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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.

If you have an asphalt pavement, the most cost-effective way to reduce repairs, protect your curb appeal, and maximize the life of your pavement is to sealcoat it periodically. In most cases, your parking lot in Chicago will need asphalt sealcoating every two years or so, and your pavement can be reopened in as little as 24 hours. If you think that closing your parking lot for a day or two every couple of years is too disruptive, you may be considering asking your contractor to apply your sealcoating at night. You probably will not find a trustworthy contractor who will agree to nighttime sealcoating. Even if you do, you will almost certainly regret your decision.

Why Might I Regret Choosing Nighttime Asphalt Sealcoating?

There are several reasons to avoid nighttime asphalt sealcoating in Chicago.

1. Studies have shown that Chicago asphalt sealcoating that is applied during the day lasts three to four times as long as sealcoating that is applied at night.
2. Applying asphalt seal coating during the day also reduces the chances of missed areas and oversprays.
3. Due to the lack of visibility, even with spotlights and parking lot lighting, employees of sealcoating companies have more trouble ensuring a smooth, even coat.
4. Dew can leave wet sealcoating blotchy or pockmarked.
5. Most companies that manufacture asphalt seal coating will void their product warranties if contractors choose a nighttime application. In addition, most contractors who offer Chicago sealcoating asphalt services will guarantee their work for daytime applications, but they will not do so for nighttime applications.

In other words, your results are likely to be less attractive and have a shorter life, and you could potentially be paying for another application in a few months out of your own pocket. Perhaps the saddest thing about nighttime asphalt sealcoating in Chicago is that you would be risking a lot and gaining nothing.

Why Does Nighttime Sealcoating Gain Nothing?

Think about the reasons why you want an asphalt sealcoating company to schedule your application at night. Most people do not realize two important reasons why you do not need to ask an asphalt sealcoating company to perform your work at night.

1. You want to be able to use your parking lot as soon as you open your doors to customers the next morning. Unfortunately, this will not happen. Asphalt sealcoating needs several hours of sunlight to cure properly. Since it cannot get that exposure at night, all you are doing is postponing the start of the curing process until dawn.
2. Chicago asphalt sealcoating professionals are adept at working around a customer’s schedule. If your business is not open 365 days a year, your local asphalt sealcoating contractor will be happy to schedule your job on a day you are closed, including holidays or weekends. If your business never closes, asphalt sealcoating contractors will work with you to identify your slowest times during the day so that they can perform their work then. However, sealcoating companies are very accustomed to using the piecemeal approach on a job. What this means is that they divide the work area into sections that they can close, sealcoat, and reopen individually. Therefore, you will always have part of your parking lot available for use at all times.

Black Hawk Paving has been providing national chains and local commercial clients in Chicagoland with superior work since 1975. Asphalt sealcoating is just one of the many services we provide. We also offer asphalt paving and repair, site grading, parking lot striping, asphalt milling and grinding, excavations, hot crack sealing and routing, asphalt fabric installation, car stops, concrete curbing, sewer repairs, pavement markings, concrete flatwork, and traffic signs. We have earned an exemplary reputation by consistently delivering exceptional work and extraordinary service on every project. You can use our online form to request a free job quote. If you prefer, you can also email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or you can call 708-479-0400.

Whether you choose concrete or asphalt paving, your pavement will suffer from the loads it must bear as well as the forces of nature. Sometimes, the damage can be mitigated through a proactive maintenance plan, or it can be repaired using a variety of methods. However, in other cases, your only, or your most cost-effective solution, will be a full-depth asphalt paving reconstruction.

What Is a Full-Depth Asphalt Paving Reconstruction?

