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What is an Asphalt Patch and what is the Asphalt Patching Process?

June 27th, 2013

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. In fact, even the best asphalt surface will only last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. Around 3-5 years after installation, your asphalt will begin to show its first cracks. Around 5-7 years, your asphalt will need its first patch. But what is an Asphalt Patch? And what is the asphalt patching process

Asphalt Patching Process


What is an Asphalt Patch?

Unlike an overlay, which is the placement of new asphalt on top of the old, damaged asphalt, asphalt patching involves the removal of the damaged asphalt. Once this is done, new asphalt is poured onto the existing sub-base or sub-grade.

Asphalt Patching from 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 and have paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots. Our crews work quickly and professionally.

If your asphalt needs patching give us a call today! Failing to patch an issue could be devastating. When water is allowed to penetrate the surface, it slowly degrades the asphalt from the inside out, worsening the problem or causing premature failure of the pavement.

What is the Asphalt Patching Process?

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

If you have any questions about Asphalt Patching, 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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Asphalt is America’s Most Recycled Material

June 21st, 2013

Believe it or not, asphalt is America’s most recycled material! In fact, asphalt pavement is now being recycled and reused at a rate over 99%.

“Every year, approximately 73 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) are reused, or nearly twice as much as the combined total of 40 million tons of recycled paper, glass, aluminum and plastics,” said Mike Acott, former president of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Recycled Asphalt

This is great news, because there is a lot of asphalt out there and, despite being incredibly durable, your asphalt pavement will not last forever. Around 3-5 years, asphalt will begin to show its first cracks. Around 5-7 years, asphalt will need its first patch. Then around 15-20 years, asphalt will need to be replaced. Fortunately, “asphalt is a 100% recyclable material,” according to Dr. Zhanping You, P.E., Ph.D., professor of transportation engineering and materials at Michigan Technological University.

Benefits of Recycled Asphalt

  1. In 2011, 66.7 million tons of RAP was collected in the United States for use in new pavement.
  2. The use of RAP in 2011 translates to a saving of 21.2 million barrels of liquid asphalt binder and $2.2 billion.
  3. RAP does not leach petroleum into the earth.
  4. Asphalt pavement has a small carbon footprint. “When determining the carbon footprint of anything, it’s important to count everything, and to make sure you don’t count anything twice,” said Dr. Howard Marks of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance. “Both initial construction and a 50-year life-cycle were analyzed. In all cases, the carbon footprints of the asphalt pavements were found to be less than 30 percent of equivalent Portland cement concrete pavements.”
  5. In 2011, 19% of all asphalt produced in the country was made using warm-mix asphalt (WMA).

From production to paving to rehabilitation to recycling, asphalt pavements minimize impact on the environment.

If you have any questions about Asphalt, America’s Most Recycled Material, 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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Sealcoating: Protecting Your Asphalt Pavement from Water Infiltration

June 12th, 2013

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 during that time. And while asphalt may seem tough and durable, the effects of traffic and the elements take their toll, slowly breaking down the pavement over time. This is why Sealcoating is so important. Contrary to popular belief, sealcoating does a lot more than give your asphalt parking lot add aesthetic appeal.

Protecting Your Asphalt Pavement

Sealcoating: Protecting Your Asphalt Pavement from Water Infiltration

The biggest benefit of sealcoating is its ability to protect your parking lot or other asphalt surface from water infiltration. When water finds its way into the cracks and crevices in the surface of your asphalt, it works its way to the base, slowly eroding your parking lot from beneath. The end results are cracks, pot holes, and, eventually, premature pavement failure.

Sealcoating, which is essentially a thin liquid layer added over a paved surface, is designed to block water infiltration, protecting your asphalt surface and extending its useful life.

Additional Benefits of Sealcoating

  1. Fresh sealcoating has several benefits that will help protect your asphalt. However, there is one benefit of sealcoating that has nothing to do with asphalt longevity: Aesthetics. Simply put, fresh sealcoating will make your asphalt look great, giving it a dark black color. Plus, sealcoating makes your asphalt much easier to clean, allowing you to keep your parking lot looking its best.
  2. Over exposure to oxygen will harden asphalt binders, resulting in brittle pavement prone to cracking. Sealcoating can help.
  3. Sealcoating will help keep small cracks and asphalt degradation from growing and causing premature failure.
  4. Sealcoating will help block harmful UV rays, which can damage your asphalt surface.
  5. Sealcoating will also help protect your asphalt from damaging chemicals, like gasoline and oil.
  6. Sealcoating costs pennies per square foot. Asphalt repairs cost dollars per square foot. Needless to say, it is far less expensive to sealcoat your parking lot every few years than it would be to overlay or completely replace your parking surface.

If you have any questions about Sealcoating: Protecting Your Asphalt Pavement from Water Infiltration, 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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What is Fiber Reinforced Asphalt?

