Asphalt was initially developed as an inexpensive surface for the many new roads in the early twentieth century. These roads were developed because of the introduction of the automobile and its need for a smooth, hard surface to drive and park on. Asphalt concrete paving became the standard of roads and highways. Just as cars age and wear out, so do roads. Damage to asphalt pavement can result from poor drainage, excessive loading, weather, poor design, poor construction and exposure to fuel.
Whatever the cause, asphalt pavement damage manifests in many ways– surface defects, pavement cracks, potholes, patches and even utility cuts. If Pavement Repair isn’t done quickly, the damage grows exponentially. Standard Asphalt Repair methods are costly and problematic. Before the polyurethane repair product FloMix was available, asphalt repair had to be done with costly equipment and only when the hot mix plants were open. The damaged asphalt that had to be dug out then had to go somewhere for expensive disposal. Asphalt Pavement Repair methods were not environmentally friendly.
With FloMix, pavement ***** repair, and asphalt repair can be done with no dig-out. Repairs can be done whenever needed, ideally when traffic is at its lowest. Doing asphalt repair quickly and with minimal manpower means less traffic exposure to employees or if it’s a do-it-yourself project, it can be handled in your free time. Simply sweep or blow out the damaged area, mix your materials and apply to create a simple asphalt pavement repair.
FloMix 5-gallon kits will cover approximately 50 square feet of asphalt paving repair. With this kit, you will also need a drill, a pail mixer, a lute or trowel and a broom or leaf blower.
Preparing the Surface
Make sure area is clean and dry. Clean out with a broom, brush or blow out any cracks or potholes with a leaf blower or compressed air to remove any debris or loose material.
Mixing
Remove 12-pound bag of topping sand and both “A” and “B” bottles of polymer from the 5-gallon pail and shake both bottles, to mix well before use. Add the “A” bottle of polymer to the 5 gallon container of treated sand and mix with a pail mixer for 1 minute or until sand mixture is completely wet. Next, add contents of the “B” bottle and mix thoroughly until mixture is combined well. The material is now ready to be applied.
Installing
Using a trowel or lute, spread the mixture over the repair area. The outer areas of the repair can be feathered into the existing surface for a smooth finish. Next broadcast the included topping sand evenly over the repair area. For potholes or deep cracks, an aggregate can be pre-placed, and can be added to your FloMix kit for no extra charge.
Cure
Cure for about an hour in warm climates. In colder areas a catalyst can be supplied (free upon request) to speed up the cure time.
With Roklin’s FloMix material, repairs are a snap, whether for your asphalt paving driveway or a highway interchange.
Filed under Construction by .
Paving a driveway is generally the last thing on a homeowner or potential homeowner’s mind, but the choices made can make a real difference down the road. Some driveway types will require lots of maintenance and frequent repair or replacement and others, such as asphalt, are meant to stand the test of time. Buying one that will last is generally the best choice overall.
Typically, the three big picks for driveways that are paved are gravel, concrete and asphalt. Those who want practically maintenance free driveways go with asphalt. Asphalt does require maintenance, but it stands up well to time and maintains its appearance well when it’s treated with care. This is true for a number of reasons.
Asphalt, the stuff roads are made of, is meant to take a serious beating. For paving purposes it’s made of a mixture of concrete and petroleum that’s designed to handle heat, weight and wear and tear when it retains a solid form. Just like a roadway, though, it requires proper laying and care to maintain its usefulness, but when these go into the mix, the advantages over plain concrete are many and include:
* Smoothness. Asphalt generally looks cleaner and smoother than gravel. It’s also a little easier to shape than concrete. A well laid asphalt driveway can look as pretty as a black sheet of glass.
* Property value. A solid driveway that looks great can add value to a property by increasing its eye appeal.
* Appearance. Asphalt that’s well maintained can hold its appearance much longer than typical concrete and especially gravel. Since it’s laid down and hardened, asphalt won’t need to be replaced as often as loose gravel drives will.
* Stain resistant. Asphalt is great for helping a driveway stay in pristine looking condition. Oil spills and other stains that plague gravel and concrete either just don’t stick to asphalt or they are not visible. This makes asphalt the best choice for those who want their driveways to stay in brand new looking condition.