Basically, a full-depth asphalt paving reconstruction is the demolition of your existing pavement before an asphalt paving company rebuilds it from the ground up. When reconstructing asphalt paving in Chicago, the pavement, its foundation, and, in some cases, a certain depth of the underlying soil will be removed. If asphalt paving contractors need to remove some of the soil, they will replace it so that the subgrade can be properly compacted to provide the pavement with a stable, strong foundation. Typically, Chicago asphalt paving reconstruction also requires the contractor to rebuild the base, which provides the opportunity to increase its strength if necessary. Contractors then install multiple courses of fresh asphalt paving, compacting each before proceeding, so that the depth of the asphalt matches the design specifications.

How Do I Know Whether I Need a Full-Depth Asphalt Paving Reconstruction?

There are some factors that may influence the need to rebuild an asphalt pavement, including the pavement’s age, initial construction quality, and lifetime care. However, there are two factors that are the most useful when deciding whether to reconstruct your asphalt pavement. These are the type of damage and its extent. More than likely, you will need the assistance of a Chicago asphalt paving contractor to fully assess your pavement’s damage. Experienced asphalt paving contractors will know how to identify the cause of the damage as well as how far it extends beneath the surface.

1. Certain types of damage often indicate the structural failure of your asphalt paving. These can include alligator cracking, sinkholes and potholes, longitudinal cracks, severe rutting, or widespread subsidence. In some cases, the source of the damage can be traced back to its original installation. Perhaps the original asphalt paving company failed to compact the soil, base, or asphalt sufficiently, or the company chose the wrong mix. The engineering design may have been flawed, so the pavement could not support the weight of traffic it had to bear. On the other hand, the original installation could have been flawless, and the damage is the result of what happened after construction. For example, the pavement’s use could have changed, so it was forced to support heavier or more numerous vehicles. Maintenance and repairs might have been neglected, allowing water to enter the structure and destroy the supporting foundation. There are many potential causes of damage to asphalt paving in Chicago, but identifying them usually requires an experienced professional. It is essential to identify and correct the cause so that your new pavement will not suffer the same fate.
2. When asphalt paving contractors refer to the extent of the damage, they are not just talking about what you can see on the surface. Instead, they are thinking in three dimensions. You can see the length and width of the damage, but you cannot see its depth. For example, does a crack stop after it reaches a depth of four inches, or does it continue all the way to the base? Has the base been compromised, or is it still largely intact? The answers to such questions are especially critical if the type of damage could be attributed to widespread structural failure. However, they can also help asphalt paving companies determine whether you might be able to salvage your pavement rather than reconstruct it.

Whether you own a local business or represent a national chain, Black Hawk Paving is ready to help you with all your asphalt paving needs. We offer asphalt paving reconstruction and construction, asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing and routing, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt fabric installation, parking lot striping, excavations, pavement markings, sewer repairs, site grading, car stops, and traffic signage. We also offer concrete repair and installation services, including curbing, ramps, truck docks, and other concrete flatwork services. We have provided asphalt paving in Chicago since 1975, establishing an exemplary reputation for professionalism, workmanship, honesty, and service. For a free quote, submit our online request form, or send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com. Call us at 708-479-0400 for a free quotation!

Asphalt pavements can be long-lasting, attractive, and economical, but you will need to give them some help along the way. Routine maintenance procedures, including crack repairs and sealcoating, can prolong the life of your pavement. However, sooner or later, you will need more than just routine maintenance. Asphalt overlaying, also known as asphalt resurfacing, can be an excellent solution when your pavement requires that little something extra. The answers to five questions can help you determine whether it is time to install an asphalt overlay in Chicago.

Has Your Pavement Already Received an Asphalt Overlay in Chicago?

One of the great things about asphalt overlays is that they can be installed on the same pavement as often as needed. However, if your asphalt paving contractor did not address any existing structural damage or drainage problems before placing an overlay, your overlay may have failed prematurely. Furthermore, the hidden issues may have worsened significantly, and this could affect the feasibility of overlaying your asphalt pavement. Check your records to determine when a Chicago asphalt overlay company resurfaced your pavement. Next, look for signs that damage patterns have telegraphed through to your existing asphalt overlay.

