Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Asphalt Paving Maintenance in Woodbury CT: Enhancing Your Business's Curb Appeal

 

What is the first impression your Woodbury, Connecticut patrons have when they enter your business? It's not just one particular thing, It's Everything! Every external aspect of your company is observed, from your deteriorating asphalt parking lot, to a seemingly innocent uneven walkway, to your landscaping design.

Before you start, there are many things you should consider about the commercial parking lot. If you decide to make improvements or major changes, our team can help.

You can increase your property's value by making the necessary adjustments. This will also improve the curb appeal.

Good curb appeal shows that you are concerned about the appearance of your business, and this can mean you will care for your customers. See our suggestions for improving the curb appeal of your business.

1. Keep Your Woodbury Parking Lot Lines Freshly Painted

It is important that the parking lot and entrance road markings around and on your business' lot are always visible and clearly marked. It makes you look more professional and shows your customers that your property is well maintained.

It is important that these lines be visible if it snows. Consider hiring a snow removal service if your property is too big to shovel by hand.

2. Taking Care of Your Commercial Parking Lot in Woodbury CT

It is beneficial to clean the pavement regularly for both aesthetics as well as water drainage. Parking lots, turn-around areas and walkways that are well maintained will attract customers.

Cleaning is one of the most important factors that determine where customers shop. Most people think that exterior cleanliness is just as important as the interior.

Your company may reap the benefits of using a street cleaning service regularly.

Asphalt can also develop puddles. You can identify this type of damage by rutting or raveling. Before you try to fix the problem yourself, it's a good idea to consult paving professionals.

3. Asphalt Seal Coating & Crack Filling Your Asphalt Pavement

Sealcoating, a protective coating which is sprayed on your parking lot and then spread out to extend its life span. Seal coating is a great way to cover existing cracks and prevent future damage.

Sealing asphalt shields the pavement against UV rays and other harmful substances, such as oil spills. Sealcoating your pavement in Woodbury, CT will accelerate snow melting.

4. Meticulous Walkways in Litchfield County CT

People will always remember the first impressions, so a hazardous walkway up to your entrance is not going to be forgotten. A neat, clean walk-way in front of your building is an important part of curb appeal.

Keep your walkways in top condition as they are the first thing that potential customers see when visiting your business. To avoid structural issues in the future, weeds and cracks on walkways need to be addressed as soon as possible. A weed-free walkway is a clean and appealing walk to the front door to your business!

A professional masonry company or one that is specialized in slab work can improve your walkways, whether they are major or minor repairs.

5. Curb Appeal and Upkeep

Maintenance and more maintenance... For long-term success, you must maintain these tools. It also includes painting, maintaining flowers and yard work.

It is a good idea to check your outside business regularly for any damage. Early detection and repair of problems can save you money on future repairs, such as water damage.

Are you ready to increase your business' curb appeal?

Start with these five quick tips if you want to improve the curb appeal of your business or professional building located in Woodbury or the Tribury area. Start by identifying the areas of your building that need improvement. Our experts can assist you with masonry, snow removal or parking lot maintenance.

For more than 30 years, VP Asphalt Paving has provided professional paving, sealcoating and asphalt resurfacing for The Greater Waterbury Area and most of Western and Central Connecticut.

Get a quote for free by calling us at 203-819-7414.

You'll be glad you did! Ask for Vick at home on his cell phone! Feel free to contact us anytime!

Friday, October 11, 2024

Gravel and Asphalt Driveway Services - VP Asphalt Paving

Connecticut's Most Reliable Gravel Driveway & Asphalt Maintenance Team

Owner/Operator of VP Asphalt Paving, Victor Pagona, Stands by 35 Years of Reliable & Long-Lasting Driveway Repair Solutions! VP Paving is Your Trusted Source for Gravel and Asphalt Pavement Installations in The Greater Waterbury Area of Central Connecticut!

