Blog

Archive for the ‘Asphalt Maintenance’ Category

How Asphalt Patching can save Baltimore Businesses both Money and Heartache

Friday, March 28th, 2014

If we have said it once, we have said it a thousand times; this past winter was harsh! And businesses all over Baltimore are suffering the consequences. The freeze-thaw damage on roads and parking lots is very noticeable, with potholes, cracking, and other forms of asphalt damage everywhere. The solution: Asphalt Patching.

How Asphalt Patching can save Baltimore Businesses both Money and Heartache

Remember the old adage a stitch in time saves nine? Well, the same theory holds true for your asphalt. A little preventive maintenance now can save you a lot of money (and heartache) in the future. Asphalt patching is a cost-effective way to address broken areas of concrete without resurfacing the entire lot.

Remember, the longer you put off maintenance, the worse the damage will become. And because much of the damage occurs under the surface, you may not even realize the full extent of the problem.

Asphalt Patching Baltimore

The Asphalt Patching Process

In a nutshell, we:

  1. layout the area and paint the perimeter,
  2. saw cut or jackhammer the perimeter,
  3. excavate the damaged area with a milling machine or excavator,
  4. roll the soil and compact,
  5. re-install the asphalt in lifts as required by depth, two inches at a time, and
  6. roll and compact the area.

Asphalt Patching in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. And when you choose PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.

Each phase of the project will be executed with an attention to detail that other asphalt paving contractors don’t possess. We’ll establish timetables and plans that ensure the job gets done quickly, without impacting traffic flow or accessibility for customer and tenants and/or residents.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Patching in Baltimore, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

Property Managers in Maryland should start scheduling Spring Inspections

Friday, March 21st, 2014

Spring inspections help property managers throughout Maryland identify areas of immediate need.

Spring has finally sprung…sort of. While spring officially started on the March 20th, we still have one more snow storm in the forecast in Maryland. It is the perfect end to one of the worst winters in recent memory. As we mentioned in last week’s blog, the freeze-thaw damage on Maryland roads and parking lots is very noticeable this year. There are potholes and cracks everywhere! The snow and ice sure did a number on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks throughout the state…

Property Managers in Maryland should start scheduling Spring Inspections

Property managers everywhere know what spring means; it’s time to deal with the aftermath of winter: potholes, pavement cracks, de-icing chemical damage, faded parking lot striping, damaged curbs, storm drain collapses, bent signage, and more. Each of these areas poses a threat to your customer, clients, or tenants, a threat that you could be held liable for.

“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,” warns a Maryland attorney.

This is why it is important to schedule spring inspections as soon as the weather clears up. Not only will this help you avoid potential lawsuits, but it will prevent the asphalt and concrete damage from worsening over time.

 

Maryland Spring Inspections

Spring Inspections with PTG Enterprises

Located in Linthicum, Maryland, PTG Enterprises specializes in concrete and asphalt repair. We can also handle all of your striping and signage needs. When you schedule your spring inspections with us, owner Patrick Gillen will walk your property, examine your pavement, and provide his recommendations for repairs.

You’ll receive a thorough, detailed estimate and proposal written in an easy to understand format. Of course, you do not have to make all of your repairs at once. We will prioritize everything to help you better budget.

The next step is simple: we’ll show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave the client satisfied!

If you have any questions about Spring Inspections in Maryland, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

Winter Asphalt Maintenance

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

‘Tis the season for winter asphalt maintenance.

Winter is here and it has been harsh these past few weeks. Burr! Freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and, of course, ice. While this is great news for your son or daughter – after all, what child doesn’t love a snow day – it can be a nightmare for business owners and property managers. Winter can wreak havoc on a business.

First of all, when it snows, your employees, let alone customers and clients, cannot make it to your business. This means downtime, which costs you money. Then there is snow removal, which costs you money. Nothing is free in this world. And to make matters worse, you could discover a completely new issue once the snow has been plowed: asphalt damage.

