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PTG Enterprises is your local, Baltimore SealMaster Supplier

April 19th, 2013

As we have explained time and time again, sealcoating is beneficial in so many ways. Not only will it beautify your asphalt parking lot, giving it a fresh, black look, but it will also more than double the life of your pavement. Sealcoating protects your asphalt from the elements, ultraviolet light, chemicals, water penetration, oxidation, and so much more.

So it doesn’t become a question of whether or not you can afford to sealcoat, it becomes a question of whether or not you can afford NOT to sealcoat.

large parking lot

SealMaster®: The Most Trusted Name in Pavement Maintenance for Over 40 Years

With one billion gallons applied worldwide, SealMaster® is one of the largest producers of sealcoating in the world.

  1. Sealcoating: SealMaster® manufactures a full line of sealcoating products for asphalt and blacktop. SealMaster is the #1 Name in Pavement Sealer and Asphalt Sealer.
  2. Additives:  SealMaster® polymer additives help improve the performance of your sealcoating. SealMaster® offers a full line of sealcoating performance additives specifically designed to help you get the most out of your parking lot sealcoat.

With everything under one roof from driveway sealer to traffic paint, SealMaster®  sealcoating products have become the number one choice for pavement maintenance among property owners and managers, as well as contractors.

PTG Enterprises is your local, Baltimore SealMaster Supplier

PTG Enterprises is proud to be the local SealMaster® supplier in the Baltimore area.

PTG Enterprises has 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. Combined, this approach has helped make us one of the most trusted asphalt contractors throughout Maryland.

If you have any further questions about SealMaster® or Sealcoating, 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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Retaining Wall Reconstruction Baltimore: It’s Time to Address Your Crumbling Wall

April 12th, 2013

Retaining-Wall-Reconstruction-BaltimoreRetaining walls are dual purpose masonry features. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they are also attractive, as well.

Benefits of Retaining Walls

  1. Primarily, retaining walls are used to keep soil in place and prevent erosion.
  2. A retaining wall can be a great way to hide an eyesore.
  3. Retaining walls help reduce landscape maintenance.
  4. Finally, retaining walls are not only functional; they are aesthetically pleasing, as well!
  5. And so much more

Over time, even the best made retaining wall will begin to show its age. Moisture in the earth, along with the constant pressure these walls are under, will take its toll on your retaining wall. When this happens, it is important to repair any issues to help maintain the integrity of the wall. In some cases, removing the brick face is enough. However, there comes a time when it is more cost effective to deconstruct and rebuild your crumbling Retaining Wall than repair it.

Don’t let deteriorating or damaged masonry impact the look and function of your property, contact PTG Enterprises.

PTG Enterprises: Retaining Wall Reconstruction Baltimore

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

We’re a paving company that knows how to hit the bricks!

If you have any further questions about a Retaining Wall Reconstruction Baltimore: It’s Time to Address Your Crumbling Wall, 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 Benefits of a HOA Reserve Study from your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

April 5th, 2013

PTG_April1Spring has sprung, the flowers are in bloom, and it is high time your Homeowner’s Association (HOA) addresses the maintenance of its roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, retaining walls, and more. But how? Where do you start? Who do you call?

The Benefits of a HOA Reserve Study from your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

A reserve study performed by PTG Enterprises, your Baltimore asphalt contractor, is threefold.

  1. Physical Analysis: PTG will address the current state of your parking lots and sidewalks, assessing the condition of these areas, while also providing life and valuation estimates.
  2. Maintenance Suggestions: PTG will make maintenance and repair suggestions to help you extend the useful life of your parking lots and sidewalks.
  3. Financial Analysis: PTG will help you better understand the repair and replacement needs of your parking lots and sidewalks over the next five years. This allows HOAs and property managers to create a plan and a budget to adequately address future repairs and replacements.

A reserve study is an in-depth analysis of a property’s or HOA’s physical components and an analysis of its financial obligations to preserve those components. Basically, a reserve Study is a roadmap that allows decision makers to make more well-informed choices.