Call VP Asphalt Paving Today for a FREE ESTIMATE on Gravel and Asphalt Services for Your Home or Commercial Real Estate

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Sub Base Material Installation - 3/4" Procesed Stone Gravel Driveway


Asphalt & Blacktop Paving Services YouTube Video


Gravel & Processed Stone Driveway Services

Asphalt Pavement & Gravel Driveway Repair Services in Western Connecticut

Is your driveway starting to get ominous looks from passerby's and neighbors? Maybe it's finally time to crack open the piggy bank and do some repair work at your home or business location?

At VP Asphalt Paving, we’re pros at turning pot holes, crevices, asphalt settling and alligator cracking into a newly smooth, solid paved foundation.

We proudly service Waterbury, CT, and nearby towns including Southbury, Oxford, Woodbury, Goshen, Wolcott, Southington, Litchfield, Cheshire, Thomaston, Middlebury and Harwinton and Torrington – we have all the solutions for your asphalt and gravel driveway repair needs.

VP Asphalt Paving can be summed up in three words, reliability, honesty, and efficiency. We provide top-notch services for gravel driveways, sidewalks, firepits, and all forms of residential and commercial landscaping. We have served the Woodbury, Oxford, Newtown, Middlebury, Bethlehem, Sherman, South Britain, Bridgewater, Washington, and Southbury areas for over three decades.

Also our excellent reputation is well known in the greater areas of Waterbury and south to Northern New Haven County and have earned a trusted name among the local patrons. Our pledge has remained the same-from installations of gravel driveways to delivering topsoil and structurally engineered subsurface gravel, including offering all those essential maintenance and repair services.

We are as deep into the area of Southbury, Watertown and Woodbury in The Nutmeg State as our family-owned and operated asphalt and gravel business is, even having delivered all types of gravel and site driveway fill back since the mid 1980s!

Some of The Beautiful Areas We Service Throughout Western Connecticut



Bent of The River in Southbury CT

A Drive Through Watertown CT


"The Farm" in Woodbury CT"


Life in Torrington Connecticut


Living in Cheshire Connecticut


The Hills of Litchfield Connecticut

Modern Solutions for Efficient Driveway Installations

We continuously invest in the latest technologies and new truck fleet to lift the bar for our services all throughout Hartford County. Because of the tracking systems installed in our trucks, we promptly respond to all customers' inquiries in a timely manner. We also expand the customer service team so each client can get fast personalized support.

Some Best Types of Gravel for Driveways

First and foremost, proper material choice is crucial when it comes to the stability and drainage of gravel driveways. Most driveways depend on three kinds of gravel set on top of one another to function properly. These include river rock, dense grade, and pea gravel. Let us dive further into each option through investigating the history of gravel right here!

River Rock

River rock remains very popular. It looks very natural and its texture is rather smooth. The water flowing over them wears them down, thus the completed item is smooth, attractive rock. However, river rock is easily moved and does not hold up to steep slopes or sharp curves.

River rock prices are different depending on location and availability; thus, it pays to shop around in order to get the best deal possible. It is also often used for landscaping, fire pits, and erosion control.

Dense Grade or Processed Stone

Dense grade is also called crusher run or road stone. This is a combination of crushed stone and stone dust. When compacted, it becomes rock solid, and fairly durable. Although not as handsome, this is a very functional choice for a base.

On the other hand, it does not fare well when it comes to wet-weather driveways since the stone does not facilitate drainage. Prices in Connecticut will vary depending on your location, in relation to quarries and market demand.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is another of the most popular driveway materials. It basically includes small, smooth, naturally weathered stones in several colors. Unlike river rock, pea gravel doesn't shift as much under the weight of a vehicle and thus is a little more stable once installed on a driveway. It allows a lot better drainage than its river pea gravel cousins and seems to work well on areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Crushed Pea Gravel and River Pea Gravel

Crushed pea gravel is meant for those looking to have a cheap substitute for traditional river rock. This gravel is angular in shape, hence it interlocks way better compared to your typical pea gravel. It is cheaper compared to river rock, hence practical for most Litchfield County homeowners seeking a very stable driveway surface.