Winter Asphalt Maintenance

As you asphalt ages, it will begin to develop tiny cracks. This is natural. However, if you ignore these cracks, water will penetrate deep down into asphalt, softening the stone base. This can lead to alligator cracking / spider webbing, pot holes, and other forms of pavement degradation. When you add freezing cold temperatures to the mix, this degradation process is accelerated by what is known as the Freeze Thaw Effect.

When water penetrates asphalt cracks in the winter, it freezes, expands, and widens these asphalt cracks. This happens numerous times over the course of a winter, worsening asphalt cracks each and every time and degrading your asphalt surface from the inside out, leading to cracks, pot holes, and premature asphalt failure.

“Any time you have weather where it is 60 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next, you’re going to have a significant impact on the pavement,” said Rob Morosi, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman.

Winter Asphalt Maintenance

There are several preventative maintenance tasks, like sealcoating, property managers and homeowners can take to extend the useful life of their asphalt. Timely repairs are also extremely important. 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. This is why you need to pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises at the first sign of damage. The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of Maryland, 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!

Trust your asphalt to a contractor with a proven track record of success, a contractor like Patrick Gillen of PTG Enterprises.

If you have any questions about Winter Asphalt 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!

Preventing Potholes, Cracks, and Other Asphalt Damage

Friday, December 20th, 2013

Asphalt is durable and resilient. That is why it is one of the most popular paving materials around, used on roads, parking lots, driveways, and more. However, over time, even the toughest asphalt will start to deteriorate. This is most likely because of one of three reasons: age, improper maintenance, and improper construction.

Preventing Potholes

Preventing Potholes, Cracks, and Other Asphalt Damage

  1. Age: Asphalt begins to deteriorate the moment it is laid. Over time, liquid asphalt binder, the glue that holds the pavement together, begins to lose its natural elasticity and starts to break down. When this happens, cracking, potholes, and other forms of deterioration are not far behind. If not repaired, these cracks will allow water to penetrate sub-base and base layers, causing them to lose their ability to effectively bear traffic loads. Complete asphalt pavement to failure will not be far behind.
  2. Improper Maintenance: There are several preventative maintenance tasks, like sealcoating, property managers and homeowners can take to extend the useful life of their asphalt. Timely repairs are also extremely important. Remember the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine?” The same holds true for asphalt. It is far easier to repair a single, small crack than it is a web of larger cracks.
  3. Improper Construction: When asphalt is installed properly and well maintained, it can last for 25 years or more! Improperly installed asphalt, meanwhile, can be a large reason for the premature 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.

To prevent further erosion of your asphalt pavement, or to fix a problem so it does not get any worse before winter, call PTG Enterprises for a property evaluation. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. A good contractor is hard to find! So trust your asphalt to a contractor with a proven track record of success, a contractor like Patrick Gillen of PTG Enterprises.

If you have any questions about Preventing Potholes, Cracks, and Other Asphalt Damage 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!

How to Combat Winter Asphalt Damage

Monday, November 25th, 2013

 

 

Winter Asphalt Damage


 

Here in Maryland the holiday themed snow shows up when it pleases, melts when it pleases, and leaves as much winter asphalt damage as it pleases. It is a simple process of the driveway soaking up water, freezing up throughout the winter, resulting in deep cracks that can destroy parking lots, roads, and driveways. When the cracks are noticeable, that’s when the process has been repeated several times, resulting in a need for more intensive asphalt repair.

Winterizing Asphalt

To keep your driveway safe from the fickle snowfall, it is imperative to focus on asphalt maintenance early this season. Paving your driveway before the first snow fall might be your last chance to seal out winter and spring runoff and keep your asphalt smooth and reliable. Shoveling your driveway as frequently as possible and avoiding that thin layer that gets pressed down by your car as you head to warmer more exciting pastures, will decrease the amount of damage you’ll have to face. While the cracks are not dangerous, they will certainly build up over the years.

Asphalt Repair

If you miss your moment of preparation, or would like to beef up your asphalt before the winter is at its height, there are many asphalt repair options. Rubberized asphalt filler can be used to mend any cracks and holes that are less than a half inch in size. For holes larger than this, you will have to fill them first with gravel. In addition to this you should apply a sealant to the flawed areas of your asphalt at least every three years.

PTG Enterprises will always help.

