Commercial property managers must consider the sidewalks, paths, parking lots and driving lanes that accompany most businesses. The decisions about pavement thickness, materials, construction and maintenance significantly impact the performance of these structures.
Commercial asphalt is an affordable and durable paving material used on millions of miles of roads across the country. It can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather much better than a blacktop. However, it still requires regular maintenance to keep it looking and functioning. Paving Company Charleston SC knows how to install asphalt properly and offers preventative maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
Commercial HMA pavements need a thicker lift than driveways, and the mix used needs to be well thought out. There may be better choices than a stony mix for a high-traffic area that will experience heavy loads from delivery trucks.
An asphalt parking lot or driveway is a big investment that will pay off over time. It’s important to hire a professional commercial paving company that uses quality materials and is committed to providing top-notch customer service. A reputable contractor will also provide detailed specifications and schedules to ensure your project is completed on time and within budget.
In addition to the engineering decisions (thickness, materials, construction details), the management choices you make will greatly impact your pavement’s performance. This includes selecting a paving contractor, monitoring the quality of work, and setting clear expectations for the contractor.
Asphalt is less prone to cracking than concrete, which makes it a better choice for areas that see frequent vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It can also be sealed to protect it from further damage, making it even more durable.
Another great thing about asphalt is that it can be easily repaired. Commercial paving contractors can fill potholes and patch up sections of the surface quickly and affordably. In fact, a fully-paved asphalt lot typically only takes two days to be ready for use.
A well-maintained commercial parking lot or driveway can help reduce accidents and liability issues. Obvious problems like faded parking lot paint or potholes can damage vehicles and pose a safety hazard for pedestrians. If these problems aren’t addressed quickly, it can lead to expensive legal fees and lost productivity. A commercial paving contractor will ensure your parking lots and driveways are free from hazards that could cost you money and reputation.
Besides keeping your property safe, regularly striping your parking spots and keeping them clean can avoid fender benders and other costly accidents. A professional commercial paving company will know how to correctly re-stripe your parking lots and garages to ensure the lines are easy to see. They will also be able to advise you on other preventative maintenance, such as removing oil and grease from your paved surfaces.
Concrete
Concrete is a highly durable and long-lasting commercial paving material. Its strength and ability to withstand heavy vehicles make it an excellent choice for business owners that need a stable and reliable surface to park their commercial vehicles on. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, and requires less maintenance than asphalt.
The cost of a concrete driveway can vary significantly depending on the size and dimensions of the project, as well as any decorative features added. It is also important to consider any additional costs, such as the need for a permit or extra prep materials, which can add to the overall price of the job.
Pouring a new concrete driveway is a fairly involved process. A professional crew can complete the job in a few days, but if a homeowner is intrepid enough to attempt it themselves, they will need a team of able-bodied helpers to dig, prepare forms, and pour the concrete quickly before it sets. A properly poured concrete slab should be leveled and smoothed with a hand float, a brush, or a texturing tool to give it its final appearance.
A concrete driveway will need to cure for a period of time before it can be used, and the duration of this curing process will depend on the climate. To speed up this process, it is important to have good drainage and to ensure that the concrete reaches its required thickness. It is also essential to provide expansion joints, which are molded into the concrete at prescribed intervals to allow for natural shifting and movement without damaging the concrete.
A concrete driveway is a relatively eco-friendly option as it uses naturally occurring rock and cement, which can be recycled when it reaches the end of its lifespan. It is also more durable than asphalt, which is made from petroleum, a limited resource that requires extensive mining and processing to extract and refine. This results in a significant amount of pollution released into the environment during the lifecycle of an asphalt pavement. A properly maintained concrete driveway will last much longer than an asphalt one, and it is a great option for businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint.
Permeable Pavers
When it comes to building and repairing residential and commercial driveways, parking lots and walkways, permeable pavers offer a beautiful and stylish upgrade while also keeping the environment in mind. This type of pavement allows for effective surface water management that prevents flooding, puddling and ice accumulation.
Permeable pavements are composed of interlocking concrete paving blocks that are designed with gaps or voids for water to pass through them. The paving blocks are separated by a layer of gravel or sand that is engineered to be permeable to stormwater runoff and the underlying soils. This allows the rainwater to seep through the sand and gravel into the natural groundwater system, instead of getting washed away from the paved area into local drainage systems.
The permeable pavers also allow for a layer of natural soil underneath the paved area, which can be used for planting or landscaping purposes. This can help to reduce maintenance costs and the amount of materials needed for a project. Permeable paving can be installed in place of existing concrete or asphalt surfaces. The process is quicker, and it requires less equipment and labor than traditional paving methods.
Because of the open aggregates, permeable paving systems have plenty of air spaces in the material, which keeps them cool in hot weather and reduces the risk of heaving or cracking. During the winter, the water that passes through these voids easily absorbs into the ground, rather than freezing on top of the paved surface and creating dangerous ice conditions.
Many cities and states across the country have implemented pervious paving laws in an effort to lower the amount of pollutants and sediment that enters drainage systems. These laws often require property owners to install rain gardens or other types of environmentally friendly drainage systems to offset the amount of runoff they generate from their buildings and other paved areas. In addition, the law may also encourage builders to construct using environmentally friendly paving treatments, such as permeable pavers.
As more communities recognize the benefits of permeable paving, they are offering rebate programs and other incentives for contractors to use these greener construction materials on their projects. These systems help to keep local water and waste-management systems working efficiently, and they can also be used for a wide variety of other paving applications.
Sealcoating
Asphalt driveways and parking lots are heavily used in commercial applications. Regardless of the size and purpose of a property, it is important that these areas are well maintained to ensure they stay safe and functional. One of the most effective ways to protect asphalt is through sealcoating. Sealcoating is the process of adding a protective layer to an asphalt surface that can prevent damage caused by natural elements, oil, gasoline and other car pollutants.
There are several types of asphalt sealants that can be applied to a pavement surface. Most commonly, companies will use bituminous sealant mixtures that are blended with water, silica sand and polymer additives. These mixtures are designed to provide a premium coating that can double the lifespan of an asphalt pavement.
The type of sealant that is used will depend on the climate in a particular area and the specific needs of the customer. A good contractor will be able to advise customers on which sealant is best for them. In addition, they should also be able to give advice on how often the parking lot should be sealed.
In addition to protecting asphalt from the elements, sealcoating can also help prevent cracking and other damage. Asphalt is a very durable material, but it can be damaged by extreme heat and moisture. Sealcoating acts as a barrier to these damaging elements, preventing water from seeping into the pavement and causing further damage.
Another benefit of sealcoating is that it can improve the appearance of a commercial driveway. Over time, asphalt can lose its black color and start to look grey or faded. A high quality sealcoat can restore the original appearance of the asphalt and make it look new again.
Once the asphalt is coated, it is important to allow it to dry completely before traffic can be used on the area. Most contractors will recommend waiting 36 hours before removing barricades and striping for parking spaces. It is also recommended that the parking lot be protected from rain, as this will interfere with the curing of the sealcoat.
