From the moment a client enters a commercial property, they are making judgments that will affect how they conduct their business. Often, the parking lot is where the first assumptions about a company are made. An old, run-down parking lot can signal to customers that a business takes little pride in its appearance, among other things. This is where asphalt sealing and striping come in.

A freshly sealed parking lot with brightly painted lines demonstrates a modern company that pays attention to detail. Showing a customer that a business cares about their appearance is important.

Read on for a guide to sealing and striping your commercial property today.

What is Asphalt Sealing?

Asphalt sealing, or sealcoating, is a protective layer applied to asphalt pavement. It protects the pavement while improving its overall curb appeal. Depending on the local weather, sunlight exposure, and traffic conditions, it’s generally recommended to reapply sealcoating every two to three years.

The Benefits of Asphalt Sealing and Striping

There are several benefits of sealcoating that make it a good investment for any commercial property.

The biggest advantage is that it protects your asphalt from UV rays, oil, water, and other elements that can cause damage over time. Sealcoating fills in gaps on the surface of the pavement to prevent these irritants from penetrating it while also preventing the discoloring effects of the sun.

Sealcoating is the most effective way to protect your asphalt pavement; regular treatments will save you thousands in repairs. Plus, the application is quick, and maintenance is simple.

The most obvious benefit of sealing and striping is that they improve your property’s curb appeal. The sleek look of freshly coated asphalt can enhance the appearance of your storefront and draw clients inside.

Sealcoating Application

There are two ways to apply new sealcoating:

• Spray coat
• Squeegee coat

A spray coat can be applied using a machine and is ideal for jobs requiring extra precision. Squeegee coats can be applied by machine or by hand (in confined areas) and are ideal for getting the coat into the pavement’s nooks and crannies. For maximum coverage, a spray coat can be lightly applied over a squeegee coat.

Paint and Striping: The Finishing Touches

Once your property is sleek and sealed, striping can be added as a finishing touch. There are plenty of ways paint can be used to enhance your lot, including:

• Parking stalls
• Bollards
• Curb painting
• Speed bump striping
• Fire lanes
• Directional cues

ASI: The #1 Asphalt Contractor in the Bay Area

For commercial properties in the Bay Area, there is no better partner than Asphalt Surfacing, Inc. From sealcoating to striping, ASI can turn your lot into a sleek space that better represents the quality of your business. Get a free quote today and transform your property’s curb appeal.

When it comes to your business, first impressions matter. In fact, it can take less than one second for a customer to form an opinion about your brand. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to even the smallest details when designing a commercial exterior.

This attention to detail should extend even to the asphalt surrounding your business. But before you can lay your asphalt, you’ll need to decide which type of grading can give you the appearance you’re looking for: rough grading or fine grading. However, choosing a surface grading can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the difference between the two.

Read on to learn more about rough grading vs. fine grading, and find out which one is best for your business.

What is Rough Grading?

Rough grading is the first step in the process after debris has been removed. This flattens the land and shapes it to fit the site’s desired elevation while ensuring it is sloped for proper drainage.

Rough grading essentially sets the site up for the next stage in the asphalt surfacing process. After rough grading, the site will be clear and flat, though not as refined as it will be after further surfacing.

What is Fine Grading?

Fine grading takes place after rough grading, excavations and the laying of underground utilities have been done. Once all of this work has occurred, debris and soil are likely to have accumulated over the site.

To ensure the area is completely smooth before the asphalt is laid, a second round of grading is necessary. Fine grading smoothes the site out completely and readies it for the next step in the process.

Rough Grading vs. Fine Grading

There are a few differences between rough grading and fine grading.

Rough grading takes place at the beginning of the process before the ground has been leveled. During this phase, the site is shaped and leveled, but not as refined as it will be just before the asphalt is laid.

Fine grading is essentially a second round of grading that eliminates any soil movement caused by excavations and utility-laying. After fine grading, the soil is tightly packed and the site is smoothly shaped, making it ready for the addition of asphalt.

The Asphalt Contractor You Need—No Matter the Grading

As far as your asphalt needs go, there is no one who can better assist you than Asphalt Surfacing, Inc. Serving San Jose and the Bay Area for more than three decades, ASI is the perfect partner for everything from surface treatments to striping.

When it comes to settling the rough grading vs. fine grading debate, ASI can help you decide which is right for your business. Get a quote and start transforming its look today.

As a business owner, it’s important to hand-tailor every aspect of the customer experience. From the moment a person enters your parking lot, they are making decisions about your business that will determine whether or not they’ll become a customer. Luckily, there’s an easy way to ensure this conversion takes place.

If your parking lot contains speed bumps, having them painted is one of the simplest things you can do to enhance the customer experience from the first second. Read on to find out exactly how painting your speed bumps can greatly benefit your business.

