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Parking Lot Striping can benefit your Baltimore Business

April 4th, 2014

Parking lot striping can help you make a better first impression.

Our entire lives, we are told “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Easier said than done. As human beings, we are a very visual people. According to several psychology studies, as much as 55% of a stranger’s opinion of your Baltimore business – a potential customer’s opinion – is determined by physical appearance. And what is the first thing a customer sees? Your building!

Like the cover of a book, the exterior of your building and your parking lot are what your customers base their first opinions on.  And according to Business Insider, it takes just 0.1 seconds for an individual to form a lasting impression of your business. So what kind of first impression is your building giving your customers? Remember, it is far more difficult to change someone’s first impression than it is to make a good first impression.

Parking Lot Striping Baltimore

Parking Lot Striping can benefit your Baltimore Business

New paint, signs and wheel stops give your parking lot a “WOW” factor, instantly improving curb appeal. Unfortunately, this wow factor doesn’t last forever. Your parking lot striping wears away over time, which is why re-striping is the most common and routine type of asphalt maintenance. This deterioration is sped up by such factors as severe weather, the amount of traffic coming in and out of the lot, and the thickness of the paint.

Because of all this, it is recommended that you re-stripe your parking lot every 12-18 months.

Parking Lot Striping in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore area. We can handle all of your parking lot striping needs.

“These are the extras as I like to call them,” explains PTG owner Patrick Gillen. “Regardless of how well the excavation, grading, concrete installs, stone placement and asphalt was laid, what’s going to stand out to the average passerby is the brad new striping against the fresh black asphalt.”

The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. And when you choose PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.

If you have any questions about Parking Lot Striping 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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How Asphalt Patching can save Baltimore Businesses both Money and Heartache

March 28th, 2014

If we have said it once, we have said it a thousand times; this past winter was harsh! And businesses all over Baltimore are suffering the consequences. The freeze-thaw damage on roads and parking lots is very noticeable, with potholes, cracking, and other forms of asphalt damage everywhere. The solution: Asphalt Patching.

How Asphalt Patching can save Baltimore Businesses both Money and Heartache

Remember the old adage a stitch in time saves nine? Well, the same theory holds true for your asphalt. A little preventive maintenance now can save you a lot of money (and heartache) in the future. Asphalt patching is a cost-effective way to address broken areas of concrete without resurfacing the entire lot.

Remember, the longer you put off maintenance, the worse the damage will become. And because much of the damage occurs under the surface, you may not even realize the full extent of the problem.

Asphalt Patching Baltimore

The Asphalt Patching Process

In a nutshell, we:

  1. layout the area and paint the perimeter,
  2. saw cut or jackhammer the perimeter,
  3. excavate the damaged area with a milling machine or excavator,
  4. roll the soil and compact,
  5. re-install the asphalt in lifts as required by depth, two inches at a time, and
  6. roll and compact the area.

Asphalt Patching in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. And when you choose PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.

Each phase of the project will be executed with an attention to detail that other asphalt paving contractors don’t possess. We’ll establish timetables and plans that ensure the job gets done quickly, without impacting traffic flow or accessibility for customer and tenants and/or residents.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Patching 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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Property Managers in Maryland should start scheduling Spring Inspections

March 21st, 2014

Spring inspections help property managers throughout Maryland identify areas of immediate need.

Spring has finally sprung…sort of. While spring officially started on the March 20th, we still have one more snow storm in the forecast in Maryland. It is the perfect end to one of the worst winters in recent memory. As we mentioned in last week’s blog, the freeze-thaw damage on Maryland roads and parking lots is very noticeable this year. There are potholes and cracks everywhere! The snow and ice sure did a number on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks throughout the state…

Property Managers in Maryland should start scheduling Spring Inspections

Property managers everywhere know what spring means; it’s time to deal with the aftermath of winter: potholes, pavement cracks, de-icing chemical damage, faded parking lot striping, damaged curbs, storm drain collapses, bent signage, and more. Each of these areas poses a threat to your customer, clients, or tenants, a threat that you could be held liable for.

