Your business’s parking lot is important. If it’s time to
replace your lot, you want to make sure you get the highest quality service. Asphalt
parking lots should last for a long time. When looking for a contractor, you
can always look at their prior work to see if they’d be the right fit. Here is
what to look for in their work to determine whether they will deliver a high-quality
paving job.
Smooth Appearance
Commercial parking lots should not be bumpy in appearance. After a brand-new job, it should look smooth and free of bumps. Bumps not only look bad, but can often be a sign that the new asphalt will not last. When you look at a company’s work, look for a smooth parking lot without a lot of bumps or jagged details.
Appropriate Drainage
When it comes to asphalt, water is one of the biggest
hazards. If your parking lot can’t drain, the water may pool or drain into the
cracks and ruin your parking lot. Not to mention, it can be dangerous for cars
and pedestrians. A quality paving job should always include sufficient
drainage.
Quality Detailed
A trustworthy paving company will pay close attention to
every detail. While the big picture is important, that isn’t all that the
company needs to focus on. Instead, a quality pave job pays attention to every
detail, from the biggest to the smallest. The contractors will work hard to
ensure that you have durable, smooth, and even pavement.
Durable Base
When a contractor lays a brand-new parking lot, he or she will need to create a base first. This base is generally made from gravel. You need the base to stay strong under pressure. After all, parking lots not only handle heavyweight vehicles, but they deal with a lot of traffic as well.
If it’s time to pave your commercial parking lot, you want to choose a company with a reputation that matches the quality work you need completed. For a high-quality job contact Azzarelli Paving by calling 813-296-6500 or sending us an email today!
Paved asphalt is an excellent surface option for businesses looking to provide a smooth, comfortable parking lot for their customers. Whether you’ve just paved your asphalt parking lot for the first time or had repair work done, here are some general guidelines for the amount of time you should wait before using your paved parking area. Be sure to verify a general timeline with your contractor, as these times can vary depending on several factors, including the time of year.
The First 24 Hours
Expect to wait at least 24 hours before standing on your new
asphalt. You can walk on the asphalt the next day, as the drying process
continues. However, high heels and cleats can leave imprints in your day-old
asphalt, so avoid these shoes, car traffic, and any other heavy or sharp objects
for at least three days.
After three days, the asphalt is typically completely dry.
Of course, humidity and temperature can affect this timeline. Your customers
can now park on your road or parking lot without concerns of damage due to
excessive weight.
The Complete Drying
Process
The drying process happens in phases. Your asphalt may look
and feel dry, but a complete curing typically takes much longer than three
days. Plan on up to six months of drying before your asphalt is ready for large
vehicles.
Long-Term
Considerations
In between three days and six months, you can still drive on
your driveway or allow customers to park in the parking lot. The edges of your
parking lot may be softer than a fully cured surface, so avoid driving off the
curb or parking at the very edge of the lot.
Large trucks should either avoid your new asphalt or avoid long-term parking until the lot is fully cured. This will prevent sudden cracks, dents or a compromised structure. For more information or to receive a quote for a freshly paved asphalt parking lot, contact Azzarelli Paving by calling 813-313-4579 or sending an email today.
If there is one thing everyone can agree on it’s that
potholes are a pain – you will never complain about potholes and have someone
disagree with you. Aside from that though, most people don’t know a lot about
how potholes are formed and even less about how to properly repair them. Here
is some basic information on the nemesis of drivers from Canada to Florida.
Causes
Potholes are caused by weather, age, water, and disruption from vehicles. All of these factors work on the road surface to create cracks that, grow larger over time. No matter how your road is constructed, potholes can form. The four main causes of potholes can be summarized as follows:
Inadequate drainage
Thin pavement that doesn’t support vehicle
traffic at certain times of the year
Failure at man-holes and trenches
Delayed maintenance that results in cracks and
moisture entering the base layer of the road
The more time between the first cracks appearing and
preventative maintenance being performed, the bigger the pothole. Truly
impressive potholes represent a failure on the part of a business owner or the
agency responsible for repairs.
