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Pavement Repair Services in Baltimore

June 13th, 2014

If we have said it once, we have said it a thousand times. This past winter in Baltimore was harsh. Period. End of story. As a result of the freeze-thaw cycle, you may have noticed some damage to your concrete and asphalt surfaces: cracking, potholes, and more. It is important to address this damage before it worsens. As water penetrates the surface of your sidewalk, parking lot, or other pavement surface through the damaged area, it begins to deteriorate the pavement from the inside out. The longer a crack or pothole goes uncorrected, the greater the damage to the base and the greater the likelihood of further damage.

Types of Pavement Damage

  1. Cracks.
  2. Potholes, a car’s worst enemy.
  3. Corrugation, or waves in the pavement.
  4. Flushing.
  5. Ruts in the wheel path.
  6. And More!

If you notice one (or several) of the above issues, contact your local, Baltimore pavement repair contractor as soon as possible. Allowing minor blemishes to worsen will both increase costs and lower the aesthetic appeal (curb appeal) of your facility. This is why timely repairs are so important.

  1. Crack Sealing: Crack sealing will help prevent water from entering the subsurface through cracks. It is that simple. Addressing small cracks now is the best way to prevent large problems later.
  2. Cut and Patch: When damage cannot be corrected with simple crack sealing, spot repairs may be the next step. This involves removing a portion of the pavement surface and repaving that section. This technique is ideal for areas comprising less than 15% of the total pavement surface.
  3. Overlay: An overlay is when a new pavement surface is paved over the existing surface. If cracks are present in the existing surface, a crack retardant fabric is placed between the old and new pavement to ensure the cracks do not prevent themselves in the freshly paved surface.
  4. Repaving: If the entire parking lot surface (or more than 15%) requires repair, you should strongly consider replacing the pavement surface.

Preventative Maintenance

A well-planned preventative maintenance program can help extend the life of your pavement and help reduce maintenance and repair costs. Ca-ching! Even if you do not notice any visible signs of damage (luck you), that does not mean your pavement is a-okay. Over time, sun, rain, and wind age your pavement, making it more brittle and prone to damage. Fortunately there are several ways for you to fight back!

  1. Sealcoating your asphalt parking lot carries many advantages—it makes your lot more weatherproof, nicer to look at, and—in the long run—less expensive to maintain.
  2. Of course, one of the best preventative maintenance measures you can take is proper installation. That is why you should trust all of your pavement projects to a professional pavement contractor, like PTG Enterprises.

Pavement Repair Services in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We have been in the paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots and concrete surfaces. Our crews work quickly and professionally.

Pavement Repair Baltimore

If you have any questions about Pavement Repair, 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 vs. Asphalt

June 6th, 2014

When it comes to pavement projects, there is an ongoing debate to which material is better to use; concrete or asphalt. To make the best decision for your project, ask yourself a few questions and then research to see which option would be best for you. Things to consider include:
1. Restrictions of material
2. Cost
3. Maintenance
4. Aesthetics
5. Climate

Concrete vs Asphalt

Asphalt

Let’s look at asphalt more closely. Asphalt typically lasts from 15 to 18 years, depending on maintenance and outstanding conditions. Asphalt tends to soften in high temperatures; however repairs can be made easily. As far as maintenance, asphalt needs resealing every 3 years minimum. Asphalt comes in mainly black and doesn’t have any finishing options with it, making customizing its look difficult. Asphalt can become damaged by oil and grease that drips onto the surface. Constant exposure to sunlight and moisture, such as rain, can cause asphalt to break down and eventually crack or ripple. Based on square feet, asphalt tends to be a little cheaper than concrete to install.

Concrete

Now to give concrete some face time. When concrete is laid correctly, it has a life of about 30 to 40 years. It is considered more durable than asphalt overall, but can still crack when exposed to cold temperatures. Repairs to concrete are difficult to make, but do not to be made very often. Concrete can come in a number of different colors and has various finishing options. If substances such as grease or oil should come in contact with concrete, simply rinse them off with no damage done. Based on square feet, concrete can be a tad more expensive to install than asphalt depending on how large of an area you are paving.

