Are you planning on installing some road signage on your commercial parking lot in Loveland, CO? Want to know where to start? You’re in luck – the professionals at Affordable Sealing & Striping have put together a list of Factors you need to consider before starting your project. Keep reading to learn more!
1) Types of Parking Lot Signage
There are three main types: regulatory or mandatory, informational or directional (directing drivers where they need to go), and promotional/marketing (sales). It’s a good idea for lots with multiple entrances and exits to have both promotional and directional so people can quickly find their desired location!
2) ADA Compliance Framework
Your commercial property’s parking lot should be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This means adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for signage.
You must follow specific regulations regarding the size, text, and contrast of colors on ADA signs. You can find more information on the ADA website. Be sure to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about what’s required for your property!
3) Sign Color and Reflectivity
Sign color is an important consideration, as it can affect how well drivers see your signage. Yellow and green are the most visible colors during the daytime, while red and orange are more visible at night.
Reflectivity is also crucial – signs need to be reflective to be seen by motorists in low-light conditions. You can use various materials for reflectivity, so consult with a sign manufacturer to find the best option for your property!
4) Parking Lot Sign Placement
You’ll also need to consider how drivers see them when installing signs. Parking lot signs should be visible from the road and at an accessible height for drivers to see. You should keep adequate space between each sign so that motorists can easily read them.
Make sure you consult with your local municipality before installing any signage. And finally, always remember to keep signage up-to-date so that drivers know what’s going on at your property.
5) Professional Installation is Necessary
Poorly installed parking lot signage can make or break your business. Professional signage installation can safeguard your investment and protect you from a liabilities lawsuit.
Avoid non-professionals and inexperienced installers as they can cause more damage to your parking lot signs. Remember that a faulty installation could lead to a slip or trip accident, which means you may be liable for any damages. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure your signage is installed correctly from the get-go!
If you’re looking for a reliable local contractor to take care of your parking lot signage installation in Loveland, CO, then Affordable Sealing & Striping is the right choice for you. We ensure your parking lot looks in top shape at all times, thanks to our superior maintenance services. Get a free estimate from our team now!
Oddly, many residential & commercial folks are in a rush to get their asphalt driveways in tip-top shape by the end of the year so that their New Year events can keep up with the awe and gathering plans. The sad bit is that clients who are unfamiliar with the temperatures required for asphalt paving can be easily dragged into a paving scam.
Slacking paving contractors with their gypsy rigs are often seen frequenting neighborhoods in the off-season. You will notice, they mostly convince unsuspecting clients into a shady paving deal that leaves their pavement worse than before.
Affordable Sealing & Striping has a checklist of questions that should cross your mind when you encounter a paving contractor too good to be true in Laramie, WY.
1. Does The Contractor ‘Just’ Turn Up?
If you happen to open the door to a charismatic paving contractor who claims they have some ‘left-over’ asphalt from a neighboring job. That’s it; that’s the red flag right there. These scams begin with a verbal agreement to pave over, and then the asphalt runs out. At this point, the contractor offers prepaid asphalt to be delivered the next day, takes the cash, and never returns.
2. Do They Have A Local Portfolio?
Suppose the contractor seems to be supporting professional-looking paving equipment and a crew and turns up at your door. In that case, they could be legitimate as asphalt paving technologies have progressed to winter paving to some extent. However, ask them for a local portfolio, a business card, and online presence proof. If they can’t provide anything, you are entitled to shut the door in their face and inform the local authorities.
3. Is The Contract Documented?
Verbal agreements put clients at risk of paving scams. If the client has decided on one quotation and the job has begun, the shady contractor can easily claim a higher rate and threaten to sue you for unpaid services. Be smart; never agree to anything in pavement installation unless the business can be verified and cost breakdowns are provided.
4. Are they Asking for Payment In Advance?
Unsuspecting folks eager at the promise of a perfect driveway usually take the bait, hook, line & sinker by paying in advance. If you are greeted by a contractor who offers low paving rates, no documentation, and advance payment of funds, immediately decline.