“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,” warns a Maryland attorney.

This is why it is important to schedule spring inspections as soon as the weather clears up. Not only will this help you avoid potential lawsuits, but it will prevent the asphalt and concrete damage from worsening over time.

 

Maryland Spring Inspections

Spring Inspections with PTG Enterprises

Located in Linthicum, Maryland, PTG Enterprises specializes in concrete and asphalt repair. We can also handle all of your striping and signage needs. When you schedule your spring inspections with us, owner Patrick Gillen will walk your property, examine your pavement, and provide his recommendations for repairs.

You’ll receive a thorough, detailed estimate and proposal written in an easy to understand format. Of course, you do not have to make all of your repairs at once. We will prioritize everything to help you better budget.

The next step is simple: we’ll show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave the client satisfied!

If you have any questions about Spring Inspections in Maryland, 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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Is your Baltimore Business in need of Pothole Repair?

March 14th, 2014

This winter in Baltimore has been a pretty rough one. It seems like it is snowing every other week. And while this may be great news for children (who doesn’t love a snow day?), it is a nightmare for business owners. The freeze-thaw damage on roads and parking lots is very noticeable this winter. There are potholes everywhere!

Is your Baltimore Business in need of Pothole Repair?

As a business owner, it is important to address these potholes as soon as possible. This is true for several reasons, including:

  1. Vehicle Damage: When it comes to vehicles, potholes can do a number of bad things to wheels, tires, and suspension. And you could be held responsible for this damage.
  2.  Injuries and Liability: It is important to protect yourself from potential lawsuits. At the end of the day, the only person liable for injuries caused by potholes is you. According to one attorney, “all [Baltimore,] 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…” This is why it is so important to address potholes as they occur.
  3. Asphalt Damage: Your pothole is just the beginning. The longer you put off pothole repair, the worse the underlying damage can and will become. As water is allowed to penetrate into the base material, it will quickly erode your parking lot from the inside out.

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.

Baltimore Pothole Repair

Pothole Repair: Step-by-step

Potholes are caused by failures in the base material. In order to fix potholes, the old asphalt must be removed, a new base applied, and then a new layer of compacted asphalt added.

  1. Water and debris is removed from the pothole.
  2. Clean cuts are made along the sides of the prospective patch area. This helps ensure that the vertical sides of the repair are in sound pavement.
  3. Damaged asphalt is removed.
  4. The hot or cold asphalt patch is applied.
  5. The asphalt patch is compacted.

It is best to leave pothole repair to the professionals, like PTG Enterprises.

Pothole Repair from PTG Enterprises, your Baltimore Asphalt 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 Pothole Repair in Baltimore, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! 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’ll show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave the client satisfied!

You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

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What are the Best De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete? None!

March 7th, 2014

As a property manager or business owner, you have a legal responsibility to keep your property safe for your tenants, employees, or customers. In the winter, this means keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice. Aside from shoveling, many property managers turn to rock salt and other de-icing chemicals, including

  1. Sodium chloride or rock salt (NaCL)
  2. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
  3. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) andorganic-based performance enhancer (OBPE)
  4. NaCL with MgCl2 and OBPE
  5. NaCL with Magic-O – a proprietaryblend of OBPE and 30% MgCl2
  6. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and OBPE
  7. NaCL until 15° F degrees, then NaCL with CaCl2 until 5° F degrees, thenNaCL with sand

What are the Best De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete? None!

“No de-icing chemicals are safe,” explains Patrick Gillen III, owner of PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore concrete contractor.

De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete

According to a 2002 federal government funded study, “The Deleterious Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete,” there is significant evidence that de-icing chemicals chemically interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure. It doesn’t matter if you use sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, or another product, each has been scientifically proven to damage concrete pavement. There is no good de-icing chemical to use on your concrete. Period. End of story.

Concrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. In addition to its strength, this material holds up well to the elements. However, certain chemicals, like de-icing chemicals, can wreak havoc on your concrete. When concrete becomes cracked and broken, it not only detracts from the overall look of a property, it can become a safety hazard, requiring immediate attention.