June 7th, 2013

Have you heard the term “Fiber Reinforced Asphalt” before? Odds are you probably have. The concept of fiber reinforced asphalt is nothing new. In fact, long before the invention of asphalt, builders used straw to help reinforce their mud bricks. After that, horsehair was used in mortar for the same reason: reinforcement. Then, in the 1900s, asbestos fibers were used in concrete and asphalt to help stabilize the mixture. Asbestos fibers were found to increase tensile strength, compressive strength, stability, ability to sustain load after reaching maximum stability, and resistance to weathering. By the 1970s, however, with health and environmental concerns swarming around asbestos, the substance was replaced with polyester and polypropylene fibers, as well as mineral fibers such as rock wool and slag wool. Then the 1980s brought about the use of synthetic fibers, a switch made due to high tensile strengths and durability of these new fibers.

Fiber Reinforced Asphalt

Common Benefits of Fiber Reinforced Asphalt

  1. Longer life of asphalt pavements
  2. Reduces rutting and cracking
  3. Reduced maintenance needs
  4. Less resurfacing through life of the asphalt
  5. Improved strength and durability
  6. Cost-effective

PTG Enterprises: Your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade. During this time, we have learned a thing or two about asphalt, especially the importance of quality materials and professional installation. It is no wonder we have become one of the most trusted asphalt contractors in Maryland.

To learn more about Fiber Reinforced Asphalt, 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!

Sources:

Effects of Fiber Finish on the Performance of Asphalt Binders and Mastics

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What is Paving Fabric and what are the Benefits?

May 31st, 2013

Have you ever heard the term geotextile fabric or paving fabric? If so, you may have one very serious question: What is Paving Fabric and what are the Benefits? Well, paving fabric is a sheet of non-woven petroleum-based material used in conjunction with overlays, providing additional support to the asphalt layer.  This fabric is placed between an existing layer of asphalt and the new overlay.

Paving Fabric

Paving fabric is a simple addition to any overlay, a simple addition with big benefits!

The Benefits of Paving Fabric

  1. Paving Fabric minimizes water penetration and thus minimizes damage to the base and sub-base.
  2. Paving fabric seals any cracks or blemishes in the existing asphalt pavement.
  3. Paving fabric adds structural support to your asphalt surface.
  4. Paving fabric also inhibits reflective cracking, which is when cracks in an overlay form over an existing crack or joint.
  5. Paving fabric reduces asphalt pavement maintenance.
  6. Paving fabric helps increase asphalt pavement life.
  7. And more!

Interested in paving fabric for your next asphalt overlay? If so, contact PTG Enterprises, your Baltimore, Maryland asphalt contractor. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade. During this time, we have learned the importance of not only producing high quality work, but also using high quality materials, such as TenCate Mirafi paving fabric. Combined, this approach has helped make us one of the most trusted asphalt contractors throughout Maryland.

Benefits of TenCate Mirafi

  1. TenCate Mirafi boasts higher tensile modulus properties than comparable products.
  2. The unique double layer construction of TenCate Mirafi helps provide superior filtration and drainage.
  3. TenCate Mirafi offers greater load distribution.
  4. TenCate Mirafi has robust damage resistance for moderate to severe stress installations.
  5. And so much more!

To learn more about TenCate Mirafi, or if you have any further questions about our blog, “What is Paving Fabric and what are the Benefits?” 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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What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?

May 24th, 2013

Have you ever found yourself sitting and pondering the question, “What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?” If so, you are not alone. While many people use the two terms synonymously, they are actually two very different materials.

  1. Cement: Cement is actually an ingredient on concrete, comprising roughly 10-15% of the concrete mix. Cement is made from a mixture of limestone, calcium, silicon, aluminum, and other ingredients. This mixture is heated to roughly 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit, forming a product known as clinkers, which resembles marbles. This is then ground down into a powder. Next gypsum is added, creating cement.
  2. Concrete: Concrete is basically a mixtures of aggregates (sand and gravel or crushed stone) and paste (water and portland cement). Through a process known as hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates together, thus forming concrete. This durable material is excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures because of its strength and its ability to hold up well to the elements.

PTG Enterprises: A Commercial Concrete Contractor in Baltimore

PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs. Our crews are highly skilled and extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. When you hire PTG Enterprises, you can be rest assured that the end result will look professional and last for years to come. Best of all, we promise to work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the project is completed to your exact specifications and all timetables are met.

Concrete Contractor in Baltimore

If you have any further questions about our blog, “What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?” 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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The Cost of Asphalt & How it Ties into the Maryland Asphalt Index

May 16th, 2013

Have you ever wondered why the price of asphalt pavement seems to fluctuate? Well, it is because the Cost of Asphalt is dictated by what is known as the Asphalt Index. Each and every month, the Maryland Asphalt Association – an association dedicated to ensuring that Hot Mix Asphalt paving is the most cost-effective, high quality paving available – determines the Maryland asphalt index. For the month of May, the index is set at $558.75 / Short Ton.

Click Here for the most up to date asphalt index.

The indexed price will stay the same until the end of each month. Then is it subject to change based on the current price of liquid asphalt. It is this fluctuation that affects the price of asphalt for contractors and thus the price of your asphalt projects.

