Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which is Better for Driveway Paving?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Asphalt and concrete are both popular options for driveways. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so your choice may come down to your taste and budget. Here is a comparison of the various aspects to help you decide on the best driveway paving for your property.

Cost

Asphalt is a budget-friendly option. An asphalt driveway installation will cost less than concrete. Still, concrete has a longer lifespan than asphalt, which may offset the higher initial cost.

Durability

Both asphalt and concrete are durable, but they perform differently under various conditions. Asphalt is more flexible and can handle temperature changes and heavy loads better. Concrete is rigid and can crack under pressure or extreme temperatures.

Maintenance

Asphalt and concrete driveways both need regular maintenance. Asphalt must be sealed every three to five years to protect it from the elements. It also needs regular repairs to fill in cracks and potholes. Concrete requires less frequent sealing, but you must repair cracks promptly to prevent further damage. Both materials need regular cleaning to remove debris and prevent stains from forming. Because of its dark color, stains aren’t as obvious on asphalt as on concrete.

Weather Resistance

Weather conditions can affect asphalt and concrete. Asphalt can soften and get sticky in extreme heat. In cold weather, it may crack during freezing and thawing cycles. Concrete handles heat better but is susceptible to damage from de-icing chemicals. Concrete and asphalt both need good drainage.

Appearance

Asphalt has a smooth, black finish that looks clean and modern. Concrete is more versatile. It can be stamped, stained, or colored to match your home’s aesthetic. Concrete driveways can look more upscale as they can take on almost any pattern or color.

Installation Time

Asphalt driveways don’t take long to install. You can use the surface within a few days. Concrete driveways may take a week or more to install and cure.

Environmental Impact

Asphalt is recyclable and can be reused in new projects, but asphalt production involves petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Concrete production generates CO2 emissions but is durable and does not need frequent replacement.

Longevity

Longevity depends on use and maintenance. Asphalt driveways should last 20 to 30 years with proper care. Concrete driveways can last 30 to 40 years or more.

Your Driveway Paving Choice

Concrete and asphalt offer durable and attractive driveway paving options if well-maintained. Your best choice will depend on your budget, your maintenance preferences, and your preferred aesthetics. Concrete is more expensive but has a range of design options. It also lasts for longer. Asphalt is affordable, quick to install, and handles temperature changes well. Your property will benefit from either of these long-lasting driveway paving materials.

Foundation Waterproofing – Protecting Your Health and Safety

/0 Comments/in /by

Effective foundation waterproofing is vital for a safe and healthy building. Underground facilities such as parking lots and basements always run the risk of water seeping in.
Damp walls and floors can cause mold and fungi which is dangerous to human health. Water ingress can also damage electrical systems that run along or inside the walls. Structural damage is also a very real threat.

The Dangers of Inadequate Foundation Waterproofing

One of the worst things that can happen to a building is for it to suffer damage to the foundations. Your foundation is the base that carries all the downward pressure of the building.
Waterproofing on its own won’t protect the building from structural damage. The engineers must build a water drainage system under the building to ensure that the water can escape.
Water can enter the basement area either in vapor or liquid form. The relative humidity of soil in most areas is close to 100%. Water vapor can move through brick and mortar very easily. Unless the wall has been treated with some type of waterproof membrane or coating, the basement will get damp.
If the building has inadequate drainage the liquid water can accumulate around the foundations. This will apply hydrostatic pressure to the surrounding walls and water will soak into them. Even in the absence of this pressure, capillary action will ensure that the water moves into the walls.
You can often see symptoms of moisture in the white residue left on the walls and floor of the basement. These are caused by salts that the water leeches from the concrete as it travels through the wall.
Foundation waterproofing can be applied at any time. Still, it makes sense to waterproof the foundations when construction takes place. Click for more info about foundation waterproofing.
Deep foundations have become far more common in recent years as space in our crowded cities becomes scarcer. The deeper the foundation the more complex the waterproofing job becomes. It takes skill and experience to apply foundation waterproofing that you can rely on.

6 Surprising Benefits of Below Grade Waterproofing

/0 Comments/in /by

Obviously, waterproofing anything protects it from water damage. When you waterproof your commercial building, however, you get more than just protection. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can do for your business. Think of it as an investment in your business. Besides preventing potential water damage, below-grade waterproofing offers several other surprising benefits.

1. Foundation Waterproofing Prevents Costly Repairs

Many older buildings weren’t waterproofed when they were built. If yours falls into this category, you may already be experiencing the effects of water damage inside your building. The good news is it’s not too late to consider below-grade waterproofing as a solution to your moisture needs. Doing so can prevent costly water damage repairs later.

2. Below Grade Waterproofing Creates a Healthier Environment

It only takes about 24-48 hours for mold or mildew to form if moisture is present. The prolonged presence of mold indoors can cause a host of respiratory ailments including hay fever, asthma, and more. Below-grade waterproofing prevents moisture, which prevents mold growth and fosters a healthier environment for you and your staff.

3. Foundation Waterproofing Reduces Energy Costs

Did you know that waterproofing your foundation helps lower your heating and cooling bills? This is because humid air is warmer, causing AC units to work overtime. You could save as much as 10-15 percent on your energy bills simply by waterproofing your commercial space.

4. Commercial Waterproofing May Increase the Value of Your Property

The presence of mold, mildew, and moisture can cause damage that lowers the value of your property. When the structure is waterproofed, however, it reduces damage caused by moisture, which can increase the value of your building dramatically.

5. Foundation Waterproofing Prevents Structural Damage

When water is left to seep through your building’s foundation, it eventually causes structural damage that’s expensive to fix. Once you begin seeing signs of structural damage (cracks in the foundation/walls/floors, crumbling concrete, etc.) it’s too late. Your building’s structural support has been compromised. Rather than wait until the warning signs present themselves and endure costly repairs, opt for waterproofing right away.

6. Below Grade Waterproofing Protects Your Merchandise and Equipment

Often, business owners store merchandise and equipment in the lower levels of their buildings. When dampness and water get inside, however, it compromises the integrity of these valuable items. If left unchecked, water seepage could turn into flooding, which almost always results in major monetary loss for business owners. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t forgo commercial waterproofing.
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and need foundation waterproofing services for your commercial property, call Airtight Construction, Inc. With more than 40 years in the business, we’ve got you covered with the best handiwork, customer service, and guarantee in the industry.