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Cold Weather Concrete Paving Tips to Prepare Your Business for Winter

Friday, October 31st, 2014

Cold Weather Concrete Paving Before Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose or worse, your concrete, it is important to prepare your pavement for what’s ahead. For many business owners, this means Concrete Sealer, a compound used to protect your concrete from the elements, as well as the damaging effects of most de-icing chemicals. However, there are certain situations where preventive maintenance just isn’t enough. What happens when you need to completely repave a section of concrete?

Cold Weather Concrete Paving Tips

Despite what you may have heard, concrete CAN be placed, finished, and cured in cold weather…even in the winter. However, cold weather paving requires an experienced, professional concrete contractor who knows the ins and outs of winter paving and the impact cold weather has on the curing process.

  1. Fresh, newly hardened concrete rapidly loses moisture and heat in cold-weather conditions. To combat this, your contractor must protect the concrete against early freezing to ensure future durability.
  2. Cold weather concrete paving requires special planning.

Planning Cold Weather Concrete Paving

  1. Ensure you have the proper equipment and right amount of workers in place well ahead of time. When it comes to cold weather concrete paving, you do not have time to sit and wait for people or equipment to show up. Time is of the essence.
  2. Weather protection is a must to ensure the area remains at an adequate temperature.
  3. Consider the use of low slump concrete for flatwork in cold weather. This will cut the set time and reduce bleed water.
  4. Consider using concrete mixtures that accelerating admixtures or Type III Hi-Early cement that requires shorter protection time from freezing.
  5. Only use concrete mixtures containing fly if your concrete will be able to be protected from freezing for a LONG period of time.
  6. To help develop early strength, use a heated mix or use 100 lbs. of extra cement for each cubic yard of concrete.
  7. Call PTG Enterprises!

Baltimore Concrete Contractor

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 Cold Weather Concrete Paving, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

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Baltimore is in for a Harsh Winter; Concrete Sealer Protects Pavement

Friday, October 24th, 2014

Baltimore Concrete SealerIt looks like we are in for another harsh winter here in Baltimore. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a colder than normal and wetter than normal winter and climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agree. Are you ready for snow and ice…again?

In order to keep their sidewalks free from snow and ice, many business owners and property managers turn to de-icing chemicals. After all, the last thing you need is a lawsuit because one of your customers slipped and fell on the ice.

“All Maryland businesses, corporations, employers and business owners have a legal obligation and responsibility to properly maintain all areas of their property,” explains a local, Baltimore attorney who calls himself the “Harford County Parking Lot Accident Attorney.”

Unfortunately, in an effort to make your sidewalks safer, you could be hurting them in the process. There is significant evidence that de-icing chemicals chemically interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure.

“No de-icing chemicals are safe,” explains Patrick Gillen III, owner of PTG Enterprises.

Fortunately there is a way to protect your sidewalks and concrete structures from the damaging effects of de-icing chemicals: Concrete Sealer.

Concrete Sealer Protects Pavement

Your concrete is strong and durable, but it’s not indestructible. Over the years, natural wear and tear takes its toll. This deterioration is sped up by the freeze-thaw cycle, as well as the application of de-icing chemicals. In layman’s terms, winter is not your concrete’s friend. The solution: Concrete Sealer.

Concrete is a very porous material. Without sealing, your concrete is vulnerable. Concrete sealer is a compound used to protect your concrete from the elements, as well as the damaging effects of most de-icing chemicals.

Your concrete should not be left unsealed.

According to the American Concrete Institute, the Portland Cement Association, and the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, most concrete damage is “atributal to surface moisture intrusion.” Sealers, meanwhile, help prevent water and harmful chemicals from penetrating deep into your concrete, eroding it from the inside out.

Baltimore Concrete Sealer

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 Concrete Sealer, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

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Repairing Concrete Cracks

Monday, September 8th, 2014

Concrete is a durable and reliable building material but even the toughest stuff has to be repaired someday. However, different types of concrete cracks will require different methods to repair them. Here are some steps you can take to repair different types of concrete cracks.

concrete cracks, concrete masonry

Narrow Cracks

Narrow concrete cracks can be repaired with Masonry Crack Filler that can be purchased in a cartridge form designed to be used in a caulking gun, or in a spreadable putty. First, remove any loose debris surrounding or in the crack with a brush or broom then use the fill the crack and smooth with a trowel.

Wide Cracks

Wider cracks will require more work. First, use a sledgehammer and chisel to widen the base of the crack so that the internal crack is wider than the surface, then clear away any debris. Mix together your vinyl patching compound as directed by the manufacturer and trowel it into the crack. Apply pressure to eliminate air pockets, then smooth with a trowel.

