This page contains answers to some common questions that we get from our customers. If you can't find your question, you can "ask the expert" at the bottom of this page. We will answer your question promptly via e-mail as well as post the results on this page.

The Questions:

1. What is the best time to get a bid on asphalt work ?
2. How many handicapped parking spaces do I need from my parking lot ?
3. Why is there water in my parking lot even though it has not rained for weeks ?
4. What's the best way to fix a pot hole ?
5. What is compacted asphalt thickness and why is it important ?

When is the best time to get a bid on asphalt work ?

In general, the best time to bid work is during the off season (December - February). Asphalt companies want to get off to a good start with plenty of work in the spring so they are generally more competitive in price during this time as compared to the mid to late summer when most good contractors have plenty of work.

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How many handicapped parking spaces do I need for my parking lot ?

Layout

Accessible space – 8’ with 5’ hashout on left side, Two spaces can share a hashout.

Van Accessible - 8’ space with 8’ hashout on right side

Signage

Accessible - Regular handicapped sign – Reserved parking and universal logo in center of each sign. Bottom of sign must be between 4’ and 7’ above pavement surface.

Van Accessible - Same as above, except that the words “VAN ACCESSIBLE” shall be printed below the logo.

Grade

Spaces, access aisles, loading zones shall have maximum slope at 2% (1:50) in all directions.

For more information on the ADA Click Here.

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Why is there water in my parking lot even though it hasn't rained for weeks?

Central Kentucky has what is referred to in geology as "Karst Topography". What this means in laymen's terms is that there are lots of cracks and holes in the underlying bedrock which sometimes acts as an avenue for underground water to come to the surface. When this happens in the middle of a parking lot, the water many times will come right up through the blacktop. A tell tale sign of this phenomena is that on a very hot day - water will appear from nowhere in small cracks in your parking lot. Sometimes, these areas will even have green algae growing in the cracks.

Over time - these areas will be some of the first to deteriorate into potholes. The remedy for this problem is to install an underdrain in the affected area. This will carry the water away from the parking lot before it becomes a problem.

Click Here and scroll down the page to the "Drainpipe" section to see the specialized drain we install.

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What is the best way to fix a pot hole?

There are several factors when determining the best way to repair a pothole. From an owners standpoint, the two most important are price and repair longevity. The important thing to remember is that by fixing the problem the correct way the first time, you save money in the long run (although you might spend more up front).

While there are limited applications for using skin patches as a temporary fix - it is not the answer to your problem. It is similar to putting a band-aid on a cut made by a chainsaw - it just isn't going to do the job. In addition to not working, surface drainage may be hindered exacerbating the problem further.

Pot holes should be fixed using a full depth replacement method. This method consists of saw-cutting the asphalt about one foot outside of any cracked areas, removing the damaged asphalt all the way to the stone sub-base, and replacing it with new hot mix asphalt.

In certain situations, where the sub-grade is inherently unstable, it may be necessary to install a layer of concrete to within an inch of the surface grade to strengthen the area. After the concrete hardens, a layer of hot mix asphalt is added to bring the patch up to finished grade.

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What is compacted asphalt thickness and why is it important?

Compacted thickness is the final thickness of an asphalt overlay after it has been compacted with a roller. Some companies will state that they will lay 1.5" of asphalt and roll. While it may seem that you are getting 1.5" of asphalt, in fact, you are really getting between 1" and 1.25" of compacted asphalt.

Our proposals always state both , e.g. we will lay 2.0" of asphalt compacted to a thickness of 1.5" - this way you know exactly what you are getting.

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