It Ties Your Business’s Exterior Together

When thinking about your business’s exterior appearance, your mind may not immediately go to the parking lot. However, the parking lot has more influence on the customer experience than you may believe; it’s the first thing they see, after all! A dirty or run-down parking lot indicates to customers that your business is maintained just as poorly—no matter how nice it may look on the inside!

Painting your speed bumps gives your parking lot an instant facelift. With a coat of shiny new paint, your business will, as a whole, look more modern and put together. Plus, the freshly-painted parking lot will give potential customers a good reason to believe your business’s interior is just as new and upgraded as its exterior.

It Will Draw Passing Eyes to Your Business

As a business with a brick-and-mortar store, sometimes the challenge comes in just letting customers know you’re there. Using your speed bumps as a way to draw passing eyes is a great way to alert those in the area to your services.

Painting your speed bumps a bright color is an easy way to get people’s attention, whether they’re driving over them or simply walking by. Once their eyes are drawn to your speed bumps, it’s only natural for their line of sight to travel one step further to your shop’s storefront. This way, you’ll have attracted the attention of a new client without having to invest in any additional advertising.

It Will Give Your Customers Notice to Slow Down

If there’s one thing that is sure to annoy any type of driver, it’s taking on a speed bump too fast because they couldn’t see it. While this may seem like a minuscule issue, the last thing your business needs is for any customer to start their experience off negatively. Painting your speed bumps alerts customers to their presence and gives them enough time to slow down and pass smoothly, so they don’t enter your store irritated.

Painting your speed bumps is an easy way to improve customer satisfaction and widen community awareness of your shop. For speed bump painting in the Bay Area done right, visit Asphalt Surfacing, Inc. today!

Optimizing Traffic Patterns During Commercial Asphalt Paving

Work zones that impact traffic ways can be deadly if not managed correctly. In the United States, there were 28,636 deaths resulting from work zone accidents from 1982 through 2019. That is an average of 774 deaths every year!

However, businesses must still tend to their commercial asphalt needs. To prevent deaths or injuries, it’s important to organize traffic movement safely and efficiently. If you’re looking to embark on a commercial asphalt project, here is a quick guide for creating a traffic control plan.

Think Beforehand

Put in the effort to create a strategy before starting construction. Some key observations to make include:

• Times of the day when traffic is heavy
• Times of the day when your business experiences the most customers on site
• Busy times for neighboring stores, buildings, or enterprises

Keeping these points in mind will help you schedule construction during less disruptive time frames.

Spread The Word

Driver behavior often plays a large role in accidents on construction sites. It’s common for motorists to drive more aggressively through work sites. This is because people do not like to be delayed while on their commute.

To combat this, communication is key. Get in touch with all relevant parties and alert them of your construction schedule. This includes customers, neighbors, tenants, or anyone who may access your building.

Additionally, take measures to notify the public, especially if your project will affect main roadways. This can be done by disbursing flyers throughout the area, making posts on social media platforms, and by placing signs in front of your business.

If you inform your community early on, people will be able to make alternative arrangements. Commuters can plan a detour route, use different modes of transportation, or carpool.

Integrate Safe Traffic Control Strategies

Employ clear, directional signage in critical areas to let people know your business is open and accessible. Use traffic cones to guide cars or foot traffic. Post signs that state clearly where construction begins and ends, or use tape to block off the site if applicable.

Institute transition areas where they are needed. These areas are where incoming traffic is notified about any changes on the road ahead, such as two lanes merging into one. State how you are redirecting traffic, then give the drivers time to follow directions.

Protect workers and their equipment from passing vehicles by installing buffer zones between the worksite and traffic. Traffic cones or barricades work well for this task.

Ensure visibility throughout the construction area, including the transition zone. Keep the site and traffic areas clear of blockages. Be sure that all areas are well lit, and point out any hazardous areas.

Choose a Contractor That Is Experienced in Commercial Asphalt

When going about commercial asphalt construction, you need a contractor that knows all about construction site safety and traffic control plans. An experienced asphalt company will consult with you on everything the project requires, from creating a paving schedule to executing a safe worksite that optimizes traffic flow.

Don’t risk traffic accidents during your paving project. Asphalt Surfacing Inc. has the experience and know-how to get your project done the right way. Get a quick and accurate quote for your commercial asphalt needs today!

Did you know that the first true asphalt pavement was laid out in front of the city hall in Newark by a Belgian chemist in 1870? And while back then asphalt maintenance wasn’t emphasized as much as it is today, you can bet they could have used it.

That skid-resistant surface needs regular maintenance to ensure that you reap its benefits all year round. That’s why we’ve written this article to walk you through a complete asphalt maintenance checklist and help you stay on top of your game.

Let’s get started!

1. Pay Attention to Sealcoating

Extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement by sealcoating it every two to three years. If it’s been a while since you’ve sealcoated yours, make sure to call a professional and get it done this spring.

