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.

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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!

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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?

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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!

1. The asphalt surface begins to disintegrate through the wearing course and exhibits warping.
2. Swellings & indentations are characteristic of sun damage, weathering & load distress.
3. 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.
4. 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’.
5. 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.
6. 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!

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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!

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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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Parking lot restriping is a necessary process that can restore parking spaces in your parking lot back to optimum efficiency. It is also an essential procedure if you ever want to sell your parking lot or property, as potential buyers often require parking lots to be restriped before they will consider buying the land.

Here are some reasons why parking lot restriping is vital for your business:

• Restriping allows parking spaces to be used more efficiently by grouping them into larger parking areas. This means that each space gives access to more cars and drivers than previously, making it easier for people who park there frequently.

• Parking lot restriping provides ample opportunity for customers with disabilities to find easy accessibility when they park.

• Efficient parking lot restriping allows parking lots to accommodate more cars and drivers, which can significantly improve parking capacity for a larger number of vehicles.

• Restriping also ensures that your parking spaces are striped in an intuitive manner, so it’s easier for customers to find the area they need when looking for a parking spot.

• It is essential to have your parking lot restriped to look orderly and professional, so customers feel comfortable walking around the premises. If they see an unkempt parking lot full of uneven spots, they may be turned off from visiting your business altogether. 

• Parking lot restriping can also help you keep up with changes in how people drive and park cars these days – for example, the use of parallel parking instead of angled parking.

• If your parking lot is not compliant with parking regulations – including ADA compliancy, you could end up facing legal problems.

• Parking lot restriping also helps ensure that pedestrians are safe by making it easier to identify where they should walk on the sidewalk or crosswalks. 

• Faded lines can cause accidents, and parking lot restriping is an integral part of keeping parking lots safe and accessible for all. If you want to offer your customers a better parking experience, parking lot restriping should be done as soon as it starts looking faded or worn out. This way, there will not be any confusing lines that could cause accidents.

• Restriping ensures that the fire lane will be visible and accessible at all times.

• Restriping is especially important for parking lots that see heavy traffic. Properly painted lines will guide people to parking spaces and increase parking lot efficiency.

• Parking lot restriping is necessary every few years to ensure the parking lines are visible and free of damage from parking vehicles.

Parking lot restriping is a critical component of any commercial, residential or industrial property. When the lines on your parking lots are faded and worn away, they can confuse drivers and cause accidents. The experts at Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc offer fast and reliable signage and restriping services in Loveland that will not only improve safety but also boost the curb appeal of your business with crisp white stripes that reflect light beautifully. Get a free estimate today.

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Asphalt is one of the most popular paving materials in the United States. It’s cost-effective, easy to install, and lasts a long time. But just because asphalt has a long lifespan doesn’t mean you should neglect it! Here are five tips for maintaining your asphalt parking lot so that it can last for decades—and impress potential customers for years to come.

1) Regular Pavement Inspection

Hire a professional paving company to come in and perform regular inspections of your asphalt. This will help you identify problems early before they become more significant issues that can take months or even years to repair!

However, you must ensure that the inspection company has experience with parking lots.

2) Clean the Parking Lot 

Parking lots that are not regularly cleaned will become dirty and messy. This deters customers from returning to your parking lot, so make sure you’re keeping it clean! We recommend hiring a professional service like Affordable Sealing and Striping in Loveland to do the job for you.

3) Remove Damaged Areas

The damaged segments of your asphalt parking lot can harm your pavement and spread to other parts. This is why you need to repair the damaged areas quickly and resolve the problem. The damaged segments are usually a result of wear and tear or climate changes, so you’ll need to find a way to fix them.

4) Sealcoat Periodically

Sealcoating is a great way to protect your asphalt parking lot from damaging elements like oil leaks and harsh weather conditions.

Sealcoating is an affordable solution that will protect your asphalt parking lot over time by blocking UV rays that might otherwise destroy its durability or cause its color to fade. It also fills cracks with materials that don’t spread while simultaneously creating a protective layer against chemicals and other pollutants.

Make sure to sealcoat the parking lot every two years to give it the strength and durability it needs.

5) Asphalt Overlay

Asphalt overlay means installing a new asphalt layer over your weary deteriorating parking lot. You should consider overlaying asphalt when you notice scattered cracks on your parking lot that are too many to fill individually. This is a more expensive but better solution than filling cracks with hot asphalt because it completely covers and protects the surface.

You can rely on Affordable Sealing and Striping for all your asphalt maintenance needs in Loveland. Our professional asphalt paving and repair services ensure your blacktop pavement looks the part at all times. Signing up for our service gives you a majestic new pavement at an unbeatable new price and keeps your customers and visitors coming back for more business. Get a free estimate now!