What Color Is Your Existing Asphalt Pavement?

New asphalt paving has a luxurious black color. This is true for a newly built pavement as well as for an asphalt overlay in Chicago. Over time, however, the sun’s UV rays will turn the color of asphalt to a faded, dingy gray or brown. Taken alone, color fading may not be a significant issue, but the problem is that UV rays also make asphalt paving brittle, dry, and more vulnerable to damage. Severe fading can be a warning sign that you should call a contractor with experience in asphalt overlaying in Chicago.

Would the Aesthetics of Your Pavement Benefit From an Asphalt Overlay in Chicago?

Faded color is not the only way that the condition of your pavement could have a negative impact on your curb appeal. Oil stains are unsightly, but they can also pose hazards to the health of your pavement as well as the people who use it. Years of numerous crack repairs or patches could also detract from the appearance of your pavement. Overlaying asphalt pavements purely to improve aesthetics can be a wise decision, especially if you cater to upscale customers, manage a pricey gated community, or want to attract the best tenants.

Does Your Pavement Drain Well?

When an asphalt overlay company constructs a new pavement correctly, water should easily flow away from the surface and into gutters or drains. If your pavement has areas that retain water longer than the rest of your pavement, that can be a warning sign that something is going on under the surface. Although it is not always the case, surface depressions are often the result of water that has worked its way deep into the structure and damaged the foundation. Unless the foundation damage is severe and widespread, a Chicago asphalt overlay company can probably solve the drainage issues.

Do You Need an Asphalt Overlay in Chicago to Correct Specific Damage Patterns?

There are several types of damage that can be repaired by overlaying an asphalt pavement. However, your asphalt paving contractor will need to evaluate your pavement to determine whether a more economical method exists as well as whether the damage is too severe for asphalt overlaying in Chicago.

1. Linear cracks, which parallel the direction of the asphalt’s laydown, and transverse cracks, which run perpendicular to the laydown, may be suitably repaired by overlaying the asphalt pavement. However, it may also be possible for your asphalt company to fill or seal relatively thin cracks.
2. Rutting and raveling are two conditions that might indicate the advisability of asphalt overlaying in Chicago. Edge cracking is another condition that an asphalt overlay might correct.
3. Block cracks, which should not be confused with alligator cracks, form a pattern of large rectangles. Although it might be possible to seal thin block cracks, thick ones usually require overlaying.
4. An asphalt company can often repair deep potholes with a procedure known as full-depth patching. However, if your pavement is riddled with numerous potholes over a wide area, asphalt overlaying in Chicago may be a more cost-effective solution.

If you would like to learn more about asphalt overlaying in Chicago, contact the experts at Black Hawk Paving. In addition to asphalt overlays, we offer asphalt paving, hot crack sealing, asphalt repairs, concrete flatwork and curbing, asphalt milling and grinding, car stops, asphalt sealcoating, site grading and excavations, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, traffic signage, asphalt fabric, and pavement markings. We have been serving commercial and industrial clients in the greater Chicago area since 1975. We have earned a reputation for extraordinary workmanship, professional service, and consistent reliability. We offer free quotes, so fill out the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call us at 708-479-0400, 773-378-2390, or 847-240-2560.

If you are responsible for the health of an asphalt pavement, you may have heard that routine applications of a quality sealcoat are highly recommended. However, you may have also heard several myths about asphalt sealcoating. Most of these myths revolve around sealcoating’s cost, purpose, and inconvenience.

What Are Some Myths About the Cost of Asphalt Sealcoating?

