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How Many Parking Spots Will I Need For My Strip Mall?

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How Many Parking Spots Will I Need For My Strip Mall?

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Happy Monday Everyone! In this edition of Maintenance Monday, one of our social media friends sent us this question.  

I own a strip mall in San Jose, we have 10 retail stores, with 75 parking spots. How do we figure out the correct amount of handicap parking spots to have? 

The answer is… Thank you, In this case, 75 stalls. Three would need to be accessible spaces (not handicapped), of which one of those would have to be van accessible.  One thing to consider is the current count. If this property has 5 existing accessible spaces, it is best to put back those 5.  The reasoning is that the standards are the minimum and it is not usually a good idea to decrease accessibility on a property.  This is why it is important to plan these layouts with an ADA specialist, you don’t want to create a problem in the future by guessing or overestimating today. 

How many parking spots do I need?   

At Calvac Paving, we have ADA experts (Certified Access Specialists) available. Our ADA experts specialists serve the San Jose area as well as the greater Bay Area. Get in touch for more information!

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
95111
(408) 225-7700

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When Searching Online For Asphalt Repair Near Me, Calvac Paving is Top Quality, On-Schedule and On Budget.

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When Searching Online For Asphalt Repair Near Me

Calvac Paving is Top Quality, On-Schedule and On Budget.

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Calvac Paving Truck in San Jose Bay Area

Calvac Paving isn’t just limited to neighborhood residential and small, local commercial projects like “mom and pop” stores either. 

We work with many local jurisdictions, as well as on federal projects like major interstate highway construction and repairs, plus roadways, flight lines, and other paving for military bases and airports. Our capabilities have made us one of the most respected asphalt and concrete paving contractors in NorCal for nearly 50 years. 

The pavement repairs we’ve overseen often outperform the expected material limits, with an immediate improvement in comfort and safety that demonstrates a great return on investment and improves investor relations at a reasonable price which most asphalt repair contractors near me can’t match.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your local driveway resurfacing contractor of choice, seeking pavement maintenance and pothole repair for a shopping center parking lot, or need pavement repair on an interstate highway, Calvac Paving is the only asphalt repair company you want working on your blacktop repair project. For more details or to arrange for estimates, please click here to contact Calvac Paving. And to find out more information about asphalt paving near me, keep reading for our answers to frequently asked questions from homeowners and contractors just like you!  

Frequently Asked Questions about Asphalt Repair Near Me

Calvac Paving is your Bay Area asphalt repair company for all your questions and answers about getting your pavement repaired the right way with lower repair costs and greater performance for years to come!  

Question: How Much Do Asphalt Repairs Cost? –Nicholas, Santa Clara, CA

Answer: Most cost guides put the asphalt driveway cost at between $0.75-$2.00 per square foot, and about $40-$80 per ton, depending on the location, accessibility, job size, and similar factors. From this math, you can figure a ton of asphalt will cover anywhere from 40-100 square feet. An asphalt driveway repair and complete redo on an area of 20×25 square feet (500sq.ft. total) may require anywhere from 5-11.5 tons or more, depending on the intended depth of the mat for the blacktop driveway, the size of the aggregate (rock) in the matrix, and the price of crude oil at the time the asphalt is ordered. However, what the guide won’t tell you is the linear footage you have to cover, which is determined on a per-case basis. This calculation doesn’t factor in related cost points, such as whether you need to bring in processed soil (Type II) to compact into place for your aggregate base course before placing the asphalt. For a roadway, the math is a little different, and a sidewalk changes the equation yet again. A roadway or parking lot may be significantly cheaper per ton of asphalt than a spot repair on a sidewalk or a driveway repair at a house out in the sticks. Whatever the job type, when you contact the paving company nearest you for an estimate, they should be able to help you filter all these factors so you can feel confident that you’re getting a fair price for the work you need.  

