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Asphalt Patching: Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix

March 21st, 2015

Asphalt Patching: Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix

Late winter and early spring in Maryland can seem like a temperature roller coaster. It’s below freezing one day and then sunny and warm the next. This constant up and down may seem innocent enough, but it could be wreaking havoc on your asphalt surfaces.

“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,” warns Rob Morosi, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Read the rest of this entry »

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Retaining Wall Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Services in Maryland

March 13th, 2015

Retaining WallWith your spring inspection planned, your retaining walls are bound to come up. Do they need to be repaired? When will they need to be replaced? A site visit from an experienced paving company can help facility managers and other decision makers better budget for maintenance, repairs, and eventual reconstruction.

If you have not already done so, Click Here to schedule a site visit.

PTG Enterprises Can Handle It All: Construction, Maintenance, and Repair

At PTG Enterprises, we’re experts at masonry jobs and can handle all three phases of your retaining wall’s natural life: initial construction and eventual re-construction, regular preventive maintenance, and repairs. We’re a paving company that knows how to hit the bricks! Read the rest of this entry »

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Concrete Pool Deck Repair throughout Maryland

March 6th, 2015

Concrete Pool Deck Repair in MarylandMemorial Day: a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and pools all across Maryland will be opened for the season. Are you ready? More importantly, is your pool ready? Monday, May 25 isn’t too far away. Read the rest of this entry »

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Attention Facility Managers! Now is the Time to Plan Spring Inspections

March 2nd, 2015

Spring InspectionsWinter is in full swing and Jack Frost seems reluctant to loosen his grip on the weather, but spring will be here before you know it. For most of us, that just means warmer weather and safer driving conditions. For facility managers and property owners, spring means it’s time for inspections and common area maintenance (CAM): repair, replacement, and care of all lighting, plumbing, roofs, parking surfaces, landscaped areas, signs, and more. Read the rest of this entry »

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Combat Winter Pavement Damage: Concrete Repair throughout Maryland

February 20th, 2015

Concrete Repair MarylandConcrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures: durable, but not indestructible. Concrete repair is in every business owner, facility manager, or home owner association’s future. That’s just the way it is.

Freeze-Thaw Damage

We probably sound like a broken record, but winter, snow, and ice can wreak havoc on your pavement. Period. With the help of our good ole friend the freeze-thaw cycle, water works its way into even the smallest cracks, freezes, expands, and widens cracks. And this happens countless times during the winter months here in Maryland where the temperature goes up and down more than a rollercoaster.

“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,” warns Rob Morosi, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Snow Plow Damage

As helpful as snow plows may be, they can also be a nightmare on your concrete pavement. Because snow plow operators can’t always see what lies beneath that fresh coat of snow, they sometimes hit curbs, speed bumps, wheel stops, and signage.

De-icing Chemical Damage

De-icing chemicals can wreak havoc on concrete. These chemicals, while great for melting snow and ice, also “interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure,” according to a 2002 federal government-funded study. Click Here to learn more.

The Solution to It All: Concrete repair.

Concrete Repair throughout Maryland

At PTG Enterprises, we are experts at commercial concrete repair and our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. Our knowledgeable estimators will inspect your pavement and make several suggestions to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.

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When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem:

  1. Crack repairs: When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem.
  2. Caulking During new construction, expansion joints are installed to allow shifting and movement of the concrete. Over time, the fill material rots and needs to be caulked. This helps prevent water intrusion.
  3. Trip Fall Hazards: As sidewalks settle or the ground beneath shirts, it sometimes creates what is known as trip and fall hazards.

To find out which form of Concrete Repair makes the most sense for you, 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!

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Pothole Repair Services in Baltimore, Maryland and Beyond

February 12th, 2015

Pothole Repair Baltimore, MarylandAccording to everyone’s favorite groundhog (or least favorite, depending on who you ask), we are in for six more weeks of winter. That is six more weeks of snow. That is six more weeks of ice. And that is six more weeks of pavement damage. You see, the freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc on your asphalt, leading to cracking and other forms of pavement distress. And don’t get us started on potholes.

