Sidewalk accessibility is something every community should be focused on to ensure people who use wheelchairs or crutches are able to easily navigate the city safely. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a number of guidelines in place that help ensure accessibility for people with disabilities in all areas, including transportation infrastructure. Here is a quick overview of some of the specific requirements for wheelchair accessible sidewalks in Philadelphia, PA under the ADA: Width: The ADA has specific sidewalk width requirements to ensure they are capable of being used by people in wheelchairs. Compliant sidewalks are at least three feet wide. If less than five feet wide, there must be passing spaces created at certain intervals, measuring at least 60 inches on all sides. These passing zones should be placed every 200 feet. Texture: The texture of the sidewalk should be slip-resistant, stable and firm, which helps ensure people using mobility devices are more easily able to navigate the sidewalk without safety concerns. Any finishing done on standard concrete must be performed with these standards in mind. These standards are also in place for any grates that may be inset into the sidewalk. The openings in grates should be less than ½ inch across to ensure mobility devices do not get stuck in them. Ramps: Curb ramps are required any time a sidewalk crosses a curb, especially at street intersections. These curb ramps have specific slope requirements (less than 1:12) and must be at least 36 inches wide with a detectable warning device, such as raised dome surfaces and contrasting colors. You’ll often find many ADA compliant curb ramps are painted bright yellow to make them easily noticeable. If there is a marked crosswalk, the ramp should be entirely contained in the crosswalk. Slope: There are specific slope requirements for ADA sidewalks (less than 1:20). Otherwise, any sidewalk that exceeds this slope requirement will technically be classified as a ramp, which makes it subject to different ADA standards. Increases of more than ½ inch in elevation and exceeding the allowable slope for a sidewalk will require constructions of ramps or, in more severe circumstances, elevators or other types of compliant assistance facilities. There must always be alternatives to escalators and stairs. Obstructions: There may be obstructions in the sidewalk, such as utility poles, traffic signal devices, fire hydrants and various other types of infrastructure. An ADA compliant sidewalk must have at least 36 inches of space between the edge of the obstruction and the edge of the sidewalk. If the sidewalk cannot feasibly be constructed to comply with this standard, it is possible the obstruction will need to be relocated or removed entirely. These are just a few examples of some of the requirements municipalities must follow when designing new sidewalks or renovating old ones. For more information about ADA requirements for accessibility in public spaces, we encourage you to contact Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving Inc. today. We’d be happy to tell you more about how we can help with wheelchair accessible sidewalks in Philadelphia, PA.

Potholes are an unfortunate reality across the northern portions of the United States. The freezing and thawing cycles that occur with the changing of the seasons can wreak havoc on roads and pavement, and potholes are just one example of the results that can occur. Potholes occur when ice and water from rain or melting snow move the soil underneath the surface of the concrete or asphalt. This results in less support for the paved surface. As vehicles repeatedly drive over that unsupported surface area, holes can result, and they’ll gradually grow wider and deeper over time. The water and ice often get down under the surface from cracks or holes in the concrete that were not patched up earlier. When potholes appear in roads, they pose a danger to drivers and vehicles that may run over them. There’s not much you can personally do about potholes in city streets other than taking a different route or trying to avoid them when you see them. But when the pothole is in your own driveway, you should make it a priority to fix it up so you can protect your car and the cars of anyone else who may visit your property. When a car hits a pothole, at the very least you risk damaging your tires, either hurting the sidewalls or the treads of the tires. Potholes can also damage the wheels, exhaust system or suspension, or if you have a low-riding vehicle, its body. The kind of damage that might occur to your vehicle really depends on the size of the pothole, the kind of vehicle you have and the speed and angle at which you hit the hole. The damage can, in some cases, end up being major. Here’s some information from our team about driveway pothole repair in Philadelphia, PA. Fixing a pothole in your driveway Fixing potholes in an asphalt driveway is relatively simple. You can purchase pre-mixed asphalt patching products. Remove debris from the hole, and then just pour the patch material into the hole, pushing it down to make it compact and even with the surrounding pavement. Add as much patching material as you need to make sure it completely fills in the hole, then add just a bit extra on top. You may need to wait a bit to put sealer on the new asphalt—the instructions on the material packaging should tell you how long that will take. If you have a dirt driveway you can remove the debris and fill it in with dirt instead of the asphalt patch material. The same is true with gravel driveways as well. In both cases, fill in the hole so it rises just above the surface of the driveway, then drive over the area to compact the material, adding more as necessary. It can help to add dirt or gravel to the center of the driveway when installing it so that water runs off to either side rather than accumulating in the middle. This will help prevent potholes from forming in the first place. For more information about driveway pothole repair in Philadelphia, PA, contact the team at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving Inc. today. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

