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The Difference Between Hot-mix and Cold-mix Asphalt Paving

Asphalt is the most commonly used paving on earth and for good reason. It is quick and easy to lay. It is smooth, silent, and long-lasting and it is reasonably priced. Not everyone is aware that there are two types of asphalt, hot-mix, and cold-mix. The most widely used asphalt is hot-mix. Though cold-mix asphalt does have its uses too. Hot-mix Asphalt

If you’ve ever watched workers laying a road, you may have noticed the steam coming off the wet asphalt paving. Paving contractors like ATC normally use hot-mix asphalt which consists of a mixture aggregate and asphalt that is heated before use. The asphalt is heated in hoppers at the production facility and then moved to the site where it spread by motorized roller into a smooth finish. The heating of the asphalt ensures fluidity.

Hot-mix asphalt is ideal for large projects like roads, driveways, and commercial parking lots. It has a number of benefits:

The benefits of hot-mix asphalt

There is a reason why asphalt paving is so popular.

It is strong and durable – hot-mix asphalt is long-lasting and can tolerate temperature extremes

It is quick and easy to lay – though the asphalt is heated to 300°F, it quickly cools and may be used as soon as it does. This means that a new road surface can open to traffic within a few hours

The disadvantages of hot-mix asphalt

Hot-mix asphalt can’t be used when temperatures drop below 40°F

Cold-mix Asphalt

Cold-mix asphalt needs no heating before use but it is not as versatile as hot-mix asphalt and has limited use. Cold mix is cheaper and is generally used for small crack repairs and to patch potholes when ambient temperatures are low. Once the outdoor temperatures rise, a hot mix asphalt repair will ensure that the durability of the asphalt paving surface is restored.

Commercial roofers

Commercial Concrete Services in the S F Bay Area

Looking for a top commercial concrete contractor in the Bay Area? No matter what your concrete construction needs may be, from industrial flooring, concrete parking, sidewalks and driveways, foundations, retaining walls to concrete repair work, we are highly experienced, reliable and professional. Need to make a driveway work in a cramped space? Looking to install concrete flooring and not sure of the logistics? Need guidance on city permits for concrete construction work? Or simply need a contractor to work with long-term on a new job? We have the experience to do the job right, on time and within budget.

ATC is a Northern California concrete contractor with the skills and professional expertise you need to get the job done, hassle-free and within budget. Call us today, fill out our inquiry form or just send us an email – or read on and find out more about Airtight Construction.

The expertise in concrete construction you need, when you need it

With close to 2 decades of experience in bringing concrete projects to life in the Bay Area, Airtight Construction knows what it takes to get the job done. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a concrete driveway, stamped concrete paving, concrete patios, concrete foundation repair, or any other concrete services, we have the expertise you need. Nor does it matter if you need commercial, industrial, or residential concrete contractors, Airtight Construction can bring your project to life.

We’ve installed curbs, handicap ramps, sidewalks, retaining walls, bollard posts, and fulfilled clients’ new driveway needs throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and nearly every city in the Bay Area. We’ve completed foundation work for commercial buildings and many other commercial projects. We’ve created new concrete construction from the ground up – and it’s all been done with the same professional service that’s made us one of California’s top-rated contractors.

We’ve also invested in the most modern equipment available in the industry, ensuring we can tackle the complexities of any job without issue. We do not sub-contract our work. Instead we invest in our own professional employees, making sure they have the training, license, and knowledge to keep us ahead of the competition. No one wants to pay for a concrete foundation, layouts or patios that crack as soon as the weather turns. With ATC you will never invest in concrete construction that will need costly repairs within a year. With ATC you know you’ve chosen the professionals who will get the job done right the first time.

We stand behind our work fully and offer one of the best guarantees in the business. Don’t hesitate to contact us about our concrete services today!

Let the expert concrete contractors guide your residential project specifications

In our constant efforts to stay one of the top rated concrete construction specialists in San Francisco, we put our expertise to work for you. Not sure of the exact parameters of your project? Not aware of the legislation around patios and driveways in your area? Don’t know how to address that crack in your concrete foundation? Want to know if concrete patios will match your brick or wood home? We’re happy to help you create a comprehensive and holistic plan for your construction, ensuring that every possible variable has been considered from the moment you first contact us.

