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Benefits of Asphalt Over Concrete for Your Driveway

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:23:02 GMT

Converting your old dirt driveway into a concrete or asphalt design is an ideal way to increase curb appeal and create a drive that will last. The largest question you need to answer regarding your driveway construction is this: asphalt or concrete?

Asphalt is Cheaper

There is a reason why asphalt is among the most common materials for residential drives - it's cheap to install. At an average cost of around $2.50 to $4 per foot to install, asphalt is on average at least half as much as concrete.

Concrete averages around $4 to $6 or more per square foot installed. If you have a large driveway project or wish to pave other areas of your property and cost is an issue, consider asphalt.

Asphalt is Installed Quickly

Part of what makes asphalt a cheaper install than concrete is how easy it is to apply to a project. You can complete asphalt driveways in a short amount of time (often under three days).

Concrete driveways take nearly twice as long to install, and the concrete has to set or cure for up to a week before you can park on the drive. If you need to upgrade your driveway in a hurry, then asphalt is your wisest option.

Asphalt is Easier to Maintain

Both concrete and asphalt are prone to wear and age, each succumbing to weather changes in their own way. Concrete cracks as the ground under its foundation expands or freezes, while asphalt crumbles due to its ability to expand with weather changes.

Asphalt is durable for the most part in all types of weather and can last for a few decades with simple maintenance. Asphalt is far easier to maintain than concrete. Holes and cracks can simply be filled with new asphalt or be tarred over for greater durability. Concrete, however, typically needs to be replaced to restore its luster, which is expensive and time-consuming to do.

As a bonus, you can repair many small asphalt damages on your own, such as sealing crumbling edges or filling small cracks or ridges. For larger projects, your asphalt paving specialist will come to your home to re-seal your driveway or make other needed repairs.

Asphalt is Environmentally-Friendly

Asphalt uses up to 20% less energy than other driveway materials to both produce and work with, making it an ideal choice if you are environmentally conscious. Asphalt is also recycled and recyclable, being the nation's largest recycled product.

Another way asphalt is environmentally sound that the material does not leak chemicals or toxins into the earth and is naturally absorbing of water. After installing asphalt on your property, you can rest easy knowing you've done your part to conserve energy and keep the environment safe.

While concrete is in and of itself an environmentally-safe product (after all, it is comprised of natural elements), the process to mix concrete and the chemicals involved in production make it less environmentally friendly. Your contractor will show you pros and cons of both concrete and asphalt when building a green property.

There are many benefits in using asphalt for your driveway's completion over concrete. Easy to care for, quick to install, and cost-effective, asphalt delivers in many ways. Our team of expert asphalt paving specialists will show you how to care for your driveway once we install it so that you get the most use out of it as possible. Call us at Wenger Paving, INC today.

Why Should You Re-Pave Your Parking Lot?

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:45:48 GMT

Your parking lot looks okay. But that's it - just okay. There are a few potholes here and there, and you can't really remember the last time that you repaved. If your parking lot is the first thing that clients and customers see, making sure that it looks top-notch is ultimately important to your business.

How can your parking lot impact your business? Whether your lot is just so-so, it's filled with cracks and holes or it's lumpy and bumpy, you don't want your lot to turn clients and customers away. If you're not sure whether you should repave your parking spaces, take a look the most common reasons why companies and small businesses choose to repave their lots.

Professional Appearance

You spend time, effort and money making sure that your clients and customers know that you're an expert in your field. Whether you sell shoes or provide legal services, you want everyone to know that you're a pro. And part of being a professional means having a professional appearance.

You wouldn't wear jeans with holes in the knees to meet a client at your accounting firm and you wouldn't show up to a business meeting dressed in a stained t-shirt. The same should go for your parking lot. A wornlooking, hole-filled parking lot is telling your customers, "I don't care."