Asphalt drives can cost a little more than the other two alternatives, but since they maintain their appearance and resist stains, they can be the better choice. The cost savings in the long run can be fantastic. When the other two are in need of repair or total replacement, asphalt can stay looking great.
The key to making sure an asphalt drive looks good all the time is to make sure it’s taken care of. Asphalt needs to be properly sealed to resist cracks, breaks and potholes. Grass around the edges needs to be removed on a regular basis to ensure it doesn’t create problems, too. The little bit of maintenance, however, is a lot better than having to deal with ugly stains or premature replacement.
The natural enemies of unsealed asphalt are heat, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and more. When a driveway’s sealed, it can last a life time. Just make sure to follow proper maintenance routines and an asphalt driveway will prove itself tops over the other choices.
Filed under Home And Family by .
2nd part
read the 1st part here
HOW MANY NAILS PER SHINGLE?
It depends on the number of tabs.
For example the normal three – tab rectangular asphalt shingles used in USA / Canada need 4 nails: two above the cutouts and two near the edges.
In Europe, mostly four-tab asphalt shingles are used and the number of nails needed is 5/shingles.
More nails are needed:
- in windy regions
- when slopes are very steep, normally bigger than 200%.
In this case two nails are used above the cutout. So 6 nails will be needed for the 3-tab shingles and 8 nails for the 4-tab shingles.
WHAT ABOUT STAPLING ?
Stapling is not recommended in Europe and as far as I know also in USA and in Canada.
Stapling can easily damage shingles.
WHERE EXACTLY TO PLACE THE NAILS?
In Europe we place the nails a little above the sealant strip. The nails are placed 2-3cm above the upper point of the cutout. The nails near the edges should not be closer than 2,5cm from the edges.
On no occasion should the nails be driven into discontinuities and problematic points of the substrate.
HAND NAILING OR PNEUMATIC NAILER?
Hand nailing is more accurate. It does a better job but it is slower and most expensive. If you cannot afford hand nailing for the whole project, at least use it:
- near the rakes
- for the first course at the eaves
- for the ridge and the hips
- for the valleys.
Because hand nailing is more accurate, it will reduce the possibility of wind uplift at this critical regions.
The nails should be driven vertically and flush with the upper side of the asphalt shingle securing it in its position.
If the nail is overdriven, it will harm the integrity of the asphalt shingle.
If the nails are underdriven, they cannot fix / secure the asphalt shingles properly.
In the case that the nails are not completely vertical, they will harm the shingle with their heads. These nails should be discarded and replaced.
CONCLUSION
Learn the right nailing techniques because they are critical for the expected life and behaviour of the shingles.
Do pay to buy the best quality nails in the market.
Chris Strogilis
Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM
http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/
Filed under Home Improvement by .
When it comes to roofing projects, many homeowners are unsure as to whether or not they should have their asphalt shingles removed before laying new shingles down. The question is usually a matter of opinion held by the roofer. Generally, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about fifteen to twenty-five years. Also, it is common to place two layers of shingles on top of one another, before laying a third layer. The general rule is to tear up both layers and then lay the third layer down fresh. However, a professional contractor may not feel comfortable laying a second layer of shingles over the first layer for several reasons.
First, the layer of shingles should be thoroughly inspected by a roofer before the decision is made to place a second layer over the first. If the first layer is severely damaged, cracked, uneven or buckled, then it is not recommended to lay a second layer over the first. The reason is simple. The new layer of shingles will take on the same appearance as the first layer. If the first layer is uneven or doesn’t lay flat, the second layer will fail to lay flat as well. For this reason, a roofer will not install the second layer over the first.
Another factor to consider is the supporting structure of the frame. The roof must be able to support the weight of multiple layers before installing additional shingles over the existent layer. If the roofing contractor feels that this is too much weight, they will recommend removing the first layer. This also includes the performance of the underlayment. If the supporting structures are not solid or sound, then the roofing contractor will not advise installing shingles over one another. However, even with a perfect roof, very rarely will a roofer recommend installing a layer of shingle over two layers.
Filed under Diy by .
1. SBS modified asphaltic membranes were firstly used for flat roofs waterproofing in France during the early ’70’s. Styrene –Butadiene – Styrene is a thermoplastic polymer with exceptional flexibility which was found to modify asphaltic membranes in an optimum way.
