Blog

Cold Weather Concrete Paving Tips to Prepare Your Business for Winter

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.

Tags:
Posted in Concrete Contractor in Baltimore | Comments Off on Cold Weather Concrete Paving Tips to Prepare Your Business for Winter

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

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.

Tags: ,
Posted in Concrete Contractor in Baltimore | Comments Off on Baltimore is in for a Harsh Winter; Concrete Sealer Protects Pavement

How to Resolve Ponding Water Issues in Maryland

October 17th, 2014

Ponding Water Issues in MarylandTell us if the following scenario sounds familiar. You are driving through an unfamiliar part of Maryland on a gloomy, rainy day. The sky is covered in dark grey clouds, casting an ominous shadow on the world around you and forcing you to turn on your headlights just to see what’s in front of you. The rain isn’t helping much either. Despite the continued effort of your windshield wipers, visibility is an issue. To make matters worse, traffic is steady. You are moving just fine, but the cars are packed on the road like a can of sardines. Then you see it…a large puddle on the side of the road. You have no choice but to drive through it. Your brain makes numerous speculations as you approach the ponding water. Is this safe? What if I hit an unseen pothole? Or worse, what if I hydroplane?

Drivers all across Maryland are met with similar situations every time it rains: Ponding Water Issues on our roadways and parking lots. These bits of standing water are more than just a nuisance; they pose an immediate threat to drivers and their vehicles. For business owners, ponding water issues cannot only lead to asphalt deterioration and the eventual need for expensive repairs or replacement, but these issues also represent a liability concern.

“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…these accidents can ultimately lead to life altering injuries that can take significant amounts of time, energy and money…management companies, cleaning companies, outsourced security companies and other corporate entities can also be held responsible for your injuries,” warns one Baltimore, Maryland lawyer who advertises himself as a “Harford County Parking Lot Accident Attorney.”

How to Resolve Ponding Water Issues in Maryland

Ponding water issues can occur for many reasons, but the most common cause is typically an issue with the sub-base and how the roadway or parking lot was graded. These issues are best addressed through milling and paving, when a pavement contractor can reshoot the grades and install a leveling lift to correct the problem area.

As we mentioned, there are a number of likely causes for your specific ponding water issues. You will not know the extent of the issue until you have a professional asphalt contractor investigate the problem and assess the situation. What is for certain is that addressing these issues in a timely fashion can and will save you money and give you peace of mind knowing you and your customers are safe.

PTG Enterprises Can Resolve Ponding Water Issues

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore area. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade, managing hundreds of pavement projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. When you call PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work.

They say a good contractor is hard to find. We say you just haven’t met PTG yet!

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.

If you have any questions about How to Resolve Ponding Water Issues, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Tags: ,
Posted in Commercial Paving Services | Comments Off on How to Resolve Ponding Water Issues in Maryland

Crack Fill This Fall Will Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage This Winter

October 16th, 2014

Crack FillFall has just arrived, and winter is not far behind! Is your parking lot safe? Taking care of your parking lots and driveways might not be the first thing you think of when preparing for winter and the snow. Although it seems like you have months before you have to worry about such things, now is the time to take action. If there are any small cracks in the asphalt, you should look into repairing them as soon as possible. Why? Because rainwater as well as melted snow can seep into those cracks and create even larger problems that you don’t want or need!

Freeze-thaw damage to your parking lot occurs when water seeps into the crack in the asphalt and freezes below the roadway and causes the pavement to rise. When this ice thaws, the pavement lowers again, but causes a dip in the road, which then breaks and becomes a pothole. That means an even bigger, more expensive issue to deal with.

The nights are getting cooler and cooler as we go deeper into these fall months, so it’s important to crack fill your parking lots before freeze-thaw damage occurs! Crack filling is just that – filling in the cracks in the pavement. It can have a huge impact on the condition of your parking lot during and after the winter months. You should crack fill now so that you don’t have to repair a pothole later.

Although this is an important issue to take care of as soon as possible, you shouldn’t try to crack fill your parking lot by yourself. So what are you waiting for?  The time is now to call in a professional from PTG Enterprises. You can reach your “pavement guy” by calling  (410) 636-8777, or click here!

Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter as well.

About Us:

“PTG Enterprises is a contracting, consulting and project management business dedicated to serving commercial clients with asphalt and concrete paving services. When you hire PTG, you’ll work with 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.”

Sources:

http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9615_30883-28113–,00.html

https://mypavementguy.com/blog/asphaltadvice/the-importance-of-crackfilling-don%E2%80%99t-let-your-parking-lot-waste-away/

Tags: , ,
Posted in Baltimore Crack Filling | Comments Off on Crack Fill This Fall Will Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage This Winter

Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?

October 3rd, 2014

Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?All good things must come to an end, as they say. The same holds true for your once proud asphalt pavement. Asphalt typically lasts from 15 to 18 years, depending on maintenance and outstanding conditions. Over the years, constant exposure to the elements – sunlight, rain, sleet, snow, and more – cause even the toughest asphalt to break down and eventually fail, resulting in cracking, potholes, or worse.

Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?

Asphalt is known for its strength and durability, which is why the material is used for everything from roadways to parking lots. It’s easy to work with and capable of withstanding years of abuse. However, like all pavement (or anything for that matter), asphalt will begin to show its age over the years.

There are a few likely causes of asphalt pavement deterioration:

Natural Wear and Tear

Over time, the materials that make up asphalt begin to deteriorate. The liquid asphalt binder, the glue that holds the pavement together, begins to lose its natural elasticity and starts to break down. During this process, the asphalt also loses its natural resistance to water, making the pavement even more susceptible to rain, snow, freezing and thawing, and more. Once this happens, cracking and other forms of deterioration are not far behind.

