Asphalt Paving and Sealcoat  Blog

Common Misconceptions about Asphalt

We all have certain misconceptions that we've heard over time, read on a blog, seen on TV, or just believed we had reliable information. I'd like to address some common misconceptions about asphalt, and the paving industry, that I've heard before.

Misconception 1: There shouldn't be any rocks showing in the asphalt.

When asphalt is made it has a few ingredients in it. It has crushed rocks and a mix of petroleum composites that are produced in oil refineries. The asphalt ingredients are heated up and then mix together. After the asphalt is placed on the ground, it can be different sizes. Typical rocks in asphalt are ¾ inch, some are ½ inch, and some are 3/8 inch. The different sizes will obviously have different appearance once it is spread and compacted. Because concrete usually has high sand and water content and is smoothed with a steel trowel it is a smooth surface appearance.

Misconception 2: Asphalt should be like concrete.

Some consider that most pavement surfaces are alike, when in reality they are made with different mixtures, ingredients, chemicals, and rocks. Asphalt is petroleum based and concrete is water based. There are different installation procedures, various equipment used, and concrete is more labor intensive than asphalt.

Misconception 3: The black top asphalt color will come off on my shoes?

Some people think that because it's hot, black, and looks like clay sometimes, that it will cling to your shoes. Asphalt, once installed and compacted should not get on your shoes. Seal coat, however when freshly applied will get on your shoes, so don't walk on it for 24 hours.

Misconception 4:Paving contractors always try to give you a change order.

We have been in business more than 20 years and the jobs that have kept us in business are not from change orders. The times a change order arrises into the project is when an unforeseen problem develops that was not part of the original scope of work. Paving contractors do not create the change orders, the issue that comes about as a surprise to everyone creates the change order. We are in business for the long term, not to make a quick dollar on a change order. We use high quality materials, well-trained employees, and well-maintained equipment and we are considered by current and previous customers as a reputable contractor. Feel free to read some testimonials.

Of course many misconceptions arise when expectations are unclear. To learn more visit www.hotmix.org

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Life-Cycle Costs Benefits

• Reduces costs for initial construction.
• Requires less maintenance over the life of the pavement.
• Repaired and maintained cost-effectively with HMA overlays instead of complete removal and reconstruction with concrete.
• When maintenance is needed, HMA offers the widest variety of alternatives geared to solve the precise problems on the surface.
• Can be overlaid to add structural capacity to account for increased traffic loading. 
• Eliminates the need for costly reinforcing materials, which are subject to corrosion, which lead to more frequent and more costly repairs. 
• Properly designed and constructed HMA pavements will last 50 years or more with occasional resurfacing, relieving road agencies of the need for costly, time-consuming and disruptive reconstruction. 
• HMA can be recycled (milled and replaced along with fresh materials), saving dollars and preserving nonrenewable natural resources.

Environmental Benefits of Paving with Asphalt

Recycling 

Hot Mix Asphalt gives the best return on investment of any paving material. But beyond just having that fact that it saves money, it also has environmental benefits.

Because the main ingredient in asphalt is oil, its price has increased dramatically in the last several years. Five years ago, government agencies paid $35 to $40 a ton for asphalt. However, now the price has escalated to over $90 a ton, and it is predicted that the price of asphalt will continue to climb. This has led to an increased demand for recycled asphalt which is lower in price and widely available. Asphalt and tar recycling has also become more popular because of environmental concerns. Recycled asphalt simply produces a less negative environmental impact because it is not being placed in landfills. 

Hot Mix Asphalt(HMA) pavements are 100 percent recyclable and are America's most recycled product. Approximately 80 million tons of Hot Mix Asphalt are recycled each year. Compare this to any other recycled products. Hot Mix Asphalt pavements are truly environmentally friendly.

HMA pavement recycling is more cost effective than using only virgin or new materials. The quality of a recycled asphalt pavement is as good, or even better, than brand new pavement.

Hot Mix Asphalt pavement recycling not only conserves our precious natural resources and speeds construction, it also saves American taxpayers over $300 million a year.

HMA pavements which are not recycled must be disposed of, usually in a landfill. Transporting old asphalt pavements to landfills does not make best use of a product that can be recycled. HMA pavements can be recycled numerous times.