Maryland Asphalt Index

PTG Enterprises, Your Maryland Asphalt Contractor

PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade. In this time, we have come to a realization; it is easier to work with an educated client. This is why we take the time to publish blogs, like this one, to help you better understand our industry. When working with an educated property manager or business owner the entire process runs smoother. The client understands the scope of work, the timeframe, and the reasoning behind the price of the project.

So do yourself a favor the next time you have an asphalt paving project. Call PTG Enterprises, the asphalt contractor that cares about you, the customer.

If you have any further questions about our blog, “The Cost of Asphalt & How it Ties into the Maryland Asphalt Index,” 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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Concrete Cracks: How Much is Acceptable and When Are Repairs Necessary?

May 10th, 2013

Like asphalt, concrete is a durable material excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and so much more. Concrete holds up exceptionally well to the elements. However, over time, even the toughest concrete surface will crack.

Concrete Crack Repair Baltimore


Common Causes of Concrete Cracks

Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, and applied stresses.

  1. Drying Shrinkage: When the water used in mix design evaporates, concrete cracking can occur.
  2. Thermal Contraction/Expansion: This occurs as the result of temperature changes.
  3. Subgrade Settlement: When the underlying soil condition is poor or there is a change in soil moisture content, cracking can occur.
  4. Applied Stresses: Outside forces, such as building load, earth load, hydrostatic pressure, or heavy equipment can cause cracking.

According to the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) of North America, “there are two guarantees with concrete. One, it will get hard and two, it will crack.” When this happens, it not only detracts from the overall look of your property, but it can become a safety hazard, as well.

Unfortunately, cracking cannot be prevented, but it can be significantly reduced or controlled with proper repairs.

Concrete Repairs from PTG Enterprises in Baltimore, Maryland

Patrick T. Gillen III, the owner of the Baltimore, Maryland-based asphalt and concrete paving company PTG Enterprises has a general rule of thumb for assessing concrete cracks.

Patrick’s Rule: Can you stick a quarter in it?

If you can stick a quarter in a crack, it needs attention as soon as possible. But what are your options? When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem. The knowledgeable estimators at PTG Enterprises will analyze you specific situation and present options to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.

PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs.

If you have any further questions about our blog, “Concrete Cracks: How Much is Acceptable?” 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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Tennis & Basketball Court Coatings from PTG, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

May 3rd, 2013

Tennis and Basketball courts are found everywhere, from professional complexes to recreational parks to residential settings and everywhere in between. And, as you can probably imagine, these playing surfaces take a beating. Just like a parking lot, your tennis, basketball, or other sport’s court needs protection. Parking lots have sealcoating and sports courts have acrylic resin. These coatings are designed to protect your sport’s court from breaking down under constant play, exposure to the elements, ultraviolent rays, and more.

Benefits of Tennis & Basketball Court Coatings

  1. Designed to wear well under continuous play.
  2. Extremely durable.
  3. Provides protection for your tennis or basketball court.
  4. Acrylic surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.
  5. Resistant to fading from ultraviolet exposure.
  6. Resistant to flaking and peeling.
  7. Prevents slippery conditions, improving safety.
  8. Perform well in any climate from very hot and dry, to sub-zero with ice and snow.
  9. Of course, acrylic coating will make your tennis or basketball court look great!
  10. And so much more!

Acrylic court coatings can be applied over either an asphalt or concrete playing surface. You just need to find a local, asphalt or concrete contractor who specializes in applying such surfaces.

Tennis-Court-Acrylic-Coating

Tennis & Basketball Court Coatings from PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

At PTG Enterprises, located just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, we repair and resurface professional, recreational, and residential tennis and basketball courts, using only the best acrylic resins and quality pigments. The end result is a durable, vibrant playing surface.

If you have any further questions about Tennis & Basketball Court Coatings, 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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Pool Deck Repair from PTG Enterprises, Your Baltimore Concrete Contractor

April 26th, 2013


Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about opening your pool for the season. What needs to be done to get it ready for summer? Do you need to buy chemicals? Do you need to have the pool cleaned out? Is your pump in good working order? Is your pool deck in good shape?

Concrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and, of course pool decks. However, concrete pool decks, like all pavements, require routine maintenance and repair. Over time, your concrete pool deck will crack and begin to break down. When your pool deck begins to show signs of wear and tear, you need to act fast. Concrete cracks not only detract from the overall look of a property, but they can become a safety hazard and lead to more extensive damage. So don’t let a small crack become a big problem.

Call PTG Enterprises. We offer a wide variety of concrete care products and services, including pool deck repair.

Pool Deck Repair Baltimore

 

Pool Deck Repair from PTG Enterprises, Your Baltimore Concrete Contractor

That’s right, PTG Enterprises, located just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, can also handle your pool deck needs. When your concrete pool deck cracks, there are several ways to address the problem. Our knowledgeable estimators will analyze your specific situation and present you with the best repair options to address the symptoms and underlining problem(s).

However, there comes a time when it is more cost effective to replace your pool deck rather than repair it. PTG will de-construct, remove and replace your pool deck or, for that matter, anything made with concrete.

PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, masonry, and concrete business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the details of the project are fully understood, and that timetables are met.

So why would you call anyone else?

If you have any further questions about Pool Deck 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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