The most common myth about cost is that parking lot sealcoating is expensive. Although the actual price will depend on a number of factors, sealcoating in Chicago is usually much less than $0.50 per square foot. In most cases, the price per square foot for asphalt patching, crack sealing, asphalt resurfacing, or asphalt paving will be significantly more. This makes Chicago asphalt sealcoating an extremely cost-effective procedure that can help you increase the return on your investment in asphalt paving. Another common myth is that you should hire the sealcoating company that submits the lowest bid. Not every company offering to sealcoat a paving lot plans to use high-quality products. Furthermore, some companies will not follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing and applying the mix, leading to a short-lived job. Other Chicago asphalt sealcoating contractors do not carry workers’ compensation or business liability insurance, and this increases your potential financial risks.

What Are Some Myths About the Purpose of Asphalt Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a multipurpose product that delivers several benefits, but it is not a magic elixir that can solve every problem with your asphalt pavement.

1. Myth: Parking lot sealcoating is nothing more than a beauty treatment.

Truth: Sealcoating in Chicago can return a faded pavement to its original luxurious color, make the pavement appear more even, and conceal minor imperfections. However, the true purpose of sealcoating is to protect asphalt pavements from damage from ultraviolet radiation, corrosive chemicals, water penetration, automotive fluids, and abrasive particles.

2. Myth: There is no need to repair cracks before you sealcoat a paving lot.

Truth: Your contractor must repair any significant breaks in the pavement before applying parking lot sealcoating. Sealcoating is a liquid when it is applied, so it will simply drain into any openings and be wasted.

3. Myth: Chicago sealcoating is used when the pavement needs to be slicker so that ice will not form.

Truth: First of all, a correctly prepared sealcoating mix will contain sand that serves to improve the pavement’s traction, not make it slicker. Furthermore, even if you sealcoat a paving lot, it is possible for ice to form on the pavement. However, asphalt sealcoating in Chicago can help protect your pavement from anti-icing and ice melt products that you may use.

What Are Some Myths About the Inconvenience of Asphalt Sealcoating?

Myths about the inconvenience of applying sealcoating in Chicago leave some people highly concerned about the impact the process will have on their operation every time they need sealcoating.

1. Myth: Parking lot sealcoating needs to be applied every six months or so.

Truth: A high-quality, professionally applied Chicago parking lot sealcoating job typically lasts between 18 and 30 months. Parking lots with extremely high volumes of traffic may need certain areas touched up annually. However, applying sealcoating too frequently can be just as bad as waiting too long between applications. A reputable asphalt sealcoating company will advise you on the proper schedule for your specific pavement.

2. Myth: I will need to close my business so that my contractor can apply my parking lot sealcoating.

Truth: There are many ways to work around this problem, and experienced Chicago asphalt sealcoating contractors know them all. For example, if your business is not open seven days a week, your asphalt sealcoating company could sealcoat your parking lot while you are closed. Chicago parking lot sealcoating contractors are also accustomed to dividing a pavement into sections that can be closed, sealed, and reopened before moving to the next section.

3. Myth: Chicago asphalt sealcoating takes several days to dry.

Truth: The drying time of asphalt sealcoating in Chicago depends primarily on the weather, but it is extremely rare that a pavement must remain closed to vehicles for more than 18 hours. Most pavements can begin admitting pedestrians within four or five hours.

If you need exceptional asphalt sealcoating in Chicago, contact the experts at Black Hawk Paving. We also offer hot crack sealing, asphalt repair, asphalt milling, asphalt paving, site grading, concrete curbing, car stops, concrete flatwork, excavations, traffic signage, parking lot striping, and pavement markings. We serve national, industrial, and commercial clients throughout Chicagoland. For a free job quote, fill out the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.

Unless you are actively engaged in the real estate industry, you may not have a complete understanding of the importance of property values. You may also think property values are something that only homeowners worry about protecting or enhancing. However, the concept is equally important for commercial properties, and asphalt paving is an economical way to improve your commercial property values.

What Affects Commercial Property Values?

The value of a commercial property depends on numerous factors, some of which are also factors that affect the value of a residential property. Real estate professionals often separate these factors into market values and assessed values. In simple terms, the market value is what the property should realistically sell for, while the assessed value is the basis for calculating property taxes. However, there is some overlap between market and assessed values. The following list explores the most critical factors that can affect the value of your commercial property.

