Latest Blog

Asphalt parking lot design is something most of us take for granted. We use parking lots daily, and the one on your property greatly supports your business. While most of us don’t give asphalt paving and design much thought, there are many details to consider when installing a new parking lot.

The overall design of your Chicago asphalt parking lot can make or break its success. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to ensure that your new lot is effective and headache-free.

How Big Should My Asphalt Parking Lot in Chicago Be?

Here’s one of the first things you should consider. For commercial or industrial parking lots, bigger is better. Generally, it’s better to overshoot your needs than deal with capacity or traffic issues later.

The overall square footage will affect the asphalt parking lot cost for installation. However, dealing with the headaches of a poorly designed lot will cost you more in the long run. Aim to minimize wasted space when creating your Chicago asphalt parking lot.

Remember to account for your lot’s purpose. Do you operate a fleet of delivery trucks? Does your business accept industrial freight? Those heavy trucks need more support. Therefore, you’ll need thicker asphalt paving. Thickness is another factor that impacts asphalt parking lot cost.

But like space maximization, those added costs make a difference over the long run.

How Many Spaces Should My New Asphalt Parking Lot Design Have?

Once you determine how much physical space you’re dedicating to your Chicago asphalt parking lot, you can start thinking about the number of spaces you include. Look at your industry and the purpose of your lot.

Many industries have code requirements for asphalt parking lot design, dictating the minimum number of spaces you need. These requirements vary based on the capacity of your business. But even if no codes exist, you should strive to maximize the number of available spaces.

The best way to do that is to create a design that includes 90-degree spaces. However, you should always consider the needs of your business. If your lot will experience high turnover, you may benefit from angled parking spaces that are easier for visitors to maneuver.

Do All Spaces in an Asphalt Parking Lot Need to Be Identical?

Contrary to popular belief, your Chicago asphalt parking lot doesn’t need identically sized spaces throughout. The standard for public-use spaces is about nine by 18 feet. However, not all vehicles will need that much room.

One great way to maximize the capacity of your asphalt parking lot is to create smaller spaces. For example, you can include a strip of spots for compact cars. They’re a few feet shorter and thinner. You can also incorporate spots for motorcycles.

Think about the types of vehicles people will use when visiting your property, and use a mix of space sizes to use up every square foot of your lot.

What Additional Features Should I Include in My Asphalt Parking Lot Design?

Your asphalt parking lot in Chicago does more than hold standard vehicles. There are several additional features you can and should incorporate into your design. Some are required by law.

For instance, to be ADA-compliant, you must include wide van-accessible spaces with eight-foot access aisles. You’ll also want to have ramps that cut through the curb.

To make your parking lot more functional, you can include features like one-way traffic lanes or landscaped medians that improve traffic flow. Alternatively, your design can incorporate features that benefit your business, such as public transit dropoff zones, drive-through lanes, truck loading lanes, etc.

Are There Any Considerations for Safety and Asphalt Parking Lot Maintenance?

Safety should always be a priority, and you can use the design of your new Chicago asphalt parking lot to minimize liabilities and prevent safety hazards. Painted markings and traffic signage are great places to start. Use vibrant striping to mark spaces, arrows to direct drivers and use lawful signage to establish right-of-way for pedestrians.

Concrete wheel stop barriers in each slot ensure all vehicles stay within the confines of their spaces. Meanwhile, barriers, curbs and raised pedestrian walkways prevent cars from driving in unauthorized areas, risking damage to your property or injury to pedestrians.

Those features can add to the final asphalt parking lot cost, but they’re worth the investment.

For the long-term resilience of your lot, consider factors like drainage. Parking lot repair issues will become frequent if you don’t consider drainage provisions. For example, you can minimize parking lot repairs by adding inlets or catch basins that prevent standing water. Smaller details like the slope of your asphalt paving make a difference.

Parking lot repair is common and will keep your property looking great for decades. However, addressing drainage and maintenance issues now by baking provisions into your design will reduce how often you have to get parking lot repairs.

When you’re ready to get a new asphalt parking lot in Chicago for your business, turn to Blackhawk Paving & Construction. We do large-scale paving projects while working to minimize disruption to your business. We have nearly 50 years of experience completing logistically sensitive projects for industrial manufacturing, shopping centers, office centers, storage facilities and more.