How can this negatively impact your business? When customers think that you don't care about your property's appearance, they may think you don't care about what you do or how you do it. This can seem unprofessional and literally drive your clients and customers away. But if you have a resurfaced, expertly paved parking lot, your customers will see the effort you put in to making your business look fresh, clean and professional. This creates a welcoming environment that gives clients/customers the impression you're going for.

Accidents and Your Business

Those potholes filling your lot do more than look ugly. They're dangerous. If a customer doesn't see the hole, or can't avoid it, you could have a major problem on your hands. Your 'big client' is coming to your office for a major meeting. Now imagine that your client is driving through your lots and unsuspectingly strikes a pothole. Their tire blows out, the hubcap falls off or the car sustains some other equally as irritating (and dangerous) damage.

What happens when the client finally makes it into your building? Chances are that the 'big meeting' won't go in your favor.

The same goes for customers who are headed to your business to make a purchase or use your services. Having to call a tow truck and repair or replace a tire are added expenses, and headaches, that no one wants. Along with putting a negative spin on your business relationship, the person whose car hit the hole may even threaten legal action to recoup their money.

Having a smooth parking lot that's in good condition eliminates these worries. While you can't stop all accidents from happening, you can reduce the risk of these types of surface-related incidents by making sure that the pavement is in more than just okay shape

Traffic Flow

Keeping the flow of traffic going is essential for your business. Unless you want your customers sitting in traffic long enough to turn around and go home, you want an easy in and easy out type of parking situation.

A lot that's filled with bumps, dips and holes forces drivers to go slow. This can cause traffic and possibly even accidents. When one car tries to drive around a pothole or skids over a bump, you're looking at the possibility of a collision. And that's not something you want in your lot.

A well-paved parking lot with clear lines (for traffic direction and parking spaces) can improve the flow and keep your customers moving.

Do you need to pave your parking lot? Wenger Paving, INC can help.

Parking Lot Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 13:50:28 GMT

There is nothing better than a freshly paved parking lot. It looks so smooth and shiny and clean. If you want to keep it that way, however, that's going to take a little work and upkeep on your part. Fortunately, parking lot maintenance isn't all that difficult as long as you know what to do and you do it regularly.

Sweep Regularly

To start, you'll want to make sure that you sweep your parking lot on a regular basis. Obviously, this can be a lot of work, especially if you have a large parking lot, so you may want to hire professional sweepers to handle the job for you.

In any case, regular sweeping will keep debris out of your lot. This will help with drainage and will keep your lot from growing weak or sustaining water damage, allowing it to look and perform great for a very long time.

Tow Vehicles That Are Parked for Too Long

Did you know that, if a vehicle stays parked in one place for too long, it can actually damage your parking lot? This is especially true if the vehicle is very heavy.

Having all of that weight parked on your lot can, over time, weaken the surface of your parking lot. This could easily lead to potholes, missing chunks of pavement and other issues.

As such, enforce towing when vehicles are left too long or are abandoned in your parking lot. After all, not only are they damaging the lot, but they're taking up a valuable space that others could be using.

Have and Maintain Adequate Drains

As mentioned earlier, drainage is important in order for a parking lot to stay strong and healthy. If water doesn't have somewhere to go, it will stay in your lot, weakening it and creating a hazard.

If you have adequate drainage, however, the water can leave your parking lot as soon as it accumulates. Just make sure you maintain your drains regularly, keeping them from getting backed up or blocked by debris. Otherwise, they won't do their job of protecting your parking lot.

Take Care of Cracks

If you want a great parking lot, a good habit to get into is regularly checking your lot for cracks and general surface damage. While even the best parking lots can be expected to have one or two cracks here and there, you'll definitely want to take action if you notice a lot of cracking or surface wear.

A good step to take as needed is to have your lot re-paved to fill in any cracks, holes or other damage. Also, when you're in between repaving jobs, make sure that you don't allow any weeds or other plants to start growing in the cracks. Their roots can severely weaken your parking lot and even push parts of it upward if you allow this problem to go on too long.

