A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. A French drain can have perforated hollow pipes along the bottom to quickly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock. French drains are primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations. Alternatively, French drains may be used to distribute water, such as a septic drain field at the outlet of a typical septic tank sewage treatment system. French drains are also used behind retaining walls to relieve ground water pressure. (more…)
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Archive for the ‘Maryland Concrete Contractor’ Category
What is a French Drain and When is it Needed?
Sunday, July 9th, 2017An Asphalt and Concrete Contractor That Believes in Continued Education
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business since 1996. Over the years, PTG has thrived, preparing thousands of Pavement Condition Inspections, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and managing countless projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
The secret to great looking pavement is simple: proper construction, continued maintenance, and timely re-construction. The secret to a great asphalt and concrete contractor is even simpler: Continued Education. (more…)
Planning 2015 Pavement Projects
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014As 2014 comes to an end, many of us will look back at our accomplishments, at what was. But property managers do not have that luxury. They must continue to look to the future, forecasting potential problems and taking preventive measures to avoid expensive repairs. And you know what that means, right? Planning and budgeting (reserve study).
The annual budgeting process looks something like this:
- Interview site staff to obtain their input.
- Review the operating expenses from the past year to help predict future expenses.
- Verify annual contract amounts.
- Complete an annual site plan.
- Complete an annual staffing plan.
- Draft your budget.
But before you can really draft your budget for 2015, you must first analyze your pavement needs.
Planning 2015 Pavement Projects
This is the time when property managers should prioritize pavement projects for the coming year and allocate the appropriate funds to cover these projects. But what projects require your immediate attention and which can be pushed back another year? Do the sidewalks need to be repaved? Does the parking lot need to be re-striped or re-sealed? Do your retaining walls require your attention or will they retain their integrity for another year? The only way to know for sure is to employ the help of a professional pavement contractor, like PTG Enterprises.
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade and 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. 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. 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 Planning 2015 Pavement Projects, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Asphalt vs. Concrete: Your Baltimore Pavement Contractor explains
Friday, March 1st, 2013When it comes to any pavement project, property owners and facility managers have two options: Asphalt or Concrete. Which pavement has the most benefits? Which will last longer? Which makes the most sense for your specific job and, most importantly, your budget?
“There are three main factors to consider: initial cost, time to first rehabilitation, and cost of total reconstruction or major rehabilitation at the 40- to 50-year mark,” said Dave Newcomb, P.E., PhD, vice president of research and technology with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).
Asphalt vs. Concrete
- Cost: While initial cost should not be your primary concern, let’s be honest; initial cost is a huge factor. On average, the initial cost of concrete is approximately 35% higher than the cost of asphalt. However, the NAPA and American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) recommend looking at maintenance and rehabilitation costs over initial costs. According to the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, federally funded studies have shown that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
- Durability: Typically, asphalt performs better in the extreme conditions than concrete does. Also, concrete does not react well to salt, which is commonly used as a de-icing agent. Salt can damage the surface of the concrete and cause it to pit and/or spawl.
- Maintenance & Rehabilitation: According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation the average life expectancy of concrete pavement is 27.5 years before repair, while asphalt pavement has an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair.
- Overlay: One of the main benefits of asphalt is the ability to install resurfacing layers (overlay). This provides a much more cost effective alternative to complete reconstruction. When concrete pavement has reached the end of its’ lifespan, you will need to completely remove the existing concrete and reconstruct the area.
So which pavement is better?
“Concrete and asphalt are comparable in many ways,” said Scott Haislip, director of streets and roads with the ACPA. There is no clear cut winner.
If you have any further questions about Asphalt vs. Concrete, 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!