Concrete Repair from PTG Enterprises

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 questions about the effects of De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete or if you are in need of Concrete Repair, 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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Start Planning Spring Commercial Concrete Projects

February 25th, 2014

As a building owner or property manager, you have a lot on your plate. And this winter has been a harsh one. The constant freezing and thawing has wreaked havoc on your parking lot and sidewalks.

“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.

When water penetrates cracks in your pavement, it freezes, expands, and widens these cracks. This happens numerous times over the course of a winter, worsening cracks, degrading your pavement from the inside out. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to prevent this until spring. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead.

Commercial Concrete


Start Planning Spring Commercial Concrete Projects

Winter is the perfect time to start planning for spring projects for several reasons, including:

  1. Winter is the slow time for most commercial concrete contractors. This means winter is the perfect time to book your project, before demand increases with the temperature.
  2. Safety and liability are some more reasons to plan your commercial concrete project now. “All Maryland businesses, corporations, employers and business owners have a legal obligation and responsibility to properly maintain all areas of their property,” explains one Baltimore, Maryland lawyer. “This includes parking lots, driveways and sidewalks.”
  3. Finally, aesthetic appeal. According to Business Insider, it takes just 0.1 seconds for a stranger to form a lasting impression of your business. Don’t let a disheveled sidewalk give potential customers a bad first impression.
  4. And more!

PTG Enterprises, your Commercial Concrete Contractor

At PTG Enterprises, 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. 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.

If you have any questions about Spring Commercial Concrete Projects with PTG Enterprises, 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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Spring Paving Projects with PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

February 21st, 2014

While Punxsutawney Phil may have doomed us to six more weeks of winter – six more weeks of cold and six more weeks of snow – spring will be here before you know it. Spring is just about a month away, making now the perfect time to plan Spring Paving Projects. While it is not necessarily too cold to pave right now (if it would stop snowing), asphalt paving is much easier when the temperature warms up. Paving in colder weather presents certain challenges not present with warmer weather, primarily laying and compacting the hot asphalt before it cools. It takes an organized and experienced asphalt crew, like the one found at PTG Enterprises.

While it may not be too cold for that paving project you have in mind, it is too cold to sealcoat, but not for long. Spring is the beginning of the sealcoat season, beginning in March and extending to early November. You see, sealcoat should only be applied if both ambient temperature and pavement temperature are above 50°F and below 85°F.

Spring Paving

While it may not be the ideal time to pave or apply sealcoat, it is the ideal time to schedule such spring paving projects. Once the weather warms up, our phone will start ringing off the hook, so it is important to schedule your project before we get too busy.

Spring Paving Projects with PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

Since 2001, PTG Enterprises has set the standard for quality asphalt work in the Baltimore area, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots. With PTG each phase of the project will be executed with an attention to detail that other asphalt paving contractors don’t possess. We’ll establish timetables and plans that ensure the job gets done quickly, without impacting traffic flow or accessibility for customer and tenants and/or residents.

If you have any questions about Spring Paving Projects with PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor, 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!

Sources:

Is it too cold to pave? PaveManPro.com

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What is Asphalt?

February 14th, 2014

Asphalt: it is everywhere. It is what most roads are made of. It is what most parking lots are made of. And it is the topic of this blog. You see, asphalt is everywhere, yet we tend to take it for granted. Do you even know what asphalt is? What is it made of? How is it created? We will delve into these questions in our blog, “What is Asphalt?”

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is made up of stone, also known as aggregate; sand; additives; and liquid petroleum. The mixture is typically 90% aggregate and sand and 10% liquid petroleum. This combination forms a highly durable material that still maintains superior flexibility, allowing the surface to adapt to changing conditions produced by weather and the constantly changing surface beneath the pavement. It is this flexibility, this durability, which makes asphalt such a popular pavement.

How is Asphalt Created?