PTG Enterprises

When it comes time to making the decision, there is never a black and white answer when faced with either concrete or asphalt. Let the specialists at PTG Enterprises help you make the decision for your paving project. We are trained in handling both materials and will be able to aid in the decision making based on the parameters of your project.
If you have any questions about Concrete vs. Asphalt, 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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ADA Compliance Specialist in Maryland

May 30th, 2014

As a business owner in Maryland you have a lot to worry about. First and foremost, you need to make a profit. Period. End of story. That is your ultimate goal. Everything you do comes back to profitability. Exceptional customer service leads to happy customers, which leads to profitability. A clean, aesthetically appealing building helps attract business, which leads to profitability. Every decision you make as a business owner has an effect (some smaller than others) on your potential for profit. And in today’s economy, sometimes even small decisions can have major impacts on your business.

In 2012, compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, Title III became mandatory. Title III guarantees persons with disabilities are provided accommodations and access equal to, or similar to, the general public into commercial facilities and areas of public accommodation. To help facilitate the transition process, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) allowed a one-year “grace period” for businesses to comply with the changes.

Is Your Facility ADA Compliant?

A law suit can derail your business quicker than you can say “ADA Compliance.” Failure to comply with ADA, Title III can result in civil law suits with fines as high as $100,000 PER OFFENSE. This is why you need an asphalt contractor who specializes in ADA compliance.

ADA ComplianceMaryland

ADA Compliance Specialist in Maryland

PTG Enterprises specializes in ADA compliance. We are a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area and our asphalt experts have the experience and knowledge you need to ensure your commercial facility is compliant.

For additional information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, please visit http://www.ada.gov/.

If you have any questions about ADA Compliance, 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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Retaining Wall Repair in Baltimore

May 23rd, 2014

Traditionally, retaining walls are used to retain lateral pressure of soil. In layman’s terms, these walls hold back soil and substrate from moving due to the effects of gravity and erosion. But this is just one of the many uses for retaining walls.

Retaining Wall Repair Baltimore

Why did you have your retaining wall built?

Perhaps you wanted to reduce landscape maintenance around your apartment complex. Perhaps you wanted to flatten an extreme slope on your property. Perhaps you wanted to prevent erosion on the hill behind your business. Or perhaps you used the retaining wall as an aesthetically pleasing way to disguise an eyesore.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter why you had your retaining wall built. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain; retaining wall repair is in your future. Over time, even the best made retaining wall will begin to show its age. When this happens, it is important to repair any issues to help maintain the integrity of the wall.

Warning Signs of Retaining Wall Failure

The three primary signs of retaining wall failure are:

  1. Tilting: If your retaining wall is starting to lean, you should too. Lean right over, pick up your phone, and call for help. There are several factors that could be causing your retaining wall to collapse. But the only thing that matters is acting fast before the wall fails completely.
  2. Separating: If you notice your retaining wall separating from adjacent walls, separate yourself from your couch and go call for help. Separating is typically a sign of poor construction.
  3. Crumbling: If you see your retaining wall crumbling, don’t crumble yourself. Just pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises.

Retaining Wall Repair in Baltimore

At PTG Enterprises, we’re experts at masonry jobs and know how to handle your crumbling retaining wall. . Our professional crews regularly rebuild retaining walls that are broken or weakened by hydrostatic pressure, normal wear, and erosion.

We really know how to “hit the bricks”

Don’t let deteriorating or damaged masonry impact the look and function of your property. PTG is here to help!

If you have any questions about Retaining Wall Repair or if you are looking for an masonry 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!

Source: Why You Should Hire A Professional to Build Your Retaining Wall

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Concrete Damage: Shrinking, Curling, and Cracking

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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Hiring the Right Pavement Contractor in Baltimore

May 9th, 2014

You look out front of your business one day and notice crack in the asphalt parking lot. You think nothing of it and go back to work. A few weeks later, the crack looks bigger, but it is probably just your imagination. Then winter hits and the freeze-thaw cycle begins. Before you know it, the snow clears, the flowers start to bloom, and that once small crack has transformed into a maze of cracks or even worse, a pothole.

Pavement Contractor Baltimore

You need to find a top-notch pavement contractor and you need him now. How hard could it possibly be to find one in Baltimore? So you head to Google and enter “Pavement contractor in Baltimore” into the search. 3,200,000 results! Whoa! How are you expected to weed through all of the possible candidates?

Hiring the Right Pavement Contractor in Baltimore

Finding a good pavement contractor is a process.