Spring is a particularly good time to get this done because rainfall is low, and the weather is generally dry.

2. A Quick Cleaning

Over time, debris and other substances can compromise the lifespan of the asphalt. Make sure you clean your pavement frequently to prevent damage from external substances over time.

However, while cleaning is an essential element of asphalt maintenance in the spring, be sure to make it a practice for every season.

3. An Inspection for Tripping Hazards

A visual inspection is an important step in your spring maintenance checklist. However, you should know what to keep an eye out for.

Your main enemies include cracks and signs of distress. A small crack can quickly grow into a bigger one and lead to structural weakness over time, especially when exposed to rain or snow.

Once you’ve examined your pavement, make sure to follow through on fixing the little nooks and crannies you find.

4. Fixing Faded Markers

If you have markers on your pavement, you’ll notice that these begin to fade over time. This generally looks unappealing to visitors, especially if you’re a business. Spring is a good time to restripe these fading markers and ensure all your signs are clearly visible and well represented.

Invest in quality paint now, and your pavement will thank you later!

5. Weeding and Clearing Vegetation

Grass and weeds make your pavement more susceptible to developing cracks and losing structural integrity. Take some time to weed out your pavement and remove any invasive plants that sneaked their way in.

The combination of growing weeds and a rainy day is your pavement’s worst nightmare.

Asphalt Maintenance Made Easy

In a nutshell, your asphalt maintenance checklist should include sealcoating (if you haven’t done it for over two years), a cleaning, a visual inspection, repainting faded markers, and clearing out weeds. Do it right, and you’ll be saving a lot of money in the long run.

Need an extra hand? Talk to an asphalt paving contractor today.

Give our experts at Asphalt Surfacing, Inc. a call and get the help you need with your pavement, parking lot, and driveway in the Bay Area!

The appearance of your asphalt parking lot matters to your company’s overall curb appeal. In addition, damaged asphalt is dangerous to pedestrians and drivers. After an asphalt lot installation, your actions directly following can make or break the longevity of the parking lot.

Allow Your Asphalt Time to Cure

Asphalt takes about 24 hours to dry. If you want your lot to reach its maximum strength, then you should have all drivers wait at least 24 hours before using the lot. Additionally, it takes about one year before your parking lot reaches peak strength. Take care of your lot in the first year to ensure minor damage.

To help avoid damage, ask drivers to slow down. High speeds can damage the parking lot, and peel-outs can damage the new surface. Additionally, monitor the weight of vehicles on the lot. Know the maximum weight you should have at any given time.

Once your asphalt cures, consider a sealcoat. Sealcoating protects your parking lot from moisture and can prevent fading. After the first sealcoating, reapply it at least once every two to five years.

Remove Oil and Fuel

Never allow oil and fuel to linger on the surface of a parking lot. Oil and fuel spills can break down the chemicals that bind asphalt. If you have gasoline spills, use cat litter or sawdust to absorb the fluid.

Use dish soap or other commercial degreasers to scrub the affected area before you rinse it clean and allow it to dry.

Pay Attention to Cracks

If you spot any holes or cracks on the asphalt, you may need them sealed as soon as possible. Flaws do not disappear, and cracks and fissures may worsen over time.

At Asphalt Surfacing, we understand the importance of your asphalt parking lot. Parking lots can last as long as 30 years, but you severely shorten the lifespan without proper aftercare and maintenance. We can help ensure your parking lot lasts for years. Contact us today at 408-673-4719 or email us to find out more about our asphalt services.

Asphalt is one of the most affordable and adaptable materials when it comes to paving options. We use it in road construction, parking lot paving, and more. To repair an asphalt parking lot, we utilize asphalt milling.

Does Your Parking Lot Require Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling does more than repair superficial cracks and potholes. If you have potholes in your asphalt, you most likely have deeper structural issues. If you do not handle the situation quickly, it can develop into a structural issue in minor cases.

When contractors remove the first layer of asphalt, they can investigate deeper issues. Some damages that require asphalt milling include crumbling or cracking asphalt. When you have cracks, water erosion is more likely. Other damages may include shoving, rutting, gradient defects, and uneven pavement. When you ignore defects with your commercial parking lot, guests are more likely to suffer injuries or vehicle damages.

What Are the Different Types of Asphalt Milling?

When it comes to asphalt milling, we will determine the type to use based on the damage done to your parking lot.

There are various types of asphalt milling, including:

• Micro-milling
• Planing
• Fine-milling

Micro-milling, for example, treats most surface defects, whereas planing is a more complex process for roadways and large properties. Micro-milling only takes a thin layer of asphalt from the top. On the other hand, planing takes the damaged pavement from the top and uses it to create new aggregate for the surface.