Airtight Construction will provide you with fully comprehensive free estimates that transparently address your project specs, the length of the project, and a detailed cost analysis. We don’t offer cut-price quotes that hide half the project details from you, or under-bid on concrete construction just to get the job. Instead, we offer an honest and open bid process from reliable concrete contractors that will ensure you get the best possible outcome every time, no matter your location or needs.

From the ground up, we offer the solid concrete foundation you need to build your dreams- and that’s why we’re the pros in concrete services the Bay Area relies on. Why not contact us about your job today and let us show you what a reliable, skilled concrete contractor can do for you?

Building a reputation as the concrete contractors the Bay Area turns to first.

Why strive to be good when you can be the best? Airtight Construction’s certified experts offer you professional framework services that will help you build a foundation of trust and reliability. When you need a concrete contractor for your home, you want someone you can rely on. Not some fly-by-night that will install your concrete driveway or flooring incorrectly and leave you flooded and desperate a year down the line.

It’s a matter of pride to Airtight Construction’s concrete contractors that we exceed your expectations at every turn, no matter what your concrete construction needs may be. Whether you need a contractor for a simple patio floor, a driveway, concrete repair, or a complex commercial project with extensive concrete foundation planning, simply get in contact. No job is too big or too small. Our certified and expert concrete contractors will ensure they leverage their knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best outcomes possible.

The birth of an East Bay Area legend

Airtight Construction has been pleasing our customers and excelling in concrete services since 2002. Our portfolio of successful concrete construction throughout the San Francisco Bay Area speaks for itself. When you come to Airtight Construction, you receive expert certified planning, local knowledge, professional execution, and concrete construction that will last and last.

From inception through planning and the completion of your concrete construction, we’re always prepared. We’re driven to bring you the results you need, no matter the size of your concrete construction.

It’s that same dedication to Bay Area concrete that’s earned us the trust and reputation people rely on. Why not get in contact about your own concrete needs today and let us put that same top rating to work for you? We even offer an emergency line that’s monitored outside of hours, just for your convenience.

Trust Airtight Construction with your commercial concrete needs

We know that, for commercial and industrial interests, speed and quality are of the essence, and you need a concrete contractor who can deliver on time and on budget. Not only is shoddy concrete construction or poorly laid flooring unsightly, lacking in longevity, and prone to cracks, but it can be a quick route to serious liability and accessibility issues no company wants to have to deal with- with the contractor who was responsible for the wreck long gone.

That’s why you need to experience the Airtight difference! We put our certified experts to the test for you, including in-depth knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for sidewalks, concrete driveways, curbs, flooring, handicap/wheelchair ramps, and other construction-for-accessibility issues. We’re also always up-to-date on the latest legislation for concrete foundation work, and how to ensure your concrete driveways and other contracts make California, San Francisco, and city building license standards. You can rely on us to help you move your commercial and industrial concrete projects, including foundation work, from the blueprint to the lot, hassle-free. If you’re looking for a contractor who understands your needs, look no further.

Exactly as with our residential construction projects, we put our experience and expertise to work for you from the bid-phase onward. Our comprehensive free quotes will catch any variables you missed, from choosing the right contractors concrete to making sure your driveway is planned correctly for rainfall. We’ll make sure you are aware of every requirement for your project. Our bids offer full clarity on the length of the project, the specifications included, and an accurate (at time of quote) cost analysis that you, our customer, will be able to access easily.

It’s this dedication to the meticulous groundwork that’s helped us establish our reputation as reliable commercial and industrial concrete contractors. It’s why we’re known throughout California for our dedication to getting it right the first time, every time. And why we’re confident in offering one of the best guarantees in the business.

Best Concrete Contractor in Northern California – ATC

Click for more info about ATC Concrete Contracting.

We have many helpful communication channels open to you, so why not fill out the bid request form below to get your concrete project started today? Our concrete construction experts will get back to you A.S.A.P. Or use the phone number at the top of the page to give us a call about your project. If you’ve tried others in the past but were not fully satisfied, give Airtight Construction a try. We’d love to show you what professional concrete contractors can offer.

