Concrete parking lot construction is well worth considering if you’re getting ready to invest in your commercial property. Asphalt is the most common material for parking lots due to its lower cost. While asphalt parking lots are resilient enough to last for decades, a concrete parking lot in Chicago will provide your business with many unique benefits.

Is Concrete Parking Lot Construction Durable?

Regarding durability, you can’t beat a concrete parking lot! While asphalt is tough, concrete is more capable of withstanding heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. That means less concrete parking lot repair work. The material is ideal for all parking lots, from light-duty vehicle traffic to those accommodating heavy-duty trucks.

Furthermore, concrete parking lot contractors can engineer the material to meet your exact needs.

What are the Maintenance Requirements for a Concrete Lot in Chicago?

Did you know that asphalt is more prone to cracking than concrete? While concrete isn’t immune to damage, concrete parking lot contractors plan for those issues by introducing control and expansion joints. Therefore, cracks, cosmetic issues and structural integrity problems are far less common.

Maintaining a concrete parking lot in Chicago is much easier, requiring occasional crack-filling and sealing every few years. Concrete parking lot repair is more straightforward and less frequent than the work needed to maintain asphalt.

How Can Concrete Lot Construction Boost My Property’s Curb Appeal?

Aesthetically, concrete is one of the more attractive materials. Raw concrete looks sleek on its own. But you can also customize your lot with colors and texture! Pack a visual punch by matching your concrete to your building. Or, you can use logo colors to create all-encompassing branding.

Curb appeal matters and a Chicago concrete parking lot gives you more options to leave a lasting impression.

Is a Chicago Concrete Lot Safer?

Safety should always be a priority for your property. For many reasons, a concrete parking lot in Chicago is safer than an asphalt one. The biggest is light reflectivity. Concrete reflects about three times more light than black asphalt.

Your customers will feel much safer walking to their car after hours. Plus, you can save on energy costs by reducing the number of overhead lights you need.

Concrete parking lots in Chicago are also versatile enough to improve safety as you see fit. For example, concrete parking lot contractors can add slip-resistant additives or apply a slip-resistant sealer to enhance traction.

Is Working with Concrete Parking Lot Contractors a Wise Investment?

Getting a concrete parking lot indeed requires a bigger upfront investment. But when you look at the long-term value, a Chicago concrete parking lot pays off handsomely. With concrete, you save on utility bills while paying for less frequent maintenance. You’ll also have to make fewer repairs and enjoy longer-lasting durability. With proper care, asphalt lasts 20 to 30 years. But concrete can last 50 to 100!

When you need concrete parking lot construction, Blackhawk Paving & Construction has the solution you’re after. We’re among Chicago’s most trusted family-owned and -operated concrete parking lot contractors. We’re approaching our 50th year in business and are eager to show you why we’ve lasted this long!

Blackhawk Paving & Construction specializes in commercial and industrial properties. We pride ourselves on our family-focused values and our high-quality approach to complex projects. We have experience completing logistically sensitive work, so we can serve you while minimizing disruptions to your business.

At Blackhawk Paving & Construction, we’re proud to offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete services, including construction and concrete parking lot repair. You can turn to us for everything from ADA-compliance packages to large-scale paving and markings. Contact us today to get your free quote and discuss your needs. Give us a ring at (708)787-8765. Alternatively, please email us at info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online contact form to submit your information.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get a concrete parking lot that benefits your business!

When people look at the robust paved surfaces that Chicago asphalt contractors create, they often think that they’re indestructible and capable of handling any weight placed atop them. While it’s true that asphalt is one of the most durable materials around for parking lots, driveways, loading docks and various applications in industrial settings, the material still needs a strong foundation to sit on.

That’s where the subgrade comes in. Let’s look at why asphalt companies use subgrade and take special care in preparing it properly.

What is Asphalt Subgrade?

Before local asphalt contractors do any paving, they pay attention to the subgrade. Simply put, the subgrade is where the asphalt paving sits. Think of it as your pavement’s foundation. Just like a building needs a foundation to stay stable, pavement needs one to provide strength, resilience and long-lasting durability.

Subgrade preparation is a crucial process that asphalt companies can’t afford to ignore. It involves creating a stable base for whatever paved surface sits on top, and what they do to prepare the subgrade depends on the needs of the pavement and the site’s condition.

Why is Proper Subgrade Preparation So Important to Chicago Contractors?

You wouldn’t build a home or office building on bare soil! The same principles apply to parking lots, roads and more. Asphalt is a robust material, but it’s not immune to buckling, shifting and other issues. Just look at poorly installed paving structures, and you’ll see the many problems the material can face.

Subgrade preparation by industrial and commercial asphalt contractors helps mitigate those issues. Soil conditions can vary dramatically from one place to the next. Even on the same property, soil can be firm and compact in one area but soft in another. Asphalt contractors in Chicago ensure the subgrade is suitable across the entire paved surface, making it far more likely to hold up through decades of use and weather exposure.

Does Subgrade Preparation from Asphalt Contractors Affect Pavement’s Load-Bearing Capacity?

Many factors will affect how much weight asphalt paving will hold. When you work with asphalt contractors in Chicago, they’ll create surfaces that meet your needs. You might need thicker asphalt and a more stable subgrade for industrial properties that support heavy transport trucks compared to a simple commercial parking lot.

Either way, the subgrade affects the pavement’s load-bearing capabilities. The subgrade needs proper preparation by commercial asphalt contractors to accommodate traffic and avoid premature structural failure.

How Do Contractors Prepare the Subgrade for Stability and Drainage?

Another important role the subgrade plays is to provide stability and uniformity. Raw soil can have peaks and valleys. Paving over an unprepared subgrade could lead to differential settling and heaving, resulting in parts of your pavement falling and buckling!

Chicago asphalt contractors also do subgrade prep to achieve the right elevation and slope for drainage. Water can present many problems for your asphalt surfaces, so efficient drainage is paramount.

What Do Industrial and Commercial Asphalt Contractors Do to Prepare the Subgrade?

Asphalt companies typically begin all projects with soil evaluation and testing. Asphalt contractors need to know how much moisture soil has, how it compacts and more. Their findings during this stage will guide the subgrade preparation process moving forward.

If necessary, asphalt contractors in Chicago will remove any unusable materials. That includes organic matter, soft topsoil and debris that could present structural integrity issues. Then, they’ll add stabilization to improve the subgrade’s load-bearing capacity. Typically, stabilization material includes aggregate and geosynthetic materials that work together to create that much-needed foundation.

Next, asphalt contractors will move on to grading and compaction. They compact the subgrade to remove air and improve stability. Grading is a process that involves moving soil to achieve the slope for drainage. After further testing to ensure the subgrade can support the asphalt above, local asphalt contractors can move to the project’s next phase.

If you want a properly prepared subgrade and pavement that lasts decades, turn to Blackhawk Paving & Construction. We’re one of the most trusted Chicago asphalt contractors, and we’ve completed countless projects for commercial and industrial property owners throughout the Chicago area. We’re a family-owned and -operated company and have been in business for nearly five decades!

We believe in providing high-quality workmanship at competitive prices while minimizing disruptions to your business. It’s our goal to exceed your expectations while meeting your needs, no matter how difficult your project may seem. You can turn to Blackhawk for asphalt paving, repair, sealcoating, milling and grinding. We also do concrete flatwork and curbing, site grading, hot crack sealing, excavation, sewer repair, parking lot striping and more. Let’s discuss your next project, and let us be your local asphalt contractors! Call us at (708) 787-8765 today for a free job quote. You can also reach us via email at info@blackhawkpaving.com or through our online contact form.

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.