Currently, even most new asphalt has between 15 and 20 percent of crushed, recycled asphalt mixed into it. Because of this, asphalt has now surpassed aluminum as the most widely recycled material in the world. 

ASPHALT IS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND PRODUCT

 

Environmental Liners

Asphalt paving materials have been used to line the surfaces of everything from fish hatcheries to industrial retention ponds. In the case of fish hatcheries, an inert material was needed that would not chemically react with the water. This allows fish and game experts to precisely monitor and control the environment during the delicate stages of incubation and early growth for various fish species.

- For example, Oregon and Washington state fish and wildlife agencies began using HMA to line their fish rearing ponds in 1987. Typically 1/2-acre in area, the ponds are home to chinook salmon and other fry for about 18 months before the fish are released into rivers and streams. Both the Washington and Oregon state agencies are pleased with the effectiveness of the HMA liners and plan to use them for additional fish hatcheries in the future.

For decades asphalt paving materials have been used as liners for water reservoirs.

- For example, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC) has been using HMA-lined water reservoirs for more than four decades. Currently, the California Water Resources Board is completing construction on the Devil's Canyon Reservoir to store MWDSC drinking water. The 1 9-inch thick asphalt liner for the huge facility will hold 800-acre-feet of water. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in Oakland, California, has also been using HMA to line domestic water supply reservoirs since the 1 950s. A total of ten reservoirs store water in the EBMUD system.

Asphalt binders have also been used to line water pipes that supply potable water to humans.

When used for industrial retention ponds, the inertness of asphalt paving materials keeps liquid industrial waste material from percolating into the soil. This gives industry time to treat the liquid waste, and if needed, provides a platform with which to bring in mobile equipment to move the material to a processing location.

The ability of asphalt paving materials to be both chemically inert and strong enough to provide a structure for heavy equipment accounts for its use as both a landfill liner and cap. In landfills lined with asphalt paving materials modified earthmoving equipment can be employed to organize and compact landfill waste without fear of breaking the impermeable shell between the solid waste material and the soil.

Clean fill

Many states have tested discarded asphalt pavement and determined that it should be categorized as clean fill.

Even the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test, their most extreme and rigorous test for determining the toxicity of a substance, failed to show any appreciable quantities of toxic materials from asphalt pavement material.

Recreational Uses

HMA pavements are a perfect fit for the recreational industry. For years HMA has been used to pave running tracks, bicycle and golf cart paths, in addition to its traditional use for basketball and tennis courts.

Recently, there has been a move in the recreation marketplace to combine exercise with nature. Throughout the country old nature paths and abandoned rail lines are being converted into thoroughfares for bicyclists, roller skaters and roller bladers, besides the occasional pedestrian who wants to view nature while they exercise.

Asphalt pavements provide a safe and durable surface with which to accommodate both wheeled and foot traffic.

Other Uses

HMA is also used to pave cattle feed lots, poultry house floors, barn floors, and greenhouse floors. Asphalt not only provides an all-weather platform, it also provides protection against disease from waste materials. Asphalt is easy to clean and prevents pollution from getting into water supplies.

Asphalt mixtures are also used in sea walls, dikes and groins to control beach erosion. Its strength, waterproofing capability and inertness to sea water helps prevent the eroding action of tides and waves.

 

 

Asphalt

Asphalt sealcoat manufacturers association is a trade association made up of manufacturers, suppliers, and others involved in the asphalt sealcoating industry asphalt sealcoats. Asphalt and concrete for commercial, industrial, community full service asphalt contractor offering repair, maintenance and reconstruction for commercial and residential property serves the seven county metro area. Contractors asphalt premium quality asphalt sealer store for sealing any asphalt surface.
asphalt source asphalt mixer, asphalt mixing plant, mobile asphalt mixing machine from around the world find the asphalt mixers you need on alibaba.com now. Asphalt mixers - asphalt mixer, asphalt mixing plant, mobile asphalt asphalt general, asphalt and concrete for commercial, industrial, community and government in maryland mdot certified mbe/dbe, bondable, iicensed, insured asphalt and concrete. Asphalt sealcoating equipment and asphalt sealing equipment experts brief and straightforward guide: what is asphalt asphalt is a thick brownish or black substance derived from the same crude oil which produces kerosene, gasoline and vinyl.