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Paving contractors are not hard to find; however, finding the right one for your project requires some effort. Paving-related jobs, whether it is pavement installation, repair, or maintenance, can be expensive. Therefore, it is in your best interest to find a professional contractor who can deliver excellent results eliminating the need for rework.

This blog post will go over four factors you should know to identify the right contractor, so read on!

1) Get Competitive Quotes

You must first talk to at least three to four different contractors and see what they give you in terms of pricing, guarantees, warranties on products used, etc.

However, you should avoid shortlisting prospective contractors based on the lowest bid offered. You should also discuss their pricing for the work, not just a per square foot cost. Some contractors provide rock bottom prices and skip some necessary details that are later added to the bill, much to your surprise.

2) Past Experience

It would help to interview prospective contractors to determine how many asphalt paving jobs they have completed in the past. You must ensure that your contractor has experience with other projects similar to yours so that there’s less likelihood of mistakes and delays occurring. Professional contractors like Affordable Sealing and Striping in Fort Collins will not hesitate to provide you with many references.

For example, if asphalt overlays are needed in addition to new paving, then make sure that the prospective contractor has experience doing such jobs.

3) License and Insurance Coverage

Ensure that the contractor has all of their necessary licenses and insurance coverage. An accident of an uninsured worker is the last thing you need when carrying out asphalt paving. Checking licenses can also ensure that there will not be any delays with installation because government agencies may stop contractors without a valid license from working until they complete all paperwork. This means more delays for you!

4) Check References

If you want to ensure that they deliver good quality work, ask for their references and check them out thoroughly.

If they have several satisfied customers in your area who are willing to give positive feedback on how well the team performed asphalt repairs or paving projects, you should feel comfortable proceeding with the project. You can also check for social media reviews.

Residents of Fort Collins can now get their asphalt paving and maintenance done at an affordable price thanks to the premium quality services which Affordable Sealing and Striping offers. With years of experience in the pavement industry, we ensure our customers enjoy the full range of our services. Get a free estimate from our team now and enjoy a durable new pavement at an affordable price.

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For years, infrared asphalt patching has been considered an excellent option for filling potholes and other types of surface damage on roads, driveways, parking lots, and more because it is quick and inexpensive. In recent years, infrared asphalt patching has become the go-to solution in many areas with heavy traffic volume.

There are many facts and myths about infrared asphalt patching that you need to know before deciding whether or not this technique is the right choice for you.

Facts about Infrared Asphalt Patching

• Infrared asphalt patching is a technique that has been used in the construction industry for many years. Sometimes infrared patches are also referred to as infrared expansion joints or infrared grouting, but they all represent an effective method of repairing cracks and holes on pavement surfaces.

• Infrared patches are typically installed as a less expensive alternative to traditional patching methods. The infrared energy used in the repair process can penetrate and heat up asphalt materials that lie beneath the surface, causing them to expand and contract at varying rates until they reach an equilibrium state with surrounding areas.

• In addition, infrared asphalt patching can fill cracks and holes with new or recycled asphalt that is firm enough to withstand traffic yet soft enough to allow for natural expansion.

• Infrared patches can be applied on all asphalt surfaces, including ground-level pavements, ramps, bridges, overpasses, and parking garages. This patching method provides a cost-effective alternative for repairing potholes, cracks, and other pavement surface imperfections.

• The process of getting rid of the existing cracks in your asphalt involves heating asphalt to 300 degrees and then penetrating 3 to 4 inches deep.

• Infrared asphalt patching takes less time than traditional patching methods.

• Infrared asphalt patching is less disruptive to traffic than traditional patches.

• Infrared patching repairs are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than other types of pavement maintenance.

Myths about Infrared Asphalt Patching

• It is falsely believed that infrared asphalt patching can fix alligator cracks. Infrared asphalt patching is a method to permanently repair minor surface problems such as cracks and other indentations in the pavement that develop over time from normal wear and tear or damage caused by artificial events like construction projects. Infrared asphalt patching is not capable of fixing alligator cracks.

• It is wrongly thought that infrared asphalt patching can fix a failed pavement. Infrared asphalt patching is a solution that should be used to repair minor surface problems until the failed pavement can be replaced. Infrared patching cannot fix a failed pavement because it would require removing and replacing the existing materials.

Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc. would like to help you better understand the infrared asphalt paving technique so that if you have this need, we are ready. There are many benefits associated with hiring our team of professionals in Greeley, CO, including competitive pricing and superior quality workmanship.

Learn more about our process or get a free estimate from one of our knowledgeable staff members.

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