Consider Sealcoating

One final thing that you can do to keep your parking lot looking great is to have it sealcoated on a regular basis. Sealcoating basically puts a protective layer down over your parking lot, allowing it to stay strong and intact for much longer than it otherwise would.

How often you'll need sealcoating will vary based on the traffic your lot gets, but a good sealcoating provider can advise you on how often to have the procedure done.

As you can see, keeping your parking lot looking its best is not difficult. If you can follow these simple tips and connect with a good parking lot and paving contractor, such as the experts at Wenger Paving, INC , you should have no problem maintaining your lot.

5 Signs It’s Time to Repave Your Parking Lot

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 13:57:49 GMT

There’s something incredibly appealing about a smooth, freshly-paved parking lot. Here are the tell-tale signs that it’s time to repave your parking lot.

There’s something incredibly appealing about a smooth, freshly-paved parking lot. Sadly, parking lots cannot stay looking brand-new forever. In fact, due to the constant wear they are subjected to, they should be repaved fairly regularly. How often will depend on a number of factors, such as the daily traffic and the overall quality of the products used.

However, the good news is that your parking lot will usually let you know when it's time for repaving. All you have to do is know the tell-tale signs that it’s time to repave your parking lot.

1. Visible Cracks

First things first, you should be on the lookout for visible cracks in your parking lot. Cracks occur with age and exposure to the elements.

While they are unsightly to look at, cracks can also lead to bumpy, more dangerous rides for people who visit your parking lot. Even worse, cracks tend to deepen over time. If they are left long enough, they can seriously affect the quality and integrity of your parking lot structure. Thus, it is in your best interest to consult with a pavement company about repairing cracks or repaving your lot.

2. Sun Damage

When a parking lot is freshly paved, it looks nice, dark, smooth and uniform in color. Over time, you may notice that your parking lot starts to fade and become lighter. It may also become discolored in certain areas. This damage is usually caused by the sun's harsh UV rays, which may beat down harder in some areas of your parking lot than others.

Fortunately, a simple repaving of the parking lot can restore color and keep the whole lot looking fresh and new, which makes your business more appealing from the moment people set foot on your property.

3. Dents and Divots

Something else to watch out for with your parking lot is denting and divots. These can be caused by very heavy vehicles coming into your parking lot — especially if they stay parked in one place for a long time.

These types of issues can also be caused by dings and hits from trailers and tow trucks. Whatever the cause, they can make for a bumpy experience in your parking lot and can also lead to pooling water and moisture, which can also cause significant damage. If you notice these issues, address them right away with repair or repaving services.

4. Potholes

Whether they are large or small, the appearance of potholes in your parking lot definitely means that you need to have it repaved. Potholes can easily cause damage to vehicles that enter your lot, which could damage the reputation of your business and cause liability issues in the future.

Fortunately, repaving is an easy way to fill in and cover potholes so that your parking lot is a safe and welcoming place for your customers and employees.

5. Faded Stripes

Finally, have your parking lot repaved if the parking stripes are becoming harder to see. This can easily cause accidents and difficulty parking for your guests. In addition to repaving, most paving contractors will also make these all-important stripes fresh, bright and visible once again.

As you can see, your parking lot will typically let you know when it needs to be repaved. If you've noticed any of these signs in your own lot, be sure to contact the paving experts at Wenger Paving, INC to learn how to address the issue quickly, easily and affordably. The sooner you take care of repaving your lot, the sooner it can be a nice place to park and drive in once again.

3 Keys to Installing a Long-Lasting Asphalt Driveway

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:40 GMT

When it comes to residential paving projects, asphalt remains one of the most popular choices. Learn how a professional asphalt contractor can give you a long-lasting asphalt driveway.

When it comes to residential paving projects, asphalt remains one of the most popular choices. Not only does asphalt yield an attractive, jet-black appearance, but its durability is second to none. Of course, in order to ensure the longest possible lifespan, an asphalt driveway must be installed by a true professional.