All Concrete Isn't Created Equal

What You See is What You Hear...
Each concrete pavement surface texture shown above produces a different noise level, and at different frequency spectrums (tones). Historically, the highway community has focused only on overall sound levels. In the 1990s, however, it was demonstrated that the frequency of the sound produced by the surface texturing effects what you hear as much as the overall sound level does, particularly with uniform transverse tined pavements, which were recommended by the FHWA until recently. Transverse tine textures produce tonal spikes that we recognize as the "tire whine" heard as you travel down the road. Today, these issues are understood and the FHWA, in 2005, modified their requirements to allow other textures for concrete pavements that could potentially eliminate the tire whine.

Sound level is primarily a function of the surface finish, not the material it is onstructed of... The plot above shows typical ranges in over all sound levels for different concrete surface textures and types and typical hot mix asphalt. There is variability in the sound produced from all textures (even porous asphalt)...  The range of sound levels produced by concrete pavements is on the order of 16 dBA.  Then a sound increases by 10 dBA it seems twice as loud, so such variability can be quite significant.
You get what you spec... Simply by specifying a turf drag, diamond ground or longitudinal tined texture in lieu of a random transverse tined texture, it is possible to cut as much as half the noise on a concrete pavement.

Guess That Frequency?
The figure on the left shows the sound spectrum produced by two concrete surface textures. The tonal spikes that occur in transverse tining at about 600 and 1200 hz are what we hear as tire whine. Unfortunately, transverse tining is the texture FHWA has required for the last 25 years. Today, states may use textures that remain durable and safe over many years of service, but without the tire whine.

Types of Concrete Curbs, Gutters

Concrete curbs are generally classified as barrier curbs or mountable curbs. Either type can be constructed in many different shapes, depending on regional preferences, purposes and construction costs. Typical cross sections of the most commonly used curbs and curb and gutter sections are shown in Figure II. Barrier curbs, also known as straight curbs, resemble the stone slabs used originally for curbs and form abrupt obstacles to vehicles leaving pavements.

Mountable curbs, sometimes referred to as roll curbs, have sloping faces that allow vehicles to encroach on them without damaging tires and wheels; and if the slopes are gentle enough, cars can cross them to access driveways. Curbs that cannot be crossed without damage or discomfort must have sections where the heights of the curbs are reduced for vehicular entrances. The low portions are usually referred to as depressed curbs. When curbs are constructed in areas where buildings have already been erected and driveways established, the depressed portions can be easily designated, but in developing areas where the driveways have not been located, mountable curbs are usually preferred.

Either type of curb can have an apron or gutter section attached and become a combined curb and gutter. Combined curb and gutter sections are commonly used along streets and parking lots in urban areas, especially with asphalt pavements, to provide the advantages of stable concrete gutters with sustainable flow lines along the curbs.

Because concrete can be readily shaped to transition between cross-sections, curbs can be tapered to meet ramps for pedestrian crossings where these are preferred or to meet requirements for the disabled.

Curbs built monolithically with concrete pavements project above the pavement at the edges. These are referred to as monolithic curbs or integral curbs, as opposed to separate curbs. As the edges of concrete pavements with the added thickness of curbs are stronger and stiffer, deflections caused by heavy wheels close to the outside edges are reduced. Where curbs are cast on hardened concrete slabs, resulting in cold joints between the curbs and slabs, there are opportunities for planes of weakness and water penetration, which can result in shortened service life.

A separate curb and gutter must be tied to the pavement slab with deformed steel bars if there is to be effective load transfer. If a curb is separate from the pavement the joint between the pavement and the curb may require maintenance.

The advantages of concrete curbs and gutters on parking lots and roads

Many people do not understand the use and importance of concrete curbs and gutter sections along the edges of streets, parking lots, and other pavements. The advantages of using uniform designs and standard sections are listed below.

A curb, by definition, is something that restrains; an enclosing border or edging; a raised edge or margin; a wall; or as a verb, to strengthen or confine something. As most people think of curbs, they are raised strips of concrete along the edges of streets or parking lots. The benefits of curbs have been recognized since ancient times, and stone curbs were placed along the edges of traveled ways by early civilizations. Today's concrete curbs still provide many of the same benefits, and more.