The Benefits of Retaining Walls

If your home or business is located on land which features gradients, it may be worth considering retaining walls as a feature in your garden. Retaining walls can hold back vast quantities of soil. A well-designed retaining wall can add beauty and character to a garden and increase your functional outdoor space. Here are some of the benefits

Preventing soil erosion

Retaining walls are built to hold back soil and prevent it from sliding forward. In effect, they hold back the ill-effects of gravity.

Water and wind erosion can play havoc with your landscaping. Trees and shrubs do a good job of keeping the soil in place. Still, a strategically placed retaining wall will ensure that water run-off and soil erosion are controlled.

Drain pipes and weep holes are included in the walls to ensure proper drainage. Terracing can also help to reduce the ill effects of flooding.

Good use of space

Retaining walls can help to optimize your space in your garden, particularly where you have steep gradients. Slopes make it difficult to make beds for vegetable or flower gardens. Tiered retaining walls can help to resolve this issue.

Retaining walls are also good for reshaping spaces and for vertical flower gardens. You can use them to create sophisticated outdoor living spaces

Durable and low maintenance

A well-built retaining wall will last for years and they need very little maintenance. Walls are often made with natural materials that enhance garden aesthetics and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Improve the value of your home

Retaining walls can add value to your home through enhanced curb appeal, and better use of space. They can give beauty and structure to your garden making your home more appealing when it comes to putting it on the market.

What is a Waterproofing Membrane?

Foundation waterproofing plays an essential role in maintaining structural integrity. During construction workers apply waterproofing membranes to the outside walls of the structure. The aim is to prevent water from migrating into the walls and causing damage. The membranes seal out water and remove hydrostatic pressure from the structure.

Once the building is complete, waterproofing on the outside is not usually viable. Where damp problems occur, waterproof membranes are applied to outside of the of the wall. Though this can prevent moisture from getting into the building, it can’t prevent the water from penetrating the actual structure. On the positive side, it is accessible and easy to repair.

Types of foundation waterproofing

There are two basic types of waterproofing, liquid and sheet based waterproofing membranes. They come in various formats as listed below:

· Applied or liquid membranes – these come in hot or cold formulations. They consist of a rubber, elastomer or bitumen layer applied to the foundation surface. The temperature of the material on application is very important to ensure proper sealing. It isn’t possible to remove a liquid membrane so correct initial application is vital.

· Self-adhesive membranes – these come in various materials. They have a layer of adhesive making them easy to apply on site.

· Non adhesive membranes – these are typically PVC or polyurethane sheets. The advantage of these sheets is that they are removable so if there is a problem, they are easy to remove and replace.

· Injectable waterproofing – used to resolve foundation waterproofing problems in existing structures. The workman drills holes in the structure. He then injects a liquid waterproofing material such as bentonite clay or epoxy into the holes to form a barrier.

· Laminate membrane – tar or cementitious products cover fiberglass or fabric applied to the surface.

Foundation waterproofing is complex and it’s crucial to integrity of the structure. Discuss your damp problems with an expert from Airtight Construction.

Foundation Waterproofing – Protecting Your Health and Safety

Effective foundation waterproofing is vital for a safe and healthy building. Underground facilities such as parking lots and basements always run the risk of water seeping in.

Damp walls and floors can cause mold and fungi which is dangerous to human health. Water ingress can also damage electrical systems that run along or inside the walls. Structural damage is also a very real threat.

The Dangers of Inadequate Foundation Waterproofing

One of the worst things that can happen to a building is for it to suffer damage to the foundations. Your foundation is the base that carries all the downward pressure of the building.

Waterproofing on its own won’t protect the building from structural damage. The engineers must build a water drainage system under the building to ensure that the water can escape.

Water can enter the basement area either in vapor or liquid form. The relative humidity of soil in most areas is close to 100%. Water vapor can move through brick and mortar very easily. Unless the wall has been treated with some type of waterproof membrane or coating, the basement will get damp.