Our services include full asphalt paving, repair, and seal coating. We can also do parking lot striping, pavement markings, concrete curbing, etc. At Blackhawk Paving & Construction, we pride ourselves on our commitment to clients like you. We aim to exceed your expectations while treating you like a partner throughout our process. You can expect full transparency, reliable jobsite communication and customer service you can trust.

Let us be your go-to asphalt contractors! We’re ready to tackle whatever parking lot project you need. For your free job quote, call us at (708) 787-8765. Or, submit your information using our online contact form or email us at Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

We look forward to hearing from you and showcasing why we’re Chicago’s best asphalt parking lot company!

Hiring an asphalt company to maintain your commercial property is one of the best things you can do for your business. Your asphalt paving is the first thing people see and interact with when visiting your property, and you need help from an experienced asphalt company in Chicago to keep it in great shape.

But that’s not all. Chicago asphalt companies can also protect your bottom line, improve the safety of your property and more.

Does the Appearance of Asphalt Paving Matter?

Curb appeal matters more than most realize! When your company’s reputation is on the line, you shouldn’t spare any expense to leave a lasting impression.

High-quality asphalt paving is a welcome sight for potential customers. Not only is it more comfortable to drive on, but it gives off a sense of professionalism. Even drivers passing by who don’t stop at your property will think highly of your business when you have pristine asphalt.

Chicago asphalt companies can significantly improve your curb appeal in many ways. Repair services will make quick work of unsightly potholes or cracks. Meanwhile, more intensive jobs like asphalt overlays, milling or sealcoating can give your property a like-new look that will impress.

Can Asphalt Companies Improve the Customer Experience?

No one likes to drive on rough surfaces. Cracks, potholes, structural issues and more can make visiting your business a nightmare! What customer wants to support your company when visiting your property is a hassle?

Conversely, driving on smooth and durable asphalt is a welcome experience for you, your employees and your customers. It also makes walking from their vehicle to your building a much safer experience. Asphalt companies can help you get the smooth and resilient paved surfaces you need to deliver a great customer experience from the moment they pull into your property.

How Can an Asphalt Company Keep My Business Running Smoothly?

Businesses that neglect to hire a Chicago asphalt company often have to foot the bill for massive reclamation projects or full parking lot replacements. Those services are sometimes necessary, but they’re also avoidable with regular service from an asphalt company.

The biggest problem with those major projects is that they require substantial downtime. Can your business afford to come to a grinding halt due to asphalt paving issues? Do your company and your budget a favor and work with asphalt contractors for regular maintenance and repair. Their service will prevent downtime, ensuring that business runs as usual.

Can Asphalt Companies Help My Business Save Money?

Service from an asphalt company in Chicago goes beyond downtime prevention. Service from asphalt contractors can also save you money in the long run.

First, asphalt is durable and can last decades with proper care. It holds up well to the elements and is strong enough to withstand considerable wear and tear.

Secondly, a Chicago asphalt company can provide maintenance and repair services that prolong the life of your investment. Regular service is far more affordable than correcting major problems. Occasional repair work or sealcoating is a smart investment that will help your business stay in the black while avoiding sudden expenses that cost a fortune.

What Can an Asphalt Company Do to Make My Property Safer?

We can’t forget about safety. Have you ever considered the legal and financial implications of an injury that happens on your property? Most business owners shudder at the thought! However, accidents and injuries caused by poorly maintained asphalt paving are more common than you think.

An asphalt company in Chicago can protect your business and its patrons by addressing issues that cause personal injury and vehicle damage. For example, cracks can be tripping hazards, potholes can cause auto repair problems, etc.

Asphalt contractors can fix whatever safety issues plague your paved surfaces, minimizing liability risks and keeping everyone safe.

What Asphalt Company Should I Choose?

If you’re looking for a Chicago asphalt company with a proven track record of success, turn to Blackhawk Paving & Construction. Our family-owned and operated business is approaching its fifth decade, and we’re ready to show you why we’re among the most trusted Chicago asphalt companies! We proudly serve commercial and industrial clients throughout the Chicago area and pride ourselves on providing top-quality work that doesn’t disrupt your business.

