Time to Repave? Check for These Signs in Your Parking Lot

Having a secure and clearly defined parking lot is a crucial part of maintaining a successful business. Potential customers will notice the status of your parking lot before they even step foot in your establishment, and preconceived notions can be made based on that aspect alone. If you’re unsure if it’s time to reinvest in your parking lot, consider these factors and how they can affect your lot. 

Age of the Lot

Think about when the asphalt paving was first poured in your lot. A new lot can generally withstand about 20-30 years without any type of reconditioning, but that also depends on various other factors. 

Vehicles Using the Lot

Though a lot of asphalt paving should hold up for a couple of decades, the amount of traffic and type of traffic can affect this lifespan. Having a steady influx of vehicles - especially larger sizes - in your parking lot adds to routine wear and tear.

Base Conditions 

The base of your parking lot should be sturdy and free of any damage. Some cracks and holes may just rest on the surface, leaving your base intact. But if you do spot any damage at this crucial layer, you should have some repaving or patchwork done. 

Needed Patchwork

While not all damage in your parking lot will affect the base, you still may want to consider having some patchwork done if your lot is inundated with deep cracks, gaping holes, or other issues. Customers will appreciate this effort, as all of these could potentially harm their vehicles. 

It can be tempting to skip the site preparation when you are looking to start an excavation project, but don’t skip it. Site preparation is crucial if you want to guarantee that the hard work you are putting into your project will last. Here are some reasons why site preparation is so important:

Clear Obstructions

Site preparation is a great way to reduce the amount of time spent clearing land later. It’s a good idea to check and see if the area of land you are planning to excavate has rocks or roots under the soil before you try and dig. Rocks will create issues because when there are a lot of rocks, they are almost impossible to work around. Roots are bad news because they create an obstruction that gets in the way of digging.

Reduce Damage

When the proper site preparation steps are not followed, you could run into some serious issues later in the excavation process. If the foundation or soil is not checked, you could find out that the place you are digging has unwanted obstructions beneath it.

Increase Lifespan

The perfect scenario is to take the appropriate amount of time to do site preparation, so you decrease the obstacles you face in the future. Removing all the rocks and checking if there are roots in the areas you plan to excavate will help your work last longer.

Contact our team at Kelly Burt Dozer Inc for more information about our site preparation services. We currently offer our services to College Station, Anderson, Somerville, Franklin, and Millican, TX.

     The Benefits of Using Asphalt Paving for Your Project

When planning a construction project, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is choosing the right paving material. Whether you're handling a large-scale roadway or a private driveway, the paving material impacts the project's durability, cost, and long-term maintenance. Asphalt paving has emerged as a preferred choice for contractors and property developers due to its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Asphalt paving involves using a mixture of aggregates, binder (often bitumen), and filler to create smooth, durable surfaces. This paving method is versatile and widely used for roads, parking lots, driving paths, and other infrastructure projects. The asphalt mix is heated during installation, allowing it to bind together, form a robust surface, and handle high levels of weight and stress.

One of the primary reasons contractors and property developers choose asphalt paving is its affordability. The raw materials for asphalt are cheaper compared to alternatives like concrete. Asphalts' ability to reuse old material for new projects (recycling) further reduces these costs. Unlike other paving materials, asphalt requires less time and machinery during installation, leading to reduced labor costs.

Durability is crucial for any paving material, particularly for projects handling heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions, and asphalt is known for its longevity. Asphalt has a natural flexibility that enables it to withstand temperature fluctuations better than rigid materials like concrete. Its ability to flex while bearing heavy weights reduces the likelihood of structural failures over time. When properly maintained, asphalt paving can last 20-30 years or longer.

With increasing demand for eco-friendly construction practices, asphalt paving has become an ideal solution. Its ability to align with sustainable construction goals boosts its appeal in modern projects. Reclaimed asphalt is often reused to produce fresh mix for new pavements, considerably reducing the demand for new raw materials. Additionally, the use of warm-mix asphalt technology further reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions during installation.

Time is often an essential factor for construction projects. Asphalt excels in this regard with its fast installation and usability as it sets quickly and can be ready for use within 24-48 hours after installation. Because asphalt surfaces can be used shortly after installation, disruptions are kept to a minimum. Projects like road repairs often rely on asphalt to ensure roads can reopen promptly.

Overall, asphalt paving offers the perfect combination of financial, functional, and environmental advantages. Its versatility ensures it’s equally suited for small residential projects and large commercial developments. If you’re considering asphalt paving, take the time to consult with our team to learn more!