If the building has inadequate drainage the liquid water can accumulate around the foundations. This will apply hydrostatic pressure to the surrounding walls and water will soak into them. Even in the absence of this pressure, capillary action will ensure that the water moves into the walls.

You can often see symptoms of moisture in the white residue left on the walls and floor of the basement. These are caused by salts that the water leeches from the concrete as it travels through the wall.

Foundation waterproofing can be applied at any time. Still, it makes sense to waterproof the foundations when construction takes place. Click for more info about foundation waterproofing.

Deep foundations have become far more common in recent years as space in our crowded cities becomes scarcer. The deeper the foundation the more complex the waterproofing job becomes. It takes skill and experience to apply foundation waterproofing that you can rely on.

The Types of Concrete Used by Contractors

People use concrete the world over for the construction of roads, skyscrapers, underground bunkers, and more. Concrete provides structural strength and comes in many shapes and forms. Concrete is a mixture of cement and aggregates, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Types of concrete

There are more than 20 types of concrete each with its own attributes and use cases. Listed below are the kinds of concrete most commonly used by contractors.

· Plain concrete – used in roads, pavements, and floors. Plain concrete is a mix of cement, water, and aggregate. This concrete has little strength under tension but it has good compressive strength.

· Reinforced concrete – reinforced concrete contains steel reinforcements such as bars or mesh. This gives it added strength.

· Precast concrete – precast concrete is cast in a factory and then taken to the building site. It includes stairs, walls, and blocks.

· Lightweight concrete – this concrete has pumice stone aggregate. Because of the lower density, contractors use lightweight concrete for the protection rather than for structural strength

· High-density concrete – has a density of between 300 to 350 pounds per cubic foot. High-density concrete protects nuclear facilities.

· Ready mix concrete – concrete that is mixed at central facility and then distributed in mixed form to the required destination.

· Lime concrete – also known as limecrete has been used for thousands of years. Lime is mixed into this type of concrete rather than the usual Portland cement. Lime is environmentally friendly and it is mold resistant. Though it isn’t as strong as plain concrete it is quite frequently used.

· Prestressed concrete – molded for use in large construction projects, prestressed concrete usually contains reinforcing mesh or rods.

These are but a few of the concrete types available. There is a concrete solution for every building requirement. For more information speak to concrete contractor at Airtight Construction.

What’s Best for Your Parking Area – Asphalt Paving or Concrete?

It’s good to consider your options when it’s time to replace your commercial parking area. Though both concrete and asphalt parking areas are hardy, there will come a time when you will have to consider replacing them.

Let’s look at the benefits of concrete and asphalt

The advantages of using concrete

Many people prefer concrete for the following reasons

Concrete is hardy. It needs very little maintenance. A bi-annual application of sealant and an occasional clean is all that is required.

You can customize concrete. Change the colors, add aggregates, or make it look like stone or paving. The choices are almost endless.

Concrete absorbs less heat so it is better in hotter climates. In extreme heat, asphalt paving can soften and become oily.

The advantages of asphalt paving

It isn’t a coincidence that most of our roads are made from asphalt paving. It has many advantages;

Asphalt paving is less expensive than concrete

Asphalt paving is durable – well-maintained asphalt paving should last up to twenty years. Even when you do replace it, you replace only the surface. The supporting structures are considered permanent.

Installation is quick and easy – Concrete takes twice as long to install and you will have to wait a week before you can use it. Asphalt paving takes just 48 hours to cure.

The best environmental option – more than 80% of the asphalt used in the USA is recycled making asphalt paving the most recycled waste in the country. Water can’t drain through concrete so your concrete paving project must include a drainage plan. Permeable asphalt allows water to safely seep through the surface to run off underground.

Both concrete surfaces and asphalt paving have many advantages. To weigh them up consider the climate, cost, and time to install.

Commercial Roofers – Is It Time to Replace Your Roof or Can You Repair It?

Your roof protects your business assets. When it starts to fail, don’t put your business at risk. Call in the commercial roofers.