 

Question: Why Do I Need To Worry About Repaired Asphalt Anyway? –Billie, San Jose, CA

Answer: There are a lot of very good reasons you may need or want paving repairs, resurfacing, or a complete tear-out and rebuild. If you’ve got widely varying heights between areas of asphalt, especially if you notice significantly lower spots forming, this could be a sign of water infiltration washing away the fine aggregates in the base course under the asphalt, which could lead to potholing and major safety issues such as trip and fall injury risks that you or your company could be liable for. If you notice significant cracking or warping, you may be getting traffic on your pavement that’s too heavy for the asphalt mix to withstand, such as parking loaded semis on residential driveways. This could also be a sign of tree roots working their way to the surface and cracking through the asphalt in search of nutrients, which is really hard on both concrete and asphalt paving. In some cases, the application of sealant can help manage cracking and prevent it from getting worse, especially if it’s set early enough in the crack development process. These are all valid reasons to consider getting standard or infrared repair for your paving as soon as possible, depending on the size, type, and severity of the damage, including appearance, curb appeal, and shielding yourself from unnecessary liability claims. But did you know that keeping your paving in good condition is also a great weed control measure? It’s true! If the seeds of weeds can’t reach the open air, with its water and sunlight, they can’t grow. Whether you’re a die-hard horticulturist or perfected the art of the brown thumb, this will help keep your property and your paving looking and performing better for years to come.     

Question: How Do I Screen The Results When I Look Up Contractors Who Do Asphalt Repair Near Me? –Beaujolais, San Francisco, CA

Answer: Reputable paving brands in the Bay Area know that having a great online marketing game is only half the equation. Fast response, efficient methodology, and great results make up the other half. You can sometimes get a sense of what a contractor’s like online from the stories reviewers tell about them, but these should be taken with a grain (or, in some cases, a whole shaker) of salt. It’s human nature to only focus on the unpleasant parts of an interaction, even if the result came out fine in the end, and it’s simply not realistic to please everyone all the time. Because of this, it’s important to remember that every “bad” story has three sides: What the person telling it says happened, how the other party saw it, and what really happened.

A paving company whose policy and work ethic favors customer service, efficiency, and a great project resolution will typically have better reviews than one that doesn’t. 

However, they also typically have longevity on their side. It’s rare for a contractor who doesn’t routinely do excellent work to last a decade in this business, let alone FIVE decades, as Calvac Paving has. If they sell a solid range of services, that’s also a good indicator that you can trust them to be knowledgeable about a wide range of paving-related issues and how to resolve them economically. It doesn’t do you any good to have asphalt repair near me only minutes away if they’re not going to do a good job for you, your customers, and the public. That’s why, when you’re deciding which paving contractor to trust for your pavement repair project, if you want the guaranteed best results, you should contact Calvac Paving as your first and last call!  

Question: We Just Bought A New House In Harrisburg, And We’re Looking For A Driveway Repair Near Me. Can Calvac Paving Help? –Saint Croix, Harrisburg, CA

Answer: Calvac Paving is considering expanding our paving job offerings to include residential driveway work. We don’t normally do that sort of small-scale work as of the time of this writing, but we’d like to encourage you to be sure to check back often as this may change. Thanks for keeping us in mind for your asphalt repair needs, and be sure to contact us for the latest menu of residential and commercial paving repair services!  

 

Question: How Can I Tell If My Chosen Company For Asphalt Repair Near Me Is Doing A Good Job? –Clovis, Oakland, CA

Answer: Sometimes, it’s not always obvious to a layperson’s eyes if the contractor is up to the job. However, there are a few ways you can tell easily whether your contractor is giving you great work or a big runaround!

Your paving repair company doesn’t explain the jargon they’re using.

They may talk about warping, raveling, cracking, alligatoring, or undercutting, all of which are legitimate paving problems that have distinct causes and specific solutions. But when you ask what these terms mean, they give you a vague answer, tell you to check out their company website, or just wave at the area in question and say, “That.” A reputable paving contractor has a vested interest in educating its clientele about the various problems that can occur with paving, why they happen, and what you can do to help prevent them—after all, it’s their reputation on the line if their work doesn’t hold up under the strain of traffic, seasons, and years!

They Don’t Try To Work With Your Schedule And The Needs Of Your Business.

Sometimes a section or even an entire parking area or lane of the roadway may have to be closed off for paving work to proceed. A reputable paving contractor will do everything they can to balance efficiency and safety with getting the job done in a way that doesn’t have an undue impact on your business or customers, but sometimes this can’t be avoided. When it is necessary, your paving contractor will work with you as best they can to make sure that the work is done as quickly as possible while guaranteeing the ideal outcome for your project.

They riff off a figure for paving repair—and then change their estimate in the middle of the job.

