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Archive for the ‘General Asphalt Advice’ Category

Asphalt: The Green Pavement Option :: Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

Friday, October 12th, 2012

Asphalt is an excellent pavement choice for so many reasons. But did you know that asphalt is even a good choice for the environment? According to Dr. Howard Marks of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, “The APA’s newest publication scientifically documents the beneficial effects asphalt pavements can have on water quality.”

Asphalt: The Green Pavement

  • Asphalt is one of the most recyclable products around.
  • “For improved stormwater management, clean drinking water, and reduced roadside pollution, asphalt pavements are clean and environmentally beneficial,” added Marks.
  • Asphalt’s smooth nature saves fuel. ““In fact, it has been documented that a road maintenance program that increases pavement smoothness only slightly could reduce annual vehicle fuel consumption by up to 10 percent on those roads,” said Marks.
  • Asphalt pavement and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) DO NOT leach petroleum into the earth.
  • Asphalt has a small carbon footprint. “When determining the carbon footprint of anything, it’s important to count everything, and to make sure you don’t count anything twice,” said Marks. “Both initial construction and a 50-year life-cycle were analyzed. In all cases, the carbon footprints of the asphalt pavements were found to be less than 30 percent of equivalent Portland cement concrete pavements.”
  • And so much more!

From production to paving to rehabilitation to recycling, asphalt pavements minimize impact on the environment.

For more information, or to schedule a site visit, contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today!

PTG Enterprises is a contracting, consulting and project management business dedicated to serving commercial clients throughout Maryland, DC, and Virginia with asphalt and concrete paving services. We have…

  • Prepared thousands of Pavement Condition Inspections.
  • Contracted and managed millions of dollars in work.
  • Supervised and performed quality controls of other contractor’s work.
  • Assisted with budgeting and estimating for future and upcoming pavement projects.
  • Performed “special pavement projects” which entail specific tasks within certain timelines.
  • And so much more!

Check PTG Enterprises out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

APA releases white paper on carbon footprint

Pavement smoothness and fuel economy

Cleaner Water With Asphalt! – APA releases new white paper

The Importance of Proper Cure Conditions: Baltimore, Maryland Sealcoating

Friday, September 21st, 2012

Sealcoating is a crucial process in the preventative maintenance of any parking surface. However, because sealcoating is water based and cures by releasing all the water from their applied films, cure conditions are in credibly important. Sealcoatings cured under improper conditions are likely to fail prematurely.

Proper Cure Conditions

  1. Temperature: Sealcoating should only be applied if both ambient temperature and pavement temperature are above 50°F and below 85°F. When sealcoating below 50°F, the asphalt particles do not soften to form a continuous film. Because of this, the sealcoating will not only appear grey, but will also lack integrity. When sealcoating above 85°F, the sealcoating will lose its fluidity too rapidly, immobilizing binder particles and preventing them from fusing and forming a continuous film.
  2. Humidity: Humidity directly influences the rate of water loss from the sealcoating film. Sealcoating applied when it is overly humid will take a long time to cure. Sealcoatings will cure much faster at lower humidities.
  3. Wind: Wind can play a very big role in cure times. Under humid conditions, a nice breeze can help sealcoating cure faster. However, under low humidity, wind may cause sealer to cure too fast.

These conditions are the recommendations of the industry and its research association, Pavement Coatings Technology Council (PCTC).

If you have any further questions, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Asphalt Pavement Deterioration: Maryland DC, & Virginia Asphalt Contractor

Friday, September 14th, 2012

Asphalt is used everywhere, from roads and parking lots to runways and more. And why not? Asphalt boasts several benefits, including:

  • Asphalt has excellent waterproofing properties.
  • Asphalt has excellent binding (or cementing) properties to hold the aggregates in the pavement.
  • Asphalt pavement has a long life & resurfacing is quick.
  • Asphalt is America’s most recycled material.
  • Asphalt is the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly pavement on the market.
  • And more!

Still, asphalt has a few major deficiencies as well. Asphalt has very poor resistance to weathering and is easily attacked by chemicals, gasoline, oils, and deicing salts. All of these elements work together to break down the asphalt, degrading the asphaltic oils from the surface as chemicals dissolve them away. And with the loss of asphalt cement, the aggregates in the top layer begin unraveling and develop the first sign of pavement deterioration; the appearance of minor surface cracks.

Over time, cracking will become more prevalent. And 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. Eventually, this will cause the asphalt pavement to fail.

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!

Discover the difference with PTG Enterprises!