Well-built commercial roofs are built to last, but the roof is open to extreme weather conditions. Your roof protects the contents of the building from wind, rain, hail, and sunlight. Someday, the weather will take its toll and your roof may start to leak. The sooner you take action the quicker and cheaper the repair.

Time to call in the commercial roofers?

Pools of water, rust, mildew, and leaks are all indications that your roof is taking strain. Take quick action to prevent water damage to assets inside the building. There are several systems that commercial roofers can use to repair damage to the roof and restore its function.

On flat or slightly sloping roofs, for example, they can spray on an elastomeric coating. Elastomeric coatings can last for ten to twenty years so they can substantially increase the life of your roof. This is how it’s done:

1.They clean the roof

2.They fill all leaks and holes

3.They spray the elastomeric coating onto the roof surface.

Deciding whether to replace or repair your roof

There are several considerations in deciding whether to replace or repair your roof. We’ve listed some of them below:

Urgency – if your roof springs a leak and you risk water damage to the assets or infrastructure, it may be necessary to make an urgent patch repair.

Time – replacing a roof takes time, so if you can’t put your business on hold or make some kind of compromise, you may have to repair rather than replace your roof.

Age – most commercial roofs will last for many years with proper repairs and maintenance. Still, there comes a time when repairs are no longer financially viable.

Call your commercial roofer – get your commercial roofer to inspect the damage and advise you on the best course of action.

Foundation Waterproofing – Your First Line of Protection

Foundation waterproofing is your building’s first line of defense. It is the seals the surfaces and stops moisture from seeping into the walls from the surrounding area.

Unprotected foundations can be damp and miserable. If there is nothing to stop it, rain and groundwater will soak into the walls, causing damage along the way. Foundation surfaces of most modern buildings are protected by below-grade waterproofing.

All new buildings receive foundation waterproofing during construction. Still, waterproofing won’t last forever and you may have to repair your waterproofing as it ages.

Foundation waterproofing protects the structure

Foundation waterproofing begins with a plan. Incorrectly applied waterproofing can actually lock water in. Qualified contractors appreciate the factors that make water move and collect in various areas.

Foundation waterproofing materials fall under two types;

Sheet membranes – roller applied on a clean and prepared wall

Polymer and elastomeric sprays – tank dispensed and sprayed onto the surfaces

The problems caused by moisture

Moisture can create major problems. Since water follows the route of least resistance, basements are notoriously damp. Here are some of the problems caused by dampness;

Structural decay

Electrical problems caused by moisture in the walls

Mildew – staining walls and damaging surfaces

Mold – making the occupants ill

The advantages of foundation waterproofing

Sound foundation waterproofing is the only way to protect your buildings and keep them healthy. The advantages of foundation waterproofing include:

Good air quality for a healthy building

Infrastructure integrity and longevity

Improved property value

Compliance with building regulations.

Call in the experts

If your commercial building is showing signs of dampness, make sure to call on the right skills. If the contractor specializes in residential basement waterproofing, they may not have the skills you need. Commercial foundation waterproofing is a specialized skill.

Why retaining walls fail

Though it seldom happens, retaining walls can fail. If you know what to look for you could save yourself a lot of time, effort, and money. Once a retaining wall falls over, collapses, or slides forward, there is little you can do to rehabilitate the wall. Once a retaining wall has failed, it must be rebuilt.

Most retaining walls will show signs of trouble long before they fail completely. If you know what to look for, you can call for help before it happens. Common signs of a failing wall include cracking bulging or tilting.

Why retaining walls fail

Retaining walls hold back soil. This means that there are opposing forces with which the wall must contend. Qualified contractors understand these forces. They design retaining walls that can resist them and create equilibrium.

Listed below are the causes of failure

Poor design or construction – the builder failed to construct the wall to acceptable standards

Water saturation – water that pools in the backfill will create more pressure on the wall. With enough pressure, the wall will fail

Ineffective or blocked weep holes – weep holes allow water to seep out of the front the wall preventing saturation. They should have filters on them to prevent blockage. Weep holes should be three inches in diameter and there should be no more than three feet between them.

Reinforcements incorrectly positioned – reinforcements must be deep enough and of an adequate size

Age – most retaining walls will present no problems no matter how old. If, however, the surcharge or drainage problems occur, the wall could start to fail.