1. The size of the parcel or lot matters. It also matters whether the land has been improved by landscaping or paving contractors. If much of the parcel consists of raw land, the value of the property can be reduced.
2. The size and condition of your building and other structures can play a significant role in your commercial property values.
3. The current supply and demand for comparable properties will also play a role in commercial market values.
4. Location is another important factor. The property’s proximity to transportation, jobs, amenities, and other necessities or attractions can have a significant impact on your property values.
5. The aesthetics of your property can also affect its value. This is what real estate agents often refer to as curb appeal, but it is extremely difficult to quantify. Curb appeal helps create a perception of your overall business. For example, if you have a worn-out pavement that is in dire need of an asphalt overlay, people could perceive that your business is in financial distress. This could result in lower offers if you are selling your property, or it could make it more difficult to secure tenants at your asking rates.

How Does Asphalt Paving Impact the Factors Related to Commercial Property Values?

Even if you have no current plans to sell your commercial property, it would be wise to protect its value or improve it. Buyers and investors will calculate their total costs against their potential rewards.

1. If you hire an asphalt paving company to install a parking lot, for example, your property value increases because you have improved your parcel. However, that gain in value could be lost if you neglect your asphalt maintenance and allow your parking lot to deteriorate.
2. If your business requires you to attract and retain tenants, you need to provide them with a safe, welcoming environment. Asphalt paving companies can install a variety of pavements, including walkways, parking lots, and recreational amenities, to help you do just that. After your paving contractor in Chicago installs your pavement, however, you want to be proactive about your asphalt maintenance to protect your property values.
3. Your curb appeal sends a message to potential tenants, customers, investors, or buyers that you provide a valuable service or product. They will see you as someone who pays attention to the details, takes pride in your operation, and cares about others.

How Should Asphalt Paving Be Maintained?

If you hire an experienced, trustworthy asphalt paving company to construct your pavement, you should take your contractor’s advice on how long to wait before opening your new pavement to traffic. The waiting time will be brief, but it can make a world of difference to the health of your pavement. Once your pavement is open, you should follow an effective asphalt maintenance plan.

1. Sealcoat your pavement as soon as the asphalt has cured. Paving contractors usually recommend sealcoating new pavements three to four months after installation. However, because there are several factors that can affect the waiting time, you should ask your paving contractor in Chicago to advise you.
2. After an initial sealcoating, plan to reapply the sealant about every two years. Your asphalt paving company can recommend the precise interval for your specific pavement.
3. If cracks develop, have your asphalt maintenance contractor repair them as soon as possible to prevent water infiltration. Plan to have your contractor locate and repair significant cracks at least once a year.
4. Inspect your concrete curbing annually. If issues are noted, address them promptly.
5. Depending on how you use your pavement, plan to install an asphalt overlay every 10 to 15 years to return your pavement to like-new condition.
6. Keep your pavement clean. Remove leaked vehicle fluids, trash, tree sap, dead leaves, and other debris regularly.

Black Hawk Paving specializes in commercial asphalt paving services for clients in the greater Chicago area. Our services include asphalt paving and repair, asphalt overlays, asphalt milling and grinding, asphalt sealcoating, hot crack sealing and routing, concrete flatwork, concrete curbing, car stops, excavation and site grading, parking lot striping, sewer repair, pavement markings, traffic signage, and asphalt fabric installation. We serve commercial, industrial, national, and municipal clients. We have earned an impeccable reputation for high-quality workmanship and exemplary service. If you would like a free quote, you can submit your request by filling out the online form, calling 708-479-0400, or emailing Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Periodic applications of a high-quality asphalt sealant can increase your return on your investment in paving by reducing repair costs and prolonging the life of your pavement. For mere pennies per square foot, sealcoating can block damaging UV rays and automotive fluids as well as enhance the pavement’s appearance. However, sealcoat applications require specific environmental conditions that tend to come together more frequently in the spring, making it the best season for Chicago asphalt sealcoating.

