Author: Ernest Kelley

If your roof isn’t in tip-top shape everything else in your home is on borrowed time. Every day that goes by with unchecked damage to your roof lets moisture into the structure, causing mold, mildew and other problems.

Look for staining, a musty smell, or other signs of moisture. Also inspect flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Visit https://www.fresnoroofingexperts.com/ to learn more.

The shingles that cover the roof are usually the first to show signs of wear. Look for bare patches, missing shingles, or discolored and wavy areas. The granules that protect the asphalt layer of the shingle from the sun’s UV rays and provide fire resistance may also start to erode or become dislodged. These granules may wash away in rainstorms or be carried by wind into gutters and downspouts, where they can clog them and lead to water leaks.

Shingles should be replaced when they are brittle, curled, or otherwise damaged. Ideally, replacement shingles should match the existing shingles in color and texture to maintain a consistent appearance. This is particularly important for a roof that is visible from the street.

Before starting to replace shingles, it is a good idea to gather a few basic supplies. First, check to see whether you have any old shingles in the garage or shed that can be used as replacements. If not, you can purchase a bundle of shingles at a home repair store for about $15 to $20 per square foot.

You will also need a pry bar, a hammer, and a utility knife. When working on the roof, be sure to use a secure ladder and have someone to help keep you steady as you work.

Before you begin replacing shingles, it is important to inspect the entire roof for damage. If you find a large area of damage, it may be better to remove all the shingles and replace them instead of trying to repair them individually. It is also important to make sure that the gutters are clear and that there is sufficient ventilation in the attic.

To remove a damaged shingle, slide a flat pry bar underneath the shingle and carefully lift it up to break the adhesive seal. Then, remove the nails from the shingle and the nail strip. Repeat this process until all of the damaged shingles are removed. If a shingle is cracked or torn but not fully broken, it can often be repaired simply by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant (about $4 for a 10-oz. tube) under the corner and weighing it down with a brick; leave it weighed down for 24 hours.

Flashing

Flashing is thin pieces of impervious material installed in the joints around penetrations like chimneys, skylights, roof vents, dormers, and wall openings to decrease water leakage into buildings. It’s important that flashing is installed correctly to prevent leaks and other problems, including rotting and mold growth.

If you notice the signs of roof flashing damage, don’t delay addressing them! The longer a leak goes untreated, the more serious (and costly) your roof repair will be.

A leaky roof puts your home at risk of water damage and can lead to a host of other issues, such as shingle deterioration, attic insulation degradation, wood rot, and structural issues. It can also create a damp atmosphere that encourages the growth of mold. If the moisture seeps into your attic, it can affect your home’s indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health issues.

Flashing is a vital part of any roof, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. If you’re not familiar with the seven different types of roof flashing, here is what you need to know:

Step flashing is a type of roof flashing that overlaps in “steps” where a joint meets a vertical surface like a dormer or chimney. This method of flashing protects against leaks by directing water to the gutter, where it can drain properly.

Chimney flashing is used to seal the area around a chimney, and it’s typically fitted alongside the chimney base. Valley flashing is used in a similar fashion, but it’s designed to reinforce and redirect water away from the vulnerable v-shaped wedges that are found at roof intersections.

Drip edge flashing is a strip of metal that’s set along the edges of a wall to protect it from moisture ingress and direct water towards gutters. Through-wall flashing is embedded in walls to prevent water ingress or to direct any that has entered back outside. Cap flashing is used above windows and doors to prevent water from leaking into the home. Other types of flashing include base flashing and counter-flashing, which are both used to reinforce the bottom of a wall.

Built-up roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing, or BUR, has been around for over 100 years and is one of the most widely used materials for low-slope or flat roofs. It is durable and cost-effective, making it a great choice for commercial buildings. It is also energy-efficient, reducing cooling costs. Unlike single-ply membranes, built-up roofing has more layers that help to prevent thermal transmission between the exterior and interior of the building. It also offers greater flexibility for mechanical systems, solar energy, vegetative (roof gardens) and other uses.

