Tips for Keeping Your Asphalt Parking Lot Looking Great

A parking lot welcomes customers into your business. As the main entryway, it is important that your lot looks inviting. If there are giant potholes, cracks that look like an earthquake has struck, and accidents waiting to happen, this will reflect poorly on your business. It is vital to fix these issues before costly repairs add up and more importantly, before there are any liabilities caused by the faulty lot. Knowing when and what to repair is important for keeping customers happy and for saving you time and money. Check out these important tips below for a better understanding of how to keep your parking lot looking great and up to date!

1. Inspect Your Lot Regularly

Damages are small annoyances but can become even worse liabilities if not taken care of. If you notice cracks starting to form, it may be time to start crack filling. Crack filling is the single greatest way to extend the lift of your asphalt. Other indicators that your parking lot needs maintenance include potholes, loss of color, lines fading, and/or pools of water forming after rain. If your asphalt curb is broken or crumbling, that is also subject to repair. If you notice any of these signs, it is time for some maintenance. If these damages are left unresolved, they can become worse, which means a more costly repair that no one wants. Parking lots that need more than 30% of patch work should probably consider an asphalt overlay instead!

2. Clean Up Trash and Other Debris

3. Seal Coat Your Parking Lot

Seal coating is the process of adding a protective layer to an asphalt pavement to safeguard it from water, oils, and U.V. damage. By doing this, the life expectancy of pavement is extended. We recommend that you seal coat your parking lot every three years in order to preserve your pavement. This step is important for extending the life of your parking lot.

4. Restriping When Lines Are Faded

5. Clean Up Oil Stains Right Away

Oil and other harmful liquids can create long lasting stains that have the ability to deteriorate the asphalt and paint if not taken care of. That is why it is important to clean this up as soon as you see it. By wiping the liquid off the surface once the spill occurs, this can prevent it from seeping further into the layers of the pavement. Oil stains that have been sitting for a while can affect the asphalt composition and create potholes if ignored. This larger repair can be prevented if cleaned up right away.

With these tips, you can extend the life of your parking lots. Paying attention to these signs now will save you time and money in the long run. By also understanding what causes asphalt to deteriorate, you can prevent issues before they happen. Create a warm welcome for your customers and maintain your parking lot. To learn more about asphalt, click here.

Ready to give some TLC to your parking lot? Byrne & Jones offers the highest quality asphalt mix in St. Louis. Trust the pavement preservation pros and get your repairs today. Click here to contact us.

Discover the Many Benefits of Full-Depth Reclamation

Full-depth reclamation is a technique that can offer various advantages. This process is a cost saving, environmentally smart solution to extend the life of your asphalt surface.  

What is full-depth reclamation? 

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is the process of pulverizing asphalt pavement, resulting in a stabilized course. During this process, the pulverized layers are able to be reclaimed and used as pavement. This technique is commonly used with pavements that have major issues.  

What are the types of Full Depth Reclamation? 

• Mechanical Stabilization: includes the addition of aggregate materials 
• Chemical Stabilization: includes the addition of lime, cement, or fly ash 
• Bituminous Stabilization: includes the addition of asphalt based emulsions or foamed asphalt  

Intersted in the process of Full Depth Reclamation? Check out this video. 

What are some of the advantages of Full Depth Reclamation?

Cost-Effective

This process has proven to be cost effective as it creates long lasting pavement, lending to less repairs down the road. The FDR process creates a higher load carrying capacity and also reduces moisture susceptibility. The result is a stronger, longer-lasting surface. Combine that with the cost-savings, and Full Depth Reclamation becomes an even more attractive alternative to completely removing and installing a new asphalt surface.
More owners are discovering they can save 30%-50% of total project costs when they let the experts at Byrne & Jones Construction perform the Full Depth Reclamation process on their worn-out asphalt parking lots.

Environmentally Friendly  

Since this technique uses reclaimed material, it has less of an impact on the environment. Head of Byrne & Jones Construction Asphalt Division, Kevin Klette says, “Instead of having to dig up and remove the old asphalt surface before installing a new one, FDR pulverizes the old surface, compacts it, and then we mix an additive that creates a stronger base for the asphalt mix.” According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, 2.4 million metric tons of CO2e were spared from the atmosphere in 2019 through the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new mixtures.  

This technique allows for the conservation of energy and material. According to Klette, “Full Depth Reclamation offers more than just cost-savings. It helps conserve energy since there’s no need to haul away or import new materials. It saves natural resources and energy since it recycles existing material and it eliminates material disposal concerns, making it a much more environmentally-friendly route to take.” 

Full Depth Reclamation requires a variety of specialized equipment that most asphalt paving contractors simply do not have. Byrne & Jones Construction not only has the equipment, but also has the know-how to perform the variety of steps involved throughout the process. If you are interested in seeing Byrne & Jones Construction’s work in person then call and ask about our jobs at Watlow Electric or Ladue Middle School. To schedule a live recycling demo, contact Brett Gaither at 314-254-9766. 

Potholes: 101

Have you ever cringed and braced for the worst when you see a pothole in your path? Potholes can not only be a nuisance to avoid but can cause serious damage if driven over. According to AAA, pothole damages cost U.S. drivers $3 billion in vehicle repairs each year. These problems in the pavement are terrible for drivers and should be repaired as soon as possible, but first it is important to understand where they come from.  

What causes potholes to form?

How to repair potholes?

How can I reduce the number of potholes in my parking lot?

