Ah, the pavement – the ‘Therapy Friend’ of our daily travels. We drive, walk, and cycle on it without giving much thought to the wear and tear it endures.

But, just like all the other supportive, steadfast and dependable structures in our lives, even our asphalt needs a wellness check from time to time. In short, pavement has a limited lifespan, and when it starts to show its age, it’s time to consider a replacement.

So come along as we explore the unmistakable indicators that your pavement needs a fresh start. We can’t promise a bump-free ride, but we can ensure a smooth recovery.

Pavement fatigue cracks: when fine lines aren’t so fine

Pavement cracks are like the wrinkles of the road, showing its age whether you like it or not. These cracks allow moisture to seep in, further damaging the pavement. Especially for properties residing in a full, four-season climate (*cough cough* Canada), the water freezing and thawing leads to expanding and contracting, exerting pressure on the surrounding pavement and creating more extensive problems down the road, so to speak.

When your pavement looks like a spider’s web, with interconnected cracks crawling their way across the surface, it’s time for action.

Potholes: Putting your pavement party in the hole

When potholes start popping up like party confetti, and the pavement resembles a minefield for your tires, it’s time to take action. These tire eaters form when water infiltrates cracks in the road, undergoes freeze-thaw cycles, and weakens the pavement. The weight of passing vehicles further damages the pavement, causing it to break apart and create depressions in the road surface.

Don’t let visitors’ (or even your) car’s suspension become the pinata of this party, and react with professional treatment promptly.

Kick your pavement problems to the curb with curb maintenance

Cracked or uneven curbs are not just an eyesore; they’re also a fall hazard, forcing you to curb your enthusiasm and replace those pavement ledges. Functionally speaking, by helping to manage water drainage and maintain the structural integrity of the pavement, well-maintained curbs prevent water from infiltrating and eroding the pavement’s base into potholes and other signs of pavement damage.

Additionally, curbs provide support to the road’s edge, preventing it from crumbling and deteriorating over time – so show some love in return and make sure to support your support system.

Address pavement replacement to avoid drainage distress

Pavement is supposed to be your shield against water, not a sponge that soaks it up.

Over time, through heavy and high-volume traffic, as well as full-spectrum-weather wear and tear, the pavement can become uneven, warped and worn down. Additionally, catch basins can crack or deteriorate, leading to clogging and malfunction. In both cases, these issues produce standing water accumulation, which can weaken the road’s foundation and accelerate pavement deterioration. As a result, properly functioning catch basins are crucial for maintaining road quality and safety.

The road less travelled is less travelled for a reason

The traditional rock-solid guides in our lives may advise against taking the path of least resistance, but when it comes to the pavement, a slick road is always more promising than a bumpy ride. More simply put: ignoring the signs that it needs replacement can lead to costly consequences, not to mention frustrated drivers and pedestrians.

So, when the road starts showing its thinning patience for external wear and tear through potholes, cracks, and ruts, don’t wait until it suffers a structural breakdown. Invest in a fresh start for your road to ensure safe and smooth travels for everyone. Remember, a well-maintained property isn’t just a convenience; it’s a sign of a thriving, responsible community.

Contact Fort York Paving to get started today.

The post Learn the rules of the road: Indicators that the pavement needs replacement first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Following the end of winter, it is not uncommon for properties to have sustained some damage. The seasonal damages ensue when cold temperatures, snow, ice, and salt causes cracks in the foundation, parking lots, walkways, and patios.

Taking proper care of your commercial property with a complete inspection routine protects your workers and visitors from potential hazards. As severe weather cost Canadian businesses $3.1 billion last year, it is important to prevent any incurred damages from worsening and maintaining a safe environment to preserve your investments.

To prepare for comfort and safety in the warmer months ahead, below are 5 spring cleaning tips for maintenance.

Check property for winter damage

After months of snowfall and ice, it is very likely for commercial properties to have fell victim to some corrosion.

The unavoidable freeze-thaw cycle breaks down the integrity of surfaces over time, as freezing water expands into cracks and then melts to create moisture. It is important to use this time to carefully evaluate the physical conditions of your entire property to get ahead of any needed repairs. This allows you to keep the property safe and optimize on the value of your business.