5. Are You Being Offered Warranties?
Sometimes, even legitimate paving contractor businesses resort to unfair means of earning their livelihood. If you are offered an additional warranty provided you allow the contractor to seal your pavement after installation, you are about to be scammed. Asphalt should not be sealed for at least 90 days after installation. The contractor then uses sub-par materials and cutbacks to install a pavement & seal coat it with watered down tack oil, and charges you for the real deal. And now you know!
Affordable Sealing & Striping Inc. advises you to be wary of anyone suspicious turning up at your door with paving offers. You can contact us for winter asphalt maintenance if you need an honest paving contractor because winter is not ideal for paving new driveways.
Get your free estimates on services in Laramie, WY, & beware of the scammers! Happy New Year!
Asphalt infrared repair is a process that utilizes heat to stabilize and strengthen asphalt surfaces. The process generates no emissions, making it an attractive option for sustainable consumption. Environmentally conscious paving companies like Affordable Sealing and Striping increasingly opt for infrared repair. You can use asphalt infrared repair to rehabilitate old asphalt pavement or provide new protection on newly laid asphalt surfaces. Using this technique over the traditional hot mix method brings many advantages. These include lower construction costs, increased durability, reduced maintenance requirements, and cold patch repairs in the winter months.
This blog post will discuss this innovative technology in detail and list the benefits it has to offer!
How Does Infrared Asphalt Repair Work?
Infrared asphalt repair is a method that uses infrared heating technology to recycle and repave existing roads. The process involves removing the old pavement layer, applying an adhesive bond breaker or etching primer if necessary, and adding new material on top with infill (gravel). Finally, you can top it off with sand and sealer depending on its application.
Infrared Asphalt Repair: An Alternative to Hot Mix
Although hot mix asphalt has been used for many years as part of road reconstruction projects in the country, using this traditional product comes at a higher price than other sustainable options such as infrared asphalt repair. This approach typically lasts longer, but because there are no emissions when heated by radiation, this helps lower the environmental impact.
When is the Best Time for Infrared Asphalt Repair?
One unique and attractive thing about infrared asphalt repair is that you can carry it out all year round. Because it is not dependent on weather conditions or the day of the week, contractors can be sure to finish their work within a short amount of time. Unlike other asphalt repair methods, infrared repair does not require any extra machinery to maintain asphalt temperature, so it is relatively simple to set up.
How is Infrared Asphalt Repair Sustainable?
Infrared asphalt repair is considered an environmentally friendly option for fixing potholes because of the low emissions produced by the equipment.
Although it does not produce emissions, infrared asphalt repair can be used to maintain hot aggregate pieces that have been heated up beforehand. This means that instead of burning fuel to generate heat, contractors can use recycled materials to keep their pavements at optimal temperatures during repairs.
How Infrared Asphalt Repair Save Costs and Time
Infrared asphalt repair can save contractors and municipalities time and money. This fix is usually completed in a single day, whereas traditional pothole repairs may take up to two weeks, depending on the size of the damage.
The equipment used for infrared asphalt repairs is also less expensive than most other options available today. The option is also environmentally sustainable and has lower externalities than other pavement repair methods.
Whether you require commercial or residential repair, you can count on Affordable Sealing and Striping to use the latest trends and machinery in delivering a sustainable and budget-friendly solution. We use infrared asphalt repair to offer affordable pavement maintenance and patching solutions to our clients in Loveland. Get a free estimate now!
Many business owners are guilty of underestimating the importance of their parking lots. Parking lot maintenance can be a pain, and many people think it’s not worth the hassle. But if your parking lot is in bad shape, you’re missing out on potential revenue! A simple thing such as restriping can make your parking lot safer and more accessible for your customers. Professional companies like Affordable Sealing and Striping Inc. can restripe your parking lot at an affordable price.
Here are some signs that you should have your parking lot restriped right away:
1) Aging
Sometimes you need to repaint the parking lot lines to make them visible again. You can’t go wrong with more paint! The aging parking lot conditions should be enough to convince you to get it done. Parking lot striping experts suggest repainting the entire area after every two-three years.
