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Why Are Storm Drains So Important?

August 10th, 2016
Repair concrete cracks

Excessive rainfall and gutter water would otherwise pool on these flat surfaces and flood. Storm drains are placed in natural low points where the water would collect anyway.

Storm drains are specially designed drainage systems which are made to handle excess water. This water is generally the result of flooding caused by inclement weather. You can find storm drains generally in cities where there is low elevation or other factors which can make an area flood prone.


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How Do I Know if I Need a New Driveway?

August 5th, 2016
 If the asphalt is cracked in a way that looks like the scales of an alligator, you’ll need to replace the asphalt.

If the asphalt is cracked in a way that looks like the scales of an alligator, you’ll need to replace the asphalt.

Asphalt is durable, but not enough just by itself.  After all, it frequently sees an absurd amount of weight and weathering.  New asphalt is very satisfying because it isn’t cracked or uneven.  Driving over it is a truly relaxing experience!  But using your driveway when it is cracked is not only dangerous and structurally unsound, but it also runs the risk of several other problems you don’t want to deal with.  To see if you need new asphalt, read on.  And if you think you just need a new sealant, let’s find out together.


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Why It’s Desperately Important That You Respect Handicap Spaces

July 29th, 2016
Parking Lot Striping Baltimore

Many drivers do not respect or understand the importance of handicap spaces, or understand that what seems like excessive space to your run of the mill driver is actually of the utmost importance to someone with a handicap.

Many drivers do not respect or understand the importance of handicap spaces, or understand that what seems like excessive space to your run of the mill driver is actually of the utmost importance to someone with a handicap. When you utilize handicap spaces or the spaces delineated with yellow paint between them, even if it just for a quick in and out, you potentially block a handicap person from being able to get in or out of their car, and make the parking lot inaccessible to them. Even if using these spaces seems convenient, it can do great harm to others, lead to inconvenience for everyone, and possibly even get you fined.  


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3 Facts About Concrete You Have to See to Believe

July 21st, 2016
baltimore-concrete-pavement-concrete-maintenance

Concrete actually has a rich history and some incredible properties that make it one of the most important materials of our time.

Concrete can seem pretty boring when you aren’t thinking about it too hard.  Who cares?  We walk on it, use it to fill our driveways, and it’s an ugly grey color.  But concrete actually has a rich history and some incredible properties that make it one of the most important materials of our time.  Let’s get into some reasons why concrete needs to be recognized–here are some awesome facts about this common material.

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The Dangerous Effects of Urban Heat Islands

July 15th, 2016
asphalt pavement

Urban Heat Island is essentially the fact that cities, or more populated urban areas, have a higher pavement to plant life ratio than sparsely populated areas.

If you’ve ever visited Baltimore City during the summer, you know that it can get stiflingly hot, and it may seem as though it is much hotter than it is in the suburbs.  That’s not just your imagination; it’s called an Urban Heat Island, or UHI.  When the effect is taking place, more populated areas are going to be much warmer, which can lead to adverse effects.  Heat stroke, infrastructure damage…we’re at risk when UHI is happening.  Read on to learn more about UHI, and how we can prevent it.


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What’s the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?

July 8th, 2016
Mixing Concrete

When you walk by a cement truck you may see a semi-solid substance being laid into a predetermined space.

You may hear these two terms being used interchangeably when referring to sidewalks.  In actuality, cement and concrete are two very separate things that we in the pavement industry use to differentiate materials.  When you walk by a cement truck you may see a semi-solid substance being laid into a predetermined space.  To really know all there is to know about concrete and cement, read on, and learn the difference.


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What’s Up With Road Paint?

July 1st, 2016
road paint

You’re probably wondering about the composition of the paint on your roads; is it environmentally sound?

Have you ever noticed that when you drive, the lines painted on the roads are usually perfect and pristine?  That’s because our country’s road painters are experts at their jobs.  Rarely do you see mistakes in road lines.  The colors are vibrant and resistant, and last for months or years.  They have to follow strict regulations and rules, just to make sure they’re going to direct traffic the way they should.  You’re probably wondering about the composition of the paint on your roads; is it environmentally sound?  What makes it last so long?  And why does road paint even exist?  Read on to find out.


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Is Your Sidewalk Up to Code?

June 24th, 2016
sidewalk code

If you haven’t updated or repaired your pavement in a few years, your sidewalk may be out of date and not in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

If you haven’t updated or repaired your pavement in a few years, your sidewalk may be out of date and not in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).  If damages are caused, you will be found at fault, and it can lead to a nasty lawsuit, and the injury of others.  After all, we have regulations for a reason!  To find out if your sidewalk is up to code, or if you need maintenance done, read on.


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How to Protect Pavement From the Upcoming Storm Season

June 16th, 2016
water pavement damage

Did you know that the rain from our frequent storms can actually dissolve roadways, if given enough time?

Hurricane season is approaching for the east coast of America.  Soon, it will be storm after storm, and you’re probably aware that this will inevitably affect the infrastructure of your state’s constructions.  Bridges are subject to high winds, buildings leak, and even mild tornadoes can end up ruining an otherwise sound structure.  But did you know that the rain from our frequent storms can actually dissolve roadways, if given enough time?  Read on if you’re interested in protecting your pavement from this disaster.


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Does Your Brick Need Tuckpointing?

June 9th, 2016
tuckpointing brick wall

Does your mortar need replacing?

While brick is a beautiful and durable material, it doesn’t always hold up the elements.  As time passes, the mortar holding them together can start to weather away, allowing areas where water can seep in and cause issues.  This is where tuckpointing comes in.  It’s the process of tucking new mortar into the places where it has deteriorated.  And while this may seem like a simple process, it takes quite a bit of skill and knowledge.  Read on to see if your brick structure is in need of tuckpointing.


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