Sources:
- Asphalt versus Concrete Public Works Magazine
- Concrete vs. Asphalt Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota
Winter Concrete Maintenance Tips: Avoid De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete
Friday, February 22nd, 2013As a business owner or property manager you have a responsibility to ensure your property is safe for your customers. In the winter time, this means clearing walkways of both snow and ice. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to use de-icing chemicals.Common De-Icing Chemicals
- Sodium chloride or rock salt (NaCL)
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
- Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) andorganic-based performance enhancer (OBPE)
- NaCL with MgCl2 and OBPE
- NaCL with Magic-O – a proprietaryblend of OBPE and 30% MgCl2
- Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and OBPE
- NaCL until 15° F degrees, then NaCL with CaCl2 until 5° F degrees, thenNaCL with sand
Unfortunately, using de-icing chemicals on concrete pavement is a no-no. Why? Well, let’s hear what the professionals have to say.
- According to a 2002 federal government funded study, “The Deleterious Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete,” there is significant evidence that certain de-icing chemicals chemically interact with both cement and aggregate. The results of this reaction include cracking, strength loss, and eventually premature failure.
- According to the study “Effects of Deicers on Concrete Deterioration,” by David Darwin, JoAnn Browning, Lein Gong, and Sean Hughes, applying significant quantities of CaCl2, MgCl2, and CMA over the pavement’s life will negatively impact the concrete’s long-term durability.
- According to a study by H. Lee, R. D. Cody, A. M. Cody, and P. G. Spry entitled, “Effects of Various Deicing Chemicals on Pavement Concrete Deterioration,” sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) with 5 different Ca/Mg ratios, Ca-acetate, and Mg-acetate each “produced characteristic effects on the concrete samples by physically and chemically altering the dolomite coarse aggregate, the dolomite coarse aggregate-paste interface, and the cement paste.”
So do yourself and your concrete a favor and put the de-icing chemicals away. However, if you do decide to still use de-icing chemicals, heed the warning of Patrick T. Gillen III, the owner of the Baltimore, Maryland-based asphalt and concrete paving company PTG Enterprises.
“De-icing chemicals should definitely not be placed on concrete within the first year. This is when the concrete is most vulnerable.”
If you have any further questions about De-Icing Chemicals & Concrete, 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!
Concrete Cracking: Is it time to call your Baltimore Concrete Contractor?
Friday, January 11th, 2013When it comes to your concrete, whether it is a driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot, it will eventually crack. That is just life. Even the best concrete cracks eventually. The key to concrete longevity is to address these cracks as they happen…before they get out of control.
Remember the old adage, “a stitch in time saves nine?” Well, the same holds true for concrete. Addressing a small crack when it happens is much easier and much more cost-effective than trying to fix larger or multiple cracks.
When your concrete pavement begins to show signs of wear and tear, you need the help of an expert. So call the concrete experts at PTG Enterprises before that small crack becomes a major issue. Our crews are the best available and they use only the best materials and equipment around.
Concrete Cracking FAQs
- What Causes Concrete Cracking? Well, there is no one answer. Cracking is typically the result of several factors, including drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, restraint (external or internal) to shortening, subgrade settlement, and applied loads.
- Can Concrete Cracking be prevented? Yes and no. With proper concrete maintenance, concrete longevity can be increased, but eventually all concretes will crack.
- All Concrete Contractors are the same, right? No! Just as in any profession, there are good and bad concrete contractors. And if you choose a bad contractor, your concrete could fail quicker than normal. Improper installation is one of the number one causes of concrete failure.
Do yourself a favor and call PTG Enterprises for all of your concrete needs, both installation and repair. 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 further questions, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today!
Now is the Time to line up your Spring Pavement Needs
Thursday, December 13th, 2012As a business owner or homeowner, budgeting is the key to financial security. This holds true for everything from family vacations and home improvement projects in the residential world to employee salaries and facility maintenance in the commercial industry. Luckily, we at PTG Enterprises understand this need for constant planning. That is why we are happy to provide you with a proposal so that you can organize your spring property needs now.
Winter is the perfect time to line up your spring pavement needs!
Whether it is a parking lot, a cement sidewalk, a dumpster pad that needs removing and replacing, or perhaps seal coating and striping; PTG has you covered. Give us a call or go to our website to request a proposal today!
We’ll meet with you and perform a site visit to ensure we’re familiar with every aspect of the project. You will then receive a thorough, detailed estimate and proposal written in an easy to understand format.