Just like with vehicles and mechanical systems, preventative maintenance is crucial for the long-term health of your asphalt surfaces to keep them in good, durable condition for years to come. While there will be a lot of asphalt maintenance steps you’ll want to take in the spring after winter has run its course, there are also some steps you can take in the fall (as weather allows) to protect your pavement before winter fully settles in and the regular freezing and thawing cycles begin to occur. With this in mind, here are a few tips for autumn asphalt protection in Philadelphia, PA. Fill cracks Cracks of all sizes can quickly become major problems if you fail to fill them. When there are cracks in the pavement, rainwater and moisture can seep down into the base layers that hold up the pavement. If that sub-base gets damaged, it becomes more likely that the cracks will expand and/or that potholes will begin to form. The larger the cracks and holes, the more at risk the area is for water getting in and wreaking havoc on the structural integrity of the pavement. Therefore, it’s a good idea to prevent this small damage from becoming larger ahead of winter. You can protect your pavement from moisture falling below and freezing, hopefully lessening the amount of repair work you have to do in the spring once the freezing cycles are over. Improve runoff Have you noticed water pooling in certain places on your driveway or sidewalks? If so, that could potentially mean you have an uneven top layer of asphalt. It might just mean the area was not paved properly, but it could also be an indication of a problem with the sub-base. Whatever the issue, uneven areas with pooling water are much more likely to result in potholes, and during the winter months, these are areas where ice can quickly build up, resulting in safety hazards for people on your property. You can patch the area to make a level surface and improve water runoff, or use porous asphalt to allow water to run through the asphalt and sub-base and back down into the ground. Sealcoating Asphalt should be resealed every three to five years to protect its long-term viability and durability. Generally, the best time of year to do this is anywhere from the late spring to the early fall, but as long as the nighttime temperature is at least 50 degrees, you should be able to get the job done. It’s best to do it before the leaves begin to fall so they don’t cause any extra challenges with getting the sealcoating done. If it’s too late for you to get your sealcoating done this fall, make sure you prioritize it once the weather warms up in the spring so you have a protected asphalt surface all summer long. For more information about autumn asphalt protection in Philadelphia, PA and the steps you should take, contact the team at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. today. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs compliance with a wide variety of regulations to ensure public spaces are fully accessible to people with all types of disabilities. Business owners must design and maintain their properties with ADA compliance in mind, and if they are deficient in any areas of compliance, they must take the proper steps to upgrade their properties and make their spaces accessible to people with disabilities. Among the issues covered under the ADA is parking lot accessibility. What exactly makes for an ADA-compliant parking lot in Philadelphia, PA? Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know. Accessible spaces All public parking lots are required to have accessible spaces, marked with handicap signs and paint. This is the primary issue that makes parking lots ADA compliant. Parking spaces are accessible when they meet the proper dimensions, have the correct signage in place, have pavement markings and have the correct pavement slope. Let’s take a closer look at these issues: Dimensions: All accessible parking spaces should be at least eight feed wide with an adjacent aisle that is also at least eight feet wide. Two spaces can share that same aisle for access. If the space is also to be van accessible, there must be vertical clearance of 98 inches or more. Pavement markings: Accessible parking spaces do not have to have the international symbol for accessibility (the handicap sign) painted directly on the pavement, but it is generally recommended to do so. Access aisles along the accessible spots must be painted with hash marks to denote that they are not parking spots. Pavement slope: Parking spaces and aisles must not have a slope of any greater than two percent in any direction, which means a maximum of one inch of vertical incline or decline for every 50 inches of horizontal length. This may require construction teams to level the land before marking off the spot. Signage: Accessible parking spots must have a sign featuring the international symbol of accessibility and measuring at least 12 inches by 18 inches. The sign must notify the public that violators can face a fine. The