Remove hazardous debris

Ice, snow, shovelling, and plowing can leave quite the aftermath on your property that isn’t visible until the period of thawing. Proactively removing any debris and dangerous materials from the site lowers the risk of injury while maintaining a trustworthy image to guests and clients.

The appearance of the premises goes a long way when it comes to business performance. An unkept property can be perceived as a neglected business, which can tarnish the overall reputation of the company. A property that maintains its appeal, reflects safety, and serves tenants well works to improve the value of the business.

Repair cracked/unsafe parking lots

Parking lots are usually the first area seen and entered by the public. Neglecting to maintain them can present a variety of safety risks to local drivers and pedestrians. Due to the elements of winter, asphalt surfaces may not have held up well during the cold months, making their repairs a top priority to avoid tenant/visitor vehicle damage.

Water drainage and irrigation systems

The impacts of water can seriously damage your property. Poor water drainage and irrigation failures can cause severe damages as it affects the health and safety of the property, with issues ranging from tripping hazards to flooding. To protect the integrity of your commercial property, it is very important to routinely check on these systems i.e. catch basins, to avoid the cumulative risk of any drainage issues overtime.

Update list of contractors

It is beneficial for owners to maintain an up-to-date list of specialists to help with your property inspections and repairs, including paving and construction specialists. With experts on hand, property owners can better resolve any issues found on their site to ensure everything is in working order for smooth operations.

Spring cleaning is important for commercial properties to recover from the effects of winter and prepare them for the changes the warm weather brings. By being proactive with its maintenance with the right specialists, property managers and owners can sleep well at night knowing they’ve prioritized the safety and professionalism of their property to safeguard their investments.

The post Spring is here: How to revive commercial properties from the effects of winter first appeared on Fort York Paving.

In order to maintain the integrity of your paving structure, property managers and owners should keep an eye out for indicators of needed asphalt repair or replacement.

Alligator cracks

Cracking patterns that resemble alligator scales are known as alligator cracks. Visibility of these patterns are likely indications of the paved surface’s foundation deteriorating. This issue should be fixed as soon as it’s noticed to prevent cracks from worsening.

Fading

A once dark and rich-coloured asphalt unfortunately won’t retain such vibrancy over the years. Exposure to sunlight, natural wear and tear, and/or aging of the asphalt results in the surface beginning to look faded. When this happens, the pavement structure starts to lose its binding agents and oils leads, leaving behind a dull, brittle, and weakened surface.

Drainage issues

A smooth asphalt surface should permit excess water to easily run off without puddles remaining. Poor drainage causes early pavement distresses leading to driving problems and structural failures. With improper drainage, water can collect in the low spots on your commercial property, causing further damage to your asphalt surface.

Warping

Heavy vehicle traffic and/or an insufficient or compromised base can cause your asphalt surface to appear wavy or warped, which can result from improper installation.

The process of repair

Whether you are looking to repair, replace, or newly install a paving structure, there are more indications of a well done, or poorly done, paving job than meets the eye. While the work may look like it’s done well cosmetically, there are various aspects to keep an eye on that may indicate otherwise.

• Good foundation – A solid subgrade and a strong aggregate base are crucial for all new paving surfaces. This means that any loose, soft, wet dirt needs to be replaced with a compacted rock base to stabilize the earth and properly support the pavement above.
• Seamless transition areas – The new layer of asphalt should blend smoothly with the old coating, with smooth transitions between the new pavement and other paving surfaces, curbs, or drains. The presence of bumps can significantly affect the ride quality of the road. A well-laid paving surface should have no bumps as cars or trucks roll over.
• Thickness of overlay – The heavier the traffic, the thicker the asphalt layer should be. Inaccurate thickness can lead to premature cracking and poor stability beneath the surface. Paving experts should be able to easily evaluate your paving needs and provide an optimal solution.
• Water drainage – Water may be the biggest enemy to asphalt. It has the power to erode the structure quickly. All new asphalt should have a good slope and good drainage performance to keep water running off and never pooling on, or nearby the surface.

Giving your commercial lot’s asphalt surface a long life requires timely assessments to recognize areas of needed maintenance. With these tips in mind, commercial property owners can be aware of when to repair their asphalt paving and asses when the job is done well. Ensure you get the right team of paving experts who can get the project right the first time.

