Below are the answers to many commonly asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question below, please contact us to learn more. Print this page.
1. Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Each company in the Pavement Network is an expert in their local market and provides free estimates.
2. Can I get and use one construction specification for all locations throughout the country?
No. Because there is such a dramatic difference in weather (freeze / thaw cycles) and soil types the design specifications will vary form region to region. Consult the local pavement Network contractor or geotechnical engineer for specific design ideas to suit unique needs for your individual properties.
3. How long do I need to wait before driving on a sealed lot?
We recommend waiting 24 hours or at least overnight.
4. How long will it take to do my job? What's the process? Is it messy? Is it dangerous? Is it environmentally safe?
Only a trained professional can answer these questions. Fill out our free Contact Us form and a Pavement Network representative will contact you promptly.
5. Can I get quick budget numbers?
Absolutely. Pavement Network members are committed to providing our customers with accurate and timely bid and budget information. Please contact us for additional information.
6. What is the industry standard for warranty on pavement repairs?
The industry standard for warranty is one year after completion on materials and workmanship. More warranty is available on certain work items and, in some cases, work warranties may be less than one year.
7. How can the Pavement Network help me best utilize my budgeting pavement dollars?
Constructing the right budget always includes input from your trusted paving contractor that needs to be developed in multi-year overview of the condition of the pavement, how you plan to attack the structural defects on the lot initially followed up by implementing a sound pavement rehabilitation plan. With this knowledge in place, your paving contractor can advise and develop a single or multi-year budget that meets your specific needs while maintaining satisfactory condition of your pavement. Collaborative efforts generate satisfactory performance.
8. Why was the Pavement Network formed?
The paving industry is an industry where few contractors solicit and/or offer advice which can benefit either the customer or contractor. The time was right to build a network of non-competing quality conscious contractors who support each other and their customers. The benefit to you, the customer, is one point of contact across the vast portion of the US with knowledge to utilize the best practices to fix and maintain your parking lot.
9. How long will my parking lot last?
Pavements are in a constant state of decay from the first day they are installed. Pavements fail at different rates because of three factors:
- Thickness and type of pavement installed.
- Thickness and type of subgrade to meet the pavement (if the subgrade composition comprised of clay, compacted dirt, crusher run stone). Based on that material type the contractor/engineer can determine the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) strength coefficient of subgrade to support a given pavement. Lower CBR's require thicker cross sections of pavement to support the pavement and provide appropriate longevity to asphalt.
- Frequency and type of traffic driving across a given pavement section will impact performance and longevity of asphalt. Remember, one trash truck driving across that given section of pavement is the equivalent of 10,000 cars driving across that same section of pavement! These variables will impact longevity of pavement and are critical in building or maintaining your pavement in a satisfactory condition.
10. How much will periodic maintenance cost me/save me in the long run?
At the Pavement Network, all members are licensed recipients of the PPS, a Pavement Profile System that is designed to analyze the current condition of your pavement and to project the performance of that pavement out over the next 5 - 7 years. By identifying the current condition of the pavement, the rate at which the pavement is deteriorating, the cost for making those repairs and projecting how long those repairs will last is a powerful tool in identifying when is the appropriate target point for performing periodic maintenance on your parking lot, how much it will cost and how long it will perform. If you are interested in having such a report performed, please contact your Pavement Network member to obtain a cost estimate for generating the report.
11. Can I receive discounts for doing multiple locations?
The Pavement Network is always interested in developing a multi-region, working business relationship with customers of properties across the country. If you have a portfolio of parking facilities and are looking for a "one stop shop" to analyze, propose, schedule and execute either maintenance, preventative maintenance or rehabilitation projects associated with your parking lots, then please raise that request with the given Pavement Network member. All Pavement Network members are interested in referral business and would offer competitive pricing for performing properties in multiple regions around the country.
12. Is there an "added cost" for using a Pavement Network contractor?
NO. Using the Pavement Network assures you will be working with a contractor who is familiar with the unique pavement conditions of your property and is recognized as an expert in the local market. Many of our customers find this has saved them time and money locating a competent professional for their pavement services.
13. How do I prepare for the project?
Each project is different, but your contractor should provide you with a realistic schedule date and a map (if necessary) to highlight the exact areas of work to be performed on a given date. This map can then be copied and distributed to all tenants in advance to alert them of any traffic restrictions.