SBS modified membranes are called elastomeric.
ADVANTAGES
a) Enhanced elasticity: resistance to creep and fatigue.
b) Very good behaviour in lower temperatures.
2. APP modified asphaltic membranes were firstly used for flat roof waterproofing by Italians round late ’60’s. Atactic polypropylene is an elastic type of polypropylene with disordered polymer chains. APP bitumen mixes are heat resistant with softening points up to 150oC.
APP membranes are more preferable in equatorial climates than SBS membranes due to their elevated heat resistance.
ADVANTAGES
a) Very competitive prices. Perfect value for money.
b) High resistance to heat and UVs.
Both APP and SBS give – with the use of modern technology – asphaltic membranes of very high quality and are widely used all over the world.
3. Non woven polyesteric reinforcements are the most advantageous ones to fully exploit the excellent characteristics of APP and mainly SBS membranes. Some spunbond polyester, continuous filament, needlepunched reinforcements really exhibit exceptional mechanical characteristics.
Not all reinforcements are the same! Actually there is an enormous span regarding qualities and don’t forget that reinforcement is the membranes’ armour.
4. When exposed to sun, both APP and SBS membranes need an autoprotection. Natural slates or artificial granules are the mainstream protection for both types.
Quality of asphaltic mass and type of granule facing will dictate the granule-loss profile for the years to come.Excessive granule loss is considered to be unacceptable.
SBS membranes can also be protected by metallic foils e.g. aluminium (anodized or not), copper, inox etc. Usual thickness: 80 microns.
French people have found the technology to harmoniously combine two materials with very different thermal expansion coefficients! Their patented technology, in essence permits the two materials to “slide” against each other independently.
Aluminium foils need a minimum slope of at least 3% and are prone to corrosion near sea front!
5. Flat roof slopes: Ponding water will sooner or later find its way through SBS/APP waterproofing membranes. Especially when it stagnates over the joints (overlaps).
To ensure a positive drainage, a minimum slope of 2% is mostly desirable. Well, in Greece at least, it is heard like a joke!
Another issue is with roof drains. Put them in the right way and in the right numbers to facilitate quick and efficient drainage.
6. Vapor barriers: Vapor barriers or vapor retarders are layers of minimal water vapor permeability placed most usually on the warm side of the flat roof to prevent condensation in the waterproofing – insulation system where dewpoint is met by rising water vapors.
Usually they come under a form of 3mm bituminous membrane, or an aluminium foil sandwiched between two bituminous layers.
To select the right vapor barrier one has to take into account:
- the local climate
- the moisture levels generated in the protected rooms.
7. One or two layers?: Opt for two layers. The reliability level is far superior!
Parallely displace joints of the two layers for at least 30cm.
Never use one layer when:
- slopes are insufficient
- protected areas contain valuable objects
- money is not the limiting factor.
8. Diffusion layers: Diffusion layers are obligatory in buildings where high moisture loadings are produced. They are placed directly below the vapor barrier.
Most of the times they are combined with appropriate flat roof ventilators so as excessive water vapor pressure is conveniently relieved. Water vapors are led due to pressure differentials to the ventilators through diffusion layer’s voids.
As with all roof penetrations, ventilators need utmost waterproofing attention.
9. Bonding to the substrate: Depending on each different situation SBS / APP membranes could be applied on the substrate:
- totally adhered
- totally independent
- semi-adhered (a compromise).
TOTAL INDEPENDENCE means less creep and fatigue and avoidance of local vapor pressures. On the other hand leaks location is difficult and heavy protection is needed.
TOTAL ADHERENCE incurs exactly the opposite facts and finally…
SEMI – INDEPENDENCE is a compromise between the two extremes.
10. Basic rules for the application of SBS/ APP waterproofing membranes.
Please check: “SBS – APP MEMBRANES: 9 FATAL MISTAKES”.