Gravel Size and Application

The size of gravel you need would wholly depend on the nature and type of your project. Gravel is available in sizes, its size based on the number but in reverse. The bigger the number, the smaller the size of the gravel. Certain common sizes include #57s, which are roughly the size of a quarter, and #89s, which are far finer.



Video Explaining Gravel's Various Sizes and Applications

Even larger stones become useful for when the area is a construction entrance or a road base. A proper gravel driveway installation needs to be prepared on the site, and this involves removing the topsoil-the hardpan beneath it used as the base for long-term stability.

Clean Gravel vs. Minus Gravel: Key Differences

Clean gravel products are thoroughly washed to eliminate fines, that are microscopic particles which could result in compaction issues in some uses. Because of the washing process, clean gravel is usually a bit more expensive. Clean gravel works well for drainage systems like French drains, house footing drains, curtain drains and sub-surface drainage for driveways, roadways and parking lots.

On the other hand, minus gravel does contain fines, which help it have a higher compaction rate; in the end, that would make it better for driveways or roads where one needs a solid compacted base. The smaller size of particles allows filling gaps, and they can compact as high as 96% engineered.

Gravel Size Guide for Driveways and Road Construction

Gravel is usually under 2-1/2 inches in diameter. Gravel sizes are generated by their "Size No." or "Size #," referring to grading or screening of the gravel. The smaller the Size #, the larger the gravel, while the bigger the number is, the finer the particles.

For example, a combination like #57s contains a mixture of a variety of gravel sizes including #5, #6, and #7. These combined sizes enable a multitude of uses due to the varied sizes contained within the mixture. Below is a list of some common sizes and their uses:

Baby Surge (1/4" minus)
5/8" minus
3/4" clean
1-1/4" minus
1-1/4" clean
2" minus
2" clean
2-4" quarry spalls
4-8" quarry spalls

Selecting the Correct Gravel for Your Specific Project

The longevity and functionality of your driveway or road project depends on choosing the right size and type of gravel. Smaller rocks are best used for surface layers and walkways while the larger stones work as load bearers such as in driveways and parking lots.



Preparation of the Site for Gravel Driveways

Proper preparation of your building site in New Haven County is necessary before you install gravel. First, you will have to remove the topsoil, which is high in organic matter and quite unsuitable to form a foundation for a driveway because it is unstable. Immediately below the topsoil is the hardpan, a real dense layer that forms a very solid foundation upon which your gravel driveway can rest on!

Otherwise, this would lead to an unstable driveway that eventually would be rutted or even develop sinkholes. Always make sure the excavation is just right through a refined step-by-step process, and the land is leveled well before laying down gravel so that problems in the future are avoided.

Questions and Answers Section (Q&A)

Q: How Much Gravel Do I Need?

A: To find out how much gravel you will need for your project, either take a simple formula approach or use one of many online calculators. Gravel can vary in weight from 2,400 to 2,900 pounds per cubic yard, but on average, it weighs 2,700 pounds, which is 1.35 tons of regular or building gravel. A ton of gravel may be enough for around 80-100 square feet with a depth of 2 inches and 40-50 square feet at a depth of 4 inches.

For purposes of estimation for a driveway assume an average width of 8 to 10 feet. If the driveway is over 100 feet in length then it is assumed that at least one dump truck load of gravel will be required. Projects range from single tons up into the thousands and we can deliver quantity needed.

Q: What Is Landscape River Rock?

A: These river rocks are ideal for landscaping, including but not limited to water features, rock gardens, and walls, and are 3 to 6 inches in size. Their cream, caramel, and grey hues bring a more natural aspect to designs. These rocks are very functional and have many uses in improving drainage, preventing erosion, and making decorative borders.