Why PTG Enterprises?
When your asphalt or pavement is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you need an expert. You need PTG Enterprises! Our crews are the best available and they use only the best materials and equipment around.
We have been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade and we’ve worked with homeowners, property managers, architects, and business owners, just like you.
You can contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Hurricane Sandy and Concrete and Asphalt Repair in Baltimore, Maryland
Friday, November 2nd, 2012Hurricane Sandy brought with her high winds, torrential downpours, flooding, and devastation. As a result, countless roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and more were damaged up and down the east coast.
Was your business one of the unfortunate victims of Hurricane Sandy? If so, it is important to act quickly. For starters, you do not want to inconvenience your customers or employees. Secondly, delaying repairs could allow cracks, potholes, and more to worsen, making repairs harder and ultimately more expensive. Luckily, PTG Enterprises is here to help!
Our services include:
- Asphalt Paving and Repair: The asphalt experts at PTG are able to patch small asphalt issues or complete entire parking lot renovations!
- Concrete Paving and Repair: Regardless of the size or scope of the concrete project, PTG can make it happen! 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!
The PTG Experience
When you hire PTG, you can be rest assured that you will receive the best customer service in the industry. PTG provides prompt proposals, competitive bids, and top notch management to every aspect of the project from beginning to end. We will show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave you with a smile on your face!
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.
Last Minute Pavement Projects before Winter :: Baltimore Asphalt Contractor
Thursday, October 25th, 2012As a business owner or building manager, you are quickly running out of time to finish those lingering pavement projects before winter. Whether it is a pesky pothole, broken sidewalk, or cracking asphalt parking lot, it is important to address these issues before Old Man Winter makes them worse.
PTG Enterprises can help!
When your parking lot, or pavements, are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you need an expert. PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade.
- Asphalt Projects: 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.
- Concrete Projects: When concrete becomes cracked and broken, it not only detracts from the overall look of a property, it can become a safety hazard.
- Masonry Projects: We’re also experts at masonry jobs, whether it’s repairing retaining walls, architectural elements, dumpster corrals or storm drains, PTG Enterprises knows how to handle it. Our professional crews rebuild retaining walls that are broken or weakened by hydrostatic pressure, normal wear, and erosion.
- And more!
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. The next step is simple: we show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave you, the client, feeling satisfied!
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.
Permeable Paving: Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Pavement
Friday, October 19th, 2012Throughout the United States, municipalities are passing ordinances to dictate the use of permeable pavement in new construction projects. This is because permeable paving is incredibly beneficial, especially in terms of sustainability.
Benefits of Permeable Pavement
- Storm Water Runoff: Permeable paving eliminates pollutants and contaminants from water drain off. Unlike other pavements, permeable systems filter rainwater back into the soil, instead of carrying pollutants through storm drains to a nearby stream or river.
- Erosion: Permeable paving also lessens stream erosion by filtering water into the soil instead of nearby streams and rivers. This lessens water to overflow stream banks.
- Reduce Irrigation Demands: Because it filters water into the soil, permeable pavement lessens manmade irrigation demands.
- Falling Water Tables: With so many impermeable surfaces, permeable pavement helps recharge falling water tables and relieve flooding in flood prone areas.
- Heat Island Effect: By allowing water to filtrate into the ground, the surface and surrounding area temperatures will be cooler than a hard impervious surface.
- Repairs: Permeable pavement is less costly to repair.
- Aesthetics: Grey concrete can be boring. Permeable paving, meanwhile, comes in a wide variety of styles. From stone or concrete pavers to pervious concrete and more.
PTG Enterprises: Permeable Paving in MarylandWhen we arrive, we’ll prepare the site and get to work. Each phase of the project will be executed with an attention to detail that other paving contractors don’t possess. We’ll establish timetables and plans that ensure the job gets done quickly, without negatively impacting you. And when we complete the project, we’ll make sure to clean up, as well.
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!
When you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish. This process begins with an initial site visit, a pre-construction meeting and setting expectations for the client and crew. Communication is our watchword, and you’ll receive regular reports on your project.