  1. Start clicking links and looking at each company’s website. If they don’t care about their own company and its image, why would they care about you?
  2. Is the company active in social media? This shows dedication to customer service. If a pavement contractor takes the time to interact with customers on Facebook and Twitter, you can expect them to place a strong emphasis on customer service.
  3. Is the company licensed and insured? If a company does not have the proper licenses, they probably do not have the proper insurance either. This could put your business at risk. Just imagine what happens if something goes wrong on your property and your contractor isn’t insured. Guess who will probably be held financially liable? You!
  4. What type of materials does the company use? Poor quality asphalt will lead to a poor quality parking lot.
  5. Does the company stand behind their work? Do they provide you with any type of warranty?
  6. Is the company willing to provide references? Most good pavement contractors are. And the only way to truly learn about a company is to talk to previous clients. While most paving contractors can promise you a beautiful, professional job, it is important to ask for references and testimonials, as well as photographs of completed work.

PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Pavement Contractor

The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of 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!

If you have any questions about Hiring the Right Pavement Contractor in Baltimore, 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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PTG Enterprises and the Associations we belong to: CAI, IFMA, MMHA

May 2nd, 2014

Over the years, PTG Enterprises has paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots, constructed numerous retaining walls, and repaired countless sidewalks. What else can you expect from a company that has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade? Well, let us tell you!

  1. You can expect professional work and a professional attitude.
  2. You can expect personalized customer service that is second to none in the industry. 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. Those other asphalt contractor won’t do that!
  3. You can expect to work with knowledgeable individuals who know the ins and outs of the business through years of experience and continued education.

CAI, IFMA, MMHA

PTG Enterprises and the Associations we belong to: CAI, IFMA, MMHA

Over the years, we have not only perfected our craft, but we have also developed professional relationships that allow us to better serve you, our customers. Below are just a few of the associations PTG Enterprises belongs to:

Community Association Institute (CAI)

CAI provides information and education to community associations and the professionals who support them. It is the Institute’s mission is to inspire professionalism, effective leadership and responsible citizenship. CAI members have access to information on the trends in this rapidly changing industry—with practical knowledge and insights from leaders in the field, best practices, research and tools you can use every day.

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals. Founded in 1980, the Association’s mission is to “advance the facility management profession by providing exceptional services, products, resources and opportunities.” Today, IFMA members manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$100 billion in products and services.

Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA)

MMHA is a professional non-profit trade association consisting of owners and managers of over 161,000 rental housing homes in over 600 apartment communities throughout Maryland. MMHA serves the multi-housing industry and its communities by providing education, information, legislative and advocacy services to its members.

PTG Enterprises is a proud member of each association!

If you have any questions about PTG Enterprises and the Associations we belong to: CAI, IFMA, MMHA, please contact us today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

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Repairing vs. Repaving an Asphalt Parking Lot

April 25th, 2014

Over time, your asphalt parking lot takes a beating. And we don’t have to tell you (but we will) just how bad this past winter was for your asphalt. The snow, ice, and freezing temperatures took their toll on your parking lot, due to what is known as the freeze-thaw cycle. Water penetrates your asphalt through cracks, no matter how small, freezes and expands, and causes those cracks to worsen. This happens several times over the average winter. After a winter like the one we just had in Baltimore, the damage is multiplied, leaving business owners with excessive cracking, potholes, and other forms of asphalt damage. So what do you do?

Repairing vs. Repaving an Asphalt Parking Lot

When all is said and done, the condition of your parking lot, as well as your budget, will determine the extent of the project. Some will require a total excavation and replacement, while others can get away with a little patchwork and some crack filling. You need to evaluate the cost of maintaining the deteriorating pavement over time vs. the cost of replacement. PTG Enterprises can help you make that determination. We will evaluate your parking lot and produce a cost base analysis to determine whether repairs or replacement makes the most sense for you and your business.

Asphalt Repairs

If the damage isn’t too bad, you may be able to get by with asphalt patching, pothole repair, and crack filling. Asphalt maintenance will help extend the useful life of your asphalt, saving you both heartache and money. However, there comes a time when repairs no longer make sense financially. When this happens, total replacement may be your best option.

Total Excavation and Replacement

Asphalt is not indestructible. It will not last forever. In fact, even with regular maintenance, your asphalt parking lot will only last 15-20 years. There eventually comes a time when every parking lot has outlived its useful life, when it is more cost effective to excavate the lot and repave.

Repaving Asphalt Parking Lot

The entire parking lot is machine excavated, usually by an asphalt milling machine, but this can vary with the size and shape of the lot. Once excavation is completed, the sub-grade stone is evaluated for its condition. Any soft spots will be undercut and new stone installed. Then the base and surface courses of asphalt are re-installed. With this option, the life cycle of the parking lot is reset to zero. The lot is brand new.