sign must be mounted to ensure it is 60 to 66 inches above the pavement and must be centered in the parking space. Accessible parking lots will also have a minimum number of accessible parking spaces that varies depending on the overall size of the lot. Generally, the rule is one accessible spot for every 25 spaces in total, but once you get to more than 500 spots, it starts to go by percentages (two percent of total spaces). At least one of every six accessible spots must be van accessible. The rules may vary for certain types of structures—residential or healthcare facilities might require more accessible spots than other types of public structures. For more information about how you can ensure your business has an ADA-compliant parking lot in Philadelphia, PA, contact the experts at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. today. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

There are few things more frustrating than cruising along and hitting an unexpected rough patch of road. Not only can it be a frightening and jarring experience, but it can also do a number on your car or truck. The United States is already woefully behind in its roadway and infrastructure upkeep, so maintaining your own asphalt driveway, parking lot or other paved surface is more important than ever. Consider it your patriotic duty—a duty that comes with a heap of benefits for you too. Here are some of the advantages of moving forward on asphalt patching and asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA in the new year. Prevent accidents and unexpected property damage A driveway or parking lot riddled with holes and other types of damages can turn ugly very fast. Imagine a car swerving to miss an enormous pothole, only to slam into a parked car—or worse, a person. If you own the property, you could find yourself in the midst of a costly legal battle over an accident like that. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can help to avoid worsening conditions and the trouble they can cause. It’s best to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to this sort of upkeep. Save time and money If regular upkeep doesn’t sound like the option for you, consider the fact that letting your asphalt surface deteriorate over several years will be much more costly than having normal routine maintenance performed. While you might be in for a few days of resurfacing with general repairs, a complete overhaul could shut your operation down for weeks while crews remove, regrade and resurface your driveway or parking lot. It’ll be expensive, and it’ll be a big inconvenience. Keeping things light An often-overlooked part of asphalt patching and repairs is the benefits you get as a means of reducing traffic congestion. Consider the number of cars that might be slowing down to avoid a pothole or large crack in a busy parking lot. During busy traffic times, even the smallest delay can lead to significant backups and headaches for your customers or visitors. This problem is compounded if you include the potential for accidents and other issues like flat tires or broken axles. If people are forced to run a gauntlet of damaged asphalt, they may just find somewhere else to shop or visit with nicer paved surfaces. It’s just good business The thing about unattended asphalt is that it will eventually need attention. Asphalt will eventually crack, making way for weeds and other unsightly blight, and if you let it sit for too long, it will erode and develop potholes. By completing regular maintenance every so often, you can get ahead of this sort of problem and keep an attractive and inviting surface for your visitors. If your paved surface is in need of any level of asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA, you can count on the expertise of Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. Your property’s safety and appearance are important—call us today to get a quote or schedule a service appointment! Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

If we asked you to name something tough, you might very well say “concrete”—and you would be right. It is very tough, and that’s why it’s used in buildings, dams, roads, home foundations and other structures. But even though it’s one of the toughest manmade surfaces you can think of, it is far from indestructible. In fact, concrete is more vulnerable to damage than you might think. Rain, heavy use and blunt force damage can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your concrete surfaces. Luckily, regular maintenance and a watchful eye can help to ensure that you have a usable surface for many years to come. With this in mind, here’s a look at the top four benefits of focusing on concrete repair in Philadelphia, PA. It can get way worse When it comes to concrete surfaces, over time, water and heavy use can turn what might be a relatively small fracture into a gaping pothole. The erosion under the surface will eventually form other cracks and lead to sagging. But if you are vigilant and watch for cracks that are out of control, you can get ahead of the problem and stop them in their tracks. Remember, you’ll never have a 100 percent crack-free surface, so it’s important to watch for cracks that appear to be growing. Protect yourself and your property Damaged concrete parking lots and sidewalks have all the makings of a legal nightmare scenario. Imagine being held liable because a customer or vehicle was damaged because of unkempt infrastructure. A situation like that could easily cost you more than any repair job ever could. Consider the investment a form of insurance