Concrete & Asphalt Paving Austin, Tx

Most of us know how damaging the harsh rays of the sun can be on all kinds of surfaces – from our lawns to our wooden structures and even our own skin. But you may not know that sun can also damage concrete surfaces. As strong and durable as concrete is, even pavement is not invincible when it comes to the damage done by harmful UV rays. That is particularly true in the heat of the summer.

How the Summer Sun Damages Concrete

When it comes to an existing concrete surface, the sun’s UV rays can cause a wide range of damage depending on how many hours the surface is exposed to bright sunshine on a daily basis. The UV rays actually destroy the polymers of the concrete, and over time bright sunshine can significantly weaken and disintegrate the pavement. This damage ranges from cracking and separation between the pavement and the seams in the concrete to fading of colored concrete and an increasingly brittle surface. Eventually, concrete that is badly damaged by the sun will quite literally turn to dust.

Bright sunshine can also have a negative impact on freshly poured concrete surfaces. If you attempt to install concrete in bright sunshine and too-hot temperatures, water in the pavement will evaporate too quickly, weakening the concrete and causing it to crack and shrink.

How to Protect Your Concrete Surface from the Sun

Ideally, your pavement would not be exposed to bright sunshine all day long every day. That’s one of the many reasons why it’s helpful to build a cover over a concrete patio or driveway, for example. But for many surfaces – such as parking lots and roadways, for example – it’s simply not possible to cover your pavement. One of the best ways to protect your concrete surface is with a high quality sealer that includes UV-blocking ingredients. It’s also important to have any damage repaired right away to prevent the surface from deteriorating any further.

If your concrete is freshly poured, you can protect it from sun damage by keeping it wet and covered with a film or tarp during the curing process. Anything you can do to protect the freshly installed surface from the weather while it’s curing will help to create the strongest pavement possible. The paving contractors who install your new surface will be able to provide helpful suggestions on how to protect your new surface.

For more information about how sun can damage concrete, and how to protect your paved surfaces, contact a local reputable concrete paving specialist.

Summer is finally here, and this is the perfect time of year to install new asphalt surfaces. Whether your paving project involves a new roadway, parking lot or driveway, there is no better time than the summer to get that project completed. Here are some reasons why this is such a great time of year to install new asphalt:

• The consistency of asphalt remains more stable in warmer temperatures. Asphalt is an extremely pliable material. But if the air temperature is too cool, it can reduce that pliability and make it more difficult to install. When temperatures are warmer, the asphalt mixtures remains at the right consistency for a longer period of time during the installation process, giving the paving contractors more time to work with the surface as it is being poured.
• The days are longer during the summertime. Speaking of giving your paving contractors more time – along with summer comes longer days. That means that your asphalt installers will have more time during the day to work with the asphalt surface. Remember that there’s more to asphalt than simply pouring the mixture. A good asphalt installation also involves smoothing the surface, and that requires time on the part of the installers. Summer-length days will give them all the time they need.
• Asphalt hardens faster in the summer months. While it is possible to encounter some warm-weather thunderstorms, generally speaking there is less likelihood that the weather will be wet for long periods of time in the summer than in other times of the year. Rain and cooler temperatures will cool new asphalt surfaces too quickly, and that could compromise the strength and durability of the pavement.
• Sealant dries faster in warmer weather. The final step in a new asphalt installation is when the paving contractor applies a latex sealant to the top of the asphalt. The warmer the weather, the faster this sealant will dry – and the sooner you’ll be able to use your new asphalt surface.

When it comes to having a new asphalt surface installed, no one knows better exactly when to time that installation than a trusted local paving contractor. These asphalt specialists understand the vagaries of your local summer weather, and they can plan your installation so that weather conditions will be optimum. Summer is such a great time of year for a variety of activities – and that includes getting that new asphalt paving project completed!

Asphalt pavement is a major investment, so it only makes sense to protect that investment and extend its lifespan as much as possible. If you have any type of asphalt pavement on your property – whether it’s simply an asphalt driveway in front of your home or a large parking lot adjacent to your business – one of the best ways to maintain and protect that surface is with a periodic application of sealcoat. A local paving contractor can tell you when your asphalt needs sealcoating, and they’ll make that decision based on a number of factors, including the following:

• The asphalt is damaged — If there are several imperfections that are obvious – such as potholes, cracks, indentations, or fading, for example – then you’ll definitely need sealcoating. But before applying that sealcoat, your contractor will want to repair any damaged areas.
• The age of the asphalt – A brand new surface typically doesn’t need to be sealcoated during the first six months. But as the pavement begins to age, periodic sealcoating will protect the surface and extend the lifespan of the pavement. In most circumstances, paving contractors recommend sealcoating every two to four years, depending on climate and use.
• Climate – As you might guess, freeze-thaw cycles are hard on pavement, causing it expand and contract, which ultimately leads to cracking. But even if you live in a warm climate, the weather has an impact on any asphalt surface. In fact, rain and water from irrigation can be just as damaging to asphalt as a freeze-thaw cycle. Water can seep into even the smallest cracks in a surface, and once that happens the cracks will grow and lead to further damage. Too much sunshine can also damage pavement, causing it to fade, oxidize, and become brittle. If your paved surface is showing signs of weather damage, sealcoating is an excellent way to protect it.
• Traffic – If your paved surface is exposed to a great deal of heavy traffic on a regular basis, which would be the case for parking lots or roadways, for example, it will need to be sealcoated more often. The reason is simple: heavy traffic wears down the surface, so you’re more likely to notice damage occurring faster than you would on pavement that has light use, such as a residential driveway or walking path, for example.