We offer many services, including asphalt paving and repair, milling, sealcoating, parking lot striping, pavement markings, asphalt fabric, and hot crack sealing. We also do concrete flatwork, curbing, car stops, sewer repair, traffic signage and more. No matter what work your property needs, we promise to provide transparency, detailed quotes and seamless communication. Call us at (708) 787-8765 for your free job quote today. You can also submit your information using our online contact form or reach out via email at Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

If you have ever spent a winter in Chicago, there is no need to tell you how brutal the weather can be. Snow, ice, single-digit temperatures, and biting winds can make it miserable to be outside. You have ways to compensate, though. You can bundle up in warm clothing, or you can opt to stay indoors as much as possible. However, neither of the options are available to your asphalt parking lot. Your pavement is fully exposed to whatever weather nature sends its way. Cracks can form in your pavement, and when they do, they need to be repaired as quickly as possible with hot crack sealing.

Why Is Prompt Crack Repair Important for an Asphalt Parking Lot?

You might say that cracks are the tip of an iceberg that can sink your asphalt pavement. Once cracks appear, they do not heal themselves over time. In fact, the opposite is true. Until you ask a professional to provide asphalt crack repair services, the cracks will expand in depth, length, and width. As they grow, they generate more cracks, and potholes are typically the next type of damage to appear. An economical asphalt crack repair in Chicago is an excellent illustration of the truth behind the old saying about the value of a stitch in time.

How Do Chicago Contractors Repair Cracks in an Asphalt Parking Lot?

Nationwide, asphalt maintenance companies use two basic methods to repair cracks.

1. Crack Sealing: Crack sealing in Chicago involves the placement of a rubberized material over the top of a crack. Typically, the crack sealant extends onto the surrounding pavement, and it may also be inserted into the crack.
2. Crack Filling: Crack filling involves the insertion of a non-rubberized material into the crack. It may also extend slightly onto the adjacent pavement.

Which Method of Asphalt Crack Repair in Chicago Is Right for an Asphalt Parking Lot?

The preferred method is crack sealing in Chicago. There are several advantages to choosing Chicago hot crack sealing over crack filling.

1. The material used for hot crack sealing in Chicago is rubberized. This means that it remains flexible, so it can move with the pavement whenever the pavement reacts to changes in the temperature. The crack sealant is unlikely to break its bond with the pavement during thermal expansions and contractions. Chicago hot crack sealing is considered a permanent repair.
2. The material used for crack filling is not flexible. As it cures, it becomes hard and rigid. The bond between the filler and the pavement can be broken when the pavement expands or contracts, leaving a gap through which water can enter. In some cases, all the filler material can be forced from the crack. At best, crack filling should be viewed as a semi-permanent repair for asphalt parking lots in Chicago. It is extremely likely that the crack will need to be repaired again and again.

At Black Hawk Paving, our years of experience have convinced us that hot crack sealing is the best asphalt crack repair method for parking lots. In addition to offering hot crack sealing in Chicago, we offer asphalt repairs, asphalt milling and grinding, asphalt paving, and asphalt sealcoating. We also offer site grading and excavation, sewer repairs, parking lot striping, and pavement markings. Our other services include the installation of traffic signs, concrete curbing and flatwork, asphalt fabric, and car stops. We have earned a reputation among both our local and national clients as a dependable, professional company that consistently delivers exceptional work at competitive rates. It is easy to request a free job quote; just call 708-479-0400, submit our online form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Many managers and property owners favor asphalt pavements for their commercial properties for several reasons, including their financial and aesthetic benefits. However, there are two things you want to avoid: delays and cost overruns. Whether your projects involves new construction, routine maintenance, or repairs, there are certain steps you can take to help your Chicago asphalt paving company complete your project within budget and on time.

How Can Clients Assist Contractors With an Asphalt Paving Project?

The most successful projects involve a collaboration between an asphalt paving company and its client. Here are some tips for working with a paving company in Chicago.

1. Be honest with your paving contractor. If your contractor recommends resurfacing your entire asphalt parking lot, for example, but your budget is inadequate, say so. Experienced asphalt companies know ways to perform large projects in phases, and they also know whether there are acceptable alternatives.
2. Work closely with your Chicago asphalt paving company to develop a comprehensive plan. There will be certain tasks that only your paving contractor can handle, but there are typically other steps that the client must take. One example is ensuring that your tenants or residents are informed of the scheduled work well ahead of time. You may need to designate a different entrance, parking area, or route they need to take to avoid interfering with the work being performed by your asphalt paving company.
3. Avoid surprising your paving company with alterations to your project after work is underway. Asphalt paving companies create detailed schedules to ensure that the right equipment and personnel are available when and where they are needed. If you make changes midstream, the only option available to your Chicago asphalt paving company may be to pause work on your project. The other choice that is sometimes available to paving companies is to pay workers to work overtime, and this additional cost will most likely be passed on to the customer as an overrun.