against future legal troubles. In the current legal climate, protecting your investment with good maintenance could save you a bundle of money. In the eye of the beholder While we could make the argument for safety and longevity all day long, another reason to keep up your concrete surface is the way it will look to visitors and customers. If they are greeted by a crack-infested parking lot, chances are it will make what is around it look grungy, too. People are attracted to welcoming and well-kept environments, so consider whether your concrete surface could benefit from an update. Usability is key By this point, we’ve made our case for why general upkeep is important, but a main consideration should be whether or not your surface is as usable as possible. Say, for example, a large portion of your parking lot is cracked and infested by weeds. Not only will customers avoid it, but at a certain point, the lack of use will make it more trouble to clean up than if you had just done a few repairs and gone on with business as usual. The team of experts at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. is committed to installing paved surfaces and providing high-quality concrete repair in Philadelphia, PA. Feel free to call us for a quote or to get answers to your questions. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

Asphalt is designed to provide decades of performance under all kinds of stress, but it’s also susceptible to damage and cracking. Small asphalt cracks might not seem like a very big deal, but these seemingly minor problems can actually be more serious than you might think. Getting asphalt sealing services from a professional paving contractor is a worthwhile investment in your property that can have a lot of positive effects. Here are a few of the most significant benefits of asphalt crack sealing: Improved appearance: One of the biggest benefits of asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA is the fact that it improves the appearance of your property. Repairing cracks keeps your asphalt looking great and boosts the curb appeal of your home or business. Increased longevity: Another benefit of investing in asphalt crack sealing is that it increases the longevity of your pavement. Cracks expose pavement to damage from extreme weather and pressure from vehicles and equipment, so repairing cracks can make a big difference in the condition of your pavement over time. Water damage prevention: Asphalt is designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, but cracks create vulnerabilities in pavement that weaken the surface of the asphalt and leave it susceptible to damage from heavy rains, snowfall and ice accumulation. Sealing cracks is the best way to prevent weather damage and keep pavement in the best condition possible. UV protection: Direct sunlight can be very harmful to asphalt pavement. UV rays weaken pavement and cause deterioration, cracks and holes in your asphalt. The surface of asphalt is treated to prevent UV damage, but cracks leave pavement exposed to damage from direct sunlight. Asphalt crack sealing protects pavement from UV damage and keeps the surface of your pavement strong, durable and resilient against the effects of direct sunlight. Less damage over time: Damage to your pavement won’t just get better on its own. Small cracks naturally get worse and turn into extensive pavement damage that creates all kinds of issues for your asphalt. Repairing cracks proactively as soon as you notice them is the best way to preserve your pavement in the long run and keep damage to a minimum over time. Lower long-term costs: When small cracks aren’t handled, they can quickly develop into bigger problems that are far more complicated and costly to repair. Asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA preserves and protects your pavement and reduces the need for repairs and premature asphalt replacement. In this way, proactive, preventative pavement maintenance can significantly lower your long-term costs. Schedule asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA To find out more about all of the benefits of crack sealing and to schedule professional asphalt repair in Philadelphia, PA, reach out to Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. When you notice cracks developing in your asphalt, call our team for repair services. We have decades of experience providing paving services, and we are equipped to assist with asphalt repairs of all kinds. As a local company, we are committed to providing quality services at affordable prices. Find out more about what we have to offer by giving us a call today. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

Choosing a service provider for a paving project can be a difficult task, but it’s important to take the time to find a paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA who is reliable, trustworthy and capable of tackling your project. Thankfully, there are several considerations that can help guide you through the hiring process and ensure you receive the best services possible from the contractor you choose. Here are a few essential factors to take into account to help you find the right paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA: Experience: One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA is experience. Experienced contractors are better equipped to handle a wide variety of projects and ensure that property owners receive the best services possible for their needs. Reputation: Another important factor to take into account is the reputation of a paving contractor. Look for