If you are looking to extend the life of your asphalt and reduce the number of potholes, you should seal any cracks present to prevent water from getting underneath your asphalt. Hot pour rubberized crack sealer is an extremely successful and cost-effective approach to maintaining your pavement.

Tired of your potholes? We are here to help. At Byrne & Jones Construction, we have the horsepower and expertise to mend your pavement problems. Call the surfacing experts today at (314) 254-9766. 

Asphalt or Concrete: Choosing the Best Surface For your parking Lot

Both asphalt and concrete make for great parking lots, roads, and driveways. One material is not necessarily better than the other, it just boils down to the type of use, budget, and ongoing maintenance. Ultimately, it is up to what will work best for your project. Answer these questions below to determine which material is best for you.

Amount of Usage

What type of vehicles will be used on this surface, and how many vehicles will be using this on a regular basis?

The number of vehicles and weight can make a huge difference in what type of material to use. If you are looking to use your surface as a loading dock or for heavy vehicles to rest on for long periods of time, concrete may be the better option for you. While asphalt is durable, it can become flexible under heavy loads, which can, in turn, create indentations in the surface as heavyweights can be too much. Asphalt is typically the better option for parking lots and roads that have lower volumes of traffic. 

Total Cost

What’s your budget?  

Concrete will generally cost more than asphalt as the installation is more expensive. Asphalt is faster to install and can be used the same day that it is laid. These factors lend to a less expensive cost, but one must also consider maintenance costs.  

Maintenance

How often do you want to maintain your surface?

Ongoing maintenance is needed for both asphalt and concrete. However, asphalt requires more ongoing maintenance as it should be resealed every 3-6 years. While asphalt may require more maintenance, it is typically less expensive than concrete repair. With concrete repairs, one must replace an entire slab as opposed to just patching cracks or holes. 

Pavement Lifecycle

How long do you want your pavement to last?

Each surface will last a long time provided routine maintenance is done. A concrete driveway for example can last from about 30-40 years while an asphalt driveway can last 20-30 years. While a concrete driveway has a longer lifespan, it will be more expensive to replace than the asphalt. 

Weather

Do you live in a warm or cool climate? 

If you live in an area with a warmer climate, you might want to consider choosing a surface that accounts for this. Asphalt retains heat more than concrete, so asphalt surfaces can get hotter than concrete. Concrete does not absorb as much UV radiation and can be easier to walk on in the heat compared to asphalt. Another thing to consider is living in a cooler climate. If it snows a lot, it is good to know that concrete cannot have salt on it or it will be damaged. In general, concrete does not perform as well in cold weather as it can be subject to cracking from the cold. Since asphalt is able to absorb more heat from the sun, it allows snow to melt faster on its surface. Both surfaces react differently to weather conditions, so it is important to consider your climate before making a decision.

Appeal

What do you want your surface to look like? 

Some people tend to prefer concrete as it can be colored to change the look while asphalt does not have that ability. While this is the case, it is important to note that oil stains are much more noticeable on concrete than asphalt.

Site of Project

Does the parking lot, road, and or driveway have the proper drainage and slope?

Whether concrete or asphalt, one must consider the amount of slope and drainage your project has. If water is able to collect and pool, this can damage the surface. Certain types of asphalt can help with water drainage, which can not only benefit you but also help the environment.

Now that you have read through the different factors to consider, which do you prefer: asphalt or concrete? Whichever pavement you choose, Byrne & Jones Construction is ready to help. Contact us now for a free consultation at (314) 254-9766.

What repairs are needed for a parking lot?

Parking lot repairs will vary depending on the amount of damage that is currently there. If there are cracks throughout your lot, those will need to be patched up. According to the Pavement Preservation & Recycling Alliance, 75% of unsealed cracks develop into potholes within 3 years while only 1% of sealed cracks develop into potholes in the same timeframe. Crack sealing may be the best option to fix those cracks. With this undertaking, we will go in and fill in those cracks to ensure that they do not expand any more. Crack sealing plays a significant role in extending the life of your pavement as it can add on 3-5 years.

After any cracks have been mended, we also recommend sealcoating your asphalt. Sealcoating will provide a protective layer to your pavement, helping to preserve it from harsh weather and UV rays, therefore extending the life of your lot. We recommend that you sealcoat your pavement every 3 years or whenever you start to notice the pavement turning to a grey color.

St. Louis Parking Lot Construction Experts

At Byrne & Jones Construction, our job is to ensure that you are able to make a good first impression. With over 5 decades of pavement experience, we possess the horsepower to help you reach your project goals. Our office is filled with intelligent individuals who are construction and engineer-minded, all of whom are trained in all things asphalt and concrete. Our team regularly attends industry focused and educational events in order to keep up with new technology, pavement innovation, and maintenance solutions. We are committed to being the experts, so we strive to provide the best for you.

In order to ensure that you are getting the best long lasting surface, the equipment and machinery used to install asphalt and concrete need to be well maintained and in good working order. With our newest state of the art equipment and new asphalt material plants in St. Louis and Nebraska, we can provide you with a superior finish. Byrne & Jones Construction has several pavers and crews to handle any size project. Big or small, we cover them all.

When you contact our pavement consultants, they will point you in the right direction – providing you with accurate, professional advice to help you establish a pavement plan. Our team will address the pavement surface condition and go deeper. We will explore what’s taking place below the surface as most pavement issues start within the foundation or base. An unstable base will lead to a lifetime of maintenance headaches.

If you are interested in making a good impression, saving money, and having a safe surface at your property, we want to talk to you. Call Byrne & Jones Construction at (314) 254-9766 and request to talk to one of our pavement consultants for your NO COST consultation.