While it has many benefits, built-up roofing does have some drawbacks. For example, the multiple layers can add to the weight of a roof, which may require structural considerations when installing or replacing a built-up roof. Additionally, the use of petroleum-based materials can make a built-up roof less eco-friendly than some other roofing options.

The most significant disadvantage of a built-up roof is that it can leak, especially if the roofing system has been installed incorrectly or not maintained properly. The seams can degrade over time, leading to water infiltration, so it is important to have a professional inspect the roof on a regular basis.

Fortunately, a build-up roof can be repaired by replacing the damaged section of the roof with a new layer of ply sheets, felts or bitumen. In addition, a professional roofer can apply an elastomeric coating to the surface of a built-up roof. This will prevent water from seeping into the roof and protect it from future damage.

Built-up roofs are durable and long-lasting, but they do need some maintenance to keep them in good condition. For instance, a BUR roof should be inspected on a regular basis to identify and repair any problems before they become major issues. Then, a professional can seal the damaged areas to prevent further water infiltration and prolong the life of the roof. A well-maintained BUR roof can last for 20 or more years, so it is a good investment for commercial buildings. Consult with an experienced commercial roofing company to learn more about this roofing option.

Gutters

Gutters are a key component of any roofing system, but they’re often neglected. They funnel rainwater off your roof in a clean and organized manner, reducing the risk of water damage to your home’s interior. Moreover, they protect your foundation, basement, and crawl space from moisture. Gutters are also essential to prevent moss and mildew from growing on your roof and around the perimeter of your house, which can threaten your family’s health.

A gutter system consists of troughs attached to the edge of a building’s roofline to collect and discharge rainwater from the roof. Once the rainwater reaches the gutter, it flows through downspouts, which are angled away from the house’s structure and allow the water to dispense onto the ground or into an underground drainage system.

If a gutter is damaged, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. Leaks in gutters can cause rot and other structural problems. The good news is that fixing gutter leaks isn’t difficult, especially if you catch them early. The first step is to remove any debris that has accumulated in the gutters. This can include leaves, twigs, and even dead animals. If you’re unable to remove these items, hire a professional to do it for you.

Once the gutters are free of debris, you can use roof and gutter repair tape to seal any leaking spots. This can be purchased at most home centers and hardware stores. Before applying the tape, scrape off any old tar or caulk, and wire-brush the metal thoroughly to create a clean surface. You should also consider replacing the gutter if it’s too old or rusty.

Clogged gutters can be a major problem for homeowners, and it’s usually best to have them cleaned twice a year. A professional roofer can handle the job quickly and safely, using a tall ladder to reach all areas of your gutters.

Another easy way to keep your gutters functioning well is to add a downspout extension. This can help prevent overflows, and it can reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning.

Sealcoating Your Commercial Parking Lot

April 26, 2024

Ernest Kelley

Paving No Comments

Sealcoating is not as simple as spraying on a coat of poly. The asphalt needs to be clean and prepared properly for the sealant.

Asphalt pavement consists of rock and stone aggregate held together with a binder. Over time the binder deteriorates, and the asphalt surface turns brittle. Sealcoating slows down this oxidation, and protects the asphalt from chemicals and oil spills. Visit Website to learn more.

When it comes to sealcoating applications, weather conditions can make or break the process. Sealcoating contractors must carefully evaluate the weather forecast and work within an optimal temperature range to ensure that the material flows smoothly, adheres well to the pavement surface, and dries properly. If the temperatures drop below the ideal range, the sealant will freeze, and the finished product will not be as effective as it should be.

Humidity also plays a significant role in how long it takes for the sealant to dry. When humidity levels are high, moisture saturates the air and slows down evaporation. This can double the amount of time it takes for the sealant to fully dry. Ideal humidity levels should be below 50%.

In addition, the ground and air temperatures should be warm and clear. The temperature must be at least 70 degrees and should rise throughout the day to ensure that the material can dry quickly. Additionally, a light wind will help facilitate evaporation, but not too much. A strong wind increases the risk of overspray and may cause the sealant to blow onto nearby structures or vehicles.