reviews and testimonials online from former customers to get a better idea of the quality of service that can be expected from a particular contractor. Request references from any contractors you’re considering to find out more about their work ethic, communication style and workmanship. Project focus: Different paving contractors are liable to have different areas of focus and specialty. It’s important to find a paving contractor with plenty of expertise and experience related to your particular type of project. Ask contractors specific questions about their experience with projects like yours to find one that’s a good fit for your needs. BBB membership: The Better Business Bureau is an organization that rates and accredits businesses based on customer service, quality, reliability and trustworthiness. Choosing to work with a contractor that’s part of the BBB gives you added peace of mind knowing that you’re hiring a dependable service provider. Licensing and insurance: Paving contractors have to meet lots of requirements to provide service in accordance with all applicable state and local regulations. One of the first things to do when looking for a contractor is verify their credentials, including insurance and licensing. Make sure that the contractor you choose has a valid state license and current insurance to protect yourself and ensure the best results for your project. Equipment and crew size: Pavement projects vary widely in scale and scope, so it’s essential to find a paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA with the equipment and crew necessary to tackle your particular job. When you talk to paving contractors, ask about the kinds of equipment they have and the size and capabilities of their crew. Contact a paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA If you’re looking for a reliable paving contractor in Philadelphia, PA, reach out to Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. Since our locally owned and operated company first opened its doors in 1996, our team has been committed to the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. We are proud members of the BBB and fully licensed by the state of Pennsylvania to provide a comprehensive slate of paving services. Reach out today to secure a consultation and quote. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.

Sealcoating is a routine asphalt maintenance service that protects your pavement from damage, boosts its longevity and improves its appearance. However, despite the many benefits of asphalt sealcoating in Philadelphia, PA, many commercial property owners don’t keep up with routine sealcoating or asphalt maintenance. Understanding more about some of the most significant advantages of investing in regular sealcoating can help you make sure you’re getting the most out of your asphalt pavement. Facts about sealcoating Here are seven facts about sealcoating in Philadelphia, PA that you might not be aware of, including some of its key benefits: There are two different sealcoating methods: Sealcoating can be applied using a spray or squeegee method. Regardless of how sealcoating is applied, it’s important to work with a professional who has plenty of experience with sealcoating services for your type of property. Cleaning is essential before sealcoating: To ensure sealcoating is effective, it’s important to clean the pavement and clear away debris. Dirt, oils, residue and other debris can interfere with the sealcoating process and take away from the benefits of sealcoating services. Sealcoating reduces fading: Over time, it’s natural for asphalt to fade and lose some of its color. Sealcoating restores the appearance of your pavement and enhances the color to make it look like new. Sealcoating boosts pavement longevity: Sealcoating is a preventative maintenance service that improves the longevity of your pavement. Sealcoating service creates a durable barrier that protects your asphalt from exposure to the elements and can keep your pavement stronger for longer. Routine sealcoating can boost pavement lifespan by several years. Sealcoating is a cost-effective service: Over the lifespan of your pavement, sealcoating pays for itself. Because sealcoating protects your pavement from damage, reduces wear and tear and boosts longevity, you will spend less money over time on pavement repair and replacement services. Proper conditions are necessary for sealcoating: Certain weather conditions are required for the best sealcoating application. It’s usually necessary for the air temperature to be above 55°F during the application and for at least eight hours after sealcoating is applied. Asphalt technicians who specialize in sealcoating in Philadelphia, PA will plan your project according to the weather forecast to make sure your sealcoating layer has plenty of time to dry and cure in favorable conditions. Sealcoating helps with ice melt: During the winter months, snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on your pavement. Sealcoating services can accelerate snow and ice melt during the winter to improve the safety of your pavement and maximize traction on your asphalt. Sealcoating in Philadelphia, PA To find out more about sealcoating in Philadelphia , PA, reach out to Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of experience providing sealcoating and paving services. If you’re in need of sealcoating, our team will provide you with a consultation and quote for the job. Get started with our services by giving us a call today. We look forward to working with you soon! Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.