If you have any further questions, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Quality Asphalt from Your Pavement Guy at PTG Enterprises, Inc.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

With the weight of vehicles that it bears and the perpetual usage it undergoes, it may seem as though asphalt is a naturally indestructible material. But it’s not – the effects of traffic and the elements will wear the material down over time, just like the tires on your car.

That’s why whether your asphalt needs are residential or commercial, paving needs to be taken on by a professional contractor, like the qualified experts at PTG Enterprise, Inc., your “pavement guy” from Baltimore. We’ll offer you a guarantee you can’t resist, and we have the right equipment, materials, and experience to ensure that your newly paved road, parking pad, or other asphalt surface is as smooth as tumbled stone. Whatever type of job you choose us for, we’ll make sure you can drive or park your car easily and safely with our asphalt laying proficiency.

For all your Asphalt, Concrete and Masonry Needs you can count on the quality and professionalism that PTG Enterprises provides.  Call us today and see the difference!

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Pavement or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Need an Asphalt Contractor around Baltimore, Maryland? PTG Enterprises!

Friday, August 31st, 2012

When your parking lot or pavement is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you need to call on an expert contractor, like PTG Enterprises!

When you contact PTG, we’ll meet with you and perform a site visit to ensure we’re familiar with every aspect of the project. You’ll receive a thorough, detailed estimate and proposal written in an easy to understand format. Then the next step is simple: we’ll show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave you with a smile on your face!

For more Information, just check out MyPavementGuy.com!

The website is designed to be a user friendly tool for anyone interested in learning about the pavement industry and the many asphalt and concrete services PTG offers. The site contains many tools for Property Managers, Business Owners or anyone needing pavement services!

Pavement Services provided by PTG Enterprises

  • Asphalt Paving Services: Whether you need a small patch repair or a complete parking lot renovation, PTG will provide a prompt proposal, competitive bid and top notch management to every aspect of the project from beginning to end.
  • Asphalt Maintenance Services: From the time asphalt is first installed it requires constant and continuous maintenance. PTG provides a full range of maintenance services and cost effective solutions.
  • Concrete Services: If you can form it, we can build it with concrete. Regardless of the size or scope of the concrete project, PTG can make it happen! From design to finish, PT will ensure a successful project.
  • Concrete Repair Services: Just like all pavement, concrete requires upkeep and repairs. PTG has the experience and the knowledge to analyze and diagnose any problem and offer the correct fix at a reasonable price.
  • And Much More!

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Pavement or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Asphalt Education: The Incredible World of Asphalt Pavement

Friday, August 17th, 2012

The American dream would not be possible without asphalt. It is one of the building blocks of America. In fact, 94% of the more than 2 million miles of paved roads and highways in the United States are paved using asphalt.

Other Interesting Asphalt Facts and Statistics

  • There are about 4,000 asphalt plants nationwide.
  • There is at least one asphalt plant in each congressional district.
  • Asphalt plants produce 500-550 million tons of asphalt pavements annually.
  • Asphalt plants produce in excess of $30 billion in asphalt annually.
  • The asphalt industry employs more than 300,000 Americans.
  • Asphalt pavement is composed of about 95 percent stone, sand, and gravel by weight, and about 5 percent asphalt cement, a petroleum product.
  • Asphalt is America’s most recycled material.
  • Asphalt is the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly pavement.
  • Between 1960 and 1999, while production of asphalt pavement material increased by 250 percent, total emissions decreased by 97%.
  • Asphalt pavements require about 20 percent less energy to produce and construct than other pavements.

The Benefits of Asphalt Pavement

  • Asphalt perpetual pavement is built to be maintained, lasting virtually forever with routine maintenance, periodic milling and overlaying.
  • A smooth ride is not only beneficial for comfort reasons, but studies have shown that smooth pavement has a huge effect on fuel economy. And with today’s economy, fuel efficiency is a huge concern! Oh, and did we mention that smoother pavements also last longer? Studies show that improving pavement smoothness by 25 percent results in almost a 10 percent increase in pavement longevity.
  • Asphalt greatly reduces the amount of noise pollution produced by motorists.
  • Paving with asphalt greatly reduces construction times. And for anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic because of roadwork, this is a big deal!
  • With asphalt, maintenance is quick, easy, and cost effective.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Pavement or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Asphalt Deterioration and its Causes

Friday, August 10th, 2012

Asphalt pavement is the preferred material for most state and federal road projects for a few very good reasons. Most notably, asphalt is known for its durability, strength, resilience, and longevity. Still, even the toughest asphalt road or parking lot undergoes a lot of wear and tear, eventually deteriorating to the point of no return.