Too late…

The Good, the Bad, the Cold, and the Hot of Pothole Repair

Potholes are not just eyesores. They are a sign of underlying pavement issues. And if not addressed in a timely manner, these issues could worsen. On top of that, potholes open business owners and property managers up to a whole new world of liability concerns.

According one local attorney, “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.”

“Property owners have a responsibility to make sure either that these hazards are repaired or that people walking and driving on their property are warned against them,” added a New York attorney.

This is because potholes represent two real risks: vehicle damage and trip/fall hazards. When it comes to vehicles, potholes can do a number of bad things to wheels, tires, and suspension. Then comes the trip/fall side of things. At the end of the day, the only person liable for injuries caused by potholes is you.

Pothole Repair Services in Baltimore, Maryland

The asphalt paving experts at PTG Enterprises have managed hundreds of projects throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Washington 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!

Click Here for a proposal.

Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix

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. The longer you put off pothole repair, the worse the underlying damage can and will become.

There are two ways to fix potholes. First is Cold Patch, which is a temporary fix. The next is Hot Mix, which is a more permanent fix.

To find out which form of Pothole Repair makes the most sense for you, 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!

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Prevent Concrete Damage, Remove De-Icing Chemicals after Snow and Ice Melt

February 6th, 2015

Concrete Damage De-Icing ChemicalsConcrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. Concrete is durable, but it’s not indestructible.  It requires regular maintenance and proper protection, especially during the winter months when the freeze-thaw cycle and de-icing chemicals can wreak havoc on concrete.

De-Icing Chemicals and Concrete Damage

If you have ever visited the My Pavement Guy blog before, you know owner Patrick T. Gillen III is strongly against the use of de-icing chemicals on concrete and asphalt surfaces. These chemicals, while great for melting snow and ice, also ““interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure,” according to a 2002 federal government-funded study.

“No de-icing chemicals are safe.” – Gillen.

Sand is a much safer and environmentally-conscious option. Still, if you want to use de-icing chemicals to melt away hazardous ice and snow (we understand. Slips, trips, and falls can be a liability), it is important to remove these chemicals when they are no longer necessary. Far too often, business owners and property managers who use de-icing chemicals fail to properly remove these chemicals when snow and ice have melted away.

Leaving clumps of de-icing chemicals, like salt, on your sidewalks, dumpster corals, and other concrete surfaces can lead to concrete damage, such as cracking or worse, total pavement failure. When concrete becomes cracked and broken, it not only detracts from the overall look of a property, it can become a safety hazard.

Concrete Repair from PTG Enterprises

The secret to great looking pavement is three-fold: initial construction, maintenance, and re-construction. And lucky for you, PTG Enterprises can handle all three phases. We are a commercial concrete contractor in the Baltimore area and our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving.

PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs.

According to the Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147), “Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools.”

If you have any further questions about Concrete Damage and Repair, 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!

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Crack Sealing: Combating the Effects of Freeze-Thaw Damage

January 28th, 2015

Crack SealingWith the impending snow storm coming through Maryland, it is necessary to prepare to repair freeze-thaw damage to your concrete pavement. Freeze-thaw damage is done when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement, freezes, and expands the crack. The resulting larger spaces in the concrete will then thaw when the temperature goes up, displaying a bigger problem than you had before. Sealing these gaps is a common maintenance activity done by PTG Enterprises.

Crack sealing the asphalt prevents water and other materials from seeping into the cracks. Filling the concrete should be done before it snows or before a rainy season. The idea behind this is that there will be less repair work to complete. If no preventative maintenance is done, larger gaps in the concrete will need to be filled, which is more costly. Filling cracks will happen a few times over the winter since water will sneak through each time there is a snow day.

The Federal Highway Administration did an extensive study on what type of materials should be used to effectively seal cracks in the pavement and to what magnitude these materials should be used. The findings for normal cracks (2.5-5 millimeters) are as follows.

  1. Short-term crack sealing: Rubberized asphalt should be positioned in “Band-Aid” arrangement if the pavement has ordinary cracks, to perform for a term between one and three years. The study also found that this will work with average traffic levels.
  2. Medium-term crack sealing: This time span will be between three and five years, with moderate traffic and two varying types of asphalt. Rubberized asphalt may be placed in the cracks in a recessed “Band-Aid” configuration or a modified rubberized asphalt can be inserted in a simple “Band-Aid” alignment.
  3. Long-term crack sealing: A modified rubberized asphalt sealant is to be used in a simple or shallow recessed “Band-Aid” configuration. This would be for a time span of five to eight years in moderate traffic.