How Do I Budget for the Services of an Asphalt Paving Company?

You need to begin by locating any records you might have in either digital or printed format. Knowing when a paving company in Chicago built your pavement is important. However, you also want to know the details of your pavement’s construction, including the compacted asphalt depth. Maintenance and repair records can be even more important. They can help you identify the preventive treatments your pavement received, the frequency and severity of repairs, and the sources of damage identified by the asphalt companies performing the work. Once you have assembled as much information as possible, it is time to call a trustworthy asphalt paving company for assistance. The answers to the following questions can help you create a realistic budget for your pavement care.

1. How often should I apply asphalt sealcoating? The intervals between applications depend on numerous factors. However, a typical Chicago parking lot will need sealcoating every other year.
2. How often should I schedule crack repairs? Cracks can endanger pedestrians as well as your pavement’s structural integrity. The age and condition of your pavement may require more frequent repairs, but most asphalt companies recommend repairing significant cracks at least once every year.
3. When should I repaint my parking lot? In the Chicago area, parking lot paint and asphalt sealcoating have similar life expectancies. A fresh application of sealcoating will require repainting your lines and markings, so you might want to schedule both services at the same time. Beyond that, you should repaint if the visibility of your lines and markings falls below 75% of their original vibrancy.
4. How often should I resurface my asphalt pavement? The answer to this question can only be determined by a qualified paving contractor who has conducted a thorough assessment of your specific pavement. That said, the most common ballpark estimate is that a typical parking lot needs resurfacing every 10 to 12 years.

Black Hawk Paving serves the greater Chicago area with a range of services, including parking lot maintenance programs, asphalt sealcoating, milling and grinding, asphalt paving and repair, site grading and excavation, hot crack sealing, concrete flatwork and curbing, car stops, traffic signage, and parking lot striping. We serve local commercial and industrial clients as well as national clients. We are known for our extraordinary craftsmanship, commitment to customer satisfaction, and professional and personal integrity. To request a free quote, complete the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.

It is difficult to understate the importance of commercial paving to the success of most Chicago businesses. Providing a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment can help you attract clientele, then keep them coming back time after time. This is also true if you lease to residential or commercial tenants. However, before you hire a paving contractor to install, repair, or maintain your commercial pavement, there are a few things you should know.

What Is the Most Essential Thing to Know About Commercial Paving?

The first thing you need to know is that even a highly experienced residential paving contractor may be a poor choice for a Chicago paving project. Commercial paving in Chicago often involves projects that are massive, complicated, and lengthy. Experienced paving companies are accustomed to dealing with the various complexities that such projects require, but a contractor with experience in just residential projects could be overwhelmed. Furthermore, a Chicago commercial paving company is more likely to own the right equipment for the job, have sufficient staffing, and possess adequate resources.

What Else Should I Know About Commercial Paving?

The topic of Chicago commercial paving is quite broad, so it is impossible to cover every detail in a single post. However, here is some essential information that may prove helpful to you.

1. Not every Chicago commercial paving company offers the same services. For example, paving companies can specialize in new construction, repairs, or overlays. A paving company may also focus on parking lots, highways, or urban streets. Therefore, it is important for you to ask for quotes from contractors who offer the service you need.
2. Commercial asphalt paving will need a little help to have a long, visually appealing life without needing costly repairs. Crack repairs and sealcoating are at the top of the list of routine maintenance services. However, you should also clean up puddles of vehicle fluids that have been leaked onto your pavement. Furthermore, you should ask a reputable commercial asphalt paving contractor to recommend safe, effective deicing products.
3. To continue the topic of commercial asphalt paving, you should know that asphalt pavements bear up surprisingly well to the harsh weather that is typical in Chicago. When given the proper care, asphalt pavements are pliable enough to expand and contract without breaking.
4. Commercial paving in Chicago is usually rapid to install and economical. Therefore, it can provide you with a significant return on your investment.
5. A reputable, experienced Chicago paving company can engineer a pavement that suits your specific needs. It matters whether your pavement will support passenger vehicles only, primarily heavy trucks, or a combination of all types of vehicles. It also matters how many vehicles your pavement will support on an average day.
6. You should solicit bids from more than one commercial company. Each company should send a representative to your site to evaluate a number of factors, including the condition of your existing pavement, the surrounding terrain, and the soil. Each bid should detail the type, quantity, and cost of materials as well as labor costs. Quotes should also include a tentative timeline, especially the projected starting and completion dates.