Slabs or Walks

Significantly damaged concrete slabs or walks are best repaired by fully removing and replacing the slab. This is a significantly larger job than repairing simple cracks and will involve more materials and preparation. First, use a sledgehammer to break up the damaged slab, and then remove the largest pieces of rubble while spreading the small ones to create a firm bed for the replacement. Next, set up wooden 2x4s around where the new slab will go. The top edges of the planks should be flush with where the top of the finished slab will sit.

Next, mix your concrete according to manufacturing instructions and dampen the area to be repaired. Fill the area with concrete by beginning in one corner and working towards the center, then selecting another corner and repeating until the concrete reaches the top of the planks. Use another, larger board to scrape away excess concrete and tap the sides of the boards to help settle the mixture. After the water has evaporated smooth the surface with a trowel and wait for the concrete to set. Then use your trowel to pry away the surrounding boards. Cover with a tarp and allow the concrete to cure according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Need Help?

As you can see, repairing concrete damage can range from a relatively quick fix, to a lengthy process. Employing skilled masons, like those found at PTG Enterprises, can make this process an affordable snap and ensure that your concrete will be fixed quickly and properly.

PTG is a full service commercial concrete masonry contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We’re experts at masonry jobs, whether it’s repairing retaining walls, architectural elements, dumpster corrals or storm drains, PTG Enterprises knows how to handle it.

We’re a paving company that knows how to hit the bricks!

If you have any questions about Concrete Masonry, 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!

Sources:

Lowes

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What is a Concrete Masonry Unit?

Friday, September 5th, 2014

What is a Concrete Masonry Unit?Have you ever heard of a concrete masonry unit (CMU)? What about a cinder block? You may be surprised to learn that they are one in the same. Cinder blocks also go by breeze blocks (New Zealand), hollow blocks (Philippines), and besser blocks (Australia). No matter what you call them, cinder blocks, these lightweight blocks are an essential in the construction industry.

How Are Concrete Masonry Units Made?

Cinder blocks are made from very dry, stiff cast concrete mixtures of Portland cement and aggregate. The mixture is placed into a mold, vibrated and compacted, demolded, and cured. The most common size is a nominal 8-by-8-by-16- inches.

Why the Hollow Centers?

Most cinder blocks are created with two holes, creating semi-hollow center. But why? Well, the answer is two-fold. Cinder blocks are created this way to reduce weight (without compromising strength) and improve insulation (standard sized blocks have an R-Value of 1.11). That’s what we like to call a win-win!

Additional benefits include:

  1. Non-combustible
  2. Durable and long lasting
  3. Can be reinforced as needed
  4. Contain recycled materials
  5. Do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  6. And More!

Common Uses of Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks, when combined with concrete columns, tie beams, and rebar, are commonly used for load-bearing walls in what is known as “concrete block structure” (CBS) construction. All types of low-rise buildings – both residential and commercial – are made using these blocks.

Concrete Masonry

While it may seem simple, cinder blocks need to be laid by professional, skilled masons, like those found at PTG Enterprises.

PTG is a full service commercial concrete masonry contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We’re experts at masonry jobs, whether it’s repairing retaining walls, architectural elements, dumpster corrals or storm drains, PTG Enterprises knows how to handle it.

We’re a paving company that knows how to hit the bricks!

If you have any questions about Concrete Masonry, 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!

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What Makes Good Concrete? Baltimore Roadways Hang in the Balance

Friday, August 29th, 2014

Concrete BaltimoreSidewalks, roadways, and any concrete surface for that matter, are only as strong as the concrete they are made from (and their reinforcement – when necessary). And concrete strength all comes down to mix design. There are numerous types, strengths, and compositions of concrete, each with its own unique set of characteristics that dictate performance.

Concrete Strength

Concrete strength is presented in Pounds per Square Inch, or PSI. Normal concrete typically ranges from 2,500 PSI to 5,000 PSI, while engineered design mixes can exceed 10,000 PSI. Weaker strengths are available for grouts.

  1. 2,500 PSI: At this strength, concrete is best suited for sidewalks, driveways, and graded floor slabs.
  2. 3,000 PSI: In many locations, 3,000 PSI is the standard strength for construction.
  3. 3,500 PSI: When significant loading is expected and surface spalling is unacceptable – curbs, building footings, floor slabs, etc. – 3,500 PSI is the strength you need.
  4. 4,000 PSI: This is where we start talking about roadways and heavy-use floor slabs.
  5. 5,000 PSI: This strength is typically reserved for special construction projects requiring high impact resistance and very low wear rates, or where extreme conditions are expected.

Additional factors that affect concrete include: pump mixes, exposed aggregate mixes, entrained air mixtures, and, of course, reinforcement (as we mentioned early on).

Concrete Construction in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, we have paved thousands of miles of asphalt and concrete surface: roads, parking lots, etc. throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. Our crews are highly skilled and extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. You can be rest assured that the end result will look professional and last for years to come.