When a contractor uses fine-milling, it is for foundational defects. The contractor extracts the damaged surface asphalt and repairs the defects before overlaying the new sealant. The purpose is to restore faults and make the asphalt look new again. The milling process takes about 24 to 48 hours to complete.

At Asphalt Surfacing inc., our goal is to perform all of our jobs to your high standards and specifications. Contact us today to find out more about how we can repair your asphalt parking lot.

Unless you have just recently resurfaced your parking lot, your company will likely need asphalt repair work in 2022. To avoid unpleasant surprises and to get the most value out of your money, it is important to plan an asphalt repair budget. This allows you to make the upgrades and repairs needed throughout the year.

At Asphalt Surfacing in northern California, our team can help you better understand the costs you could potentially face this year. This allows you to maintain the safe functioning of your parking lot while keeping costs under control. The first step of the process is to take a good look at the condition of your parking lot.

A Lot That Is in Good Shape

If you have kept up on asphalt maintenance, your lot is likely in decent shape. This will make things easier going forward and take a smaller bite out of your budget for 2022. Still, you may benefit from several smaller, timely repairs:

• Sealcoating services
• Crack-filling maintenance
• Striping
• Other preventative maintenance

In a good year, you can get by with a small budget allocated to your parking lot. The total cost of course depends upon the size of your paved area. Remember that preventative maintenance extends the lifespan of your asphalt and saves you money in the long run.

A Lot That Needs Some Work

Your lot probably requires a major restoration about every decade or so. If your lot is riddled with potholes, you might still be able to get by with repairs. This is less expensive than total resurfacing, but it will not last quite as long. If you do need complete resurfacing, you have options on the materials you use which have an impact on durability and overall cost.

At Asphalt Surfacing, we provide fair and affordable quotes for all of our work. We can help you prepare a suitable budget for your asphalt repairs and upgrades.

Your parking lot means many things for your company. It presents a public face to your business and plays a role in your company’s image. It also, hopefully, attracts and welcomes customers or employees to your building. Finally, it is a significant investment as the creation and maintenance of the parking area have associated costs.

At Asphalt Surfacing in northern California, our goal is to help you get the most out of your parking lot. Toward this end, we recommend sealcoating your parking lot surface every three to five years and even sooner in some situations.

Your Parking Lot Is Exposed to the Elements

While asphalt is a durable surface, it takes a lot of abuse. There is heavy traffic and constant use from vehicles to start. Then there are multiple concerns from the weather:

• UV rays
• Warm temperatures
• Cold snaps
• Rain, snow, and ice

Over time, these elements break down the top layers of the asphalt surface. There is steady bombardment from chemicals such as oil and gasoline and even from litter such as cigarettes and food debris. All of this impacts the oils in asphalt and reduces the flexibility of the surface layer.

Your Lot Benefits from Sealcoating

After a few years, your parking lot will need some attention if you want to keep it looking good. Sealcoating accomplishes this for a fraction of the expense of a repaving job. It will restore the pristine look of your lot and add the oils that give the pavement flexibility.

A sealcoating application will extend the lifespan of your parking lot, it will also reduce customer complaints and liability concerns. This can also be an excellent time to repair flaws in the asphalt.

You can reach our experts at Asphalt Surfacing by calling 408-586-8824. We are a full-service commercial parking lot company.

Your parking lot is a critical element of your business’s structure, and an unpainted parking lot can cause accidents between vehicles and injuries to pedestrians. At Asphalt Surfacing, we understand the methods to use for lot painting. If you aren’t sure about the considerations for parking lot painting, we can help you.

Paint Type

If you haven’t painted a parking lot before, you may not know which type of paint should be used. Water-based paints formulated for asphalt or concrete may be best for parking lots, particularly when you need the paint to dry quickly.

Managers of larger lots may also choose chlorinated rubber paints. Rubber paint is resistant to chipping and tends to be more durable than water-based paints, and another durable paint is thermoplastic. Your choice will depend on your parking lot’s needs and your budget. In addition to your preferences, you also need to consider the laws and regulations in your area. Some areas, for instance, only allow water-based paint.

Paint Application

When contractors take on a parking lot job, they need to consider the method best suited to apply paint. When painting a parking lot, different stencils are used. You may require handicap stencils, no parking stencils, letters, or number stencils.

Additionally, painters have to consider where to place grit too. Often, painted lines are where cars and pedestrians slip and lose grip. It’s essential to use grit to prevent any slippage, especially in places like the diagonal lines of a pedestrian crosswalk. In some cases, high visibility beads are applied to the markings while the paint is wet. This helps increase the visibility of the paint.

If your parking lot requires upkeep or brand new paint, Asphalt Surfacing has your back. We can introduce you to the paint best suited for your project and ensure your parking lot is safe for guests and staff. Contact us today for more information on how to maintain your parking lot!