Chris Strogilis
Filed under Home Improvement by .
iberglass Asphalt Shingles
The Popular Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – One of two types of asphalt shingles available, fiberglass asphalt shingles are the most popular, rather inexpensive and simple to install. Historically, fiberglass asphalt shingles have come to replace the asbestos roofing shingles. But they have since become widely popular, mostly in cold climate regions such as Canada and the northern United States, but in warmer regions, even those prone to extreme climate conditions such as Florida, as well.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Advantages
When homeowners compare fiberglass asphalt shingle specifications with those of the organic type, they will find it lighter in weight. Organic asphalt shingles weigh about 40% more than the 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, the range of prices of fiberglass asphalt shingles, largely since the fiberglass mat is not saturated with asphalt. Weighing less, they are also lighter to carry up the ladder, thus more comfortable for homeowners who want to install them on their own. The use of glass fiber grants fiberglass asphalt shingles the highest fire rating available, protecting your roof from the spread of a flame, to go along with other advantages, such as heat and humidity resistance.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Varieties
The use of different fiberglass shingles materials influences the variance homeowners will find in the market. This affects the quality and performance of fiberglass asphalt shingles, as well as the different attributes they own. It is advisable to compare fiberglass asphalt shingle material according to the industry standards, set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
by Roof101
Filed under Home Improvement by .
Some important facts about asphalt shingles given epigrammatically:
1) The hotter the climate the shorter the expected life of asphalt shingles.
2) The biggest the exposure to sun the shorter the life of asphalt shingles.
3) The more inadequate the attic ventilation, the shorter the life of asphalt shingles.
4) The darker the color of the asphalt shingles, the shorter their life in sunny places.
5) Damages or poor craftsmanship related to flashing details is the major cause of roof leaks.
6) Asphalt shingles are not completely waterproof. They exhibit a certain porosity. They need a minimal slope in order to fulfil their protective role.
7) Underlayments – or underlays – are an absolute must under asphalt shingles. The best choice – if you can afford it – is an SBS modified self adhesive asphalt membrane.
8) Storage conditions of asphalt shingles are really critical for their future behaviour. Asphalt shingles should be stored in closed spaces well protected from rain, snow, radiated heat, UV and freezing conditions.
9) The aging procedure for asphalt shingles starts from their very production time and not from the moment they are installed.
10) If asphalt shingles are stored in more than 2 pallets high stacks, they will most probably have problems with distortions and sticking to each other.
11) Fixing of asphalt shingles should be made with roofing nails and not staples. Stapling causes problems to their integrity.
12) Hand nailing is more accurate than pneumatic nailing. It is slower and more expensive, however.
13) Some granule loss is normally anticipated during the first months after shingles’ installation. If granule loss is excessive, there is probably some problem with the shingles (aging, brittleness etc.).
14) Asphalt shingles need a minimum maintenance at least once a year: flashing repairs, gutters cleaning, algae removal, caulking etc. Normally this can be effected at a do-it-yourself level.
15) As everywhere in life you will get what you pay for. There is an enormous quality span in the market.
This quality span can be apportioned to all the basic constituents of the asphalt shingles: asphalt binder, glass mat reinforcement and ceramic granules.
16) There may exist guarantees of 30 or even 50 years, but these are marketing exaggerations.
The functional life of the best quality asphalt shingles is between 15-20 years – at least in climates like that of Greece.
Don’t set unrealistic expectations for these products!
17) The best asphalt shingles will be compromised by a problematic support or a poor craftsmanship.
18) Color shading can cause minor or bigger aesthetical problems. For all important/prestigious projects the shingles should come from the same lot.
Chris Strogilis
Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM
http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com
Filed under Home Improvement by .
There are things that you don’t think about when the San Diego parking lot striping crews have left and you’re enjoying your new parking lot. You need to understand that the best of these companies will be available to do you several services when the need arises.
First off they’ll be around when you need asphalt repair. Now this is a normal set of circumstances and it doesn’t mean that the parking lot striping that was done is defective in any way. There are several reasons why you might need professionals to come back and do a little asphalt repair after the fact. These reasons include:
Heavy equipment that’s been driving over the parking lot. As time marches on your business might get so successful that you find an expansion is in order. That could mean that heavy equipment could be driving over the existing parking lot and that could damage what’s there. In this way, needing asphalt repair is actually a sign that your business is taking off. Tree roots have grown up through the parking lot. Although they are nice to look at, trees and their roots can cause havoc with a parking lot as well. Here is where you’ll need to know a good firm that can come in and do a quick asphalt repair job so that your curb appeal with be top notch in no time.
