Winter is in full swing and Jack Frost seems reluctant to loosen his grip on the weather, but spring will be here before you know it. For most of us, that just means warmer weather and safer driving conditions. For facility managers and property owners, spring means it’s time for inspections and common area maintenance (CAM): repair, replacement, and care of all lighting, plumbing, roofs, parking surfaces, landscaped areas, signs, and more. (more…)
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Archive for the ‘Asphalt Maintenance’ Category
Attention Facility Managers! Now is the Time to Plan Spring Inspections
Monday, March 2nd, 2015Pothole Repair Services in Baltimore, Maryland and Beyond
Thursday, February 12th, 2015
According to everyone’s favorite groundhog (or least favorite, depending on who you ask), we are in for six more weeks of winter. That is six more weeks of snow. That is six more weeks of ice. And that is six more weeks of pavement damage. You see, the freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc on your asphalt, leading to cracking and other forms of pavement distress. And don’t get us started on potholes.
Too late…
The Good, the Bad, the Cold, and the Hot of Pothole Repair
Potholes are not just eyesores. They are a sign of underlying pavement issues. And if not addressed in a timely manner, these issues could worsen. On top of that, potholes open business owners and property managers up to a whole new world of liability concerns.
According one local attorney, “all Maryland businesses, corporations, employers and business owners have a legal obligation and responsibility to properly maintain all areas of their property. This includes parking lots, driveways and sidewalks.”
“Property owners have a responsibility to make sure either that these hazards are repaired or that people walking and driving on their property are warned against them,” added a New York attorney.
This is because potholes represent two real risks: vehicle damage and trip/fall hazards. When it comes to vehicles, potholes can do a number of bad things to wheels, tires, and suspension. Then comes the trip/fall side of things. At the end of the day, the only person liable for injuries caused by potholes is you.
Pothole Repair Services in Baltimore, Maryland
The asphalt paving experts at PTG Enterprises have managed hundreds of projects throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. A good contractor is hard to find!
Click Here for a proposal.
Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix
If you notice a crack, pothole, or other form of asphalt damage, it is important to have it repaired quickly to avoid the issue worsening. The longer you put off pothole repair, the worse the underlying damage can and will become.
There are two ways to fix potholes. First is Cold Patch, which is a temporary fix. The next is Hot Mix, which is a more permanent fix.
To find out which form of Pothole Repair makes the most sense for you, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Battling Winter Pavement Damage
Friday, January 16th, 2015Between the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle and the damaging-effects of de-icing chemicals, winter can be a difficult season on your asphalt and concrete surfaces. However, with proper (continued) maintenance your pavement can withstand winter and live a long and healthy life.
Battling Winter Pavement Damage
Pavement begins to deteriorate the moment it is laid. That is just life. All good things must come to an end, or so they say. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help slow this deterioration and ensure you have beautiful for the foreseeable future.
- Cleaning: Remove debris from your parking lot and paved services.
- Sealcoating: This helps preserve the natural black color of your asphalt while also delaying eventual deterioration. Click Here to compare and contrast the benefits of sealed vs. unsealed pavement.
- Crackfill: Cracks allow water to penetrate the base and sub-base, deteriorating your pavement from the inside out. This damage is intensified by the freeze-thaw cycle, which we mentioned above.
- Patching: Cold weather patching used to be complicated and cumbersome, but it has gotten easier over the years. If you already have sizable cracks or holes, you should consider asphalt patching. Cold patches aren’t as strong as warm mix or hot mix asphalt, but they’ll help protect the rest of your asphalt until the weather warms up and we can provide a more permanent solution.
Pavement Maintenance from PTG Enterprises
Since 2001, PTG Enterprises, a full service commercial asphalt contractor in Baltimore, Maryland, has set the standard for quality asphalt work in the area, paving thousands of miles of asphalt parking lots. We know a thing or two about asphalt maintenance, too. So do yourself a favor the next time you have an asphalt project. Call PTG Enterprises, the asphalt contractor that cares about you, the customer.
In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through.
If you have any questions about Pavement Damage and Maintenance or if you are looking for an asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Patching Your Asphalt this Winter
Friday, December 12th, 2014
The winter months can be tough on your asphalt. Last week we talked about winterizing your asphalt to prepare for the tough Baltimore winter ahead. Today we’ll walk you through why you want to winterize your pavement and what repairs could be necessary if you haven’t taken the necessary precautions (or if this winter turns out to be particularly snowy).
Why Is Winter So Hard on Asphalt?
The freeze thaw cycle can cause cracks and even holes in your asphalt. What may start off as a small crack can expand significantly throughout the winter months. Snow or rain in a small crack can freeze, causing the asphalt to expand, and the crack to widen. Couple this cycle with cars driving over weakened asphalt or salt making its way into the cracks and you get a recipe for potholes! Some things can be left until spring to patch, but many times it’s best to go ahead with a cold patch to avoid wear and tear to vehicles.
