Important Tools Needed for Asphalt Paving

Ask any asphalt contractors, and they will tell you that for repairing cracked and damaged asphalt, you will need some tools. If you are interested to learn more about these tools, then this write-up could be a perfect start.

Compiled by contractors doing asphalt repair Foxborough MA, the list contains the name of tools that can be found locally. The following gears are professional grade and serve a specific purpose in patching up the asphalt pavement or driveway.

Let’s look into it one by one:

There are several types of equipment required for fixing the damaged asphalt, starting from flatliners to rollers. Such tools are used in the paving process, making the task easier for the contractors.

1.      Flatliners

This tool is used for the project that does not require complete re-pavement. The machine breaks down the bumps on the uppermost surface of the pavement, making it (surface) smooth. It is a greener solution for repairing and resurfacing the pavement. As per experts, such tools do not hurt the depression of the pavement and provides an aesthetic finish to the construction.

2.      Shovel

The basic and rudimentary shovel is an important tool for any construction, including pavements and driveways. The handheld shovels are used throughout the industry, regardless of the enormity of the construction project. Usually, a round-nosed shovel is used to dig the areas that cannot be reached by massive machines. On the other hand, a square spade helps in even distribution of the asphalt for making the pavement surface smooth.

3.      Sweepers

After the installation of the pavement, keeping the surface clean during the curing process is very important. Dirt and grime, sticking to the top layer of the driveway, can compromise its (driveway) look and might disturb the bonding between new asphalt and the existing mix. The sweepers clean the surface, removing the debris in the way, and help the asphalt to dry properly.

4.      Pothole Tamper

The pothole tamper is a metal apparatus with a pole attached to it. Used for compacting or grounding the asphalt, the tool ensures that the bonds of the paving material well with the asphalt. It is mostly used to repair potholes, fill the gaps in the pavement, or for patch up work.

For doing a perfect blacktop construction job, you will need a combination skills and tools. If you are looking for professionals doing asphalt paving in Braintree, then you can contact Heap Paving & Sealing Inc. For more information, visit http://www.heappaving.com/ or call (508) 456-6363.

Essentials for Stone Driveway Paving

Stone driveways are becoming one of the most recommended trends in the year 2019. These pathways are coming out of the rural cottage settings and are being frequently used in urban settlements. Due to its affordability, ease in installation, and old-school charm, many homeowners are onboard on installing a stone driveway for their home.

According to experienced contractors working on the stone driveway in Westwood, for these projects usually, gravel or chipped stones are used. Due to the versatility of stone and chipped materials, homeowners can decorate and renovate the driveway according to their sense of style and budget.

But, in most cases, the number of options available in the market might become a little overwhelming for homeowners. With the help of this short guide, one can choose the right materials for the upcoming project. 

Pathways and its layers 

Most homeowners, during the discussion phase with the contractors, focus solely on the top layer of the stone driveway. However, it is important to remember that other materials are also significant for a durable and long-lasting driveway.

Usually, the road consists of three layers sub-base, base, and surfacing materials. Apart from that, some contractors lay an additional layer of sub-grade, which is completely optional. When laid systematically, and in a defined order, the pathways become extremely durable and long-lasting.

Things required for stone driveways

For the base and sub-base, contractors use standard crushed stones, occasionally mixed with stone fines. After the base and sub-base are completed, one can focus on the surfacing materials. As mentioned above, there are different types of surfacing materials available in the market today. Homeowners can choose between different options, which suit their taste and budget. Here are some of the options recommended

Crushed Stone

The crushed stones are most common surfacing material used in these types of projects. Made from pulverized stones, typically ¾ inches, such driveways are safer to walking as well as gentle on the car wheel. Moreover, gravel chips are heavy enough to remain in place, making them suitable for domestic use.

Washed Clean Stone

These stones are similar to the standard stones used in the driveway. These stones are polished and cleaned, for getting a smooth finish. In most cases, people opt for stones in ¼ or 3/8 inches. 

The final thought,

A stone driveway can completely change the look of the home. With the help of Heap Paving & Sealing Inc., you can have a stunning pavement for your home. They have done driveway paving in Easton and the nearby areas. For more information, visit http://www.heappaving.com/ or call (508) 456-6363.

Things to Remember While Constructing Pavement

For having a successful driveway paving, contractors require meticulous planning and preparation. Laying down an asphalt driveway requires accurate precision, starting from proper paving set up to running the rolling pattern. Issues in one step can impact the final result, leading to poorly done uneven pavement and maintenance issues.