You see, many asphalt surfaces fall short of their potential due to improper or insufficient installation. If you would like to learn more about what separates an experienced asphalt contractor from a mere dabbler, read on. This article will discuss three keys to ensuring a long lasting asphalt driveway.

Base Layer of Gravel

It’s important to realize that an asphalt surface will only be as stable as the substance on top of which it is installed. Inexperienced asphalt contractors, as well as those who offer prices too low to be true, often cut corners by installing asphalt right on top of the soil. This tactic will lead to premature asphalt failure no matter how well compacted and leveled the soil happens to be.

The problem here has to do with the structural stability of soil. Over time, the soil will begin to shift and settle as the result of changes in hydration. This can leave the asphalt dangerously under-supported in certain areas. Soon, problems such as raveling, potholes, and cracks will begin to form, necessitating expensive and complex forms of repair.

A knowledgeable contractor knows that asphalt should always be installed on top of a bed of crushed gravel. This gravel should always possess a thickness of at least 6 inches. It must also be carefully compacted to ensure that it is entirely stable before installing the asphalt.

Not only will the gravel provide a hard and stable foundation for the asphalt, but it will help to promote the safe drainage of water trickling down through the ground.

Gravel Width

One of the most common places for an asphalt driveway to experience damage is along its edges. Known as edge cracks, this problem is generally caused by the weight of vehicles passing over the outer portions of asphalt. This causes the asphalt to crack or crumble outward into the dirt that adjoins the pavement.

Edge cracks occur at a much higher frequency for those whose driveway does not have a wide enough gravel base. If the gravel is only as wide as the asphalt, it will make it much easier for the asphalt to collapse outward under pressure. For that reason, experienced installers know to create a gravel base that is at least a foot wider than the asphalt driveway itself. This additional support will minimize the likelihood of edge cracks.

Geotextile Fabric

That layer of gravel beneath your asphalt will do wonders for preventing water-related problems. That's because it will promote better drainage, thus keeping water out of contact with the asphalt itself. But as time goes on, the soil will begin to fill the gaps between the chunks of gravel. This soil will act to retain water, thus reducing the gravel’s effectiveness at promoting drainage.

In order to keep dirt safely beneath the gravel base, savvy contractors often install a layer of geotextile fabric beneath the compacted gravel. Geotextile is a type of landscaping fabric known for its toughness and durability. Its tight weave ensures that soil particles are not able to pass through it. In other words, a layer of geotextile fabric will adequately prevent dirt from impacting the drainage abilities of your gravel.

When it comes to hiring a company to install an asphalt driveway, there are far more important things to look for than price alone. Hiring a company with a history of competent and professional work is the best way to ensure that you get the results you deserve. For more information on installing a long-lasting asphalt driveway, contact the paving experts at Wenger Paving, INC .

Choosing Asphalt

Fri, 26 May 2017 14:15:23 GMT

A question we encounter often concerns the difference between concrete and asphalt as roadway materials, so we want to discuss reasons for choosing asphalt.

Choosing Asphalt

Enger Paving, Inc. serves customers in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and the surrounding areas with road, neighborhood, and driveway construction and maintenance. A question we encounter often concerns the difference between concrete and asphalt as roadway materials, so we want to discuss reasons for choosing asphalt.

Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, which is a highly viscous tar-like liquid distilled from petroleum, that when combined with sand and small stones or gravel creates a durable and lasting coating. Asphalt is much easier to work with than concrete for reduced installation time. This benefit factors well into time-sensitive projects such as busy thoroughfare roadwork needing completion in off hours.

Asphalt is durable, more so than concrete with lacks the ability to “flex” with weather fluctuations causing it to crack. Asphalt, however, contains the aforementioned bitumen serving to contain and insulate substrate during temperature variances.

Asphalt is attractive in matte black continuity, setting apart the residence when applied on a driveway. As a covering for an entire subdivision, asphalt will give a youthful appearance to an aging neighborhood.