Concrete curbs or combined curbs and gutters serve several important functions. Curbs collect water from crowned pavements and convey it to points of collection, thus reducing the amount of water that gets under the pavement. They outline the edges of pavements and provide easily definable borders between traveled and untraveled surfaces. They confine pavement structures, especially if the pavements are composed of layers of materials that must be compacted in-place. Curbs help contain low speed traffic within the edges of pavements.

Besides serving the purposes listed above, curbs provide several other advantages. The neat, straight lines of curbs add to the attractiveness of parking lots and streets, and the commonly used expression "curb appeal" implies that attractiveness of adjacent properties are also enhanced by sharp demarcations between streets and lawns.

Curbs strengthen pavements. The confining of flexible pavements by concrete curbs improves compaction during construction and helps maintain the integrity of edges under traffic. The added thickness given to edges of concrete pavements by integral curbs increase strength and stiffness, reduce deflections induced by traffic loads, and therefore extends pavement life.

Curbs reduce the amount of space or right-of-way required for a street by eliminating drainage swales and their flat side slopes; curbs also reduce the lengths of driveways built from streets to homes or businesses. In some jurisdictions where both curbed and uncurbed streets are allowed by subdivision ordinances, streets with curbed sections require less dedicated right-of-way than streets without curbs, for example 50 ft for local streets with curbs, or 60 ft for local streets without curbs. The elimination of drainage swales also reduces maintenance by eliminating the cleaning of ditches, the mowing of ditch banks, and the care of culverts and their end sections that carry water under driveways.

Light reflective surfaces of concrete curbs delineate pavement edges and improve visibility for drivers at night, thus promoting safety. Where there are no concrete curbs to outline the edges of roads and streets, it is now common practice to mark the pavement edges with stripes of white paint.

Curbs improve the efficiency of street sweepers by concentrating debris for easy, mechanical pickup, as opposed to having it scattered along shoulders and drainage swales where it must be picked up by hand.

Concrete curbs have the integrity to withstand the impacts of snowplows.

A comparison of pavement sections with curbs and without curbs is shown in the figure below, illustrating the advantages in land use provided by concrete curbs. It should be noted that most of the advantages listed above pertain only to concrete curbs or concrete curbs and gutters that extend down to the bottom of pavements. Adding asphalt curbs along the edges of asphalt pavements cannot provide the confinement to improve compaction or other long-term benefits.

Help! My Driveway Has Cracks

One of the most damaging things for any asphalt pavement is cracking. Cracks allow moisture to penetrate the pavement. In the winter this moisture can freeze causing a multitude of more serious problems. In the warmer months weeds or grass can take root in the cracks causing extensive damage. There is one thing for sure; a crack is a future pothole waiting to happen.

Of course professional crack repair using specialized hot applied materials is best but if the cracks are not too numerous or large often the homeowner can be the first line of defense against the inevitable damage caused by cracks in asphalt pavements.

First we need to mention that not all cracks are created equal. If you have what is referred to as "alligator" or "chicken wire" cracking (terms used because the cracks resemble alligator skin or chicken wire) sealing won't help. This is characterized by numerous cracks close together forming a block pattern resembling the terms above. If this condition has existed long enough the area may be sunken slightly. These areas are already potholes and need professional repair. While they may not look like a pothole; all it takes is for one block to come out, and the entire area will soon loosen and come apart leaving a pothole. These areas should be professional repaired before this happens to minimize the damaged area and avoid more costly repairs later.

We also need to mention that pavement "sealers" (if you seal your asphalt yourself) are not suitable for filling cracks. Sure, you can put enough pavement sealer in the cracks to make it appear they are filled, but pavement sealers are made for the surface, not for cracks, and will quickly crack themselves and leave the crack open to damage again.

For common cracks there are many products available in home & hardware stores. We can't possibly know all the "brands" so look for one that contains rubber, the more the better. These products are usually packaged in gallon containers or caulking gun tubes although the tubes are sometimes far more expensive if you have very many cracks to fill. Reading the labels to find the best ingredients may be difficult but in general, if the store has more than one grade of product this is not the time to choose the "bargain" brand.