Any questions on how best to go about preparing or repairing your asphalt to keep safe against winter asphalt damage should be directed to the professionals PTG Enterprises. The winter’s effect on asphalts hasn’t changed since our opening in 2001, and our capabilities to assure asphalt safety have only increased.

If you have any questions about Pavement Deterioration 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 heretoday! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

http://boston.nearsay.com/avoid-water-salt-damage-your-driveway-winter-preventative-treatments

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/repair-winter-damage-to-your-asphalt-driveway#b

Pavement Deterioration and Maintenance

Friday, October 25th, 2013

Pavement Deterioration

Over time, even the best pavement begins to deteriorate. That is just the way it is. Between the weather, water infiltration, freeze-thaw effect, beating sun, and normal wear and tear, your pavement – all pavement – takes a beating. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of all asphalt roads in the United Sates have significant problems due to the deterioration of the base and sub-base material because of water infiltration. However, with proper maintenance your pavement can be saved.

 

Pavement Deterioration

Pavement Maintenance

Remember, pavement begins deteriorating as soon as it is laid and maintenance can begin at any time, not just when visible damage is present.  For beginners, you can sweep your pavement from time to time to remove debris and other materials that may damage your concrete or asphalt. Another effective maintenance method is sealcoating, which helps preserve the natural black color of your asphalt while also delaying eventual deterioration.

Even when damage is visible, in the form of cracks and potholes, there is still hope for your pavement. Crack filling, pothole repair, and asphalt patching can help prolong the life of your pavement and prevent premature pavement failure. Conversely, failing to maintain your asphalt is like signing a death wish for your pavement.

When not filled properly, cracks allow water to penetrate the base and sub-base, deteriorating your pavement from the inside out. Once water enters the base, the aggregate (limestone) absorb the water expand in volume and become soft, thus causing internal stress which accelerates the development of more and larger cracks.

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 Deterioration 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!

Asphalt Maintenance 101

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

Asphalt Maintenance 101

Extending the life of your asphalt is as easy as keeping up with your maintenance. There is no better way to ensure long lasting life on your asphalt than to always keep an eye on your routine maintenance and have a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor work with you to stay up to date. What in particular needs to be done on a regular basis, you ask? Read on for more details!

  • Basic Maintenance  – The best and most common maintenance jobs are sweeping, crack filling, pothole repair, and periodic line striping. These will help keep the asphalt up to snuff as well as keep it safe for everyone who utilizes the surface. Extending the life of the asphalt while maintaining its safety are both very important.
  • Seal Coating Asphalt – Because of the chemical makeup of asphalt, it can easily change color and appearance if products such as gasoline or oil get on it. Seal coating helps to avoid the changing colors of the asphalt as well as the eventual deterioration that can happen with time and wear. Seal coating is an involved process that can do more harm than good if done improperly. You’re best off trusting a professional Baltimore asphalt contractor to seal coat your asphalt.

Benefits of Routine Asphalt Maintenance

  • Improve Aesthetic Appeal – Curb appeal is important. A seal coat and routine maintenance can make sure that everything looks good right up to the curb. The asphalt will be nice, shiny, and dark, with a freshly installed look.
  • Resist Future Expensive Problems – Your color will stay the right shade for longer since maintenance and seal coating help protect asphalt from gas, oil, UV rays, and pressure washing. You’ll save money in the future by keeping up with routine maintenance now. It’s a great way to avoid emergencies and keep your asphalt safe and beautiful for customers.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Maintenance 101 or if you are looking for an asphalt contracting 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!

Asphalt Patching, Crack Fill and other forms of Asphalt Maintenance

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Asphalt Maintenance

Asphalt is not indestructible. It will not last forever. In fact, even with regular maintenance, your asphalt parking lot will only last 15-20 years. The key phrase in that last sentence is “with regular maintenance.” Without maintenance, your asphalt will deteriorate much quicker.

Asphalt maintenance refers to the methods and techniques used to prolong the useful life of asphalt pavement.