Asphalt provides stark contrast to lines and striping on the road increasing visual awareness and safety. Enger Paving, Inc looks forward to discussing your needs and stands ready to provide a bid for your project, call us today !

Should You Repave or Resurface Your Parking Lot

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 14:25:44 GMT

Whether you own a small business or a large box store, you’ll need to keep your asphalt parking lot smooth and up to date to leave a good impression on your customers. Here are a few factors to consider before deciding whether to repave or resurface.

Whether you own a small business or a large box store, you’ll need to keep yourasphalt parking lot smoothand up to date to leave a good impression on your customers—returning or new. Repaving your lot might not be necessary, while resurfacing it could be a waste of money. Here are a few factors to consider before making a decision.

COST

First, consider the cost of the parking lot to confirm if it is fiscally feasible for your business to undergo a repaving job. Pavers usually charge by the square foot to either repave or overlay. You should also consider the labor prices and cost of local materials to get the job done effectively.

YEARS

How many years has it been since you repaved your parking lot? A well-paved lot lasts about 20 years with regular maintenance every 3-5 years, depending on traffic. If it has been over 20 years, then replace your lot. If it hasn’t been over 20 years, but you haven’t had a resurface in a few years, then simply do an overly of the existing surface.

LEVEL OF DETERIORATION

Your parking lot depends on the level of deterioration due to the amount of traffic you get daily. Have a paving company inspect your lot to get a detailed quote. There might be serious potholes and drainage issues that might lead you to get it repaved. On the other hand, simple cracks and potholes may need crack filling or milling to fix the problem areas.

To learn more about whether you should repave or resurface your parking lot in Santa Cruz County, speak with a professional paving contractor. Contact Wenger Paving at 831-476-8400 today to get a quote.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Paver for Your Business

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 14:42:48 GMT

If your business needs a parking lot or asphalt repairs, a professional paver should be hired. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

For the frugal minded, completing repairs and installations are rarely contracted out to professionals. The idea is that it by watching videos and reading tutorials, they can complete the work themselves and save some money. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If your business needs a parking lot or asphalt repairs, a professional paver should be hired. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

Reduce Liability

If a parking lot is not maintained and causes injury to someone, the business that owns the parking lot becomes liable. Hiring professionals to maintain the lot can reduce the liability risk and save you money from any injury claims.

Save Time

Installing or repairing a parking lot takes a great deal of time, especially if it is a task you have never done before. As a business owner, there are many other things demanding your time and attention that you have been trained to do. Save your time for other priorities and hire professionals to handle the parking lot.

Better Results

Hiring professional pavers will ensure better results. The parking lot will be compliant with ADA regulations, and no corners will be cut while trying to save money.

Repairing or installing a parking lot is best left to the professionals. To speak to the paving company professionals, contact Wenger Paving, INC today.

brxb3218-o2f1ycixjp02m4d1

Benefits of Asphalt Over Concrete for Your Driveway

Why Should You Re-Pave Your Parking Lot?

Professional Appearance

Accidents and Your Business

Traffic Flow

Parking Lot Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Sweep Regularly

Tow Vehicles That Are Parked for Too Long

Have and Maintain Adequate Drains ﻿

Take Care of Cracks

Consider Sealcoating

5 Signs It’s Time to Repave Your Parking Lot

1. Visible Cracks

2. Sun Damage

3. Dents and Divots

4. Potholes

5. Faded Stripes

3 Keys to Installing a Long-Lasting Asphalt Driveway

Base Layer of Gravel

Gravel Width

Geotextile Fabric

Choosing Asphalt

Choosing Asphalt

Should You Repave or Resurface Your Parking Lot

COST

YEARS

LEVEL OF DETERIORATION

Reasons to Hire a Professional Paver for Your Business

Reduce Liability

Save Time

Better Results

Have and Maintain Adequate Drains