If you have any questions about Concrete Construction, 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!

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Reinforced Concrete: Rebar and Fiber Reinforcement

Monday, August 18th, 2014

Reinforced Concrete Rebar FiberRebar Concrete Reinforcement

In the 19th century, a French industrialist by the name of François Coignet invented a revolutionary new way to improve upon the relatively low tensile strength and ductility of concrete. By using iron reinforcements, Coignet was able to do things with concrete that otherwise would not have been possible, such as constructing multi-story buildings.

In 1877, Joseph Monier, a French gardener and one of the principal inventors of Reinforced Concrete, was granted a patent for an advanced technique of reinforcing concrete columns and girders with iron rods placed in a grid pattern. In 1879, a German civil engineer named G. A. Wayss bought the rights to Monier’s patent and in 1884 became the first person to commercial use reinforced concrete.

Today, reinforced concrete is a staple in the construction industry. These reinforcements – typically steel reinforcing bars (Rebar) or Fiber – are used to resist tensile stresses and prevent cracking or structural failure. Additional benefits include:

  1. Longer life of pavements
  2. Reduces rutting and cracking
  3. Reduced maintenance needs
  4. Improved strength and durability
  5. Cost-effective

Without reinforcement, constructing modern structures, such as buildings, walls, or roads, with the concrete material would not be possible.

Fiber Concrete Reinforcement

Fibers have been used in concrete reinforcement since ancient times. Long before the use of concrete, builders used straw to help reinforce their mud bricks. After that, horsehair was used in mortar for the same reason: reinforcement. Then, in the 1900s, asbestos fibers were used in concrete and asphalt to help stabilize the mixture. Asbestos fibers were found to increase tensile strength, compressive strength, stability, ability to sustain load after reaching maximum stability, and resistance to weathering. By the 1970s, asbestos was replaced with polyester and polypropylene fibers, as well as mineral fibers such as rock wool and slag wool. Then the 1980s brought about the use of synthetic fibers, a switch made due to high tensile strengths and durability of these new fibers.

PTG Enterprises, Your Baltimore Concrete Contractor

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, we have paved thousands of miles of asphalt and concrete surface: roads, parking lots, etc. throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia.

Our crews are highly skilled and extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. You can be rest assured that the end result will look professional and last for years to come.

If you have any questions about Concrete Reinforcement, 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!

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Concrete Road Construction in Maryland

Friday, August 1st, 2014

Do you know why most roads in Maryland are paved with asphalt over concrete? It’s not because asphalt is more durable. In fact, concrete is actually the more durable of the two pavements. So why asphalt? Like most things in life, it all comes down to price. Asphalt is a much cheaper option (Rising petroleum prices may change this soon). It is also easier to work with. Concrete road construction is a very labor-intensive task, even more so than asphalt road construction. Still, concrete has several benefits.

Benefits of Concrete Road Construction

  1. Concrete roads are incredibly durable and, because of this, have a long life expectancy (40+ years).
  2. Concrete roads tend to require fewer repairs. These roads are not easily damaged by leaking oils or extreme weather.
  3. Concrete roads are also more fuel efficient. In fact, when driving on a concrete road, consumes 15-20% less fuel than when it drives on an asphalt road. Wow!
  4. And More!

So if you are willing to pay a little extra, you will get a lot in return!

Concrete Road Construction

Concrete construction is a very in-depth process.

  1. Mix Design: First thing’s first: mix design. There are many variables to consider, such as cement type, aggregate size and type, amount of water, and mineral and chemical admixtures.  A bad mix design will always result in a poor road.
  2. Support: Unlike asphalt, concrete requires a support structure, typically rebar formed into a grid pattern.
  3. Workability: In order to prevent the concrete from hardening during transportation, it must be kept in constant motion. Hence, cement mixers.
  4. Consolidation: Once the concrete is in place, it should be consolidated to remove large air voids developed during placement. This process is also called compacting.
  5. Finishing: The surface must be smoothed to ensure proper texture.
  6. Cure: The concrete must be allowed to cure properly. This takes time.

Concrete Road Construction in Maryland

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, we have paved thousands of miles of asphalt and concrete surface: roads, parking lots, etc. If you have a commercial concrete project you need completed, pick up the phone and call PTG. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. We have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. Let us help you too.

Concrete Road Construction Maryland

Click Here to view images from our concrete road construction project at Tysons Galleria, an upscale three-level super-regional mall in McLean, Virginia.

If you have any questions about Concrete Road Construction, 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!

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The Difference between Cement and Concrete

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014

As Americans, we sometimes assign unintended meanings to words. For example, Jacuzzi is a brand of hot tub. Yet many people still refer to all hot tubs as Jacuzzis. Then you have Xerox, a document management company that gained fame for their copiers. Eventually, many Americans referred to all copiers or even copies as Xeroxes. And these are just a few of the many examples we could have chosen. However, one of the biggest misappropriations in the English language has to be the use of cement and concrete as synonyms.

