As fantastic and durable as asphalt is, it does not last forever and must be repaired after years of wear and tear. There are few different ways to repair damaged asphalt, including patching, peel and pave, and mill and pave. PTG Enterprises performs all of these services for the Baltimore-Washington area, each of which is effective for a different level of asphalt damage. In this blog, we are going to focus on explaining the process, advantages, and specifics of mill and pave projects.
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Parking Lot Mill and Pave Projects in Baltimore
Tuesday, July 21st, 2015Concrete vs. Asphalt Parking Lots
Friday, June 5th, 2015When it comes to repaving an existing parking lot (or paving a new parking lot) there are two options: asphalt and concrete. It is a hotly debated topic that has many scratching their heads. Which pavement has the most benefits? Which will last longer? Which makes the most sense for your specific job and, most importantly, your budget? Quite frankly, which pavement is the best?
“Concrete and asphalt are comparable in many ways,” said Scott Haislip, director of streets and roads with the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA). (more…)
An Asphalt and Concrete Contractor That Believes in Continued Education
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business since 1996. Over the years, PTG has thrived, preparing thousands of Pavement Condition Inspections, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots, and managing countless projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
The secret to great looking pavement is simple: proper construction, continued maintenance, and timely re-construction. The secret to a great asphalt and concrete contractor is even simpler: Continued Education. (more…)
The Effects of De-Icing Chemicals on Asphalt and Concrete
Friday, January 16th, 2015You see salt boxes on many street corners in snowy weather, but using chemicals on concrete is actually damaging to asphalt and concrete. Protect your storefront or businesses curb appeal by not using the following De-Icing Chemicals to melt snow or ice in the winter.
- Sodium chloride or rock salt (NaCL)
- NaCL with MgCl2 and OBPE
- NaCL with Magic-O – a proprietaryblend of OBPE and 30% MgCl2
Why not? Using these types of de-icing chemicals (among others not listed) can cause cracking in your pavement and chemically alter the aggregate that you paid for to put in. “No de-icing chemicals are safe,” explains Patrick Gillen III, owner of PTG Enterprises.
Highways across the United States contain about fifteen million tons of road salt each winter. While this provides traction on the road for our cars and pathways to walk, it puts more strain on economic factors. Even road salt that seems innocuous can be destructive to plant life underneath. Forget bringing your pets around the block to do their duty. Chemicals on the ground can hurt animals as well. Think again about accepting your dog’s warm, wet puppy kisses after a walk if he licked anything. You could get sick from ingesting these chemicals as well.
We agree that de-icing is necessary in some areas, so business can continue as usual. There are alternatives to melting snow besides chemicals. For example, Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), sand, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium chloride, and beet solution are eco-friendly ways to reduce the amount of ice on the concrete.
Using sand or the other materials mentioned above is more cost-effective and safer for the environment. You will still be able to clear the lot for driving customers and make it safer for all living beings involved. To find out how else you can protect your pavement this winter season, contact PTG Enterprises.
PTG Enterprises is a commercial concrete contractor in the Baltimore area. Our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving, so you know the job will look professional and last for years to come. Give us a call and let us help protect your pavement from Mother Nature.
If you have any questions about de-icing chemicals, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?
Friday, October 3rd, 2014All good things must come to an end, as they say. The same holds true for your once proud asphalt pavement. Asphalt typically lasts from 15 to 18 years, depending on maintenance and outstanding conditions. Over the years, constant exposure to the elements – sunlight, rain, sleet, snow, and more – cause even the toughest asphalt to break down and eventually fail, resulting in cracking, potholes, or worse.
Why Does Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate?
Asphalt is known for its strength and durability, which is why the material is used for everything from roadways to parking lots. It’s easy to work with and capable of withstanding years of abuse. However, like all pavement (or anything for that matter), asphalt will begin to show its age over the years.
There are a few likely causes of asphalt pavement deterioration:
Natural Wear and Tear
Over time, the materials that make up asphalt begin to deteriorate. The liquid asphalt binder, the glue that holds the pavement together, begins to lose its natural elasticity and starts to break down. During this process, the asphalt also loses its natural resistance to water, making the pavement even more susceptible to rain, snow, freezing and thawing, and more. Once this happens, cracking and other forms of deterioration are not far behind.
Failures in Construction
Improperly installed asphalt can be a large reason for the deterioration of your pavement. Failures in construction can include: improperly compacted base, over or under compaction of the asphalt, improper temperature during application, poor drainage, and so much more.