Trust PTG Enterprises

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots. Our crews work quickly and professionally.

If you have any questions about Repairing vs. Repaving an Asphalt Parking Lot, 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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Concrete Repair in and around Baltimore

April 18th, 2014

A little concrete repair can go a long way!

We may sound like a broken record, but businesses all over Baltimore are suffering the consequences from this past winter! The snow, ice, and freezing temperatures took their toll on parking lots, sidewalks, handicap ramps, and so much more. And this past winter was particularly snowy, icy, and cold.

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

The freeze-thaw cycle is exactly what it sounds like. When water penetrates concrete cracks in the winter, it freezes and expands, widening cracks, before thawing. And during a harsh winter like the one we just had, this freeze-thaw cycle happens numerous times, degrading your concrete surface from the inside out. The Result: Premature pavement failure. The Solution: Concrete repair.

Of course, concrete damage is not restricted to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Snow Plows and Concrete Damage

Sometimes even something as helpful as a snow plow can cause problems for business owners. This is because snow plow operators can’t always see what lies beneath that blanket of shimmering snow. As a result, snow plows are notorious for hitting and damaging curbs, speed bumps, wheel stops, and signage.

The Solution: Concrete repair.

Concrete Repair

Concrete is an incredibly durable material, which is why it is used for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. In addition to its strength, this material holds up well to the elements. Still, concrete is not indestructible, especially when water penetrates deep below the surface. And when concrete cracks, it not only detracts from the overall look of your property, it can become a safety hazard. This is why timely, professional concrete repair is so important.

Concrete Repair Baltimore

  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.

The good news is that PTG Enterprises can handle it all!

Concrete Repair in and around Baltimore

At PTG, we are experts when it comes to commercial concrete jobs. Our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. When we first come out and assess the damage, our knowledgeable estimators will present options to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.

If you have any questions about Concrete Repair in Baltimore, 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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Sealcoating 101: Sealed vs. Unsealed Asphalt in Baltimore

April 11th, 2014

Still on the fence about sealcoating your asphalt? Let’s compare the merits of sealed and unsealed lots.

Weather

It’s now April and getting warm and sunny, but who could forget that winter? Here in Baltimore, it snowed ridiculous amounts and remained cold for weeks. The cold and lingering ice probably did a number on your parking lot. Without sealcoating, the weather erodes the binder in asphalt, resulting in a surface vulnerable to potholes and pitting. The result is unattractive and possibly even damaging to customers’ vehicles as they visit your business.

But not if you’ve recently treated your lot with sealcoating. Even through the last unusually harsh Baltimore winter, sealcoating made certain lots continue to look and feel new. Now that it’s spring, take a look. What’s the difference between a sealed and unsealed lot? The sealed one is clean, uniform and free from potholes and other damage. It doesn’t have patches, which are a band-aid solution resulting in more rough surface.

During the winter, sealcoating offers other advantages. How many times did you pull into a snow-and-ice-filled Baltimore lot this winter, and shuffle carefully into the business, hoping not to slip?

With sealcoating, this is less of a problem. Snow and ice melt more quickly on sealed asphalt than on unsealed asphalt.

Aesthetics

Harsh winter or not, sealcoating simply makes a parking lot look better.

When you visit a business in Baltimore, what’s the first thing you do? In many cases, it’s stepping out of your car into the parking lot.

You probably don’t get down on your knees and inspect the lot, but you do notice—consciously or subconsciously—its condition. This may be the first impression that you have of a business.

An unsealed lot can look worn-out and neglected, possibly reflecting badly on a business owner.

If you’re a Baltimore business owner, you want that crucial first impression to be favorable. A well-maintained parking lot, treated with sealcoating from SealMaster®, will give your customers an impression of professionalism as they take their first steps on your property.

Sealcoating Baltimore

Money

Yes, you have to spend a little money to treat your lot with sealcoating. But you’ll save it in the long run. If you coat your lot every four years, you’ll of course spend more money—in the short term—than the business owner who doesn’t. But after a dozen years or so, he’ll have to re-asphalt his entire lot, a much more costly undertaking. Yours will still stand out as one of the newest in Baltimore, even when it’s years old.

The Verdict

Sealcoating your asphalt carries many advantages—it makes your lot more weatherproof, nicer to look at, and—in the long run—less expensive to maintain. More questions? 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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