Restriping the parking lot is an inexpensive change you can make to your parking facility. It gives it a fresh look and also makes everyone feel safer when they visit!
2) Haphazard Parking
If you notice that people are parking haphazardly, you need to restripe the lines! Haphazard parking and instances of confused driving on the parking lot are signs of fading parking lot stripes. The stripes become so thin that visitors cannot identify handicapped parking spots and other instructions. As a result, people find it challenging to park vehicles in the parking lot.
3) Maintenance
Minor crack repair and seal coating are essentials of parking lot maintenance. However, these maintenance activities can hurt the parking lot paint. The best way to avoid this is by having the lines restriped every couple of years or so! Regular maintenance and restriping measures will give your parking lot a new and inviting look.
It is crucial to ensure that parking stripes don’t lose their shine after each maintenance endeavor. If you want a parking lot that can endure frequent maintenance and is durable, then restripe the lines.
4) ADA Compliance
You need to ensure that your parking lot is ADA compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that parking lots must have specific elements in place – including designated handicapped spaces, access aisles, and signage. If ADA signs are fading and the paint is hardly visible, you could face legal repercussions. Restriping will ensure that your parking lot meets ADA regulations.
Restriped parking will increase business as it allows customers to find their way more easily. When guests see a busy parking lot, they are tempted to visit your place of business! Having clear and visible markings on your property increases safety for pedestrians who may not be familiar with the area to park their cars or trucks.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above on your commercial parking lot in Loveland, you need to call Affordable Sealing and Striping Inc. immediately. We will restore your parking lot’s striping and ensure it’s in perfect condition before winters arrive. Get a free estimate from our team now!
Winter is coming, and many people are preparing for the harsh weather by stocking up on firewood, extra food, and winter clothing. Protecting your concrete parking lot from spalling in winter should be at the top of your list too.
Winter is a tough time for your concrete parking lot and driveway, with freezing and thawing temperatures causing them to crack or spall. Protecting your concrete from these damages in winter can be as easy as taking a few steps.
This blog post will highlight some easy ways you can keep your concrete safe from the damaging effects of winter weather.
Clear Away Any Debris to Ensure Better Drainage
Protecting your parking lot from winter spalling begins with clearing away any debris that might be in the way of proper drainage. Any rocks, branches, or other objects should be removed so water can flow freely through gutters and downspouts to prevent it pooling on the surface. Make sure drains are open as well by flushing them out with a hose. If you leave dirt or debris on your parking lot, it will allow water to pool up, which can cause concrete to spall or crack.
Check Out if There are Any Cracks in Your Concrete and Fill them
If there are any cracks in your concrete, now is the time to fill them with a special epoxy filler designed for use with concrete. Concrete cracks are common in winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle of water that penetrates through the surface of your parking lot, but also from general wear and tear over time. These types of cracks tend to expand when excess moisture is present on the pavement. It’s best to identify cracks and fill them before winter arrives because this will help prevent the water from pooling up, which can cause even more damage to concrete.
Seal the Surface of Your Concrete Pavement
If you have a sealer, it’s best to apply that as well. This can prevent water from penetrating through the cracks in your parking lot, and protect against spalling damage. Make sure you sweep up any debris before applying new sealant, so there aren’t any contaminants present. It’s best to get the sealer down early before winter has arrived so the sealer will protect the concrete through the worst of winter.
Protect Your Concrete from Deicing Chemicals
When you apply deicing chemicals onto your concrete slab during the colder months of the year, they can seep into any cracks or holes in the surface and compromise its structural integrity. This increases safety hazards for pedestrians who walk on the surface and makes it more prone to wear and tear. Protect your concrete by sealing any holes or cracks in the slab with a good concrete sealer before winter to avoid any damage during the winter months.
With winter coming soon, you don’t want this problem looming over your head like a dark cloud; take action now by contacting Affordable Sealing & Striping Inc in Fort Collins for a free, no-obligation quote! We offer premium concreting services including concrete sealcoating, crack sealing, and more.