Now get ready for some serious work.
First the cracks must be prepared and cleaned. This means all vegetation must be removed. Sometimes this will require several treatments of a weed & grass killer (be sure it contains no petroleum products). You want to be 100% sure any vegetation is dead all the way to the roots or it will re-appear through the sealed crack. Then you may need to use some type scraper like a putty knife or screwdriver to be sure to get all the vegetation & roots possible out of the cracks.

Now the cracks need to be cleaned. If you have a leaf blower you may be able to scrape any dirt, gravel, or other debris loose then blow the cracks clean. A pressure washer may be used if care is taken to not leave any muddy residue on the sides of the crack walls and not to "blast" water underneath the surrounding pavement. If water is used the crack must be allowed to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Getting the cracks clean & free of debris is a most important step to achieve good results.

Now we can begin filling the cracks. Pick a warm sunny day with no rain forecast for 36-48 hours. Double check to be sure the cracks are still clean & dry. Most products come in packages with a spout of some kind. Apply the filler just until it is flush with the surface. You may want to keep a putty knife or old spatula handy in case you get a bit too much so you can smooth out the excess.

Once you have completed filling the cracks wait to walk or drive on the area for at least several hours depending on the weather to give the filler time to begin drying.

You may also find that as the filler dries it shrinks somewhat, leaving the filler below the pavement surface. If this happens you need to go over the cracks again to be sure the finished product is level with the pavement surface.

If your driveway has cracks make this a priority on your "to do" list. It is an investment that will pay for itself many times over by saving more extensive maintenance and repairs and by helping your pavement last as long as possible.

Perhaps after reading all this you have concluded that filling cracks is not as easy as it might seem; especially if you have a lot to do. If you are not physically able or don't have the time, contact a professional contractor. They not only have the manpower, but a professional contractor will have specialized equipment to more effectively prepare the cracks and a higher quality product to produce a better, longer-lasting, finished result.

 

We invite you to search for through our website, or call us if you have any questions. We provide free estimates with no obligation and guarantee our work. 

Which Paving Contractor to use?

Honestly it is a JUNGLE OUT THERE. Which contractor do you use for asphalt repairs? Which one for sealcoating? How about fixing cracks and patching potholes? What about a contractor that does all of it? Is there a solution for a one stop shop? There has to be a way to see the difference?

 
The good news is that you can get everything done with one company. You don't have to do the crack seals yourself and then call in a contractor. You can call the specialist of all your paving needs.

1. EXPERTISE: First class products, applied with the finest workmanship and backed by our two-year warranty.

2. EXPERIENCE: 25+ years of properly equipped, professional talent to serve you.

3. CEO's GUARANTEE: Our goal is that every project we complete is marked by 100% customer satisfaction. 

So when it comes to chosing a paving contractor, call someone who does asphalt repairs, new paving, ADA upgrades, striping, sealcoating, you name it...From A To Z, Alaniz has a solution for you.

Paving Contractors Present Pervious Concrete

What is Pervious?

Pervious Pavement is a unique cement-based concrete product that has a porous structure that allows rainwater to pass directly through the pavement and into the soil naturally. This is achieved without compromising the strength, durability, or integrity of the concrete structure itself. 

The pavement is comprised of a special blend of Portland Cement coarse aggregate rock, and water. Once dried, the pavement has a prous texture that allows water to drain through it at the rate of 3 to 5 gallons per minute, per square foot. That's impressive considering tests conclude that a square foot of bahia sod drains at the rate of 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute. This remarkable flow through ratio inspired the phrase "...The pavement that drinks water". 

 ADVANTAGES:

• Meets Storm Water Management & First Flush Pollution Prevention Criteria (Infiltration BMP)
• Reduce or eliminate storm sewer tie-ins
• Reduced grading reduceds engineering and construction time and expense
• Durable: 30 year + life
• Little to no maintenance
• Doesn't pollute
• No extra SWPP devices
• Light colored surfaces are cooler, safer, energy efficient
• Available in many color choices

http://www.perviouspavement.org/

Pervious Concrete is provided through Graniterock