Black Hawk Paving is an esteemed Chicago commercial paving company that has served industrial facilities, local businesses, and national clients since 1975. We are a family-owned, family-operated business with a stellar reputation for honesty, quality, and service. We offer commercial asphalt paving as well as asphalt milling and grinding, asphalt repair, sealcoating, and asphalt hot crack sealing and routing. We also install concrete flatwork, curbing, truck docks and ramps, traffic signs, and car stops. In addition, we offer sewer repairs, parking lot striping, excavation and site grading, and pavement markings. If you are interested in a free consultation and quote, you can submit our online request form, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call our main office at 708-479-0400.

If you consider the creation of your annual budget as the most enjoyable task of the entire year, you might be surprised to discover that the majority of your peers do not share your enthusiasm. Even if you do not find budgeting onerous, you may still struggle with certain line items, including your budget for parking lot maintenance. However, no matter how challenging you might find it, you definitely need to include routine maintenance for your parking lot in every budget you create. Five good reasons to do so are related to monetary savings, the local weather, legal issues, the way that others perceive your operation, and the safety of your parking lot.

How Can a Parking Lot Maintenance Budget Contribute to Monetary Savings?

Compared to what it costs to build or rebuild a parking lot, the amount that a parking lot maintenance company charges is a paltry sum. For a very economical price, parking lot maintenance services can maximize the useful life of your pavement, sometimes doubling or even tripling it. Furthermore, your repair costs will not be as expensive, and even minor repairs will be needed less often. Studies have proven that every dollar spent on parking lot maintenance services results in up to $10 in savings over the life of a pavement.

Why Do Weather Conditions Affect the Need for Parking Lot Maintenance?

Parking lot maintenance in Chicago is necessary to combat the local weather conditions, including the area’s typically harsh winters. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures all take a toll on pavements. The chemicals used to melt ice and snow, prevent it from adhering to the pavement, or enhance traction can also inflict damage. Summer is no picnic for your pavement, either, between the sun, rain, and humidity. A professional Chicago parking lot maintenance program can help your pavement weather the weather. Simply stated, a well-maintained pavement is much more resistant to the elements.

What Is the Connection Between Legal Issues and Parking Lot Maintenance?

You are almost certainly aware of how building codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, fire codes, and occupational safety laws affect your interior spaces. However, you might not realize that they can extend to your parking lot. Although the other laws and codes can include your parking lot, the greatest risks are related to ADA compliance. Accessible parking spaces require specific markings, and the pavement within them and along accessible routes must be free from defects that could be hazardous to those with mobility issues.

How Does Parking Lot Maintenance Affect the Perceptions of Others?

In all probability, you have heard some version advising against judging a book by its cover. However, that is precisely what many people do when they take a look at your parking lot. In their minds, a shabby parking lot is an indication of a poorly maintained interior. They may also decide that you cut corners, ignore details, and have little regard for your patrons and employees. You only have one opportunity to create a favorable first impression, and a local parking lot maintenance contractor can help you achieve that goal.

What Is the Link Between Parking Lot Safety and Parking Lot Maintenance?

As any experienced parking lot maintenance company can attest, a well-maintained pavement is safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. An effective, professionally administered Chicago parking lot maintenance program can eliminate tripping hazards, reduce confusion, and help keep foot and vehicle traffic moving in an orderly fashion.

What Parking Lot Maintenance Services Are Required in Chicago?

For a definitive answer, you will need to ask a local parking lot maintenance professional to assess your specific pavement. However, Chicago parking lot maintenance plans usually include at least several of the following services.