According to experienced contractors doing driveway paving Bridgewater, here are some of the essential steps that ensure long-lasting asphalt driveway.

1.    Paver setup for even pavement:

For perfect pavement, contractors require the assistance of heavy machinery. A malfunctioning paving machine can affect the final results, plus can be a safety hazard. Therefore, it becomes important to check the machine for leakages or other issues before starting the job.

2.    Quality pavement mat:

Maintaining a balance between the speed of the paver and the materials laid on the road is vital. Without the required consistency, the portions of the pavement might have some structural inconsistencies.

3.    Rolling Pattern

One of the crucial steps of laying down a pavement is maintaining a particular rolling pattern. It ensures road smoothness and helps in making the drive long-lasting. One of the most important things, to keep in mind while doing a rolling pattern is the temperature of the asphalt mix. Apart from that, laying down the mixture with compactors is also essential as it prevents the formation of bumps, making the surface even.

Driveway paving is a meticulous job, which requires precision and experience. Are you planning on undertaking driveway paving in Bridgewater, then you can approach Heap Paving & Sealing.  With their experience, you can have perfect paving for your home or office building. For more information, visit http://www.heappaving.com/ or call (508) 456-6363.

Pavement Maintenance VS Pavement Rehabilitation

Almost all pavements, no matter how well they were laid, eventually deteriorate. In most cases, regular wear and tear triggered by traffic and environmental factors can cause pavement degeneration. According to experienced contractors doing pavement repair in Dedham, proper pavement maintenance and rehabilitation can elongate the life of the paving.


However, there is a huge difference between rehabilitation and maintenance of the pavement. Rehabilitation is fixing the portions of the pavement to reset the deterioration. On the other hand, maintenance slows down the wear and tear of the pavement. Together, these processes can help in elongating its lifespan.

How is pavement maintenance different from pavement rehabilitation?

Pavement maintenance involves crack sealing, fog sealing, and joint sealing, which fixes cracks in the roadway. These activities require only a day or two to complete.

On the contrary, pavement rehabilitation is a much longer process and would require strategic planning before beginning. As it involves repairing only portions of the pavement, the contractors have to minutely review the entire road, and check for possible issues that need to be fixed. According to experts doing pavement repair in Dedham, pavement rehabilitation would include overlay, both structural and non-structural, and in-place recycling.

If you have noticed some cracks or faults in your pavement or parking spaces, then contact Heap Paving & Sealing immediately. They can help you in fixing the cracks, and elongating the life span of your pavement. Visit http://www.heappaving.com/ and (508) 456-6363, for more information.

3 Things to Remember While Choosing a Driveway Contractor

Driveways are an important accessory that can revamp the look of the property. Plus, it bumps up the value of the estate. If you too are planning on getting your pavement done, then there are a few things to remember while hiring a pavement contractor. Let’s look at those factors.

Driveway paving could be an important investment with massive benefits. A properly paved driveway can bump up the prices of the property, would bring down maintenance costs, and keep the surroundings clean. According to interiors designers, a neatly paved driveway upgrades the look of the house and instilling the sense of tidiness on the visitors.

However, paving can be comparatively expensive. Most people do not pave their driveways due to the additional costs or choose a contractor that quotes a relatively cheaper rate. However, experienced contractors paving a stone driveway in Westwood point out that hiring a builder solely on the price factor can be a big mistake. An inexperienced contractor can cause an unwanted delay in completing the job, piling up expenditures and frustrations of the homeowner.

Many experts recommend doing little background search before hiring a contractor. Homeowners are advised to consider the following things before hiring:

1.    Checking the reviews:

It is always preferable to hire contractors with positive reviews. One can consult immediate family, friends, or neighbors for narrowing down potential service providers. In case the immediate community cannot provide valuable information on the topic, one can always take the help of the internet.

2.    Experience in doing the job:

An experienced contractor can always outshine novice constructors in giving realistic estimates regarding the job. They understand what it takes to complete the job, and the time frame required to achieve the target. There have been incidents where inexperienced contractors underestimated the costs and left the job midway due to it. As per experts, novices can do a good job, but hiring experienced personals brings down the chances of underestimation of costs.

3.    Down payments:

For undergoing bigger projects, most contractors ask for down payments. In cases of smaller projects, usually, professional contractors do not ask for such payments. However, fraudulent pavement builders might misuse the payments, and end up asking for more money to complete the project. There is also a possibility that they might use the funds for completing other contracts. Experienced paving and excavation contractors in Westwood advise homeowners to discuss the payment structure beforehand to avoid such misunderstanding.