Rainfall can also be problematic for sealcoating projects. Excessive moisture dilutes the sealant mixture, causing it to lose its viscosity and performance. In addition, rainfall can wash away the fresh sealant, jeopardizing its adhesion and longevity. Careful evaluation of the weather forecast can help sealcoating contractors schedule their projects when they will be able to reopen the parking lot for traffic promptly after the application is complete.

To protect uncured sealants, a dry period of 24 hours is required before the paving surface can be opened to traffic. A thorough cleaning is then performed to remove any residual sealant, and a final inspection of the pavement is made. If it is not ready for vehicular traffic, temporary protective coverings can be used to shield the sealant from abrasion and water damage.

Preparation

The first step in the sealcoating process is assessing your driveway or parking lot. A professional paving contractor will take note of any cracks, potholes, oil stains or other areas of the pavement that need immediate repair.

The next step is to clear the area that will be sealcoated. This means removing any cars, trucks, trailers, sheds, garbage cans, outdoor furniture or other items that will be in the way when the sealer is being applied. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep children and pets inside during this time.

Once the pavement has been cleared, any linear cracks should be filled with either a hot rubberized crack filler or a cold-applied crack filler that is mixed with an additive such as Zetac. This will allow the material to expand and contract with the pavement during any weather changes and protect it from further damage.

Lastly, the area to be sealcoated should be blocked off with barricades, cones or other traffic control tools to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles do not get into the work zone. This will also help you to communicate to any customers or suppliers that the area will be inaccessible and that they should make alternative arrangements.

While the preparation steps can be done any time of year, it is important to remember that asphalt sealer doesn’t cure properly if it is wet, so it is critical that the project is not scheduled during inclement weather. If you are considering a sealcoating project, consult with your paving contractor to make sure that the weather conditions will be appropriate for success.

It is also a good idea to check the lawn area that borders your parking lot. If your grass is overgrown, it may need to be mowed and trimmed so that the sealer will adhere to the pavement. Finally, if your parking lot has sprinklers that water it, shut them off at least 24 hours before the start of the sealing process and don’t turn them on again for 24 hours after. If you need to make deliveries in your parking lot, reschedule them and let the supplier know that your parking lot will be inaccessible for several hours on the day of the job.

Materials

Asphalt sealcoating consists of a mix of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. The ingredients are combined to create a thick black material that is then applied to the surface of a paved area. There are also additives that can be used to modify the properties of the sealcoating material. These additives are designed to enhance the performance of the asphalt sealcoat. These additives can be added to the asphalt emulsion before it is mixed with the other ingredients or to the finished sealcoat. These include fungicides, antioxidants and UV stabilizers.

While there are different types of asphalt sealcoat materials, coal tar is the most common. It is designed to protect the paved surface and replenish the asphalt binder that is lost due to weathering. Coal tar sealcoats can be applied to any asphalt surface, and they are typically cheaper than other types of asphalt sealcoats. However, coal tar is considered to be a more hazardous material than other sealcoats. It releases volatiles into the air and emits a strong odor. It is also known to have negative effects on fish and other wildlife when it enters the waters of rivers, lakes and streams.

There are many benefits of having your parking lot or driveway seal coated. It will increase the longevity of your paved surface and save you money in the long run by preventing damage from oil, fuel and chemical substances that soften and degrade the asphalt. Seal coating also helps to keep the paved surface flexible under pressure from vehicular traffic, preventing it from cracking and deteriorating.

Asphalt sealcoating is most often performed from spring through fall. This is because the application process requires temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a period of 24 hours without rain. If your pavement isn’t sealed during this time, it may be damaged and require a costly replacement sooner than necessary.

Application

Sealcoating can provide a significant amount of protection for your commercial parking lot asphalt surface. It prevents oil, fuel, and chemical substances from penetrating the paved area and degrading it. It also protects the asphalt from vehicular pressure. This is important because when a paved area degrades, it becomes less flexible and subject to cracking under the weight of vehicles. Regular sealcoating can extend the life of your paved areas and reduce the need for repairs and replacement.