1. High-quality parking lot striping and pavement markings help keep you legally compliant, boost your property’s curb appeal, and enhance safety.
2. Regular sealcoating applications are a virtual must-have in Chicago, providing protection for your pavement while simultaneously enhancing its appearance and safety.
3. Timely crack repairs can prevent more serious pavement damage from occurring. Crack repairs can also improve safety by eliminating potential tripping hazards.
4. Faded or damaged signs should be replaced or repaired as part of your ongoing Chicago parking lot maintenance plan. Severely damaged mounting poles should also be addressed.
5. Misaligned or broken car stops should be replaced to eliminate tripping hazards and potential damage to vehicles.
6. Standing water can be an unsightly inconvenience, but it can also pose a potential safety hazard. Furthermore, it can have a detrimental effect on the health of your pavement. Therefore, parking lot maintenance companies normally recommend including regular inspections of gutters, curbs, catch basins, and other drainage features. If issues are found, corrective action should be taken as soon as possible.

Since 1975, the mission of Black Hawk Paving & Construction has been to assist customers throughout the greater Chicago area obtain the best value for every dollar they invest in a parking lot. To accomplish our mission, we offer an extensive range of services, including the initial excavation and site grading. We also offer asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt and concrete repairs, asphalt milling, car stops, parking lot striping, hot crack sealing, asphalt sealcoating, concrete curbing, asphalt fabric, traffic signage, pavement markings, and sewer repairs. We are known for our craftsmanship, customer service, professionalism, and integrity. If you would like to request a free quote, submit our online form. If you prefer, you can email us at Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or you can call us at 708-479-0400.

When most people look at newly constructed asphalt pavements, they tend to see smooth, dark surfaces that show little variation in appearance. However, if you look below the surface, the structure of the different pavements can vary significantly. Engineers design pavements to serve specific purposes in the most efficient and economical manner. This saves their clients time and money, but it also conserves natural and manufactured resources. Therefore, it is important for you to understand the difference between industrial and commercial paving so that you can choose the right contractor.

What Is Industrial Paving?

When you think about an industrial facility, your first image may be a massive manufacturing plant that produces vehicles, large appliances, or other complex goods. However, the category also includes warehouses and storage facilities, petroleum refineries, and light industrial facilities that manufacture clothing, toiletries, and other small items. Industrial paving simply refers to the pavements constructed on the land controlled by the facility. Examples of industrial paving projects include parking lots for heavyweight trucks, walkways for pedestrians to move between buildings, and parking lots for passenger vehicles used by employees or visitors.

What Is Commercial Paving?

Chicago commercial paving projects typically involve for-profit businesses that are open to the public. Restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, recreational venues, office parks, stand-alone superstores and retailers, hotels and motels, casinos, resorts, and apartment complexes are a few examples. Commercial asphalt paving contractors typically do not include government-owned and operated buildings, healthcare facilities, and schools in this category, but that is far from universal. A commercial paving company may install, repair, or replace parking lots, walkways, access drives, and other pavements to allow pedestrians and drivers to navigate the property efficiently and safely.

What Are the Key Differences Between Industrial Paving and Commercial Paving?

There are numerous similarities in the construction techniques used for industrial and commercial projects, so many commercial paving companies construct both types of pavements. However, there are a few important differences to remember.

1. Clients expect a commercial paving contractor to provide them with a pavement that is visually pleasing. Allowances are typically made to incorporate aesthetic elements, including landscaping islands in or around parking lots.
2. Industrial paving clients are more concerned about the pavement’s functionality than its appearance. They want contractors to design pavements that can stand up to heavy loads, high traffic, and moderate abuse without needing frequent repairs. Therefore, industrial pavements are usually more structurally robust than commercial pavements. For example, an asphalt industrial pavement will normally have a thicker aggregate base as well as a greater depth of asphalt.
3. Although this is not always the case, commercial asphalt paving projects do not typically involve as many square feet of pavement as industrial projects. An industrial facility can be spread across several hundred acres, and all parts of the facility need to be connected by various types of pavements. Due in part to the acreage needed and zoning laws, industrial facilities are frequently located just beyond a town’s official boundaries. On the other hand, commercial paving projects almost always involve properties that are located within the city limits.

Regardless of whether you need an industrial or commercial paving company, Black Hawk Paving has the experience and resources to handle even highly complex projects. We have been in business since 1975, and we have earned an impressive reputation for service, craftsmanship, and integrity. We serve many national clients, including distribution centers, trucking facilities, and industrial manufacturers, as well as local clients and municipalities. Our services include the construction of concrete truck docks and ramps, asphalt paving and repair, site grading and excavation, hot crack sealing and routing, asphalt sealcoating, concrete curbing, asphalt milling and grinding, car stops, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, and traffic signage. You can submit our online request form if you would like to receive a free, no-obligation quote. You can also call us at 708-479-0400, or you can email us at Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

If you own or manage a business, you are probably quite familiar with the concept of capitalizing assets. Capital assets, which are sometimes called fixed assets, are basically durable items over a certain cost that you use to operate your business or produce your goods. Examples include manufacturing machines, heavy equipment, office or store fixtures, computer equipment, and vehicles. However, the broad category of capital assets can also include capital improvements that will likely require the assistance of a trustworthy Chicago paving company.