So what are you waiting for? Contact PTG and schedule your HOA’s reserve study today.

When your parking lot, or pavements, are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you need an expert. You need PTG. We have been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and we know the telltale warning signs of asphalt and pavement failure.

Let us help you better maintain your HOA.

If you have any further questions about a HOA Reserve Study from your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor, 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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Associations PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor, belongs to

March 29th, 2013

PTG_Mar25When you need pavement or asphalt work for your commercial property, community association, or multi-housing development, you need a contractor with years of experience in the field. You need a contractor who knows the ins and outs of the business. You need an expert. You need PTG Enterprises.

We have been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. During this time, 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, a Baltimore asphalt contractor, belongs to.

  1. Community Association Institute (CAI): CAI provides information and education to community associations and the professionals who support them. 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.
  2. National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT): NFMT is the largest gathering of facility managers, building owners, maintenance managers, property managers, construction/engineering managers, energy managers and other facilities management professionals in the United States, deliver new ideas, best practices, and career-boosting inspiration.
  3. Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA): MMHA serves the multi-housing industry and its communities by providing education, information, legislative and advocacy services, enabling its members to operate more successfully while contributing to the community.

PTG Enterprises has paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and our crews work quickly and professionally. We know how to perform the job the right way, using only the best materials and equipment available. So why would you call anyone else?

If you have any further questions about Associations PTG Enterprises belongs to, 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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Baltimore Asphalt Contractor: How long does Asphalt last?

March 22nd, 2013

First and foremost, let us get one thing straight; asphalt does not last forever. It begins to deteriorate the moment it is paved. Asphalt, like any other material known to man, has a finite life. And that life can vary greatly depending on several factors, including proper installation, regular care, base conditions, traffic, type of traffic, weather conditions, gas, oils, salt, sun, and much more. Over time, all of these factors work together to oxidize/deteriorate the asphalt surface, resulting in deterioration, cracking, and potholes.

large parking lot

Asphalt Lifecycle

  1. 3-5 Years: Your asphalt will begin to show its first cracks. These should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage.
  2. 5-7 Years: Your asphalt will need its first patch.
  3. 15-20 Years: The good news is that with proper care and preventative maintenance, your asphalt parking lot should last anywhere from 15-20 years. Of course, the key word here is “proper care.”

PTG Enterprises: Your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

Asphalt may seem tough and durable, but add up the effects of traffic and the elements, and you’ll see how quickly commercial asphalt can wear down. PTG Enterprises has paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and our crews work quickly and professionally.

Our asphalt repair and preventative maintenance services include:

  1. Crack Filling: “Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools,” sates the  Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147). Crack filling helps reduce asphalt degradation by restricting water penetration into the underlying bas and sub-base.
  2. Sealcoating: Sealcoating, when done in conjunction with crack filling and pothole repair, can be an effective way to protect your asphalt pavement  from

If you have any further questions about How long does Asphalt last, 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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Baltimore Asphalt Contractor: Why a Low Bid isn’t always the Best Bid

March 15th, 2013

As a property manager or business owner, you have a lot to worry about, from landscaping to customer service to HVAC maintenance to the condition of your asphalt and everything in between. And when something goes wrong, like your parking lot develops a pot hole or several cracks, guess who is in charge of hiring someone to fix the issue? That’s right: you.

Hiring a Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

First of all, call several asphalt contractors, have them come inspect your situation, and have them provide you with an estimate. Next, review these bids and narrow down your choices further. However, price alone should not be the only factor you consider. This is one of the biggest issues we have seen with business owners and property managers. Instead of looking at just the price, try to find a Baltimore asphalt contractor with plenty of experience, a good reputation, and, of course, a good price. It is a balancing act.