7 Signs Your Asphalt Pavement Needs Repair
Asphalt pavement is a popular paving option because it’s durable, flexible, and affordable. However, asphalt needs regular maintenance, just like any other surface.
If you’re unsure if you need to call upon an asphalt repair expert to your home or business property, this blog post will help! We’ll discuss seven different signs that show when your asphalt needs repair and why these things occur.
1. Cracking
Cracks in asphalt pavement are a common sign of damage and need for repair. These cracks can be caused by a lack of support from the ground, environmental factors such as weather or chemical substances eating away at your pavement surface.
If they become large enough or start crossing each other, you may need an expert’s opinion.
2. Holes
If there are holes in your asphalt surface caused by water or ice penetrating through cracks, then these should be addressed with an expert as soon as possible.
3. Raised Pavement
Raised areas of asphalt pavement indicate that the ground beneath is sinking. This means the asphalt is no longer resting on a stable foundation; this can cause issues with drainage and stability, requiring repair of your pavement surface to return it to its original condition.
4. Distortion
If your surface is twisting or warping, then the asphalt pavement needs repair.
This distortion can be caused by several sub-base and base layer problems, which only a professional contractor can identify and address adequately.
5. Potholes
Potholes are the result of trapped water beneath your asphalt pavement. When this builds up, it can weaken or lift sections of the road causing pothole formation.
Potholes can be repaired using asphalt patching services, depending on the depth of the pothole.
6. Ruts
Ruts are caused by repeated tire traffic and can make it difficult to repair the asphalt if not addressed immediately.
If the ruts are deep enough, asphalt repairs may need to take place. This should include looking at what areas of your asphalt have become worn by tire traffic and which haven’t in order to determine the best asphalt repair technique.
7. Loose or Raised Grout
Asphalt repairs should always include looking at the asphalt surface to make sure it’s smooth and flat, but if you notice that there are areas where asphalt has been raised, this may indicate a need for asphalt replacement.
Loose grout indicates potential problems the asphalt underneath, such as water damage or issues with the base.
Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc. provides premier asphalt repair services in Fort Collins. Whether you need a sealcoating, asphalt patching, or crack sealing service, we have the skills and experience to do it right. We can help to restore your pavement to pristine condition by providing affordable services that will last for years to come.
If you would like more information about our services, get in touch with us today!
Concrete is an ancient recipe that has been rethought and reinvented throughout the ages since the rage caught on in middle eastern builders thousands of years ago. And since concrete is that old, so are the myths that accompany it and make their way into everyday American anecdotes. Other tales are furthered by concrete manufacturing competitions to add fuel. The cycle goes on!
The issue is that these myths affect the average consumer from an opportunity to invest in a durable construction and paving material that would grant lucrative financial returns in the long run. Fortunately, Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc is here to quell your concrete misconceptions so you can plan without a doubt!
Myth #1: Concrete Is Eternally Gray!
Of course, it’s gray, but it doesn’t mean the material mix is not open to color additives for decorative purposes. Minerals are used to give concrete natural hues and are usually blended into the concrete right before pouring. You can color the concrete any shade you want!
Myth #2: Concrete & Cement Are the Same!
Cement, or Portland cement, is a constituent, an ingredient, added to pulverized gravel, sand, chemical pastes, additives, and then activated by the hydrating reaction of water. Despite the terms being used interchangeably, cement & concrete are very different things!
Myth #3: High Compressive Concrete Is Durable!
Never confuse durable with compressive strength in the case of concrete. Concrete is a robust construction material but vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles in winters and spring because of its porous nature. Sealants are used to protect concrete against water intrusion and sustain its compressive strength.
Myth #4: Concrete Is Completely Impermeable!
Concrete relies on a specific air void mix to develop its compressive strength and forms microscopic capillaries that make the material very porous despite its indestructible structure. Liquids tend to get absorbed by concrete surfaces, and this quality has been heavily engineered to make permeable concrete pavement that acts as storm-water runoff control.