The post Asphalt repair: Signs of needed maintenance and a job well done first appeared on Fort York Paving.

However, while maintenance is at the top of your priorities, the unpredictability of weather conditions can pose some challenges when it comes to keeping your commercial property in top shape. But do not fret! Below is an easy guideline with some tips on how to keep your business environment safe and prepared for whatever mother nature throws its way.

Regularly inspect your commercial property’s exterior

As a significant investment, going to great lengths to maintain the state of your property is vital. Regular inspections should be done with high attentiveness to any potential damage or deterioration of your commercial building. A proper commercial building inspection will reveal the real condition of your property as well as the expenses for repairs. This allows you to fix any issues before they get worse with the impending climate conditions, further preserving your asset.

Check for leaks

There are many factors that can impact your property, but water damage is one of the most common and costliest types of commercial property damage. They account for 48 per cent of insurance claims according to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, and can cause more than $2 million in losses. Once a pipe bursts, it can cost your business thousands of dollars if left unattended. This can also lead to temporarily closing your business, resulting in lost revenue. Frequently checking for leaks in your facility to fix right away prevents costlier issues arising due to structural damage and the growth of harmful mould.

Safety

In the case of an unexpected emergency, repairing property defects like unclear markings that indicate emergency exit routes, damaged surfaces, and cluttered walkways lessens the chances of hazards developing. This improves the safety and efficiency of your property.

Get the right insurance

While the preparation for possible damage is important, there is still a chance that calamity will occur on your property. With the increasing costs of claims for property damage or losses due to severe weather quadrupling over the last decade, it is crucial to obtain and maintain the proper insurance. Getting a suitably devised business insurance policy can help to repair or replace your damaged or destroyed equipment after a covered loss.

Commercial buildings are vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate. It is necessary for building owners and property managers to take the right steps for preparation against potential weather damage, extending the life of the property. Hiring the right professionals goes a long way to help ensure weatherproofing your commercial property is done correctly.

The post 5 ways to protect your commercial property against weather damage first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Now is the time to be proactive, instead of reactive towards any potential problems that may arise as you get your property ready for the summer. Follow this checklist to help keep your commercial property in top condition this summer so you can better serve your customers, employees, and community.

Landscaping

It’s important to start cleaning up any debris that clutter your yard so you can maintain the outdoor space of your business to ensure presentability. This adds to the welcoming feel of the property, and its safety as any potential hazards in walking areas are removed.

Roof inspection

Hot summers can be very problematic for commercial roofing systems. The combination of humidity and heat with intense sunshine leads to the breakdown of the roof’s integrity. This can lead to further damages if they’re not checked and appropriately maintained, becoming costly issues to fix as they grow worse. Regular maintenance is important for roofing systems to keep your building in top shape.

Lighting

With warmer weather comes more people spending time outside. It’s vital to ensure your outdoor lighting systems are operational to improve your property’s safety and security.

Surface inspection

Double-checking the exterior of your building and its surroundings (i.e., patios, decks, sidewalks, etc.) is always a good idea to guarantee your property’s safety. Some key things to look for include cracks, holes, discolouration; essentially any issues that show signs of needed surface repair.

Pest control

Pests are often a common problem during summer months. Having them present on your property can both deter visitors and damage its structural integrity. Inspect your property for any rodents, insects, and other invaders, calling the necessary professionals to have them removed.

HVAC maintenance

Keeping all occupants comfortable and cool during summer months is an important matter, one that can be achieved with an HVAC system in good working condition. Overtime, HVAC systems can become clogged with debris and dust, affecting its efficiency. Make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained to keep it at its top performance level when it’s needed most.

Clean gutters

Remove any leaves, trash, or other debris that made its way into your gutter during rainy summer days. This helps to prevents any water blockage affecting your commercial building and causing water damage or mold growth.

Keep your commercial property on top of things this summer by taking the time to do vital upkeep. Now’s a better time than ever to ensure your property looks and operates its best.

The post Getting your commercial property ready for the summer – maintenance checklist first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Before the next major storm comes and starts to impact your area, being both prepared and aware can go a long way to minimizing these risks and negative impacts. We’ve created a list of common winter construction hazards and some winter safety tips to keep you and your workers safe this season.