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Why a Low Bid isn’t always the Best Bid

Going with a low bid can quickly turn into a nightmare. Just ask yourself: “why is the bid so much lower than the others?” There could be several reasons for this:

  1. The asphalt contractor cannot get jobs based on merit alone. Because of this, he tries to undercut his competitors to make him seem more appealing.
  2. The low bid could be nothing more than a ploy to get your business before hitting you with hidden fees and increasing prices.
  3. Perhaps the bid is so low because the asphalt contractor plans to cut corners or use inferior products and materials.

More often than not, the result of going with a low bid is poor quality, poor service, disputes, and a final product that is less than desirable. Remember, asphalt repair and asphalt paving is a skilled trade that requires lots of experience and know-how.

PTG Enterprises: Your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade and our crews are the best available. We know how to perform the job the right way, using only the best materials and equipment available. We will show up as scheduled, perform the project as contracted, and leave you with a smile on your face!

Best of all, when you hire PTG, you will receive the best customer service in the industry. 

If you have any further questions about Why a Low Bid isn’t always the Best Bid, 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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A Baltimore Asphalt Contractor explains the Freeze Thaw Effect on Pavement

March 8th, 2013

As your asphalt pavement ages, it will develop small cracks. This is just an inevitability. Even the best pavement begins to break down at some point, typically around 3-5 years after paving. If you ignore these early cracks, your asphalt could fail prematurely, especially when water is allowed to penetrate these cracks during the winter months.

The Freeze Thaw Effect on Pavement

When water penetrates asphalt cracks in the winter, it freezes, expands, and widens these asphalt cracks. This happens numerous times over the course of a winter, worsening asphalt cracks each and every time and degrading your asphalt surface from the inside out. The Result: Premature pavement failure.

Guess what? Maryland’s constantly changing weather makes things even worse!

“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,” said Rob Morosi, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman.

Cracks are just the beginning. Rapid freeze-thaw can even lead to potholes.

“Soil conditions will react differently, but essentially what happens is the top layer thaws while the soil stays frozen deeper down,” said Kirk Weston, managing director of the St. Clair County Road Commission. “You end up with moisture trapped between the frozen soil and the asphalt and as that drains, it makes the base unstable and you get potholes.”

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Battling Back against the Freeze Thaw Effect

So how do you prevent the freeze-thaw effect from affecting your asphalt pavement? Crack filling! According to the Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147), “Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools.”

Crack Filling from your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

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. This is why you need to contact your local, Baltimore asphalt contractor at the first sign of cracking. This is why you need PTG Enterprises. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade and our crews are the best available. We know how to perform the job the right way, using only the best materials and equipment available.

So why would you call anyone else?

If you have any further questions about the Freeze Thaw Effect on Pavement, 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:

  1. How well does the pavement perform in freeze and thaw conditions?
  2. Freeze-thaw cycle is recipe for road potholes

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Asphalt vs. Concrete: Your Baltimore Pavement Contractor explains

March 1st, 2013

PTG_Feb25

When it comes to any pavement project, property owners and facility managers have two options: Asphalt or Concrete. Which pavement has the most benefits? Which will last longer? Which makes the most sense for your specific job and, most importantly, your budget?

“There are three main factors to consider: initial cost, time to first rehabilitation, and cost of total reconstruction or major rehabilitation at the 40- to 50-year mark,” said Dave Newcomb, P.E., PhD, vice president of research and technology with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Asphalt vs. Concrete

  1. Cost: While initial cost should not be your primary concern, let’s be honest; initial cost is a huge factor. On average, the initial cost of concrete is approximately 35% higher than the cost of asphalt. However, the NAPA and American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) recommend looking at maintenance and rehabilitation costs over initial costs. According to the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, federally funded studies have shown that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
  2. Durability: Typically, asphalt performs better in the extreme conditions than concrete does. Also, concrete does not react well to salt, which is commonly used as a de-icing agent. Salt can damage the surface of the concrete and cause it to pit and/or spawl.
  3. Maintenance & Rehabilitation: According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation the average life expectancy of concrete pavement is 27.5 years before repair, while asphalt pavement has an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair.
  4. Overlay: One of the main benefits of asphalt is the ability to install resurfacing layers (overlay). This provides a much more cost effective alternative to complete reconstruction. When concrete pavement has reached the end of its’ lifespan, you will need to completely remove the existing concrete and reconstruct the area.