For more information on sealcoating and how to protect your asphalt pavement, contact a reputable local paving contractor.

After a long winter, most of us look forward to March and the arrival of spring. After all, this is the time of year when most of us enjoy getting our homes organized, sprucing up our yards and outdoor landscaping, and beginning to spend time outside with friends and family. But did you know that warm weather is also the best time for asphalt paving? Whether you’re a homeowner looking forward to a new driveway, or a business owner waiting for the right time to have that parking lot repaved, the spring and summer months are the best times of year to finally get it done!

The reason is simple: the asphalt mixture is easier to work with when the weather is warmer. The asphalt mix will arrive at the site as a hot liquid, so it makes sense that it’s easier to pour the mixture and spread it when the weather is warm. In fact, most paving experts agree that the ideal temperature for laying asphalt is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These warmer temperatures also allow the asphalt to cool properly, and that means that the paved surface will be smoother than it would be if it were installed on colder temperatures. Another advantage of warmer weather is that it gives the paving crew a sufficient amount of time to get the job done right, rather than having to rush to avoid the onset of colder temperatures. The same guidelines hold true for both brand new asphalt and overlays.

While it’s true that spring and summer are the best times of year to lay asphalt, a rainy day is not the best. Your paving contractor may be able to install pavement during a light sprinkle, but anything more than that can cause the asphalt to cool too fast. In fact, if you’re having a brand new asphalt surface installed, heavy rain can even damage the base layers of the pavement. So dry, warm weather is optimum.

If you live in an area where spring weather can be variable, you might schedule your asphalt to be installed in late spring or early summer – whenever the temperature is sure to be warm and dry. If your contractor tries to pour the mixture in temperatures that are too cold, the mixture will cool too fast and become harder to spread and level off, and that means that the surface won’t be as smooth as it should be.

If you’ve been waiting to have your driveway or parking lot paved, now is the time! Contact a local, trusted paving contractor today for an estimate.

You may not think of asphalt as being environmentally friendly, but if you don’t, maybe you should think again! The fact is that asphalt is often recycled and used again for new asphalt paving projects. While there’s no doubt that recycling is almost always a good idea, when it comes to recycled asphalt, there are advantages as well as disadvantages. Before you decide whether or not to use recycled asphalt for your next paving project, you should be aware of the following:

The Advantages of Using Recycled Asphalt

• It’s good for the environment. If asphalt isn’t recycled, it usually ends up being disposed of in landfills, and asphalt does not decay.
• It’s less expensive than other paving choices. Because recycled asphalt doesn’t require as much labor to make, it costs less than “virgin” asphalt.
• It’s aesthetically pleasing. Many people consider recycled asphalt – which looks similar to a gravel surface, although it is most definitely pavement – to be more attractive than other pavement materials, such as concrete or new asphalt.
• It’s permeable – in other words, it allows water to pass through it. This makes it an especially good choice for wet climates.

The Disadvantages of Using Recycled Asphalt

• It may not be as high quality as new asphalt. It all depends on the process used during the recycling process. Just be sure that you buy your recycled asphalt from a reputable facility.
• It doesn’t look the same as “virgin” asphalt. Many people like the deep, dark appearance of newly laid asphalt. But recycled asphalt has a different appearance. Before making your decision, ask your paving contractor if you can see both types of asphalt so you’ll know what to expect if you choose the recycled version.

There are many good reasons why asphalt has become such a popular choice for a variety of different paving projects. This durable material is not only long-lasting and versatile; it’s also typically less expensive than other paving options. Whether your paving project is a new parking lot for your business or a new driveway for your home, asphalt is always a smart choice. And, if you choose recycled asphalt, you can have the added measure of satisfaction in knowing that you’re making the environmentally wise choice as well. For more information about recycled asphalt, and to determine whether or not it’s the right choice for your paving project, contact a reputable asphalt paving contractor.

When most of us think of asphalt, we probably envision modern-day highways and parking lots. But you may be surprised to know that asphalt has been around for a long time – for thousands of years, in fact! This remarkably durable mixture of aggregate, binder and filler is a popular paving material today for everything from roadways to walkways; from driveways to parking garages. But an earlier version of asphalt was used by ancient Greeks and Romans to provide waterproofing for water tanks and baths, and ancient Egyptians used asphalt to prevent erosion around the banks of the Nile! And a few hundred years later, by the 1500s, seafaring people used asphalt to caulk ships.