Homeowners planning on doing paving, and other driveway jobs can always approach experienced Heap Paving & Sealing. For more information, visit http://www.heappaving.com/ or call (508) 456-6363.

Easy Tips for Driveway Maintenance

A well-maintained stone driveway can enhance the beauty of the home immensely. Quick and easy maintenance job can keep the driveways intact for years. Any experienced contractor working with stone driveway in Westwood would recommend these easy fixes to keep the pavements long-lasting:

1.    Regular cleaning

With time, the outdoor pavements might show some signs of wear and tear. Treat the stains immediately to keep the driveway stain-free. Regular weeding is essential to keep the growth in check. Such activities might require the entire day, but in the end, the pavement will look clean and tidy.

2.    Checking the water flow

Water puddles can freeze during winters leading to fatal accidents and slips. Experts point out that in concrete driveways, frozen water seeping inside the crevices of the pavement can cause cracks. Clearing the driveway regularly would help in preventing these damages.

3.    Helping the edges

Installing edges on the pavement can increase the shelf life of the pavement. Experts point out that bricks can help in preventing the gravel from displacing. It can increase the driveways life, and prevent loose stone chips from sliding away.

If you are looking for driveway or excavation contractors in Westwood for your home or office, then you can approach Heap Paving & Sealing. Visit http://www.heappaving.com/ or call (508) 456-6363 for more information.

A Premium Guide to Seal Coating

Sealcoating have been an indispensable part of asphalt pavement maintenance processes since long, it is imperative to recognize that sealcoatings are engineered products that must be used with a thorough understanding of their performance properties which, in turn, are accomplished through proper steps encompassing project planning, execution and management of sealcoating projects.
Before you look for asphalt paving in Abington, these are the crucial things you need to know.

Components of sealcoating:

In appearance sealcoatings look like thick semi-fluid in dark-chocolate brown with water-based coatings. They are essentially fine dispersions of binders that include commonly refined tar, specialty resins, and asphalt, clays, fillers, and specialty chemicals in a medium of water. The four major components in sealcoatings are:

a)    Binder: The backbone of sealcoating compositions, binder is the one that is responsible for imparting protection, preservation and beauty, while bonding tenaciously to the asphalt pavement.

b)    Clay and fillers: These impart tensile strength, hardness and resistance to abrasion. It’s vital to maintain the proper balance between the toughness and flexibility of the sealcoating for its proper functioning.

c)    Water: The dispersion medium which offers the ease in handling, application and storage and where all the ingredients stay stably dispersed.

d)    Specialty chemicals: Specific functions like water repellency, flexibility, specific resistance to salts and petrochemicals are performed by these chemicals while maintaining the physical stability of the sealcoating.

Steps of sealcoating process, as practiced by the professional contractors:

• If required, they patch or seal cracks to prepare the road surface prior to sealing.

• A mixture of asphalt combined with water is then sprayed on the road surface. The water in this mixture starts to evaporate immediately.

• Immediately after spraying the asphalt-water mixture, a layer of gravel is spread over the surface.

• Next, the gravel is compacted and embedded into the asphalt with rollers. In some cases, sand is applied to assist in the consolidation and curing process. Despite the high-pressure rollers, some gravel will not become embedded in the asphalt.

• The surface is allowed to cure for up to two days while the water continues to evaporate.  Hot, dry summer days help speed this process. Traffic can pass over this surface at reduced speeds during the curing process.

• Finally, the sealcoated surface is swept to eliminate any loose gravel.

Sealcoating in Taunton or Abington or anywhere in Massachusetts is provided by Heap Paving & Sealcoating by the expert contractors. Contact them on http://www.heappaving.com or at (508) 456-6363 for a free estimate.

6 Cool Budget Control Ideas for Driveways

Are you building a new home, or constructing fresh driveways in Mansfield for your house? Or are you maintaining a driveway that you already have? In either of the cases, when it comes to take care of the driveway, the budget often gets beyond the limit aimed at.