Seismic activity – you should have your wall checked from time to time if you live in an area where there is seismic activity

How to save the retaining wall

If your retaining wall is showing signs of distress, there are ways to save it

Enlarge the footing

Fix surface drainage problems

Improve weep holes by making them bigger or inserting more

Drop the height of the retained soil

Install tie backs to strengthen the wall

Replace backfill

Extend the Life of Your Paving

Advice and assistance from your paving or asphalt contractors could help to extend the life of your paving. Here’s how.

Paving is an essential part of any property and it’s not cheap. Still, the paving on your property could last as much as 25 years. This depends, of course, on the quality of the installation and good, consistent maintenance.

Regular Maintenance Will Save Your Paving

Sealing your paving, both concrete and asphalt, is a sure way to prolong its life. Concrete paving is more durable than asphalt. You should seal your concrete every five years and asphalt every three.

It is not a good idea to seal your paving too often since over-sealing can cause cracking, flaking, or peeling. Cracks in the surface of your paving reveal that it is time to reseal. Call in your paving contractor to repair the cracks before you apply the sealant.

You can only effectively seal your paving when there is no rain expected. Wait for warm weather. A good seal requires ambient temperatures of at least 50° Fahrenheit for the eight hours it takes to dry.

Don’t use the newly sealed surface for at least 24 hours.

Save Your Paving with Regular Paving Inspections and help from Your Asphalt Contractor

Minor paving damage can quickly escalate so you should make time every month or two to inspect your paving for damage. Look out for

Cracks – repair even the smallest cracks as they will grow with time

Mildew and mold – can damage your paving

Weeds and grass – remove them before they cause any more damage.

The biggest problem you’ll encounter with your paving is cracking. Cracks tend to grow quickly, and you should call in your paving contractor as soon as they appear. Paving contractors are qualified to patch-fix paving.

Not all cracks are the same. Your paving contractor will know what patch repair method to use for the best repair.

Time to Call Your Siding Contractor – Reasons to Change Your Siding

Your siding contractor can confirm the many benefits of siding. The condition of the siding will determine how good your building looks since it covers the outside walls. Yet, siding is not just about aesthetics, it serves some very real day-to-day issues.

Siding should be waterproof ensuring that the inside of the building is protected from water damage. It also maintains the temperature inside the home, so that the building it is as energy-efficient as possible.

Your siding contractor can save maintenance costs

The materials used for siding today need very little maintenance. Vinyl and fiber cement will keep your building looking good for years without the need for much maintenance.

If your siding has started to buckle, you may have a leak. This will lead to damage that could cause wood rot and rust inside the structure. If you take no action the repairs will inevitably cost you a lot more than early intervention.

Siding improvements will boost your property value

New siding will improve the appeal of your property. This will enhance the value and leave it clean and well-maintained. Even if you are not planning on selling any time soon, replacing the siding is a good investment.

Save on energy costs

Once the siding material on your building no longer does its job, you will start to lose heat in winter. In the summer your air conditioners won’t be as effective. They will work overtime to keep the inside cool. The end result is increased energy consumption and wasted money.

Modern siding materials are more energy-efficient than earlier generations. You can also add an extra layer of waterproofing to ensure that the building stays dry and comfortable whatever the outdoor conditions.

Your siding contractor can offer you advice on improving your property through siding repairs or replacement.

Removable Bollards Uses

A commercial general contractor handles the day-to-day activities on a construction site. They are hired from the start of the project to the day when the project is handed over.

It is the job of the general contractor ensures to ensure that role players meet project deadlines. They do this by setting milestones along the way. The contractor must provide the skills and materials to finish the project in line with the agreed specification and must ensure that the building complies with regulations and city by-laws.

Usually, a general contractor submits a bid that contains the schedule, of required labor, and costs to complete the project.

What does a Bay Area General Contractor Do?

Commercial General contractor responsibilities will differ from project to project. Still, there are some tasks and responsibilities that are common across projects.