Over time the materials that make up asphalt begin to break down, affected by elements such as rain, sunlight and chemicals. Asphalt binder loses its natural resistance to water, allowing liquids to penetrate the surface and deteriorate the pavement.

Asphalt Deterioration and its Causes

  • Cracking: There are numerous different types of cracks, from alligator cracks and edge cracks to longitudinal cracks, block cracks, and more. When it comes to asphalt pavement maintenance and dealing with cracks, you have two basic options: crack sealing and crack filling.
  • Distortion: Caused by improper pavement construction and the deterioration of the underlying base, asphalt distortion includes : channels or ruts, corrugations and shoving, grade depressions, upheaval and utility cut depressions.
  • Disintegration: Asphalt disintegration includes potholes, raveling, and gas and oil spillage.

Asphalt must also be properly maintained and protected to maximize its lifespan.

Sealcoating and PTG Enterprises

Sealcoating is a crucial process in the preventative maintenance of any parking surface. The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give Patrick Gillen and the asphalt experts at PTG Enterprises the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Deterioration and Sealcoating or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today!

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Crack Seal or Crack Fill – How to Decide?

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

When it comes to asphalt pavement maintenance and dealing with cracks, you have two basic options: crack sealing and crack filling. But which is best? Well, that all depends on the situation. So before we get into crack filling vs. crack sealing, we must first address the different types of asphalt cracks.

Types of Asphalt Cracks

  • Transverse Cracks: These cracks are caused by reflective cracks from an underlying layer, daily temperature cycles, and poor construction due to improper operation of the paver.
  • Longitudinal Cracks: These are cracks that are parallel to the pavements centerline or laydown direction and are the result of pavement fatigue, reflective cracking, and/or poor joint construction.
  • Edge Cracks: These cracks appear along the inside edge of a pavement surface within one or two feet and are commonly caused by poor drainage conditions and lack of support at the pavement edge.
  • Seam Cracks: These cracks occur along the paving joints and are typically caused by improper hot mix paving procedures.
  • Block Cracks: These cracks look like large interconnected rectangles, hence their name. Block cracking is generally caused by shrinkage of the asphalt pavement due to an inability of asphalt binder to expand and contract with temperature cycles.
  • Reflective Cracks: These cracks appear when the surface material cannot adjust to the changes in the movement of the sub-surface courses.
  • Alligator Cracks: Alligator cracking is a load associated structural failure due to weakness in the surface, base or sub grade; a surface or base that is too thin; poor drainage or the combination of all three.

When deciding whether crack filling or crack sealing is best, your asphalt contractor will take the expected movement of the cracks in the pavement into carefully consideration.

  1. Crack Filling: Generally, crack filling will be used for non-working cracks with moderate to no edge deterioration.
  2. Crack Sealing: Generally, crack sealing is used for cracks with limited edge deterioration

Experienced personnel – like the ones found at PTG Enterprises – can usually identify the crack type; working or non-working and take the appropriate action.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Crack Sealing & Crack Filling or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

What is Asphalt Maintenance? My Pavement Guy Answers FAQs

Friday, July 20th, 2012

Over time, even professionally installed asphalt undergoes a tremendous wear and tear, causing it to crack and fail. Asphalt maintenance refers to the methods and techniques used to prolong the useful life of asphalt pavement.

Types of Asphalt Maintenance

  • Asphalt Patching: his is where the pavement is completely removed in the troubled area and replaced. These areas are usually suffering from severe distress and / or sub-base failure.
  • Asphalt Crack Filling: Crack sealing can reduce pavement deterioration by restricting water penetration into underlying base and sub-base layers. As part of a preventative pavement maintenance program, crack sealing / crack filling extends the life of your pavement surface.
  • Asphalt Overlay: An overlay is when a new and additional layer of asphalt is installed over what is already there.
  • Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoating is a preventative maintenance measure that helps safeguard a parking lot against the harsh effects of gas, oil, salt, weather conditions and oxidation. When applied properly, a sealcoat cures on your parking lot leaving a fresh black finish (protective layer).

If you notice your parking lot or any asphalt pavement displaying signs of deterioration, it is probably time to call an asphalt contractor, like PTG Enterprises, to help prevent further damage. Do not put this off and let small cracks become major problems.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt Maintenance or if you have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of Maryland, DC, and Virginia pavement projects and have the experience you need.

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!