. And it may be hard to commit to making that kind of investment if you don’t think it through completely. But the fact is that having a new parking lot installed is good for your business and is sure to pay for itself within a short period of time. What follows are some of the reasons why having a new parking lot installed makes good business sense.

• It brings in customers. Just imagine what potential customers would think if you had a storefront that was filthy, or if you had a window display that was dirty and shabby looking. Would this entice customers to come into your place of business? The answer, of course, is no – it would not. The same holds true for your parking lot. If the asphalt is badly damaged, stained, or covered with debris, it doesn’t speak well for your business. And in this competitive marketplace, it’s all too easy for any potential customer to take their business elsewhere.
• It allows you to keep your current customers. Curb appeal isn’t only about getting new customers – it’s about keeping your current ones as well. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. If you had been regularly going to a store for years, and that store suddenly began to look run down and dirty with a parking lot that looked the same, wouldn’t you look around for another store? As much as we like to assume that our customers are loyal, the truth is that most people will quickly take their business elsewhere if the new company is better managed and better maintained. The condition of your parking lot is a reflection of how you manage your business – at least that’s the way your customers view it.
• It keeps your visitors safe. Whether it’s a new customer, a returning customer, a vendor, a supplier, or anyone else who visits your place of business, maintaining your parking lot provides a safe place for people to drive, park and walk. No one wants somebody to fall and hurt themselves or get in a vehicle accident in a poorly maintained parking lot. And not repairing damage like potholes, broken parking curbs, and faded striping can actually pose a hazard to visitors – and that can be a liability for your business.

A new parking lot may be a big investment, but it’s one that is good for your business. And it may not be as expensive as you think. To find out more, contact a reputable local paving contractor today.

It’s fair to say that one of the most durable man-made materials around is pavement. Whether it’s asphalt or concrete, paved surfaces are extremely strong and can last for many years. But even pavement needs to be properly maintained, and fall is a great time of year to perform routine maintenance on your paved surfaces – maintenance that could extend the lifetime of your paved surface for years. What follows are a few tips that will help you to prepare for that maintenance.

• Clean the surface. This is something you should be doing on a regular basis, but it’s especially important before you have any other type of maintenance done. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to clearly see what type of wear and tear exists on the paved surface if it’s covered with leaves, dirt or other debris. So either sweeping or blowing off the surface with a blower is always the best place to start. After that, use either a hose equipped with a sprayer or a pressure washer to clean the surface as thoroughly as you can. Although exposing a paved surface to water can damage it if you do it too often, using a hose or pressure washer two or three times a year will help to not only clean the surface but also allow you to see any damage that may have occurred recently.
• Do a visual inspection yourself. You may not be a professional paving contractor, but you should be able to see any obvious signs that your paved surface is damaged. Look for things like visible cracking, crumbling, flaking, potholes, or depressions in the pavement where water is collecting. Any of these are probably signs that your pavement needs to be repaired. Make a list of items that need to be addressed.
• If you see damage, contact a reputable paving contractor to have repairs made as quickly as possible. This includes even tiny cracks. These small imperfections will allow rainwater to seep underneath the surface of the pavement, and that will lead to more extensive damage – like larger cracks, depressions, potholes, and even damage to the sublayer of the pavement. So it’s important to have repairs done quickly. And it’s always a good idea to have a trained professional handle the repairs for you. While it’s possible to purchase some type of patching material from a home store and do it yourself, improperly repaired pavement can make it even more susceptible to becoming further damaged later on.
• Have the surface seal coated. A layer of good quality seal coat will protect your pavement from more extensive damage, as well as guarding against the upcoming fall and winter weather.

When it comes to protecting your pavement investment, there’s no better time to perform preventive maintenance than the fall. Contact a local paving contractor today to find out more.