Fixes
The key to preventing potholes is catching them in their
early stages. Asphalt repair by a professional paving company will be less
expensive and take less time than repairing a fully-formed pothole. Sealcoating
can play a role in preventing potholes by strengthening the surface of the
asphalt with a layer of coal-tar pitch or asphalt cement.
Once a large pothole forms, the hole must be filled with
suitable materials and resurfaced. This involves bringing in heavy equipment
and often shutting down a parking lot for a day or more.
For asphalt resurfacing, sealcoating, pothole repair, overlays, and striping, contact Azzarelli Paving in Florida. We have been operating in the Tampa area for over 30 years, working to eradicate potholes and produce clean asphalt parking lots for businesses. Call or email us today!
If the parking lot
and driveways of your commercial property have seen better days, you have
options when it comes to improving the appearance and safety of paved areas.
Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of sealcoating, resurfacing,
and repaving commercial asphalt.
The Sealcoating Solution
Sealcoating is
designed to protect asphalt that’s in generally good shape. It does so with a
clear coating that shields the material from damage caused by UV rays,
automotive fluids, rain, and snow. Although sealcoating can prevent the
development of cracks that lead to dangerous and unsightly potholes, it does
not repair existing damage. Each application of the coating lasts for about
five years and can extend the life of your lot, keeping it dark, smooth, and
damage-free.
Facts About Resurfacing
If your asphalt has
a strong, undamaged foundation, along with some surface damage, resurfacing can
restore the appearance of your parking lot and fix cracks that will expand if
left unrepaired. In general, resurfacing is an option if cracks and potholes
represent no more than 30% of the asphalt’s total surface area. This treatment
can be done before sealcoating and will extend the life of your lot and prevent
the need for costly premature replacement.
Repaving Recommendations
Asphalt areas with
extensive damage should be completely repaved to keep your visitors and their
vehicles safe. With repaving, the old asphalt is completely removed and new
asphalt is applied. Repaving is required when the foundation of your parking
lot is damaged and/or cracks, craters, and potholes represent more than 30% of
the asphalt surface area.
You may want to consider repaving if your parking lot requires frequent repairs and costly maintenance to ward off cracks and potholes. Sunken or crumbling areas also signify that your asphalt has reached the end of its useful lifespan.
While, in general, most seek out Tampa’s weather for a
vacation getaway, with bright sunshine and warm days, the extent at which the
outside conditions can reach may cause some problems, instead of relaxation.
Summer weather in Tampa can raise the temperatures to remain in the nineties
and above. Sunny days can lead to intense light rays. The rainy season can
result in hard downpours with a great deal of water left on the ground. These
are just a few ways that Tampa weather can become more extreme, which leads to
asphalt damage.
How Heat Damages
Asphalt
When the summer days make the air much hotter, it causes the
exposed asphalt on the surface to expand. Meanwhile, the lower layers of
asphalt remain cooler, keeping contracted. This change in shape and difference
in layers can cause cracking and fractures.
How Sunlight Damages
Asphalt
UV rays cause a number of issues. Just as a brightly colored
object would become bleached in the sunlight, asphalt fades over time under the
sun. These rays also lead to deterioration in the structure, as well, weakening
the surface, warping it and creating soft spots.
How Rain Damages
Asphalt
While water from anything can lead to damage, the amount of
rain in Tampa reaches levels that are damaging on its own. Since asphalt is
porous, water can seep through the surface and into lower layers. Water erodes
away at the material, breaking it down and causing cracks.
How to Protect Your
Asphalt
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your asphalt is
protected from the damaging qualities of Tampa’s weather. An immediate fix can
include patching of specific areas where cracks or holes have appeared. Asphalt
overlay can also be done to resurface your asphalt, keeping the surface from
deteriorating further and protecting lower layers. Regularly sealing the
surface can also add extra protection to already intact asphalt. If you would
like to keep your asphalt looking new and remaining strong, contact Azzarelli Paving at 813-313-4579
or email us at info@azzpsd.com for a free
estimate on repairs and treatment.
Commercial parking lots not only provide your customers and vendors a place to park their vehicle, but they are also an opportunity to make a good impression. A parking lot free of potholes and other unsightly blemishes gives the customer the impression your business values quality. Sealcoating the parking lot every two to three years can extend the life and beauty of your asphalt.