Myth #5: Acid Strips Concrete Sealant Effectively!
Acids are extreme in corrosive substances, and you might harm the visual appeal of your concrete surfaces if you think acid cleaning is a good idea. Instead, use a solvent to remove sealant from the concrete.
Myth #6: Concrete Is Evergreen Pouring Material!
No, it is not. If you’d paid attention to myth #3, it makes clear the case of the freeze-thaw cycle that can most certainly affect concrete curing in colder weather. Concrete needs to be poured right, cured right and sealed tight to achieve its expected strength.
Lucky for you, at Affordable Sealing & Striping, we have dealt with many misconceptions and opened up new construction avenues for folks who are still stuck to the adages. We offer premium quality asphalt & concrete paving solutions with protective maintenance incentives all around Cheyenne, WY. Please request a no-obligation quote on our offerings, and please do browse our services so you are assured we can help you with your dream paving project. Winters are coming, so why not schedule a pavement maintenance plan with us?
The adage does prove true that an excess of anything turns to spoil. Take the sun-damaged pavement in Estes Park as an example, base camp to the Rocky Mountain National Park, a tourist attraction & a picturesque town. True, summers are mild in Colorado, but the sun is still wreaking havoc on your pavement during the daytime with its degrading ultraviolet properties.
It’s sensible to plan asphalt repairs on the tourist-trodden pavement in preparation for the winter when the peaks, forests, and the tundra abound in elk and bears, attracting more traffic. That is also when winter roads need the most scrutiny to keep visitors & residents safe from slippage.
The Sun Is Depreciating Your Investment!
- The asphalt surface begins to disintegrate through the wearing course and exhibits warping.
- Swellings & indentations are characteristic of sun damage, weathering & load distress.
- Sun exposure leads to certain chemical reactions in the asphalt and binder particles, causing them to lose their adhesive bonds and resulting in loose pieces of chips & aggregate.
- Dried asphalt looks very grey and unlike its fresh blacktop counterpart. The UV rays in the sun’s light cause the bituminous oils in the asphalt to break down into their constituents and rob the asphalt of its ‘oily moisture’.
- Not to be confused with alligator cracking, which is usually borne by pavement subject to water intrusion. The excess dryness causes the asphalt binders to weaken, become brittle, and break off in chunks.
- Heat softened asphalt can also flush onto the surface to become a traction hazard in the summer months. Don’t discount the sight and have the surface milled and cleaned before any surface seals.
Get Your Asphalt’s Surface Protected!
A seal coat is a category of surface treatments that acts as a surface protectant against the oxidizing effects of ultraviolet light and keeps the driving course bound and sealed from the loss of the asphalt oils essential to the function of the pavement. Chip & tar are an equally effective and economical alternative to ensuring the quality of your tourist attraction town’s roads.
One should have a checklist for asphalt pavement & maintenance if you deal with heavy tourist traffic on your turf, as this can wear your pavement out before the intended time. A damaged and unstripped pavement does you no favor on savings or curb appeal.
Fortunately, Affordable Sealing & Striping operates in the area to give your asphalt that pick-me-up treatment so your pavement is back to its dark glory for the next tourist season. If you have an urgent need for perdurable asphalt repairs, then drop in for free quotes on our services in Estes Park, CO.
Our seal coats are like an armada of umbrellas over your investment!
Winter is a time for snow and cold, but it could also mean more damage to your pavement! If you don’t want to spend all of your hard-earned money at the end of winter on repairing cracks in your driveway or sidewalk, air-entrained concrete may be the solution. Air-entrainment creates air pockets in cement paste when mixed with water. These air pockets increase strength and toughness, preventing cracking because ice expansion does not occur quickly due to these air bubbles.
This blog post will explain how air-entrained concrete can help protect against winter pavement damage.
Resistance to Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Winter air can be harsh on your concrete. Water inside the concrete will freeze and expand, causing cracks, or it might cause the air to dry out. Either way, winter air will have a detrimental effect on your pavement over time if you don’t do something about it. Air-entrained concrete offers protection from winter by keeping water in the mix of ingredients that make the cement. This type of concrete also has increased resistance to freezing and drying out, so you no longer need to worry about damage.