What Are My Options for the Winter Months?
- Preventive Measures – First thing first, it’s always important to take steps to prevent cracking and wear in the first place. Making sure that your asphalt is regularly seal coated can help prevent cracking and potholes in the winter months. You may have heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” before. While it may be an old cliché, it is still relevant today.
- Asphalt Patching – Cold weather patching used to be complicated and cumbersome, but it has gotten easier over the years. If you already have sizable cracks or holes, you should consider asphalt patching. Cold patches aren’t as strong as warm mix or hot mix asphalt, but they’ll help protect the rest of your asphalt until the weather warms up and we can provide a more permanent solution.
- Crack Fill – This one goes along with prevention. There’s no point in letting cracks get any bigger. While there are still a couple of warm days left, we advise that you have any cracks filled. It’ll stop the freeze thaw process in its tracks and mean less work for you during the spring and summer months.
Call PTG Enterprises For Your Winter Patching Needs
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and we know the telltale warning signs of asphalt and pavement failure. And as a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI), National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT), and Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) we are well-positioned to help you make the right financial decisions for your property or community association.
PTG stands out as an industry leader due to our methodology of pavement management planning: a systematic, long-term approach to managing and extending the life of your pavement. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to extend and maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces.
If you have any questions about winter patching or crack fill, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Fix Asphalt
Why Sand Makes More Sense than De-Icing with Salt
Wednesday, November 26th, 2014
It’s only November, and we’ve already experienced snowfall and record low temperatures in Maryland. With that said, we could predict a harsh, snowy winter this year. To prepare for a snowstorm, we tend to gather the essentials: milk, toilet paper, bread, and road salt. When our driveways and roads are shoveled and plowed, usually salt is put down to help melt the icy patches. However, have you ever considered using sand instead of de-icing with salt? Though salt has been known to save lives and prevent traffic crashes, it has its dangers.
Road salt can thoroughly damage sidewalks and cause the cement to crack, making the area a hazard even after the ice is melted. In addition, salt poses a huge environmental risk to wildlife as well as humans. Because road salt is unrefined, unlike table salt, it contains minerals and chemicals that assist with the de-icing process. When the salt and chemicals eventually runoff into streams and lakes, it creates an unbalanced salt ratio and decreases oxygen levels. This, in turn, has harmful effects on wild animals and plants living in the surrounding areas.
Salt can also be damaging to you as well as your pets. Excessive salt can enter our source for drinking water. In some cases, city water supplies have had to be shut down because of the amount of salt present. Drinking the water contaminated with these harmful chemicals can have very negative effects on your health. In addition to your health, salt can also affect the health of your pets. The large pieces of rock salt could become wedged between paws, or harm their digestion systems if accidentally consumed.
To avoid these problems, consider using sand instead of salt. While sand doesn’t exactly melt the ice, it still provides traction for drivers, walkers, and pets. Take a look at some of the other benefits of using sand instead of salt:
- It’s a cheaper alternative to salt, which means it can be used more frequently and in more locations
- It contains no harmful added chemicals
- It’s composed of smaller grains, which will making walking easier for pets
The only real downfall of sand is that it doesn’t disintegrate, and can buildup on roads and in streams. However, with no harsh chemicals, sand doesn’t pose a huge risk for humans or the environment.
Before you pick up a bag of road salt to prepare for the winter storm, pick up two bags of sand instead. With cheaper materials, you’ll be able to get more for your money, and make your walkway safer for yourself and your family. To find out how else you can protect your pavement this winter season, contact PTG Enterprises.
PTG Enterprises is a commercial concrete contractor in the Baltimore area. Our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving, so you know the job will look professional and last for years to come. Give us a call and let us help protect your pavement from Mother Nature.
If you have any questions about de-icing with sand, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Learn More about the Asphalt Institute and American Concrete Institute
Friday, November 7th, 2014
There are two primary authorities in the asphalt and concrete industries: the Asphalt Institute and the American Concrete Institute, respectively.
Asphalt Institute
Founded in 1919, is the international trade association of petroleum asphalt producers, manufacturers and affiliated businesses. AI serves its members by providing the latest on health, safety, and environmental matters. One way the Institute accomplishes this is through its publications, such as Asphalt magazine, which reach more than 18,000 industry professionals.
Its mission is to “promote the use, benefits, and quality performance of petroleum asphalt, through environmental, marketing, research, engineering and technical development, and through the resolution of issues affecting the industry.”
Today, members account for 90% of the liquid asphalt produced in North America.