Difference between Cement and Concrete

Cement and concrete: two completely different materials, yet people use the two terms synonymously. Do you know the difference between cement and concrete? If not, don’t worry; you are not alone.

The Difference between Cement and Concrete

Did you know that cement is actually one of the ingredients in concrete? In fact, concrete is comprised of 10-15% cement.

Cement

Cement is made from a mixture of limestone, calcium, silicon, aluminum, and other ingredients, which are then heated to roughly 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. This process forms a marble-like product known as clinkers. This is ground into a powder, mixed with gypsum, and – voila! – you have cement.

Concrete

Concrete is made when  sand and gravel (or crushed stone) are mixed with paste – water and cement – which hardens, binding the aggregate through a process known as hydration. This durable material is excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures because of its strength and its ability to hold up well to the elements.

Concrete Contractor in Baltimore

If you have a commercial concrete project you need completed, then pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises. Our crews are highly skilled and extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. You can be rest assured that the end result will look professional and last for years to come.

If you have any questions about Concrete Paving, 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!

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Concrete Damage: Shrinking, Curling, and Cracking

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Concrete is a strong, durable material that holds up well to the elements. Because of this, concrete is excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. However, concrete is not indestructible. In fact, it immediately starts to break down soon after it is poured. That is life. All god things must come to an end. Yadda yadda yadda. I am sure we could throw around a million other clichés as well.

Concrete Damage

Concrete Damage: Shrinking, Curling, and Cracking

Concrete damage occurs in three ways. It shrinks, it curls, and it cracks.

Concrete Shrinks

Concrete shrinks as excess water is removed as the concrete dries. The length change can vary between .01% and .1%. This is inevitable. There is no way to stop concrete from shrinking. There are, however, ways to minimize the damage this shrinking can cause, namely, reinforcement, proper installation, and regular maintenance. These simple steps will help control the severity of shrinkage cracks.

Concrete Curls

“It is normal to expect some amount of cracking and curling on every project,” explains the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

Over time, concrete tends to curl up around its edges and at joints as the result of shrinkage (see above). The top of the concrete dries out or cools quicker than the bottom. As a result, curling occurs. This causes the pavement to lose contact with the subbase and thus lose integrity, which can lead to cracking.

By reducing and better controlling shrinkage, curling can be minimized. This, once again, comes down to reinforcement, proper installation, and regular maintenance.

Concrete Cracks

All concrete will develop cracks at one point or another. This can happen for a number of reasons, ranging from improper installation and shrinkage to subgrade settlement and more. This cracking is only worsened by harsh winters (like the one we just had) and what is known as the freeze-thaw cycle.

Fortunately, unlike curling and shrinkage, cracks can be easily repaired.

Baltimore Concrete Contractor

Of course, all of the above issues can be lessened with proper installation and regular maintenance. This is where PTG Enterprises can help!

At PTG, we are experts when it comes to commercial concrete jobs and our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. We work closely with you to ensure the details of the project are fully understood, and that timetables are met.

If you have any questions about Concrete Damage: Shrinking, Curling, and Cracking, 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!

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What are the Best De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete? None!

Friday, March 7th, 2014

As a property manager or business owner, you have a legal responsibility to keep your property safe for your tenants, employees, or customers. In the winter, this means keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice. Aside from shoveling, many property managers turn to rock salt and other de-icing chemicals, including

  1. Sodium chloride or rock salt (NaCL)
  2. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
  3. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) andorganic-based performance enhancer (OBPE)
  4. NaCL with MgCl2 and OBPE
  5. NaCL with Magic-O – a proprietaryblend of OBPE and 30% MgCl2
  6. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and OBPE
  7. NaCL until 15° F degrees, then NaCL with CaCl2 until 5° F degrees, thenNaCL with sand

What are the Best De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete? None!

“No de-icing chemicals are safe,” explains Patrick Gillen III, owner of PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore concrete contractor.

De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete

According to a 2002 federal government funded study, “The Deleterious Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete,” there is significant evidence that de-icing chemicals chemically interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure. It doesn’t matter if you use sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, or another product, each has been scientifically proven to damage concrete pavement. There is no good de-icing chemical to use on your concrete. Period. End of story.

Concrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. In addition to its strength, this material holds up well to the elements. However, certain chemicals, like de-icing chemicals, can wreak havoc on your concrete. When concrete becomes cracked and broken, it not only detracts from the overall look of a property, it can become a safety hazard, requiring immediate attention.

Concrete Repair from PTG Enterprises

PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs. We work closely with you to ensure the details of the project are fully understood, and that timetables are met. 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.

If you have any questions about the effects of De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete or if you are in need of Concrete Repair, 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!

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