Keep an eye on the weather

As temperatures drop and storms roll in, keep a watchful eye on your workers for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and make sure they are dressed for the weather. Give your workers enough time to secure the construction site and get home before severe weather strikes.

Inspect and clear job sites

Winter storms can cause a surprising amount of damage, especially when snow and ice are allowed to accumulate. You need to inspect your construction sites for downed powerlines, trees, or any other debris, while also clearing snow ice from walking and working surfaces like walkways, scaffolding, ladders, and roofs, and icicles from overhead. Salt or sand can melt icy patches, and improve traction for workers. If the patch can’t be removed, ensure it is marked appropriately to avoid injuries.

Warm up equipment and tools

Make sure you and your workers are following the manufacturer’s instructions on properly warming up heavy equipment before use. Fluids like engine and hydraulic oils in equipment must be rated for the temperatures in your area and may need to be replaced if necessary. You may also need to take further precautions with pieces of equipment that use air compressors and pneumatic tools by draining fluid air compressor tanks after each use to prevent accumulation of moisture from freezing and put antifreeze tool oil in your pneumatic tools to protect from the cold.

Provide appropriate PPE and layer up

Take extra steps to ensure workers are wearing all their personal protective equipment (PPE) during winter conditions. Hard hats should always be worn to protect from falling hazards like icicles and can be lined inside to prevent heat from escaping. Gloves and mittens with manual dexterity should be worn when working with tools and materials as frostbite can occur immediately if workers touch extremely cold metal with their bare hands. Keeping warm is one of the most important things when working in the winter, so layer up clothing with a thick waterproof layer over an inner layer of moisture-wicking thermals and avoid leaving skin exposed as much as possible. Designate an area on the job site with heating for workers to warm up after working and limit their exposure to the cold.

Simply being prepared and aware of the inherent dangers that the winter brings can go a long way toward preventing injuries, incidents, risks, and negative impacts on your workers and your construction site. We hope these tips give you the help you need to stay safe and productive this winter.

The post Winter safety tips for construction professionals first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Improper drainage

If your parking lot has excessive pooling and improper drainage after a rainfall or snowmelt, it is a sign your lot needs replacement. Proper levelling and functional catch basins are essential to ensure proper drainage in your parking lot to prevent water from staying on the surface.
Whether it is repairing, resurfacing or a complete replacement, this step is crucial to prevent your asphalt from worsening.

Asphalt cracks

Cracks in asphalt arise over time after extreme weather conditions and prolong use. Oil, gas, de-icing salt and even water can penetrate the surface and cause cracks and expansion in your parking lot. Longer, wider or deeper cracks indicate more extreme damage, therefore depending on the size of the cracks, your asphalt may require a repair and/or replacement.

Potholes

Potholes are common signs your parking lot requires repairing. When a crack begins to form, it usually leads to a pothole when not repaired immediately; this is caused by expansion and contraction underneath the surface which leads to material breakdown. Potholes can deepen and expand from excessive use over a long period of time and weather conditions. When it starts to become a safety issue for vehicles and customers, it is proof that your asphalt and parking lot needs to be replaced.

Overall, these are four signs and indications that your parking lot may need to be replaced or repaired. These tips can help you look out for any damage signs while improving the look and maintenance of your lot and asphalt. For expert repair and replacement, visit Fort York Paving for your parking lot needs here https://www.fortyorkpaving.com/.

The post Signs your parking lot needs replacement first appeared on Fort York Paving.

1. Check alerts

Many apps and websites show quick updates on the forecast. Keeping your phone weather alerts turned on will show you useful information such as high UV index, rain percentages, smog/fog alerts and tornado warnings. Additionally, the Government of Canada releases Public Weather Alerts for Ontario which shows the weather concerns in specific areas. This allows workers to prepare for what they have to face in a given area and how to prepare for it.

2. Hydration

Since Ontario’s summers tend to be very humid, it is important to stay hydrated at all times. This can be assured by bringing a large thermal bottle filled with cool water when working outside on the site. Drinks such as coconut water and sports drinks contain electrolytes that help fuel your body and keep you moving throughout the day while staying hydrated. It is also important to take frequent water breaks throughout the day to avoid dizziness and dehydration.