Failures in Construction

Improperly installed asphalt can be a large reason for the deterioration of your pavement. Failures in construction can include: improperly compacted base, over or under compaction of the asphalt, improper temperature during application, poor drainage, and so much more.

Asphalt Maintenance is a Must: Trust PTG Enterprises

Your asphalt pavement will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. It’s only natural. Nothing lasts forever. But with proper construction and regular maintenance your asphalt surface can serve you well for years to come.

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, the asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots along the way. Our crews work quickly and professionally.

When you contact PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate, 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!

Tags: ,
Posted in Asphalt Maintenance | Comments Off on Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?

The Ins and Outs of Asphalt Pavement Maintenance

September 25th, 2014

A savvy businessperson knows that taking care of your business’ property is vital. It creates a welcoming environment for clients and shows that you put care, time, and energy into every aspect of your work. That’s why it’s worth spending the time to maintain your property’s asphalt pavement. Everyone knows that when a road’s condition deteriorates beyond a certain point, people won’t want to drive there, and less foot traffic means less business. PTG paving is here to stop pavement destruction before it starts with a bit of preventative maintenance advice.asphalt pavement maintenance

Crack Filling

While there’s ultimately no way to prevent the damage caused by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle that causes most asphalt pavement damage, it can be quickly mitigated with crack filling. The process involves blowing out, cleaning, and then refilling cracks with one of a wide variety of emulsions, cements, or asphalt-variants which prevents water intrusion.  It’s best used on wider cracks and the filling has a life expectancy of slightly less than 3 years.

Crack Sealing

A step that goes beyond crack filling, sealing provides a longer term solution. Crack sealing involves widening the crack substantially to about a  0.5-inch by 0.5-inch to 0.75-inch by 0.75-inch square. This space is then filled with rubberized asphalt material. The larger trench provides greater flexibility during thermal changes, as does the rubberized asphalt. Crack sealant is graded based on climate and temperature, so it’s important to apply one that works in your area’s specific environment. Crack Sealant has a life expectancy of about 3-5 years and is an excellent asphalt pavement maintenance option.

Surface Treatment

Also available in a slew of options, surface treatments can be used to repair and reinforce against small scale environmental damage over a larger area. Using emulsified asphalt that is usually either mixed with, or immediately followed by, a fine aggregate, several layers are applied to a large area. The surface treatment will fill small cracks and can penetrate into the asphalt pavement, waterproofing the surface and reinforcing the base while increasing overall elemental resistance.

Dangerous DIY

While it is possible to attempt these kinds of preventative measures yourself, improper mixing or application of the materials could be hazardous and ultimately make your asphalt less safe than before. That’s why it’s best to consult and hire a professional contractor for your asphalt pavement maintenance projects.

The asphalt paving experts at PTG Enterprises have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work.

A good contractor is hard to find!

If you have any questions about Pavement Repair and Crack Filling, 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!

Source: Buildings.com

Posted in Asphalt Maintenance, Baltimore Crack Filling, Crack Sealing, Maryland Asphalt Contractor, Maryland Sealcoating Contractor | Comments Off on The Ins and Outs of Asphalt Pavement Maintenance

What are Good Weather Conditions for Sealcoating?

September 19th, 2014

SealcoatingSealcoating can be one of the most rewarding things you can do for your asphalt parking lot. Not only will this improve the look of your parking lot (and curb appeal matters as a business owner), but it will also help protect your asphalt from weathering. So do the right thing for your parking lot and have it sealcoated every 2-7 years, or as needed.

Click Here to learn more about the benefits of sealcoating.

But that’s not why you are here. You want to know if it is too late to sealcoat this year. The good news is that you still have time, but not much. Your window is typically March to early November. So time is running out.

“The best time to sealcoat is from daylight savings time to daylight savings time,” explains Patrick Gillen, owner of Baltimore-based PTG Enterprises, a full service commercial asphalt contractor.

The Pavement Coatings technology Council (PCTC) recommends that all sealcoating be applied only if both ambient temperature and pavement temperature are above 50°F and below 85°F, and there is no rain (or snow) in the forecast. These conditions are important for curing and optimum performance. For these reasons, fall is typically considered the perfect sealcoating season. But don’t wait too long to schedule your sealcoating. Most contractors are very busy this time of year.

Click Here to contact a sealcoating contractor today!

Baltimore Sealcoating Contractor

Over time, your asphalt parking lot will deteriorate. As they say, all good things must come to an end. However, there are several steps you can take to extend the life of your asphalt parking lot. And one of the most cost effective ways to do this is through sealcoating.

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in Baltimore, Maryland. Since 2001, we have set the standard for quality asphalt work and exception customer service. Unlike those other 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.

If you have any questions about Sealcoating, 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!

Tags: ,
Posted in Maryland Sealcoating Contractor | 3 Comments »

Repairing Concrete Cracks

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

Tags:
Posted in Concrete Contractor in Baltimore, Concrete Repairs, Crack Sealing | Comments Off on Repairing Concrete Cracks

What is a Concrete Masonry Unit?

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!

Tags:
Posted in Concrete Contractor in Baltimore | Comments Off on What is a Concrete Masonry Unit?

What Makes Good Concrete? Baltimore Roadways Hang in the Balance

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!

Tags: ,
Posted in Concrete Contractor in Baltimore | 1 Comment »