What Are the Ideal Conditions for Chicago Asphalt Sealcoating?

The companies that manufacture sealcoating conduct a great deal of research to determine the best conditions for applying their products. These are the ideal conditions for applying asphalt sealcoating in Chicago.

1. The ground and air temperatures are 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The wind velocity is between 3 mph and 5 mph.
3. The relative humidity is less than 50%.
4. The skies should not be overcast.

However, although there may be days on which all of the above conditions are perfectly aligned, when applying asphalt sealcoating in Chicago, it is more likely that at least one condition will not be ideal. Therefore, an asphalt sealcoating service provider will probably rely on the manufacturer’s specifications for acceptable conditions.

What Are the Acceptable Conditions for Applying Chicago Asphalt Sealcoating?

The simple truth is that there are very few locations in America that consistently meet all of the ideal conditions for asphalt parking lot sealcoating. Manufacturers are aware of this fact, so they provide a list of acceptable conditions.

1. The ground and air temperatures must be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the time the sealcoating contractor begins the application. The temperature should continue to rise throughout the application, and freezing temperatures must not occur for at least 24 hours after application.
2. The wind speed should be a minimum of 3 mph, but it should not exceed approximately 10 mph.
3. The relative humidity should be as low as possible. However, the humidity level should not be greater than 90%.
4. Parking lot sealcoating needs to be exposed to sunlight for at least four hours while it is curing. If the hours of available sunlight are insufficient, contractors may include an additive in the sealcoating mix to expedite the curing process.

Why Are the Environmental Conditions Critical for Successful Chicago Asphalt Sealcoating?

The primary reason contractors worry about the weather when providing asphalt sealcoating services has to do with evaporation rates. Asphalt parking lot sealcoating is up to 70% water, and this water must be evaporated at a steady, timely rate for the sealant to cure properly. As you may know, evaporation rates increase as the temperature rises and decrease as humidity levels rise. Evaporation can increase or decrease with air circulation; a strong wind can expedite evaporation too much, a lack of wind will stall the process, and a slight breeze will help maintain a consistent rate of evaporation. Sunlight helps excite the water molecules in asphalt sealcoating, making them move around faster and more forcefully. This helps them escape the liquid sealcoating. However, in addition to generating heat, sunlight also renews it, which helps keep the rate of evaporation consistent.

What Else Should I Know About Chicago Asphalt Sealcoating?

There are more steps involved to deliver a superior asphalt sealcoating service than many people realize. Some steps must be performed on the day of the application, but your contractor may perform some of them ahead of time. There are also steps that will be needed after the application.

1. Repair the pavement. Potholes and significant cracks need to be repaired before starting the application.
2. Clean the pavement. The pavement cannot have any contaminants that would prevent the sealcoating and the asphalt from forming a strong bond. Contaminants include grass clippings, automotive fluids, dirt, trash, tree sap, dead leaves, and loose gravel.
3. Ensure that the pavement is completely dry. If water was used to clean the pavement, give it time to dry. Turn off the sprinkler system.
4. Prepare the pavement as needed. Patches of polished aggregate, oil stains, and other areas may need a primer to ensure proper bonding of the sealant.
5. Apply two thin coats of sealcoating, allowing each to dry before proceeding.
6. Parking lot sealcoating will obscure the painted pavement markings and lines. After the final coat of sealant has dried, the contractor can repaint the markings and lines.
7. Keep the area closed for the time specified by your Chicago asphalt sealcoating contractor. Typically, you can allow foot traffic in less than eight hours, but you may need to prevent vehicle traffic for up to 24 hours.