The study revealed that quality control is essential, and crack sealing should be done precisely and carefully. Water that penetrates these normal cracks will soften the stone and shorten the lifespan of the asphalt pavement. More damage can be done if not taken care of such as pot holes; common in Baltimore City. This winter, freeze-thaw destruction will create these large openings and should be fixed as soon as possible.

PTG Enterprises: Baltimore Crack Filling

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.

If you have any further questions about Crack Filling, 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!

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Can Sealcoating Be Applied in the Winter?

January 28th, 2015

Sealcoating WinterAccording to Google, sealcoating is “the application of a sealing coat to a paved surface in order to prolong its integrity.” In simpler terms, a sealcoat protects newly paved roads, parking lots, and driveways from external damage such as ice, sun rays, and normal pedestrian and automobile traffic. Commercial asphalt contractors use sealcoating as a preventative maintenance mechanism.

Winter sealcoating

Winter is not always the best time for sealcoating, because the air temperature as well as pavement temperature has to be above 50°F and below 85°F. This is well above the freezing point (32°F) and would not hold up like its purpose. Many companies know that contracting in the winter is less costly than spring and summer months, but we advise to wait for paving and applying a seal coat until the air becomes warmer. The ideal time that PTG Enterprises is able to apply a sealcoat is in March, given that the groundhog didn’t see his shadow. Late March would be the safest bet, with an ending time frame of early November.

Why sealcoating?

Sealcoating protects the nice, rich black color of the asphalt. It gives a cleaner appearance and keeps the road or lot smooth and easy to drive (or walk) over. Think about all of the salt you put down before, during, and after it snows to melt the ice. Now picture people walking on the salt, grinding it into the beautiful new paved lot you just paid for. Sealcoating is an extra layer of protection for your well-spent dollars. When you apply sealcoating, you ultimately save money in the long run since you will not have to re-do the entire lot as frequently.

Sealcoating to survive a harsh winter

Preventative maintenance on your commercial paved lot should be a given if you want customers to glide in and out easily. Sealcoating the top every two to seven years is a good way to do so. The more natural forces work against your lot, the more often you should have the lot sealcoated. Potholes, especially in Baltimore, are the worst obstacles to drive over. You cringe, knowing your tires are taking a beating. A sealcoated parking lot or road will not contain potholes, and will not need to be patched. During the winter, snow will melt more quickly on a sealed lot as opposed to an unsealed parking lot.

Sealcoating from PTG Enterprises

Interested in learning more? Give PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy a call about sealcoating in and around Baltimore. Call us at 410-636-8777 or click here today! You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

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Battling Winter Pavement Damage

January 16th, 2015

Winter Pavement DamageBetween the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle and the damaging-effects of de-icing chemicals, winter can be a difficult season on your asphalt and concrete surfaces. However, with proper (continued) maintenance your pavement can withstand winter and live a long and healthy life.

Battling Winter Pavement Damage

Pavement begins to deteriorate the moment it is laid. That is just life. All good things must come to an end, or so they say. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help slow this deterioration and ensure you have beautiful for the foreseeable future.

  1. Cleaning: Remove debris from your parking lot and paved services.
  2. Sealcoating: This helps preserve the natural black color of your asphalt while also delaying eventual deterioration. Click Here to compare and contrast the benefits of sealed vs. unsealed pavement.
  3. Crackfill: Cracks allow water to penetrate the base and sub-base, deteriorating your pavement from the inside out. This damage is intensified by the freeze-thaw cycle, which we mentioned above.
  4. Patching: Cold weather patching used to be complicated and cumbersome, but it has gotten easier over the years. If you already have sizable cracks or holes, you should consider asphalt patching. Cold patches aren’t as strong as warm mix or hot mix asphalt, but they’ll help protect the rest of your asphalt until the weather warms up and we can provide a more permanent solution.

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 Damage 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!

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