What Does a Chicago Paving Company Consider a Capital Improvement Project?

Trustworthy Chicago paving companies follow the guidelines established by the Internal Revenue Service to define legitimate capital improvement projects. Essentially, capital improvements upgrade, adapt, or enhance a property by making restorations or alterations. These features are meant to be permanent to the extent that removing them would damage the property. Furthermore, capital improvements should add value to the property. Bearing this description in mind, you might want to review the following list of capital improvement projects commonly handled by asphalt paving companies.

1. Parking lots are a common source of capital improvement projects handled by a typical asphalt paving contractor. The project can be an entirely new construction, or it can involve the demolition and reconstruction of an existing parking lot.
2. Depending on various factors, the installation of an asphalt paving overlay could be a capital improvement or a repair. Your Chicago paving company can help you make that determination after evaluating your specific circumstances.
3. Building, extending, or replacing private roads and streets could also be considered as capital improvements. For example, the cul-de-sacs and other streets that must be installed when developing a gated community could qualify.
4. Other examples of capital improvement projects that asphalt paving companies handle include walkways, drive-thru lanes, and pull-thru passenger disembarking areas.

How Do I Select the Best Chicago Paving Company for a Capital Improvement Project?

Whether you need an asphalt paving company, a concrete flatwork professional, or a Chicago paving contractor who can provide both asphalt and concrete services, the basic criteria are the same.

1. Seek out Chicago paving companies with a history of successfully completing capital improvement projects similar to what you need. Consider the scope, size, and complexity of your pending project when making comparisons.
2. Choose an asphalt paving company that can also maintain and repair your pavement. Contractors who understand the full lifecycle of a pavement can often recommend more cost-effective ways to approach a capital improvement project.
3. Make sure that the Chicago paving contractor you select is properly insured and appropriately licensed to perform the type of work you need. For example, all businesses operating within the Chicago city limits must have a valid Chicago business license. Furthermore, even if your municipality does not require contractors to carry insurance, you want to choose a Chicago paving company that at least carries workers’ comp, general liability, and vehicle liability policies.
4. Obtain a list of references from the Chicago paving companies that you are considering. Be sure to contact the company’s former customers to ask for their evaluation of the company and its work.

If you need superior results from the Chicago paving company you hire for your capital improvement project, do what Chicagoland commercial and industrial clients have been doing since 1975 and contact Black Hawk Paving. We provide national and local clients with a wide assortment of services, including asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt milling and grinding, car stops, site grading and excavation, asphalt repair, parking lot striping, ADA compliance assistance, asphalt sealcoating, traffic signage, and hot crack sealing. We have an impeccable reputation for craftsmanship, service, and professionalism. To request a free quote, fill out our online form, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call us at 708-479-0400!

Asphalt pavements can be attractive, durable, and economical if they are installed and maintained properly. If you are a facility manager in the Chicagoland area, you probably have or will have the responsibility of working with an asphalt paving professional. This can be an unsettling thought if you know little or nothing about the benefits and requirements of an asphalt pavement. However, there is really no need to worry.

What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Paving?

Whether you are a Chicago facility manager, municipal employee, or business owner, paving offers several important benefits.

1. Compared to concrete, asphalt paving in Chicago costs less and is faster to install. Routine maintenance and repair procedures are also speedy and economical.
2. During the winter, the ability of a pavement to reflect or absorb sunlight can impact the accumulation of snow or ice. Chicago asphalt paving has a dark color that absorbs the sun’s heat better than concrete.
3. Asphalt paving in Chicago requires little in the way of routine maintenance. Typically,  paving companies recommend sealcoating your paving every other year, repairing significant cracks every six months, and cleaning the pavement as needed.
4. As a Chicago facility manager, you are probably concerned with ensuring that your property is as safe as possible. When it comes to traction, asphalt is a better paving material than concrete. Superior traction can reduce accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, or cycles.