Some of the earliest paved roads were built in Scotland during the early 1800s. These roadways started out with a layer of broken stones, but builders later added hot tar to the stone surface – effectively creating the first paved roads. Later in the 1800s, the first “true” asphalt hot mix facilities were opened in the U.S. And two of the earliest asphalt projects in this country included roads in Newark, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

At the turn of the 20th century, the modern version of asphalt was patented by Frederick J. Warren, and it was made in an asphalt plant managed by the Warren brothers in Massachusetts. That asphalt mixture contained bitumen and aggregate – very similar to what we still use today! Transportation innovations that occurred in the 20th century necessitated the need for a durable asphalt mix that could be poured by machine. This resulted in the building of roadways for automobiles that spanned across the U.S., as well as runways for airplanes.

The composition of asphalt – as well as the method for installing it – continued to advance by leaps and bounds in the years that followed World War II. Equipment such as leveling devices and steel-wheel rollers greatly advanced the process of road and airport building in the 1950s. By the 1970s, paving companies became more environmentally minded and began recycling asphalt and including that into asphalt mixtures.

Today, asphalt continues to be used for a wide variety of purposes by everyone from homeowners to government entities and business owners. The durability, versatility, affordability and environmentally friendly nature of asphalt makes it such a popular choice. The next time you have a paving project that needs to be completed, be sure to contact a local asphalt paving contractor for an estimate!

Concrete is exceptionally strong and durable. But even this remarkable material can be damaged by everything from heavy traffic loads to extreme weather conditions. If you are responsible for arranging repairs for parking lots and/or road surfaces, it’s helpful to know what types of problems can occur and what is usually the cause. When it comes to concrete damage, there are several different types that are most common:

• Cracks – Any time a concrete surface has to withstand heavy traffic, or when it expands and contracts as it does in freeze-thaw cycles, cracking can occur. These cracks can occur almost anywhere on the concrete surface, whether it’s diagonally through the slab, on the corners or zig-zagging across. Whatever types of cracks appear on your concrete surface, the important thing to remember is that they need to be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent more extensive damage from occurring, so it’s important to reach out to your paving contractor promptly.
• Disintegration – When concrete pavements begin to disintegrate or break apart, it can be due to improper installation or substandard concrete material. Small hairline cracks that form across the top of the surface are also a sign of disintegration. If you see this type of damage occurring on your concrete surface, contact a reputable paving contractor right away. They should be able to tell you whether the damage can be repaired, or whether the entire surface will need to be replaced.
• Distortion – This type of damage occurs when the entire surface of the concrete shifts from its original place to another. This is often the result of foundation settlement, improper/inadequate drainage, expansive soils and/or freeze-thaw cycles. Once again, you’ll need the assistance of a reputable paving contractor to assess the damage and recommend solutions.
• Compromised skid resistance – When a concrete surface becomes so smooth that it loses its skid resistance, it can become a hazard to drivers. This condition is typically caused by a buildup of contaminants on the surface and/or polishing of the aggregates contained in the cement. Although this type of damage can happen to any concrete surface, it is sometimes an indication that a poor quality of material was used during construction of the pavement.

Whatever damage exists on your concrete surface, it’s important to find a reputable paving contractor – one that has a good reputation in the local area. Working hand-in-hand with your contractor, you’ll be able to resolve whatever issues you may have with your paved surface.

Most of us know that the freeze-thaw cycle that many roads are exposed to during the winter months can damage a paved surface, but you don’t have to live in a snowy climate to experience damaged asphalt during the winter months. Whether you realize it or not, rain can be just as damaging. In fact, water is one of the leading causes of asphalt damage.

When a paved surface is exposed to rain on a regular basis, tiny cracks start to form. These cracks may be barely noticeable, but they’re large enough to let water seep through the surface of the asphalt. Once that happens, it causes the cracks to grow which, in turn, allows more water to enter the pavement. That cycle continues in rainy weather, and if the surface isn’t repaired right away, other more extensive damage can occur, including large potholes, depressions in the surface, and damage to the sublayers of the pavement. If the sublayer of the pavement is damaged, it may result in repaving or replacing the asphalt altogether.

There are a few ways to prevent your asphalt surface from being damaged by the rainy season:

• Make sure you have adequate drainage. The longer water sits on the top of a paved surface, the more time it has to seep into those tiny cracks, and that’s when more damage can occur. Ask your paving contractor to repair any depressions that may exist on the surface of the pavement, and ensure that water is allowed to run off the surface as much as possible. Curbs, slopes and gutters that are strategically placed in and around parking lots and roads help rainwater to drain off quickly – before it has a chance to damage the pavement.
• Have minor cracks repaired as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your asphalt will be damaged by the rain.
• Ask your paving contractor to seal coat the surface. Seal coat is the best way to safeguard against damage due to weather. The frequency of seal coating depends on the age of your pavement, how much heavy traffic it’s exposed to, and what the weather conditions are in your area. A paving specialist can recommend how often your surface needs to be seal coated.

For more information about how to protect your asphalt in the rainy season, contact a local, trusted paving contractor today.