These include the following

Produce, check, and control the construction schedule

Predict possible changes and draw up a risk mitigation plan

Manage every aspect of the construction site

Determine the construction equipment and material requirements

Find appropriate suppliers and negotiate prices

Employ the skills required to complete the project

Ensure that everyone on site understands all safety aspects and adheres to these

Ensure that the construction complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. These include the acquisition of all required licenses and permits. The general contractor must understand the local building codes and make sure the project complies with these.

Provide labor as required

Provide the client with regular communication and keep them abreast of project progress and any possible risks.

A commercial general contractor plays an essential role in the completion of a project. He must ensure that the project is finished on time and that it meets quality requirements. Bay Area general contractors must have the capacity to make difficult decisions and manage risk and uncertainty on a daily basis.

#Bay Area general contractors #Commercial General contractor

Fun Facts About Asphalt

Asphalt has been around for centuries

Ancient Egyptians used asphalt from the Dead Sea in the mummification process.

The Romans first used asphalt to build Babylonian roads in 625 BCE. They also sealed their reservoirs and aqueducts with asphalt.

In the 18th century, it was John McAdam who created the asphalt mix used on roads today. He called his roads macadam.

Asphalt is the most recycled product in the USA

Who would have thought? In 2019 the America ploughed 89.2 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement or RAP into new asphalt mixes. Asphalt recycling saved the re-entry of more than 2.4 million metric tons of Greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The recycled asphalt also saves the taxpayer more than $300 million annually.

Most roads and parking areas are asphalt

There are more than 2,250,000 miles of roads in the USA, asphalt covers more than 94% of these roads. In addition, 9 out of 10 parking areas are asphalt.

Liquid asphalt makes up just 5% of the asphalt mix. The rest is mineral aggregate. The mix is placed upon a bed of crushed stone to form roads and parking lots.

Asphalt reduces road noise by between 2 and 5 decibels compared to highways that have noise walls.

Asphalt is also known as blacktop, macadam, bitumen, and tarmac.

Some roads are porous

Road engineers often use porous asphalt to help with drainage on roads and parking lots. This assists with drainage, allowing the water to drain through it and back into the water table.

Bringing asphalt back to life

Seal coating an asphalt surface will bring back its black color. Regular seal coating can help extend the life of asphalt for up to 30 years.

There is a good reason why asphalt is used so extensively on roads and parking lots. It is cost-effective and helps to reduce noise pollution. It is durable, safe, and creates a comfortable ride.

To know more about Asphalt paving Please visit our website.

Advice From Your Stucco Contractor

Properly applied and maintained stucco should last for decades but as stucco contractors we’ve seen what happens when property owners take their stucco for granted.

It is easy and inexpensive to maintain stucco and if you want to get the best out of your stucco coating regular maintenance is advised. Failing to maintain the exterior of your property could result in unnecessary repair costs. It could even reduce the value of your property.

How to Maintain Stucco

Here’s what you need to do to ensure that your home looks its best and retains its value.

Clean your stucco

General wind and weather will eventually make your stucco dirty. This material is porous so it can absorb substances that create stains. Clean the outside of the property twice a year. All you have to do is to spray the walls down with a garden hose or a fan sprayer.

First, spray a thin mist of water onto the stucco to loosen the dirt. Then turn up the water and spray your walls from the roof down to the ground to wash off all the dirt. Use mild detergent to remove persistent stains. If you see evidence of mold on the walls, use a soft brush to apply an anti-mold solution.

Seal your stucco

Stucco is porous. So, you have to seal it to prevent it from absorbing moisture. Stucco is sealed on the first application but the sealant won’t last forever. You should re-apply the concrete sealant to your stucco every five years.

Repairing your stucco

Though stucco should last for years, it can develop cracks or chips. These imperfections can grow with time. Mold, fungus, and insects may take occupation and this will cause more damage. Repair cracks and dings as quickly as possible to prevent the problem from growing. Fill cracks and holes with good quality waterproofing and paint. Elastomeric paint can help to keep fine cracks covered.

Call your stucco contractor

A stucco repair doesn’t have to be a DIY job. Call your stucco contractor for help.

Bay Area General Contractor Responsibilities