What Should I Know About the Paving Procedure?

An experienced Chicago asphalt paving company will take the time to explain the steps involved to complete your specific procedure. Generally, however, paving contractors have certain steps that they virtually always follow.

1. When handling asphalt paving in Chicago, traffic control is an essential part of the process. Normally, asphalt paving companies assign specific employees to erect barricades or other devices to redirect traffic. Depending on the job, some paving contractors also station flaggers or lookouts with two-way radios to make the site even safer.
2. Chicago paving jobs may involve a new construction, a demolition and reconstruction, an overlay installation, or a repair. In general, if the task cannot be handled with routine maintenance or a relatively shallow repair, many contractors will consider it an asphalt paving procedure.
3. Most asphalt paving companies are skilled at dividing projects into separate stages or areas to make things more convenient for their customers. For example, if a customer has a massive parking lot that needs an overlay, a Chicago paving company may divide the lot into multiple sections that can be completed individually. A similar approach may be used if the customer needs to spread the costs over two years; half the work can be completed during the fourth quarter, for instance, with the remainder completed during the first quarter of the following year.

If you are a Chicago facility manager who would like to learn more about paving, please contact the experts at Black Hawk Paving. We offer an extensive range of services to local and national clients. Our services include asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt milling, concrete curbing, site grading and excavation, sealcoating, asphalt repair, car stops, sewer repair, traffic signs, hot crack sealing, pavement markings, asphalt fabric, and parking lot striping. Since our founding in 1975, we have been committed to delivering superior work and exemplary service on every project. If you would like to receive a free job quote, give us a call at 708-479-0400.  If you prefer, you can send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or you can complete our request form online.

One of the quirks about most languages is that a word can mean different things in different contexts. For example, when talking about people, milling can imply that they are moving around in a disorganized or confused manner. Milling can refer to the process of grinding grain to produce flour, or it can describe the process of cutting or pressing metal. To a coin collector, milling refers to the grooves around a coin’s edges. None of these definitions, however, accurately describe asphalt milling.

What Is the Definition of Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling contractors typically define milling as the grinding away of an existing asphalt pavement by using a milling machine. Some milling machines are capable of removing all layers of the pavement, including the base layers. However, asphalt milling in Chicago is usually performed as part of a resurfacing or overlaying project. Normally, Chicago asphalt resurfacing projects do not require contractors to grind off more than two or three inches of the pavement’s surface. Contractors can use Chicago milling machines for other purposes, though. For example, an asphalt milling company can use a milling machine to correct certain drainage issues, smooth a bumpy surface, or cut rumble strips in existing pavements.

What Should I Do Before My Contractor Starts My Milling Project?

As soon as you start thinking about Chicago asphalt milling, you should locate an experienced, trustworthy contractor. Whether you need asphalt resurfacing in Chicago or a different milling procedure, your contractor will be instrumental in the quality of the work you receive.

1. Look for an asphalt milling contractor with whom you feel comfortable. You want your contractor to be an effective communicator who returns your messages within a reasonable time. You do not want a contractor who disrespects you, your staff, or your time.
2. After choosing a Chicago milling professional, ask for a list of tasks that you need to complete prior to your project’s start date. In most cases, asphalt milling contractors do not require their customers to shoulder much of a burden. However, your milling contractor may ask you to communicate your plans to your staff, residents, clients, or tenants through signage, memos, or other means. Your project will experience fewer delays or disruptions if you keep the right people informed of when and where your contractor will be working.
3. Decide when you want to schedule your asphalt resurfacing in Chicago. Chicago milling and resurfacing projects can often be performed on holidays or weekends, and some projects can also be handled at night. Work with your asphalt milling company to identify the times during which your traffic will be at or near minimum for your pavement. This allows your contractor to have more control over the traffic near the work area, and this can enhance safety and reduce delays.

To learn more about Chicago asphalt resurfacing or asphalt milling, get in touch with the experts at Black Hawk Paving. We also offer asphalt sealcoating, concrete flatwork, asphalt paving, car stops, site grading, asphalt repairs, concrete curbing, excavations, hot crack sealing, traffic signage, parking lot striping, asphalt fabric, sewer repair, and pavement marking. We have been serving commercial clients in and around Chicago since 1975. We have an outstanding reputation for service, craftsmanship, and integrity. If you would like to request a free job quote, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, complete our online form, or call 708-479-0400.