Thorough preparations are necessary to ensure the proper performance of the sealcoating process. This includes a thorough cleaning of the asphalt area and the repair of existing cracks, potholes, and damage. The surface must be dry, free of vegetation, rocks, debris, and sand, which can interfere with the adhesion of the sealcoat.

Once the area is prepared, it must be closed off to pedestrians and traffic with cones, barricades, and/or caution tape. The pavement must be clean and completely dry, which is why we use sweeping and blowers to ensure it is completely ready for application. The paving contractor must mix the sealer according to manufacturer instructions and specifications, ensuring the ingredients are evenly mixed. Mixing can be done manually, mechanically, or with specialized sealcoating equipment.

The proper mixing of the materials is essential to a long-term, effective result. The mixture must be thick enough to adhere to the paved surface and fill minor cracks and pits, yet still be fluid enough to easily flow across the surface and flow into low spots. There are a number of additives that can be added to the mix, and each serve a different purpose. These additives may help the sealer dry faster, alter sand suspension, improve flexibility, or increase resistance to salts and chemicals.

Once the materials are properly mixed, they can be applied using either a squeegee or spray application. Squeegee application is ideal for smaller areas and intricate surfaces, while spray application offers versatility and speed. Either method requires 24 hours of curing time before vehicles can return to the paved area. During this time, the freshly applied seal coat should be protected from pedestrians and vehicles to avoid damaging or marking the new coating.

What You Need to Know About Paving Companies

December 17, 2023

Ernest Kelley

Paving No Comments

Paving Companies construct paved surfaces, including roads, sidewalks, and driveways. They work on both residential and commercial projects.

A good paving company should be licensed and insured. They should also have references and be able to provide a written contract.

Avoid a company that refuses to give you a contract or provides only vague estimates. They may cut corners to save money and need a better job.

Paving companies are construction businesses that use asphalt to repair or construct roads, driveways, parking lots, and other public spaces. They can work on projects ranging from minor resurfacing to large-scale reconstruction. They typically operate under a sole proprietorship or an LLC and must obtain business licenses and insurance before performing any work. In addition, they must follow local and state regulations regarding using materials and equipment.

The best way to ensure you hire a reputable paving company is to get detailed estimates from multiple companies. These should include the work scope, materials, labor costs, and a warranty. You should look elsewhere if a paving company cannot provide a detailed estimate.

It’s important to choose a paving contractor that has the right tools for the job. This can include a dump truck to haul the asphalt, a milling machine to remove the existing surface, and a vibratory roller to compact the material. You should also ensure the paving contractor has an appropriate crew size for the project. If the crew is too small, it may delay your project and lead to a poor result.

A paving company must have the proper licensing and insurance to perform a job. You can verify the licenses of a paving company by looking up their license number on the state’s website. You can also ask for a copy of their insurance certificate to ensure that they are covered in case of any damage or accidents during the project.

It would be best to have a good marketing strategy to be a successful paving contractor. This includes partnering with home renovators, commercial contractors, and landscaping companies to promote your services. It’s also important to find ways to attract new talent. Consider hosting career days and job fairs at local schools and colleges. You can also offer apprenticeships.

While the same factors that drive value for all businesses are important to valuing a paving contractor, some unique considerations set this industry apart. These special factors include seasonality, specific bidding requirements for federal, state, and local government contracts, and contracted set-asides for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. BVR’s latest special report, What It’s Worth: Valuing Paving Contractors, explores these factors in detail.

If you want your commercial paving project done right the first time, hire an experienced company. These professionals know the best ways to get a job done and will ensure that your new asphalt is smooth, high-quality, and durable. They will also work quickly and efficiently so your business is not interrupted during construction. In contrast, hiring an inexperienced person or doing the work yourself will take longer and result in poor-quality results.