Asphalt Maintenance is a Must: Trust PTG Enterprises
Your asphalt pavement will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. It’s only natural. Nothing lasts forever. But with proper construction and regular maintenance your asphalt surface can serve you well for years to come.
PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Over the years, the asphalt paving experts at PTG have managed hundreds of projects throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. We have the experience you need. We have been in the asphalt paving business for more than a decade, paving thousands of miles of asphalt lots along the way. Our crews work quickly and professionally.
When you contact PTG, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. That is our promise to you.
If you have any questions about Asphalt Pavement Deteriorate, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Concrete vs. Asphalt
Friday, June 6th, 2014When 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
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!
Repairing vs. Repaving an Asphalt Parking Lot
Friday, April 25th, 2014Over 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.
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!
What is Asphalt?
Friday, February 14th, 2014Asphalt: 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?”
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?
- Predose: The first step involves weighing the aggregate using a belt weighing instrument.
- Drying: Next, the aggregate is dried at about 300 degrees sing a drying drum. Then the aggregate is reweighed and sifted into silos.
- Aggregate: Now the aggregate is transferred to the mixer where the liquid petroleum is eventually added according to a measured rate of flow.
- 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?
- 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.
- Spray a thin coat of liquid asphalt binder (hot tack) onto the surface using an asphalt distributor.
- 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
Asphalt: The Entire Package
Sunday, November 10th, 2013The parking lot of your business can say a lot about you. If your asphalt is cracked or badly weathered, it can severely detract from your business. PTG wants to help you make sure that not only does your pavement look great for aesthetics and safety purposes, but that the experience of having your asphalt repaired or renewed is a special and easy one. Read on to see how PTG works to make laying your asphalt a stress free process.
- Careful grading – If your grading is incorrect, you can find yourself with unwanted water pooling in unwanted places. PTG follows drawings as accurately as possible to accommodate the unique grade of your parking lot.
- Stone Installation – PTG will make sure that the right type of stone goes in for the type of ground you have. Though sometimes setbacks happen involving undercutting and other surprises, PTG will work hard to keep your construction on schedule. We know it’s important for you to be able to have your business up and running ASAP.
- Concrete Curbing and Flatwork – Keeping the curb at the right grade for rain management is very important. Avoiding the chance of rainwater beginning to pond or stand will help keep your parking lot safe and water free. We also know how important sidewalks are and will make sure that the sidewalks are strategically placed.
- Installation – Both the equipment and the man behind the equipment are vital when it comes to installation. PTG takes pride in hiring people who are hard workers and know what they’re doing. The team will work together carefully to ensure that your pavement is perfect.
- Striping, Signage, and Wheel Stops – This is what your customers will notice the most. There is nothing quite as nice as fresh paint on brand new asphalt. PTG will make detailed, geometrical drawings of the parking lot before actually striping to make sure that the parking lot looks appealing.
For new asphalt as well as asphalt maintenance, PTG will work to give you a top-notch product that you can be proud of.
If you have any questions about Asphalt: The Entire Package or if you are looking for an asphalt contracting 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!
The Milling and Paving Process
Friday, August 9th, 2013You are finally done for the day. You turn off the computer, hit the light switch, lock your office door and begin to make your way to the front door. You take one step out of the door and there it is…a crack in the asphalt. Oh no! What do you do? Do you panic? Why is this happening?
First of all, take a deep breathe. Asphalt is not indestructible. In fact, asphalt surfaces begin to deteriorate as soon as they are first paved. The good news is that with regular maintenance, your parking lot will last 15-20 years. However, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced.
The Milling and Paving Process
Milling and paving is one of the most cost effective ways to repair damaged parking lots or roadways. The process begins with milling, the removal of deteriorated asphalt down to a specific depth to make room for a new asphalt surface. The milling process grinds up the existing asphalt (millings) so it can be shipped off site and easily recycled. The newly milled surface is then layered with tack to prepare it for re-paving.
Viola! You have a new parking lot!
PTG Enterprises, your Baltimore, Maryland Asphalt Contractor
Since 2001, PTG Enterprises has set the standard for quality asphalt work in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Unlike those other contractors, we care about you and your business. In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through. So why would you call anyone else?
PTG will excavate the deteriorated pavement surface using a milling machine designed to grind off the deteriorated layers of pavement. Once milling is complete our crews will prep and re-pave the area. It is as simple as that.
If you have any questions about the Milling and Paving Process, 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!