Here are some smart options to choose from if you are looking for a proper care of your driveways without spending much.

a)    Weed-Free Brick Driveway

If you have a shorter driveway, choosing paving bricks might be an option. However, the problem with bricking a driveway is that weeds tend to grow in between the bricks. There are artificial sand-like materials that get glued together and don’t allow weeds to infiltrate. If you are searching for a finished and manicured look for your home, a brick driveway could help you accomplish it.

b)    Recycled products and materials

This is for a very tight budget. Use recycled grated asphalt materials to form a base of the driveway and to prevent the path being muddy.

c)    Tar, chip and pavers driveways

Tar and chip provide durability and a classic look simultaneously. They add to the look by lining the driveway in pavers. This would add to the cost of the finished driveway but at the same time would be a visual delight.

d)    Stone at the edges

Loose materials cost for driveways cost less and are more affordable as well. However, it might not be tasteful for many for the way they look. A more finished look can be achieved with loose materials if you line-it up with a type of edging. It has a way of dressing everything up.

e)    Fancy concrete driveway

Concrete driveways are common in most suburban homes. But they can all begin to look the same after a while. If you want to make your home stand out, consider putting a design in the midst of the concrete driveway to put up as a gorgeous option.

f)    Driveway made of cobblestone

If you are looking for new driveways in Plymouth, chances are high to expect rain and chilly winters. Hence, creating the cobblestone driveway not only gives you the desired look, but it also makes it more durable.

If you are interested in any of the construction patterns of driveways in Mansfield, you may contact Heap Paving & Sealing on http://www.heappaving.com/ or at (508)456-6363 for an estimate.

Tips to Make Your Retaining Walls Stronger

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. There are many of materials to create a retaining wall that includes concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks or boulders. On the same note, it might be possible that you are gearing up for a new construction in Westwood, and hence it is always good to know how to create a strong retaining wall.

Here’s how to begin:

a)    Scale

The construction of the retaining wall can be pretty complex, so it is advisable to seek for a professional help with a retaining wall above three feet set in a complicated soil situation.

b)    Codes

Local building codes may require permits and other documentation for any structure over a yard tall, and some important utility lines could be running right through your retaining wall project area. So, do your research and be sure to get your retaining wall plans approved.

c)    Materials
There are several materials options available for retaining walls. Here are few:

• Pressure-treated timber: Timber should be marked for ground contact to prevent soil and water contamination.

• Interlocking concrete blocks: This is a mortar-less solution and comes in various sizes and styles, with interconnected slightly tapered design enabling the creation of curves in the retaining walls footprints.

• Stone, brick or cinder block: This option provides guaranteed results in masonry craftsmanship and construction quality

• Concrete: Making a retaining wall is a complex job, and if not done properly, can result in cracks that can’t be filled but needs total replacement.
  

 d)    Reinforcement

A retaining wall should lean into the earth at the rate of one inch for each foot in height. It should further be reinforced and stabilized by ties and anchors that reach deep into the earth behind the wall which would vary in material, style and size.

e)    Drainage

Proper drainage around the retaining wall is very important to keep the soil and sediments from clogging up the works and to allow water to escape not disturbing the retaining walls.

Heap Paving & Sealing offers professional help regarding retaining walls in Canton, be it for commercial projects or residential. Contact them on www.heappaving.com or call at (508)456-6363 for further details.

Make Your Asphalt Driveway Last Longer

When it comes to renovating or repairing your driveways, then there is no better option than asphalt. Asphalt is always chosen ahead of concrete paving, due to its numerous advantages. Asphalts can create amazingly smooth driveways, which makes driving experience safer and better for drivers. In the US, asphalt is extensively reused, which also makes it eco-friendly. However, along with several benefits of asphalt, it is also prone to wear and tear with regular usage.

To extend the life of your asphalt constructions, engineers have come up with a solution. Sealcoating is a time-tested and reliable method, used to give your asphalt driveways, a long life. It is used to minimize asphalt cracking and also enhance its overall appearance. It provides a protective layer to your asphalt constructions against water, snow, oil, vehicles and UV damages. Sealcoating in Braintree MA is in growing demand, and companies are coming up with latest technologies to offer their customers, high quality services.

Sealcoating is a brilliant way to double the life of your asphalt coating. However, to get the optimum performance from sealcoating, a few important steps should be followed:

1) Always ensure that there is no rain for at least 24 hours before sealcoating.

2) Application of two coats is mandatory for longevity.

Asphalt Paving Sealcoating in Braintree, is provided by various companies. Choose the ones, who can provide exceptional quality of service at economical prices.

Heap Paving & Sealing, is one such company, which offers unparalleled services. Visit www.heappaving.com or call (508) 456-6363 for more details.