A professional paving company should have years of experience in the industry and a portfolio of previous projects. They should also be able to provide a detailed project timeline and give you references that you can call. You should also be able to visit their website to see a gallery of past work. This will help you determine whether or not their work is up to par.

Paving is a complicated process, and it takes experience to do it well. Less reputable contractors may try to cut corners to save money, but this can cost you more in the long run. A reputable contractor will be honest about their pricing and won’t try to hide any hidden fees.

It’s important to choose a paving company that is licensed and insured. This will protect you from any legal issues if something goes wrong during the project. In addition, they should be familiar with local regulations and permits required for asphalt paving projects. They should also be able to explain the different options available for your commercial paving project, including materials, colors, and textures.

It would be best to look for a paving company that offers a warranty on their work. This will protect you if the job is outside your standards or has defects. This is especially important for a large project like a parking lot.

Consider using a local company if you are looking for a paving company. This will ensure that you are getting high-quality work at a fair price. In addition, if you use a local company, you will be helping the community by keeping money in the local economy.

A paving company uses a variety of equipment to complete asphalt paving projects. To achieve the desired results, they may have special paving machines such as cold planers, pavers, and milling machines. These machines help ensure the finished product is high quality and meets industry standards. They also ensure that the project is safe and adheres to environmental regulations.

The equipment a paving company uses varies depending on the size of the project and the type of pavement being laid. For example, a dump truck may transport the asphalt mix from the plant to the job site for smaller projects. This machine usually has a lift that allows the load to slide out of the back of the truck bed. Some trucks have a conveyor belt, an alternative to a lift.

In addition to these essential pieces of equipment, a paving contractor needs professional tools to complete the work promptly and efficiently. These tools can include a rake, screed, and rollers to compact the asphalt and prepare it for the top layer. They may also use a hot box to melt the asphalt mix before spreading it on the road.

When selecting a paving contractor, it is important to consider the equipment they have and their experience working in different locations. For instance, a company with extensive experience working in busy city centers will be better prepared to handle the disruptions caused by construction. They will also be familiar with ADA regulations, traffic control, and detour routes.

A reputable paving contractor will have the right equipment for every project stage. The paving machine they use can impact the quality and cost of the finished work. They will also be able to meet the unique requirements of each job, including its schedule and budget.

You should find a Cat dealer near you if you want to purchase a paving machine. They can offer you a wide selection of pre-owned equipment backed by the Cat Used standard. These machines are a great option for contractors who want to minimize their up-front costs and invest in long-term value.

Several insurance policies can help cover costs and protect you from financial disaster. These include commercial general liability, workers’ compensation, and hired and non-owned auto insurance. These are essential for any business that needs to operate. The cost of these policies will vary depending on the specifics of your company’s operations and your needs. It would be best if you also considered getting a professional liability policy to protect you from negligence claims.

Working on roads and pavements is inherently dangerous work. If someone gets injured on your property, it can lead to expensive lawsuits and loss of revenue. This coverage will pay for legal fees, settlements, and damages. It may also include coverage for lost wages and medical expenses.

It is important to check the reviews of paving companies before hiring one. This will give you an idea of their customer service and work quality. Look for companies with positive reviews, but don’t ignore negative ones. If there are many complaints, this is a red flag.

The cheapest insurance for paving contractors is general liability, which costs an average of $60 per month or $720 per year. You can get a comprehensive policy with a $1 million per occurrence limit and a $1 million aggregate limit. This will protect you from large financial losses that can ruin your paving business.

Another insurance that is vital for paving companies is workers’ comp. It will protect your employees if they are injured at work. This can include paying for their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and missed wages. You can also find a policy covering your business for auto accidents caused by workers on the job.

Other types of insurance you should look for in a paving contractor include product liability, commercial auto insurance, and business interruption insurance. You can also find a business owner policy (BOP) that bundles general liability and commercial property insurance at a discount. You should also check the equipment and tools coverage a paving contractor offers to ensure that your valuable assets are protected.

Roof Repair – What to Look For in Your Roof