Asphalt Maintenance
Sealcoating adds to the property value and gives the asphalt an attractive new look. New parking lots should be sealcoated after the first year. In addition to sealcoating every couple of years, asphalt maintenance requires patching and crack repair when necessary. Fixing these issues before they become a larger problem protects the investment made in the asphalt.
Site Preparation
Parking lots can be sealed all at once or in stages depending on project size. Most companies clean the asphalt prior to applying the sealcoat. Patching and fixing cracks should happen before the sealcoat is applied. Turn off the irrigation system before sealing and during the drying process. The portion to be worked on should be barricaded off.
Coating Application
The contractor often recommends the type of sealcoat to use on the parking lot. The sealcoating is applied using a sprayer or broom depending on the site. The amount of traffic the asphalt handles and the local weather conditions affect the type of sealcoating applied and the application method. It is often economical to apply more than one coat of sealer for a more durable coating.
Maintaining your asphalt parking lot with regular sealcoating can extend its life up to 300%. The contractor working on the parking lot can provide the best sealcoat type to use and recommend a maintenance plan for your specific usage and needs. A quality paved parking lot makes the entire building look better. Call Azzarelli Paving at 813-313-4579or send an email to info@azzpsd.com to schedule your next sealcoat.
Maintaining your commercial asphalt parking lot is important for putting your best foot forward. It is one of the first things people will see when they arrive on your property, so you want it to look good. These simple tips help you ensure you’re making a positive first impression.
Stop
Problems before They Start
The best way to lower the cost of replacing
your asphalt lot is to maintain it. Keep your lot protected with seal coating
to preserve it against damage. Sealcoating extends the life of the asphalt
which will help you avoid having to pay for a new lot less frequently.
Monitor
Your Perimeter
Keep an eye on the outer edges of your lot as
it begins to age. These areas are more susceptible to damage, and often provide
your first indicators that the lot is in need of some touching up or replacing.
Pay
Attention to the Details
Even when your asphalt is holding up well, it’s
possible some of your detailing may require some work. If your lines are
beginning to crack or erode, get them repainted. Clear lines are safer and also
make a stronger impression on new visitors.
An
Overlay May Be Your Best Option
If your lot has taken on damage, replacement
may not be your last resort. Ask your asphalt professional about the
possibility of utilizing an asphalt overlay to add some life to your lot.
Don’t
Pinch Pennies When Replacement is required
Once you’ve exhausted your other cost-saving
options and have to commit to a new lot, it’s time to stop looking to save
every cent. It’s better to pay a quality contractor a higher price for a lot
that will last longer than it is to hire a bargain rate competitor and ending
up with multiple replacements when you could have had just the one.
The state of your parking lot makes or breaks
your first impression with guests or clients. Curb appeal needs upkeep just
like a roof or elevator. When you consider repaving your parking lot, there are
four things to keep in mind when choosing a good paving company.
1. Insurance
It is important to always check and see if the
paving company you are interested in has insurance to cover accidents so you
are not the one held responsible. A major red flag is a company without
insurance because that means you could be taking a huge and unnecessary risk.
2. Reputation
Does the company you select have a good
reputation? You want to know the job will be delivered on time, without cutting
any corners. Online reviews are a good source to discover the quality of a
company’s work. You could also ask friends or family if they know anything
about your chosen company.
3. Money
While money should not be the sole deciding
factor, it is important. Many companies quote low prices but have hidden fees.
Others require a down payment before any work is done. A reputable company
should not ask for money before starting a job and should be upfront about
their prices. At the very least, they should be forthright if you ask about
hidden fees.
4. Employees
It’s good to ensure the paving company you
choose has the proper amount of personnel on staff to finish the job in a
timely manner without compromising on quality. They also need to have all the
required equipment. Without the right resources, the job may not be done to
your satisfaction.
A Paving Company You Can Trust
Pavement is not what immediately comes to mind when considering commercial property maintenance, yet it plays a large role in the overall appearance of your brand. The tips above should help you choose the right paving company for you, like Azzarelli Paving. Call us at 813-313-4579or emailtoday.
