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Cracks | Maintenance | FAQ | The ABMAR Difference | Warranty | Photos
Asphalt and it's predictable life cycle? The above graph shows in years, the normal life expectancy of an asphalt surface that has been properly engineered and constructed. This can be driveways, parking lots, streets, etc. At some point in time, all asphalt surfaces will fail and require repair, maintenance, or complete re-paving. What factors impact the life cycle of asphalt? A few are:
Cracks can be caused by a number of factors including asphalt shrinkage, ground movement, water entering in or under the asphalt. Generally, these types of cracks should be filled with the appropriate crack filler and maintained on a regular basis. The primary concern is to keep moisture from penetrating the crack and undermining the sub-grade under the asphalt.
Block, Transverse
and Longitudinal cracking is caused by shrinkage, of either the asphalt
surface or the sub-grade These types of defects are nonstructural defects
and are more likely to form as the pavement age hardens through oxidation.
The major problem with this kind of cracking is that it is unsightly,
and will allow water into the soil layers below the pavement. If these
cracks are left unsealed, the result will promote structural pavement
failure.
Fatigue cracking
can be an indicator of major problems, depending on the severity, extent,
size of the cracking, and the age of the pavement.
Fatigue cracking indicates asphalt failure and should be repaired promptly.
Raveling Raveling is the loss of the fine sand and aggregate from the pavement surface as a result of an "abrading/wearing" action caused by vehicle wheels as well as by oxidation. Raveling will appear as a rough texture on the pavement surface. A reasonably cost effective way to stop raveling is to seal coat or slurry seal. Rutting Rutting is a defect that occurs on the wheel path of pavements and causes permanent deformations, or dips at the surface. Rutting is a direct result of the forces of a moving (or in some cases, "standing" load. This type of defect can be caused due to excessive stresses on the soil layer, insufficient base (compacted rock) material, insufficient asphalt thickness, vehicles being parked time and again in the same location, by water penetrating in or under the asphalt, or by excessive loads such as garbage trucks trafficking on pavements that were not designed to carry that type of load. Rutting is a structural failure that must be corrected or it will continue to fail causing greater problems. Do you want good looks and great longevity for your asphalt parking lot or driveway? Then you need to seal it regularly (every 3 to 4 years). Sealing has several benefits: It helps protect against weather damage, it prevents oxidization, it resists oil and gasoline damage, and it makes the surface look like new. Sealcoat helps to protect the asphalt from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Asphalt is flexible, sealcoat helps to seal in and renew the oils which help maintain the asphalt's flexibility, and therefore preserve the asphalt longer. Patchwork, removal and replacement The depth and extent of the work is determined by the severity of the damage and underlying conditions. Procedures for repair consist of saw-cutting the area to be addressed a minimum of one foot beyond the damaged area. Removing the damaged area, hauling away all debris, and inspecting the sub-grade If the sub-grade is wet and weak, it will be removed until solid material is reached. A new installation of 2-A Modified stone is placed to the required depth and either mechanically compacted with a vibratory plate compactor or a vibratory roller. Once compacted, the saw cut perimeter is cleaned and receives a "Tack Coat/Binder" to insure proper bonding of the existing and new asphalt. Finally, new hot mix asphalt is installed and compacted. The joints are immediately sealed with a joint sealing compound. Traffic controls, i.e. control tape, barriers etc., are installed for a minimum of 24 hours to allow for proper cooling prior to use. Overlay and Resurfacing Another repair option. It is cost effective and can extend the service life of your pavement for many years if installed correctly. There are several steps to follow to ensure that a proper repair is achieved. First we outline and overview the area which is to be overlaid. Any areas that require patching will be addressed as per our patching specifications. Any transition edges, either tying into an existing asphalt area or abutting against concrete will be cold milled (ground off) to insure continuous structural integrity throughout the entire overlay process, or saw-cut and removed where applicable ( See graph below for proper transitions). The area to be overlaid will be swept or mechanically blown clean of all dirt and debris. A "tack/binder" coat is then applied over the entire area to be overlaid to assure the proper bonding of the old asphalt base to the new overlaid surface, and the new hot asphalt surface is installed and properly compacted to insure density and quality. How
do I know I am getting the best value for my money? Be very specific in your request for quotes. Example: will you receive a two inch overlay or a two inch compacted overlay. Will patching be a skin patch or a (full depth patch) constructed to ABMAR Construction's specifications. We specify construction parameters using the best methods to either install or repair. This gives you the best value and longest life for your pavement. How
long will it take to do my job? These are very good questions. However, each job is different and an ABMAR Construction representative can help you with all of your questions. Please give us a call or contact us. What
is a parking lot? Most property owners or managers don't think about the condition or state of their pavements until it is well deteriorated and in drastic need of repair. When this happens the costs to repair or replace seriously neglected pavements can be overwhelming. So before this state of deterioration occurs, consider your investment and establish a Maintenance program Why do I need a maintenance program and what are the benefits to me? A good maintenance
program for your asphalt surface will extend the life of the asphalt. What is the ABMAR Construction difference? Problem solving, solutions, construction methods, honesty, trust, integrity and reliability. Examples:
Any work preformed to "Specifications" will receive a full 2 year warranty on all materials and workmanship. Specifications consist of a job-site review of the areas to be constructed (new) or rehabilitated (repaired). A through evaluation of the work to be preformed will be drafted into a construction proposal. Detailed construction parameters will be offered as specifications for your particular job. Once signed into contract form, and the job is completed, the warranty applies. Change orders Every once
in a while a contractor is confronted with the unforeseen or unknown
problem. Example: A contractor is called to perform a total restoration of the asphalt surface of a parking lot, figuring in that the existing stone base can be re-used. Upon removing the two inches of existing asphalt the contractor finds that there is no stone base under this surface because the original paving contractor cut corners in his construction method and approach. Due to this unforeseen or "invisible" problem, the contractor now has to re-direct his findings in the form of a change order because the proper installation of his new surface requires a six inch base of compacted 2-A modified Stone. This now requires extra excavation, hauling, stone purchase etc., all of which were not figured into the original contract. This is an instance where a "change order" applies. Change orders are a legitimate way for the contractor and the client to handle the unforeseen and unexpected. Thank you for visiting our website. Whatever might be required to gain your business and trust, we look forward to your call.
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