So which pavement is better?

“Concrete and asphalt are comparable in many ways,” said Scott Haislip, director of streets and roads with the ACPA. There is no clear cut winner.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt vs. 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!

Sources:

  1. Asphalt versus Concrete Public Works Magazine
  2. Concrete vs. Asphalt Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota

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Winter Concrete Maintenance Tips: Avoid De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete

February 22nd, 2013

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As a business owner or property manager you have a responsibility to ensure your property is safe for your customers. In the winter time, this means clearing walkways of both snow and ice. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to use de-icing chemicals.Common De-Icing Chemicals

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

Unfortunately, using de-icing chemicals on concrete pavement is a no-no. Why? Well, let’s hear what the professionals have to say.

  1. According to a 2002 federal government funded study, “The Deleterious Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete,” there is significant evidence that certain de-icing chemicals chemically interact with both cement and aggregate. The results of this reaction include cracking, strength loss, and eventually premature failure.
  2. According to the study “Effects of Deicers on Concrete Deterioration,” by David Darwin, JoAnn Browning, Lein Gong, and Sean Hughes, applying significant quantities of CaCl2, MgCl2, and CMA over the pavement’s life will negatively impact the concrete’s long-term durability.
  3. According to a study by H. Lee, R. D. Cody, A. M. Cody, and P. G. Spry entitled, “Effects of Various Deicing Chemicals on Pavement Concrete Deterioration,” sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) with 5 different Ca/Mg ratios, Ca-acetate, and Mg-acetate each “produced characteristic effects on the concrete samples by physically and chemically altering the dolomite coarse aggregate, the dolomite coarse aggregate-paste interface, and the cement paste.”

So do yourself and your concrete a favor and put the de-icing chemicals away. However, if you do decide to still use de-icing chemicals, heed the warning of Patrick T. Gillen III, the owner of the Baltimore, Maryland-based asphalt and concrete paving company PTG Enterprises.

“De-icing chemicals should definitely not be placed on concrete within the first year. This is when the concrete is most vulnerable.”

If you have any further questions about De-Icing Chemicals & 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 Benefits of Crack Fill: Baltimore Asphalt Repair from PTG Enterprises

February 15th, 2013

Over time, your asphalt parking lot, driveway, or other surface will begin to crack. That is an inevitability. Around 3-5 years after paving, your asphalt will begin to show cracks. How you handle these initial cracks will help determine the lifespan of your asphalt. With proper maintenance and timely repairs, asphalt has an average lifespan of 15 years. However, if you ignore these early cracks, your asphalt could fail much earlier.

Cracks, no matter what size, allow water to penetrate the asphalt surface, softening the stone base and leading to further damage, including:  alligator cracking/spider webbing, pot holes, and premature failure. Cracks are especially problematic this time of year. The freeze-thaw effect, which is exactly what it sounds like, can speed up asphalt degradation.

The Solution: Crack Filling from PTG Enterprises, your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor

“Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools,” sates the  Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147). Crack filling helps reduce asphalt degradation by restricting water penetration into the underlying bas and sub-base.

PTG Sitework at ALLYSON GARDENS II 206 FROST HILL DRIVE OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117

So when should you take action? The FHWA warns that once you notice cracking, you are officially “on the clock.” Pick up the phone and give PTG Enterprises a call!

According to the Strategic Highway Research Programs (SHRP) Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP), preventative maintenance programs, like crack filling, can extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface anywhere from 6-20 years.

PTG Enterprises: Baltimore Crack Filling

Asphalt may seem tough and durable, but add up the effects of traffic and the elements, and you’ll see how quickly commercial asphalt can wear down. PTG Enterprises has paved thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and our crews work quickly and professionally.

If you have any further questions about Crack Filling, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

The Basics of Crack Filling

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