Forms of Asphalt Maintenance

  1. Crack Fill: Over time, cracks will undoubtedly form in your asphalt. This is normal and easy to deal with. Crack filling is the process in which asphalt cracks are sealed to prevent further water penetration and thus further damage. When water finds its way into the cracks and crevices in the surface of your asphalt, it works its way to the base, slowly eroding your parking lot from beneath. The end results are cracks, pot holes, and, eventually, premature pavement failure.
  2. Asphalt Patching: Unlike an overlay, which is the placement of new asphalt on top of the old, damaged asphalt, asphalt patching involves the removal of the damaged asphalt, typically in a single area. Once this is done, new asphalt is poured onto the existing sub-base or sub-grade.
  3. Overlay: An overlay is when a new and additional layer of asphalt is installed over what is already there.
  4. Sealcoating: This preventative maintenance measure helps safeguard asphalt from the harsh effects of gas, oil, salt, weather conditions and oxidation. Sealcoating, which is essentially a thin liquid layer added over a paved surface, is designed to block water infiltration, protecting your asphalt surface and extending its useful life.

Asphalt maintenance will help extend the useful life of your asphalt, saving you both heartache and money. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises today! We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade and know a thing or two about asphalt maintenance. 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.

If you have any questions about our blog, “Asphalt Patching, Crack Fill and other forms of Asphalt Maintenance,” 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!

What is an Asphalt Patch and what is the Asphalt Patching Process?

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Asphalt may seem tough and durable, but add up the effects of traffic and the elements, and you’ll see how quickly commercial asphalt can wear down. In fact, even the best asphalt surface will only last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. Around 3-5 years after installation, your asphalt will begin to show its first cracks. Around 5-7 years, your asphalt will need its first patch. But what is an Asphalt Patch? And what is the asphalt patching process

Asphalt Patching Process


What is an Asphalt Patch?

Unlike an overlay, which is the placement of new asphalt on top of the old, damaged asphalt, asphalt patching involves the removal of the damaged asphalt. Once this is done, new asphalt is poured onto the existing sub-base or sub-grade.

Asphalt Patching from PTG Enterprises

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade and have paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots. Our crews work quickly and professionally.

If your asphalt needs patching give us a call today! Failing to patch an issue could be devastating. When water is allowed to penetrate the surface, it slowly degrades the asphalt from the inside out, worsening the problem or causing premature failure of the pavement.

What is the Asphalt Patching Process?

  1. We layout the area and paint the perimeter.
  2. We saw cut or jackhammer the perimeter.
  3. We excavate the damaged area with a milling machine or excavator.
  4. We roll the soil and compact.
  5. We re-install the asphalt in lifts as required by depth, two inches at a time.
  6. We roll and compact the area.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Patching, 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!

Baltimore Asphalt Contractor: How long does Asphalt last?

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

First and foremost, let us get one thing straight; asphalt does not last forever. It begins to deteriorate the moment it is paved. Asphalt, like any other material known to man, has a finite life. And that life can vary greatly depending on several factors, including proper installation, regular care, base conditions, traffic, type of traffic, weather conditions, gas, oils, salt, sun, and much more. Over time, all of these factors work together to oxidize/deteriorate the asphalt surface, resulting in deterioration, cracking, and potholes.

large parking lot

Asphalt Lifecycle

  1. 3-5 Years: Your asphalt will begin to show its first cracks. These should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage.
  2. 5-7 Years: Your asphalt will need its first patch.
  3. 15-20 Years: The good news is that with proper care and preventative maintenance, your asphalt parking lot should last anywhere from 15-20 years. Of course, the key word here is “proper care.”

PTG Enterprises: Your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

Asphalt may seem tough and durable, but add up the effects of traffic and the elements, and you’ll see how quickly commercial asphalt can wear down. PTG Enterprises has paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and our crews work quickly and professionally.

Our asphalt repair and preventative maintenance services include:

  1. Crack Filling: “Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools,” sates the  Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147). Crack filling helps reduce asphalt degradation by restricting water penetration into the underlying bas and sub-base.
  2. Sealcoating: Sealcoating, when done in conjunction with crack filling and pothole repair, can be an effective way to protect your asphalt pavement  from

If you have any further questions about How long does Asphalt last, 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!