  1. Predose: The first step involves weighing the aggregate using a belt weighing instrument.
  2. Drying: Next, the aggregate is dried at about 300 degrees sing a drying drum. Then the aggregate is reweighed and sifted into silos.
  3. Aggregate: Now the aggregate is transferred to the mixer where the liquid petroleum is eventually added according to a measured rate of flow.
  4. Storage: When the mixture is ready, it is stored in a heated silo until it is transported to the job site.

How is Asphalt Layed?

  1. Unless the asphalt is being laid over existing asphalt (overlay), it is the preparation of the ground beneath the pavement that is the most influential factor in the life of an asphalt pavement surface. Without proper groundwork the life of the paved surface is greatly reduced.
  2. Spray a thin coat of liquid asphalt binder (hot tack) onto the surface using an asphalt distributor.
  3. Lay the asphalt pavement using an asphalt paver and compacted using asphalt rollers.

PTG Enterprises, an Asphalt Contractor in Baltimore, Maryland

Since 2001, PTG has set the standard for quality asphalt work in the Baltimore area, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots. Unlike those other asphalt contractors, PTG cares 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. Those other asphalt contractor won’t do that!

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

If you have any questions about Asphalt 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!

Sources:

What is Asphalt Pavement? Pavemanpro.com

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Snow Removal for Commercial Properties in Maryland

February 7th, 2014

As a business owner, snow is the last thing you want to see. Snow means downtime. If employees and customers can’t make it to your business, you don’t make money. Snow also means snow removal, which isn’t cheap. And this has already been a rather snowy winter here in Maryland and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, everyone’s favorite groundhog just predicted 6 more weeks of winter. So get ready for more frigid temperatures, more snow, and more costly snow removal.

Snow Removal Maryland

Snow Removal for Commercial Properties in Maryland

Not only is removing snow from your parking lot an expensive endeavor, it can also damage your asphalt, costing you even more money down the road! So please, follow these snow removal tips for commercial properties in Maryland:

  1. Prompt Snow Removal: Not only is it a good idea for your business to remove snow as soon as possible, but it is important from a legal standpoint as well. After all, the last thing you want or need is for a customer to slip and fall outside your business because you didn’t properly clear the walkway and parking lot. If this happens, you could be held liable.
  2. Professional Snow Removal: While you can try and tackle snow removal yourself, it is often better to leave this job to the professionals. They have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done right. Plus, a professional plowing service is far less likely to damage your parking surface. Still, accidents do happen.

If you notice any asphalt damage, whether the result of a snow plow or the constant Freeze-Thaw Effect of winter, you need to address the damage as soon as possible. Timely repairs are extremely important. 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.

So pick up the phone and call  an experienced asphalt company today – a company like PTG Enterprises. The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of pavement repair projects and have the experience you need.

If you have any questions about Asphalt Repair 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!

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

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How to fix Potholes

January 31st, 2014

There is only one person liable for damage or injuries caused by potholes and other pavement damage: YOU! As a business owner or property owner, you will be held liable for injuries sustained as a result of improper pavement maintenance. According to at least one 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…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.”

This is why it is so important to address parking lot damage as it occurs.

How to fix Potholes

Potholes are generally caused by failures in the base material. In order to fix potholes, the old asphalt must be removed, a new base applied, and then a new layer of compacted asphalt added. It is quite the ordeal. Because of this, it is typically best to leave pothole repair to the professionals, like PTG Enterprises.

How to fix a Pothole

The asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of Maryland, 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!

Asphalt Maintenance

There are several preventative maintenance tasks, like sealcoating, property managers and homeowners can take to extend the useful life of their asphalt. Another important task is crack filling.

“Properly crack filling your parking lot is the single best thing you can do to maintain its life,” says PTG Enterprises owner Patrick T. Gillen III. “Left untreated, small cracks will allow water in and become big cracks eventually penetrating through the asphalt and contaminating the sub-grade.”

Of course, PTG Enterprises can handle all of your crack filling needs, as well.

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. This is why you need to pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises at the first sign of damage.

If you have any questions about How to fix Potholes 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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