14. What are the handicap parking space requirements for a commercial pavement?
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was created in 1990 and impacts all businesses. The specific laws vary regarding compliance and penalties for non-conformance. Please refer to: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm for more information.
15. Where can I find additional information on pavement design?
Each region of the country varies as to the proper specification necessary for adequate design. A local geotechnical engineer can assist you in designing the proper pavement based on soil conditions, weight and volume of expected traffic and design life. It is best to contact a local engineering firm for specific design requirements.
16. What are my options for spending my parking lot repair dollars?
A qualified paving contractor can better answer this question after a thorough review of the existing condition of your asphalt surface. A planned maintenance budget can be prepared to assist in optimizing your expenditures.
17. What is the best time of year to have repairs and maintenance performed on my lot?
Sealcoating: Sealcoating is best performed during the warmer months, late spring through early fall. Sealers need warm temperatures (above 50 degrees) to cure properly. The ground must be dry when the sealer is applied.
Paving: Asphalt paving is best performed when the ground is dry and air temperatures are above 40 degrees. The warmer the weather, the more time the laborers will have to work with the material to achieve a smooth finish. Cold weather paving, down to about 35 degrees, can be performed; however, this type of weather requires highly experienced and conscientious workers who know how to use cold weather paving techniques. Generally cold weather paving should only be performed in emergency situations.
Concrete: Concrete is best installed when temperatures are above freezing. Certain additives are often put in the concrete mix in cooler weather in order to accelerate curing.
Striping: Striping is best performed in temperatures above 60 degrees when using latex paints. Cooler weather striping is possible, but paint may not cure as well, and as such may not last as long.
18. When I have crack sealing performed, should the cracks be routed first? If so, how large?
We do recommend routing the cracks. This insures proper cleaning and adhesion (sealing) thus allowing sufficient material to accommodate pavement movement. Rout size should be at least 1/2" by 1/2" for parking lots and minimally 3/4" by 3/4" for streets and roadways.
19. A crack is just a crack, right? What if I don't fill that crack this year? Is that really such a big deal?
Water is just water until it freezes. It expands by 150% in volume, displacing and cracking asphalt. During 1999 there were thirteen separate freeze/thaw cycles. Crackfilling is the least expensive and most cost effective way to prevent future repairs.
20. What can I do on my own to get the most out of my pavement?
Undertake an annual maintenance evaluation. If you see depressions in the asphalt with multiple cracks, you might have base failure. Make repairs. If you see sand building up around your drainage basins, sealcoat the asphalt, it is becoming oxidized. The fine sand in the blacktop is raveling out and becoming brittle.
21. If my pavement was professionally installed, why do I need to worry about maintenance?
Even the best of surfaces are subject to the wear and tear caused by time, weather and traffic. No paved surface is permanent. By undertaking a program of planned pavement maintenance, considerable savings in rehabilitation costs may be achieved. Your pavement surface will remain sound, usable and safe. Extensive downtime needed to repair deep cracks and potholes will be reduced or eliminated. Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of existing pavements, and it will help to protect your paving investment.
22. How long can I expect my pavement to last? What's normal? How long with regular maintenance?
During the first 75% of a pavement's life cycle, it performs well and to the untrained eye, it even looks pretty good. After that, deterioration occurs rapidly.
23. What are some of the tricks of the trade? What do I need to look out for?
Crack filling - Specify routing, it provides a uniform depth and width allowing the filler to bridge and bond the crack.
Sealer - Specify ASTM D3405 minimum sealcoat. Specify five pounds of sand per gallon.
Patching - Specify full depth minimum of four inches.
Look out for:
- Vague, ambiguous terminology in a proposal.
- A quote that is 20% or more lower than other vendors.
- Estimates which recommend against correcting the cause of the problem.
- "Inspect what you expect". Is the work being performed the way it was specified?
24. How do I know I'm getting value for my money? How am I saving with Pavement Network?
Be very specific in your request for quotes. Example: Two-inch overlay or two-inch compacted overlay. Patch or (full depth) patches. We specify construction parameters using the best methods to install or repair. This gives you the longest life for your pavement.
25. Do we need to paint ADA stalls?
Consult your area contractor as the law differs from area to area.
26. Ask TPN
Ask us if we have not answered your question, click here!
|