If you're searching for river rocks to add into your landscaping project or for edging a driveway or parking lot area at your professional building, call or Contact VP Asphalt Paving today for your FREE No Obligation Estimate, to directly place your order or become informed about our other available options.

Q: How to Choose the Easiest Gravel to Walk On?

A: For walkways, pea gravel is the best option because it has small, rounded stones with a stable surface and decently smooth. The water is drained out easily unlike larger gravel that can't be comfortable underfoot and doesn't shift much. This type of gravel is ideal to use on pathways.

Q: Should You Put Landscape Fabric Under Pea Gravel?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ogcAJ-KWI
Video On Installing Geotextile Driveway Fabric Under Gravel Driveway Sub Base

A: Although not necessarily, you can place a barrier of geotextile landscape fabric underneath the pea gravel to prevent contamination of dirt and the growth of weeds. Whether you want to use fabric or not, it is highly recommended that you give the gravel an extra minimum of 2 inches in depth for stability; with fabric, you're assuring a longer lifespan and a more beautiful gravel surface.

Q: How Many Tons of Gravel Do I Need Per Required Square Footage?

A: One dump truck load is about 18 tons, and it will resupply a 200-foot driveway on average. For a better estimate, multiply the length times the width times the depth of your driveway in feet, divide by 27 to give you cubic yards, then multiply by 1.35 to get the tons of gravel required.

Q: What is the average cost per ton of gravel and asphalt for residential driveways?

A: Gravel typically costs between $15 to $30 per ton, depending on the type and quality of the material. Asphalt, on the other hand, costs more—around $100 to $150 per ton, with hot-mix asphalt being a common choice.

For a standard residential driveway, the overall cost difference between using gravel versus asphalt depends on the size of the project, but asphalt tends to be significantly higher due to the material and labor required. Learn more about us Today!

Q: How much does it cost per square foot to pave a commercial parking lot with gravel versus asphalt?

A: Paving a and installing a commercial parking lot with gravel costs approximately $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot, including material and labor. Asphalt, however, ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot, for a complete installation which includes all labor and materials and proper permits and insurance requirements put forth by local building, wetlands/inlands boards and zoning officials.

Q: What Are The Average Gravel Prices Per Ton Delivered to My Job Site?

Gravel prices can range from $10 to $50 per ton, $18 to $85 per cubic yard, or $1,575 per truck load depending on the rock type and travel distance throughout the State of Connecticut.

Connecticut's #1 Trusted Paving and Gravel Driveway Contractor

VP Asphalt Paving was voted the most reliable asphalt paving and gravel contractor in Connecticut due to their unwavering commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and over 35 years of industry experience.

Known for our company's prompt service, skilled craftsmanship, and attention to detail, VP Asphalt Paving has earned a reputation for delivering long-lasting driveways, parking lots, and gravel projects that meet the highest standards.

Our dedication to providing dependable, affordable solutions and maintaining strong relationships with clients has made them a trusted name across the state.


Our Top Customer Service Rep



Asphalt and Gravel Driveway Repair and Installation in Southbury CT 06488

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Are All Asphalt Sealcoating Solutions Top of The Line? We Wanted to Find Out!

 Did you realize that in attempting to maintain your asphalt pavements by placing water-based sealcoats on them, you could be losing one-third to one-half of the pavements useful service life? 

An asphalt pavement placed today should typically yield 15 to 20 years of practical service life if nothing is done in terms of maintaining it.



To keep the rich black appearance of the new asphalt surface and extend the life of this investment, many associations adopt a maintenance program centered around sealcoating. 

If you decide to implement such a program, you can expect the following course of events.

Two years after the pavement is laid, a coal-tar emulsion of water-based sealcoat is put in place on the pavement. 

Soon after the coating goes down, it appears to wear off in driving lanes. As the selacoated pavement ages, small hairline cracks begin to appear on the surface, causing concern. 

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Your budget, however, calls for sealcoating every three years, so when the pavement is five years old, you place a second sealcoat on it. 