Resistance to Chemical Attack
A common cause of the degradation of concrete is a chemical attack. When exposed to chemicals, concrete lacking air entrainment will experience more damage than air-entrained concrete, including deicing salts and road salt brines. Deicers are used routinely on many pavements across the country during winter months to keep roads open.
Air-entrained concrete is highly resistant to chemical attack, which causes air voids in the paste of non-air-entrained concrete to collapse. As air voids collapse, it can lead to damage beyond surface scaling and includes spalling, cratering, or pops.
Air Entrainment Provides Resistance Against Thermal Shrinkage Cracking
The air that is entrained within the concrete paste during mixing protects from thermal shrinkage cracking. There are two types of shrinkage in cementitious materials: volumetric and elastic. Volumetric shrinkage occurs when a material loses water, causing it to dry out and decrease in volume. Elastic shrinkage occurs when there is a temperature change, causing the material to contract or expand.
Air entrained concrete has air dispersed within it, so when shrinkage occurs, the air is trapped and provides resistance against cracking due to the volumetric change because of water loss. Air entrainment also helps protect from thermal expansion by using air as a cushion between particles that can cause damage to the pavement in winter.
Increased Durability
When air-entrained concrete is utilized in the pavement, it provides increased durability because of its resistance to cracking and longer service life. Entrained air also reduces the possibility for frost heave at lower temperatures, which helps reduce potholes during winter months.
Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc. is a concrete replacement, asphalt patching and crack sealing company that provides affordable services for driveways, parking lots, walkways, or trails in Estes Park. We provide free estimates for our high-quality services so you can make an informed decision. If you require air-entrained concrete installation, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Scraped asphalt is a byproduct of the construction process. Asphalt is scraped from old roads and parking lots that have been replaced with new pavement or when traffic lanes have been narrowed to improve safety. At first glance, it may seem like this material is just waste, but scraped asphalt can contribute to sustainability efforts in several ways.
In this blog post, we will discuss different ways scraped asphalt can help sustain the environment.
Benefits of Recycling Asphalt
One of the most critical benefits scraped asphalt provides is in reducing landfill waste. Asphalt roads contribute to around one-third of all roads in the United States, with each mile containing 200 metric tons on average. When scraped material is reused for other purposes instead of being sent to a landfill, it eliminates unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.
Another benefit that scraped asphalt provides is cost-effectiveness. When scraped asphalt is reused for other purposes, it reduces the cost of road construction and repair, saving taxpayers roughly $11 per ton, including transportation costs. It also provides a more budget-friendly option that allows cities to contribute money towards education or public works programs instead of towards road construction.
It also provides economic benefits because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming.
Various Uses of Scraped Asphalt
- Scraped asphalt can be reused in new pavement projects. Instead of purchasing virgin materials for these projects, recycled material is often used when there are readily available sources like scraped asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills.
- Scraped asphalt can also be repurposed into other products such as road base or topsoil.
- Scraped asphalt can help reduce stormwater runoff. For instance, using it as part of road bases or other hardscape materials helps increase infiltration and decrease the amount of water that flows into local waterways.
- Scraped asphalt can be used to build gravel roads or parking lots to prevent soil erosion around these areas. Soil erosion affects the environment negatively and causes damage to property and infrastructure, so having scraped asphalt that is capable of preventing this would provide a massive benefit for cities everywhere!
With a bit of research and determination, you can find the right company to help turn your asphalt pavement into an eco-friendly solution. Affordable Sealing & Striping in Longmont is one such business that specializes in these types of projects. We have been working with homeowners for years to give them peace of mind knowing that they are doing their part to protect our environment from pollution while still getting the finishing touches on their driveway or parking area quickly and affordably.
Whether it be crack sealing existing pavement or stripping old paint off before applying new line striping, we will gladly answer any questions you have and provide a free estimate at the same time!
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