American Concrete Institute
Founded in 1904, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a nonprofit technical and educational society and one of the world’s leading authorities on concrete technology. ACI provides concrete contractors, like PTG Enterprises, a forum to discuss concrete technology, innovations, and best practices. ACI accomplishes this several ways, including conventions, meetings, and publications, such as the ACI Structural Journal, the ACI Materials Journal, and Concrete International.
PTG Enterprises: An Asphalt and Concrete Contractor in Maryland
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. Our crews are the best available, and they know how to perform their job the right way, using only the best materials and equipment available. With the help of organizations like AI and ACI, we stay up to date on the latest technologies and industry best practices: all of this to provide you, the customer, with the best possible experience.
Our natural knack for logistics, combined with interpersonal skills and a desire to keep up with industry trends, result in excellent planning and execution of any project. We enjoy what we’re good at, and that’s the secret to our success.
If you have any questions about Asphalt or Concrete, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?
Friday, October 3rd, 2014
All good things must come to an end, as they say. The same holds true for your once proud asphalt pavement. Asphalt typically lasts from 15 to 18 years, depending on maintenance and outstanding conditions. Over the years, constant exposure to the elements – sunlight, rain, sleet, snow, and more – cause even the toughest asphalt to break down and eventually fail, resulting in cracking, potholes, or worse.
Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?
Asphalt is known for its strength and durability, which is why the material is used for everything from roadways to parking lots. It’s easy to work with and capable of withstanding years of abuse. However, like all pavement (or anything for that matter), asphalt will begin to show its age over the years.
There are a few likely causes of asphalt pavement deterioration:
Natural Wear and Tear
Over time, the materials that make up asphalt begin to deteriorate. The liquid asphalt binder, the glue that holds the pavement together, begins to lose its natural elasticity and starts to break down. During this process, the asphalt also loses its natural resistance to water, making the pavement even more susceptible to rain, snow, freezing and thawing, and more. Once this happens, cracking and other forms of deterioration are not far behind.
Failures in Construction
Improperly installed asphalt can be a large reason for the deterioration of your pavement. Failures in construction can include: improperly compacted base, over or under compaction of the asphalt, improper temperature during application, poor drainage, and so much more.
Asphalt Maintenance is a Must: Trust PTG Enterprises
Your asphalt pavement will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. It’s only natural. Nothing lasts forever. But with proper construction and regular maintenance your asphalt surface can serve you well for years to come.
PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, the asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots along the way. Our crews work quickly and professionally.
When you contact PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.
If you have any questions about Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
The Ins and Outs of Asphalt Pavement Maintenance
Thursday, September 25th, 2014A savvy businessperson knows that taking care of your business’ property is vital. It creates a welcoming environment for clients and shows that you put care, time, and energy into every aspect of your work. That’s why it’s worth spending the time to maintain your property’s asphalt pavement. Everyone knows that when a road’s condition deteriorates beyond a certain point, people won’t want to drive there, and less foot traffic means less business. PTG paving is here to stop pavement destruction before it starts with a bit of preventative maintenance advice.
Crack Filling
While there’s ultimately no way to prevent the damage caused by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle that causes most asphalt pavement damage, it can be quickly mitigated with crack filling. The process involves blowing out, cleaning, and then refilling cracks with one of a wide variety of emulsions, cements, or asphalt-variants which prevents water intrusion. It’s best used on wider cracks and the filling has a life expectancy of slightly less than 3 years.
Crack Sealing
A step that goes beyond crack filling, sealing provides a longer term solution. Crack sealing involves widening the crack substantially to about a 0.5-inch by 0.5-inch to 0.75-inch by 0.75-inch square. This space is then filled with rubberized asphalt material. The larger trench provides greater flexibility during thermal changes, as does the rubberized asphalt. Crack sealant is graded based on climate and temperature, so it’s important to apply one that works in your area’s specific environment. Crack Sealant has a life expectancy of about 3-5 years and is an excellent asphalt pavement maintenance option.
Surface Treatment
Also available in a slew of options, surface treatments can be used to repair and reinforce against small scale environmental damage over a larger area. Using emulsified asphalt that is usually either mixed with, or immediately followed by, a fine aggregate, several layers are applied to a large area. The surface treatment will fill small cracks and can penetrate into the asphalt pavement, waterproofing the surface and reinforcing the base while increasing overall elemental resistance.
Dangerous DIY
While it is possible to attempt these kinds of preventative measures yourself, improper mixing or application of the materials could be hazardous and ultimately make your asphalt less safe than before. That’s why it’s best to consult and hire a professional contractor for your asphalt pavement maintenance projects.
The asphalt paving experts at PTG Enterprises have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work.
A good contractor is hard to find!
If you have any questions about Pavement Repair and Crack Filling, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! Unlike those other asphalt contractors, we care about you and your business. In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through.