The thing is the San Diego Parking lot striping firm that you pick needs to be professional. Not the kind of fly by nighters that have no experience with asphalt repair and the ones that you can’t find when you need something done.
You need to get the people on your side that have the reputation that you see. They need to be the kind of company that’s been in the business for years so that they understand all the different scenarios where asphalt repair might be needed.
Striping San Diego Needs
Look at their website. Specifically, their ‘About Us’ section will have the kind of information that you’ll find useful. Look to see if they have a specific section on their site that deals with asphalt repair. If they do, you can rest assured that they are reputable and a firm that will look after all of your Striping San Diego needs.
You need to look for the best all around service you can find when it comes to San Diego parking lot striping.
Filed under Management by .
Asphalt Shingles Roofing
Weighing Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – There are many reasons why most Americans pick asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles particularly, when choosing their residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are economical, inexpensive and simple to install, either by a professional contractor or by homeowners themselves. The other type of asphalt shingles is organic shingles, heavier and more durable, containing about 40% more asphalt per square foot. Fiberglass roof shingles usually weigh in the range of 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, compared with 2,000 gram organic roof shingles. Although not as heavy as the asbestos roofing shingles of the past, they are in wide use in the United States, even in hurricane prone regions.
Asphalt Roof Shingles in Weather Conditions
Although highly durable, asphalt shingles depend on environmental and weather conditions. They are a better choice for cooler climates compared with warm ones, as they last longer in such conditions. This, among other reasons, explains their wide popularity in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. Roof shingles with a lifespan of 20 years in northern US states such as Minneapolis or Pennsylvania where data has been collected, last an average of only 14 years in the Arizona desert. Asphalt shingles suffer also from dramatic changes in temperatures over a short period of time. Splits and cracks may occur in such conditions.
Warranted Asphalt Shingles
Yet manufacturers of asphalt shingles usually provide 20 to 50 year warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Warranties are generally for the materials and will be voided in certain situations, in the case of improper installation for example. Certain natural phenomena such as hurricanes and severe hail storms may not be covered in the warranties either. Ask for the manufacturer’s literature before making a decision on your asphalt shingles and what type you prefer – fiberglass asphalt or organic asphalt.
Shopping for Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles prices start at around $0.80 per square foot. The best asphalt roof shingles, however, may be a little more expensive. Here at Roof 101 you are invited to contact us and describe the project you are interested in – installing, replacing, repairing roof shingles or other. A representative will then contact you with professional advice, price estimate and a comprehensive service offer. We will find the right material and work for the look you are after and for your exact location, leaving you satisfied with durable asphalt shingles over your head that are both aesthetically appealing and economical.
by Roof101
Filed under Home Improvement by .
One of the most overlooked aspects of any successful business is the parking lot. In many different ways the parking lot is the first calling card that people will see when they come to your shop. For that reason, you need to be sure to have some professionals on your side, the kind of people who know about all the different aspects that go into a successful parking lot including asphalt repair.
Asphalt Repair for Expansions
When people first hear the words asphalt repair many think of something negative. You might think that the work that was done in the first place by the striping San Diego Company that got the contract was done improperly and it somehow needed to be fixed. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There are many good reasons why you’d need to call a company in to do a little asphalt repair and one of them has to do with a successful business. When you find it’s time for an expansion of the existing parking lot or building, it’s quite often the case that you need to bring in heavy equipment to get the job done and that can ***** the existing parking lot.
So it’s important to find a San Diego parking lot striping company that can handle asphalt repairs but there are other features that you will need to consider to get the complete package. For example, the company that you choose should know something about seal coating as well and to be the best they can at parking lot striping they’ll need to be experts at sign installation too.
Finding The Right Striping San Diego Company
So the question for many business owners is how to go about finding the right company they can handle all of the features and get a good job done. Although a lot of these companies advertise on the Internet word of mouth is still a great way to find one that suits you and your needs.
By asking other business owners or property management people who they use, you’ll be able to get a good overview of who the best striping San Diego companies are in the area. It’s important to remember that reputation travels by the Internet too, and that’s why a good company will also have testimonials from satisfied customers on their website.
Getting the right striping San Diego Company to suit all your business needs including asphalt repair is a process that you need to look into carefully.
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