With time, this coating also wears and what were hairline cracks become larger, as do your concerns.

In keeping with your budget, the next sealcoat is applied when the pavement is eight years old. 

As you wait and watch, the same degeneration of the sealcoat takes place.

When putting together your maintenance budgets, you need yo fully examine your asphalt pavement areas. That pavement, which is now 12 years old, has been maintained with three sealcoats, applied three years apart. After twelve years some asphalt driveways may begin to exhibit signs of cracking also know as, alligatoring. There are ways to repair the allogatoring if the asphalt base is still in tact! 


So now, at year ten of the pavements life, the surface is so badly cracked in the areas where the coating has not worn off that you feel your only solution to the unsightly, cracked appearance is to overlay the pavement with a new layer of asphalt.

Look what you have done. You have spent good money over a 12 year period to maintain your investment, only to have your maintenance practice force you to overlay your pavement 5 to 12 years earlier than you would have to if you done nothing at all.

With this scenario in mind, consider this question: Are sealcoats all they're cracked up to be? 
We are not recommending that you forego maintenance; that would be impractical. 

What VP Asphalt Paving does recommend is to incorporate into your pavement maintenance program a treatment that has been proven to extend the life of your asphalt pavements. This will allow you to postpone the need for costly overlays or reconstruction.

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation has developed a specification that outlines the application of a material that is comprised of coal-tar oils and coal-tar distillates, combined with a maltenous-type rejuvenator. 

This material is named Pavement Dressing Conditioner (PDC) rejuvenator/sealer

When applied to an asphalt pavement, PDC will seal and protect the pavement from the deterioration that results from fuel spills and water damage and oxidation, as well as restore flexibility and durability while revitalizing the asphalts oils. 

The process is called rejuvenation, and its been proven to work. Application of PDC rejuvenator/sealer every four to six years will suspend the aging process of asphalt. 




When applied to older pavement, this treatment will actually reverse aging.

The reason water-based or emulsion sealcoats fail has to do with their composition. 

Because they are formulated with varying water content and coal-tar solids, they form a rigid laminate or veneer on the pavement surface. 

These coatings cannot expand and contract through daily thermal cycling at the same rate as the coated pavement. 

The stiff coating is unable to cycle with the pavement as the pavement heats up and expands during the day, and cools down and shrinks at night. 

For this reason, hairline cracks form in the seal. Reapplying sealcoats to eliminate cracking is futile. The cracks will only reappear and typically get larger. 

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Subsequent re-cracking will actually migrate into and damage the pavement itself.

PDC contains no water, thereby allowing the rejuvenator/sealer to penetrate into and become an integral part of the pavement. 

By being in the pavement and not just on it, the treatment expands and contracts with the pavement through thermal cycles.  The final result: no unsightly coating cracks.

PDC gives true meaning to the word maintenance. The PDC treatment protects the pavement with tough fuel and water-resistant ingredients. 



And the rejuvenator portion soaks into the aging pavement to restore suppleness and extend pavement life.

Pavement Dressing Conditioner (PDC) asphalt rejuvenator/sealer has been applied throughout the state of Connecticut to pavements as varied as airport runways, commercial shopping centers, apartments and numerous community association roads and parking areas.

We hope you have discovered why it's not only crucial to sealcoat your residential driveways and commercial parking lots but the importance of utilizing the best methods and materials for the job! Each asphalt sealocating project is unique it its own way that's why it would behoove you to contact  VP Asphalt Paving to get your job done professionally and have peace of mind knowing that our work is guaranteed for a minimum of three years! 

VP Asphalt Paving stands behind all our asphalt services in Connecticut whether it be driveway sealing, commercial parking lot sealing, asphalt repair, driveway repair, gravel driveway repair and new installations or asphalt crack filling, our paving companies in CT are always "On Time and On Budget"! 

Feel free to visit our branded blogs for even more meaty information regarding the asphalt paving industry in The Nutmeg State! 

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