If you have additional questions about asphalt sealcoating in Chicago, contact the pros at Black Hawk Paving. We have been serving the Chicagoland area since 1975. In addition to asphalt sealcoating, we offer asphalt paving and resurfacing, asphalt fabric, asphalt patching and repair, asphalt milling and grinding, hot crack sealing, concrete repairs, parking lot striping, concrete flatwork, pavement markings, traffic signage, sewer repair, excavation and grading, car stops, and concrete curbing. We have an exemplary reputation for exceptional service and extraordinary craftsmanship. You can request a free quote by emailing Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, submitting the online form, or calling either 773-378-2390 or 708-479-0400.

A new, properly installed asphalt pavement has an appearance that most people find aesthetically pleasing. It is a smooth expanse with a rich, dark color that serves as an excellent backdrop for pavement markings and line striping. However, asphalt pavements need a bit of help to retain their beauty as well as their health. Asphalt sealing is a very cost-effective way to protect your pavement’s health and aesthetics. However, you will not be able to have your contractor apply sealcoating the minute your pavement is installed.

Why Is It Necessary to Wait Before New Asphalt Pavement?

Asphalt paving needs time to cure before a Chicago sealcoating company can seal the pavement. During the curing process, the excess oil that the asphalt contains will dissipate. This excess oil will prevent the asphalt sealcoating from bonding with the pavement. Without a strong bond, your parking lot sealcoating can flake off or wash away.

What Is the Typical Waiting Time for Asphalt Parking Lot Sealcoating?

It depends on the weather at the time of construction and immediately after, how thick the asphalt is, and other factors. When sealcoating local parking lots, most contractors in the Chicago area find that the waiting time is between three and six months. You can use the lower estimate if your pavement was installed during late spring or early summer. The higher estimate would be for thick, heavy-duty pavements or those installed in the spring or late summer.

Do Asphalt Overlays Need Sealcoating?

Your overlay needs the same care as a newly constructed pavement. This includes applying asphalt sealcoating as soon as curing is complete. However, since the typical overlay is less than three inches thick, the waiting time is normally around two months. You will need to ask your Chicago asphalt sealcoating company for a precise waiting time, though.

If I Must Wait Before Sealcoating My Pavement for the First Time, How Can I Protect My New Asphalt Paving?

You are right to be concerned about the health of your pavement while you are awaiting your initial asphalt sealcoating. Asphalt pavements are tender until they are fully cured, so you want to take precautions to prevent unwarranted damage.

1. If vehicles leak oil, diesel, gas, or other fluids onto your pavement, clean them up immediately. Automotive fluids react with the asphalt binder that keeps your pavement glued together, and this results in soft spots that crumble and turn into potholes.
2. Avoid leaving heavy loads in a stationary position for more than a few days. This includes pallets of material, parked cars, and construction equipment.
3. If people will be parking motorcycles or bicycles in your lot, set aside a specific area and install block for the kickstands. Otherwise, the kickstands can leave holes in the uncured asphalt.
4. Use deicing agents sparingly, and ask your asphalt contractor to recommend the safest products for your pavement. If you must plow your pavement, be sure to hire an experienced professional who knows how to set the blade height properly to avoid nicking your pavement.
5. If possible, encourage drivers to avoid turning their steering wheels while their vehicles are stationary. This can tear your pavement or leave ruts and marks.
6. You want to give the edges of your pavement as much protection as possible. You might want to consider placing obstacles along the edges to prevent people from driving too close to them. Backfilling along the edges with topsoil can sometimes help prevent edge cracking.

Since 1975, Black Hawk Paving has specialized in providing industrial and commercial services to customers in the greater Chicagoland area. We are a family-owned business with an impeccable reputation for craftsmanship, professionalism, integrity, and service. We can provide you with asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair, concrete flatwork, asphalt milling, site grading, hot crack sealing, excavations, concrete curbing, asphalt fabric, car stops, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, and pavement markings. If you would like to request a free job quote, you can submit our online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call our headquarters at 708-479-0400.