3. Take advantage of the shade

UV rays can affect your eyesight and head when they are exposed. Therefore it is important to be in the shade as much as possible or take five-minute shade breaks once in a while. Shade protection for faces, such as hats and sunglasses, is also needed to avoid any headaches or heat exhaustion.

4. SPF

The sun is inevitable when you are outside; therefore SPF is key to sun protection to keep your skin from burning. It is important to research what sunscreen is right for your body and how often to re-apply it. The level of SPF corresponds to the extent of UVB protection you’re getting from your sunscreen, so choosing any SPF between 30 and 60 is ideal. Experts also suggest to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes to ensure active workers are getting full protection. Wearing long sleeves and covering the neck when possible will prevent sunburns and prevents sunscreen from sliding off.

5. Listen to your body

Construction workers spending excessive time working outdoors in the summer risk heat exhaustion and heat stroke from constant exposure; that’s why it is important to recognize the symptoms of both illnesses to avoid any harm. Other related illnesses such as heat rashes, heat stress, heat cramps, etc. can be cured; however it can also be fatal is not treated. Given that heat-related illnesses are common on the work site, it is crucial to monitor symptoms throughout the day and record any bodily changes when possible.

These five protection tips are helpful for construction workers to beat the heat this summer. The sun does impact construction productivity outdoors, so implementing these basic practices in daily work life will make a difference.

The post Heat and sun protection tips for construction workers first appeared on Fort York Paving.

• Frost loading: The soil around water mains freeze when the temperature dips below 32-degrees. The resulting force (aka “frost loading”) adds additional pressure to the pipe, increasing the likelihood of cracks and other breakages. Over time, extreme frost loading can lead to costly water main bursts, which require immediate attention.
• Deep freeze: Colder temperatures make pipes more brittle and, therefore, more likely to crack when extracting and expanding due to icy temperatures. Several factors can help make water main pipes more resilient, such as:
• Materials: Different materials (e.g., cast iron, steel, copper) react differently to temperature changes. As well, each has different strengths in regards to their ability to withstand added pressures and erosion.
• Age: Nothing lasts forever, and unsurprisingly, older water mains are more brittle and susceptible to erosion and cracks due to exterior conditions.
• Construction: Mistakes happen during construction, and sometimes those mistakes include nicking a water main pipe during digging or other surface activities.

The post Winter is the season for water main damage first appeared on Fort York Paving.

How can you make your parking lot work for you? Consider the following tips.

• First impressions: Poorly maintained parking lots make a negative first impression. Fair or not, the sight of deteriorating surfaces, tight spacing, and faded (or non-existent) markings can negatively influence how visitors perceive your business.
• Room to move: Crowded lots pose the risk of vehicular collisions and pedestrian injuries. That’s why it’s important to ensure vehicles have ample space to manoeuvre, and that pedestrians have access to safe walkways and facility entrances. It can be tempting to pack as many lots as possible into a single area, but considerations for safe mobility reduce liabilities and keep all users safe.
• A welcome site: Your business claim it’s open to all customers, but a lack of parking spots for special vehicles will demonstrate otherwise. When designing (or re-designing) your lot, make sure to leave space for larger vehicles (e.g., vans, service buses, etc.) and those with wheelchair amenities. Remember, if customers with special considerations can’t find a place near your business, they’re likely to try (and stay) elsewhere.
• Marked for success: Clear signage and lot markings contribute to safer and more efficient site traffic. The more you can do to help customers locate a spot and access on-site amenities (e.g., pedestrian paths, specially-designated areas, etc.), the less frustrated and disgruntled visitors will be when they walk through your door.
• Go with the flow: How easy is it for vehicles to enter and exit your lot? What about pedestrians? The more you can do to facilitate mobility in your lot (e.g., directional markings, user-friendly design, no obstructions, etc.), the easier it will be to keep your customers rotating through your business.
• Visible striping: It sounds like common sense, but clear and visible striping is critical to parking lot design. Degraded or non-existent striping can cause confusion, or worse, leave visitors to park where they see fit.

Your lot says, well, a lot about your business. Taking the extra steps to ensure it is safe, visitor-friendly, and in good condition can go a long way towards making a solid first (and lasting) impression.

The post Increase business with a well-designed and maintained parking lot first appeared on Fort York Paving.