You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Source: Buildings.com
The Difference between Asphalt Rejuvenator, Coal Tar Sealer and Asphalt Emulation
Friday, July 11th, 2014Think of all of the wear and tear your asphalt installation goes through in a given year. Thousands upon thousands of cars may drive on it; it may endure many different types of severe weather; even sun exposure can contribute to the degradation of asphalt. For this reason, it is important to be proactive about maintaining your asphalt properly. You have three main choices when it comes to asphalt maintenance: asphalt rejuvenator, coal tar sealer, and asphalt emulation. PTG Enterprises’ paving experts can help you decide which option is right for you.
Asphalt Rejuvenator
According to Senior Civil Engineer of Houston, Adil Godiwalla, asphalt rejuvenators “play a major preventative maintenance role as demonstrated by its ability to improve pavement durability, extend it life, and reduce maintenance cost.” An asphalt rejuvenator works by replacing lost bitumens in the asphalt, which both reestablishes the strength and durability of the existing asphalt while adding a new element to it.
Coal Tar Sealer
A coal tar sealer is applied after the initial asphalt application and can be used as the asphalt ages to repair crack, splitting, and other imperfections in the surface. Coal tar sealer can prevent liquids, such as oil and gasoline, from leaking under the asphalt pavement layer and causing damage to its base.
Asphalt Emulation
Asphalt emulation sealer is a relatively affordable option for your asphalt sealing needs. Asphalt emulsion is the process of mixing asphalt with water and other polymers to create an effective sealant. While asphalt emulation can be used to seal the top layer of asphalt, it is often used to bind two layers of asphalt together in order to create a durable, hardy surface.
Selecting the right treatment for your asphalt pavement installation depends on a variety of factors. Let the experts at PTG Enterprises guide you in your search for asphalt rejuvenators, coal tar sealers, and asphalt emulsions.
The paving experts at PTG Enterprises have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work.
If you have any questions about Asphalt Rejuvenator, Cold Tar Sealer, or Asphalt Emulation, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! Unlike those other asphalt contractors, we care about you and your business. In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through.
You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Sources:
Certapro
Pavement Council
Pavement Interactive
Pavement Repair Services in Baltimore
Friday, June 13th, 2014If we have said it once, we have said it a thousand times. This past winter in Baltimore was harsh. Period. End of story. As a result of the freeze-thaw cycle, you may have noticed some damage to your concrete and asphalt surfaces: cracking, potholes, and more. It is important to address this damage before it worsens. As water penetrates the surface of your sidewalk, parking lot, or other pavement surface through the damaged area, it begins to deteriorate the pavement from the inside out. The longer a crack or pothole goes uncorrected, the greater the damage to the base and the greater the likelihood of further damage.
Types of Pavement Damage
- Cracks.
- Potholes, a car’s worst enemy.
- Corrugation, or waves in the pavement.
- Flushing.
- Ruts in the wheel path.
- And More!
If you notice one (or several) of the above issues, contact your local, Baltimore pavement repair contractor as soon as possible. Allowing minor blemishes to worsen will both increase costs and lower the aesthetic appeal (curb appeal) of your facility. This is why timely repairs are so important.
- Crack Sealing: Crack sealing will help prevent water from entering the subsurface through cracks. It is that simple. Addressing small cracks now is the best way to prevent large problems later.
- Cut and Patch: When damage cannot be corrected with simple crack sealing, spot repairs may be the next step. This involves removing a portion of the pavement surface and repaving that section. This technique is ideal for areas comprising less than 15% of the total pavement surface.
- Overlay: An overlay is when a new pavement surface is paved over the existing surface. If cracks are present in the existing surface, a crack retardant fabric is placed between the old and new pavement to ensure the cracks do not prevent themselves in the freshly paved surface.
- Repaving: If the entire parking lot surface (or more than 15%) requires repair, you should strongly consider replacing the pavement surface.
Preventative Maintenance
A well-planned preventative maintenance program can help extend the life of your pavement and help reduce maintenance and repair costs. Ca-ching! Even if you do not notice any visible signs of damage (luck you), that does not mean your pavement is a-okay. Over time, sun, rain, and wind age your pavement, making it more brittle and prone to damage. Fortunately there are several ways for you to fight back!
- Sealcoating your asphalt parking lot carries many advantages—it makes your lot more weatherproof, nicer to look at, and—in the long run—less expensive to maintain.
- Of course, one of the best preventative maintenance measures you can take is proper installation. That is why you should trust all of your pavement projects to a professional pavement contractor, like PTG Enterprises.
Pavement Repair Services in Baltimore
PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We have been in the paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots and concrete surfaces. Our crews work quickly and professionally.
If you have any questions about Pavement Repair, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! Unlike those other asphalt contractors, we care about you and your business. In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through.