Sometimes, of course, this can’t be helped either. The cost of crude oil is one of the major components in pricing asphalt. If crude oil prices shoot through the ceiling between the project’s bidding stage and the middle of the construction or asphalt repairs, then obviously, the price of the project may have to increase as well. However, a reputable contractor will do everything they can to provide a bid that accounts for these unknowns and builds a reasonable cushion into their pavement repair cost estimates. Calvac Paving is known for rarely having to submit a change order during construction—and on the rare occasion we do, it’s almost certainly due to circumstances beyond our control, such as a delay in local permitting or similar issues which hold up the project. As you can see, there are a few red flags you should look for when deciding on a company to execute paving repair near me. Or you can save yourself the headaches and the risk altogether and just contact Calvac Paving in the first place! Our dedicated team of trained, skilled, experienced paving professionals has all the tools, knowledge, and capabilities to manage your asphalt and concrete paving repairs in a way that’s on point, on time, and on budget.

To find out more about Calvac Paving’s suite of asphalt repair services, please click here to contact us today!

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
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(408) 225-7700

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Calvac Paving Deploys Trash Capture Devices Inside Catch Basins to Combat Water Pollution

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Our water is arguably the most precious natural resource we have, and it’s up to everyone to keep it clean so we always have access to safe drinking water. At Calvac Paving, we’re always looking for new ways to help keep our environment clean and healthy without compromising performance. Recently, we added a new tool to our arsenal in the ongoing fight against water pollution: full trash capture units inside catch basins. 

 

If you’ve been walking down the sidewalk or happened to look at a storm drain in the middle of a parking lot recently, you may have noticed a marker that reads, “No Dumping—Drains To Bay,” such as a stream, lake, or the ocean. Other such markers include reminders to be cautious of discarding trash and debris into water sources. All of these markers indicate places where trash capture filter devices may have been installed in storm drains.   The principle behind trash capture units inside catch basins is very simple. They work much like a pool filter to prevent dirt, debris, garbage, and other runoff contaminants from getting into the water. Made by REM Filters, these Triton filtration systems are designed for drains that empty to stormwater repositories and water bodies. They have the advantage of being economical, flexible, and relatively low-maintenance while helping keep stormwater runoff cleaner and promoting a healthier environment.

 

With different filtration media available, property managers, owners, and municipalities can design a custom system that works with the primary contaminants in a given area, such as streets, parking lots and garages, food courts, sidewalks and so on. The filters are easy to clean, change and service, allowing for broader application with reduced service and personnel costs versus conventional storm drain clearance procedures. Even better, Triton trash catch basins can be applied to both new and retrofit construction, saving time and money over other stormwater mitigation measures. Calvac Paving has been serving the Bay Area for over 45 years with the latest and best in paving and stormwater mitigation technology.

Some of the services we provide include:

At Calvac Paving, we are committed to providing the best and most modern paving solutions available, while implementing new ways to make our processes and products greener and more in harmony with our environment. There’s no “Plan B” for our planet; we only have one, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to help keep it green, healthy, and beautiful for ourselves and generations to come. New technology and pollution-combating policies, processes, and procedures are just one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to a greener Earth on every job, every time. To learn more about Calvac Paving’s green initiatives, or to learn how we can help your new construction or retrofit project go more smoothly and be more environmentally friendly, call us at (408) 225-7700 or click here to contact us via email! 

Bay Area Asphalt and Concrete

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5 Major Asphalt Advances to Watch in 2022 From Calvac Paving

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5 Major Asphalt Advances to Watch in 2022 From Calvac Paving

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From the highway to the driveway, asphalt paving gets you where you need to go. Humanity has been using asphalt and bitumen for projects as diverse as waterproofing, shipbuilding, and road paving for millennia, and it has continued to prove its utility at every turn. In 2022, Calvac Paving is excited about some new advances in paving technology that could be game-changers for drivers, owners, stakeholders, and local, state, and federal authorities and agencies alike. These are the five major asphalt advances you’ll want to watch in 2022, brought to you by your friends at Calvac Paving!  

Alternative Paving Materials

From cigarette butts to recycled plastic to rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), scientists worldwide are exploring the application of old materials, used in new ways to enhance the strength, longevity, sustainability, recyclability, and resilience of asphalt paving. These alternative paving materials may help combat issues like the “urban heat island” effect, keeping asphalt-paved surfaces cooler and allowing them to trap less heat year-round. They also offer new ways to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle “junk” materials that are typically discarded, helping break the waste chain and creating a healthier environment by keeping these materials out of landfills, waterways, and oceans.  

Smart Pavement

Technology may soon make your morning commute or your summer trips safer and easier, with fewer bumps and less noise! Integrated sensors that report everything from traffic conditions to overall roadway and pavement health are being tested around the globe. Nanoparticle-based noise- and vibration-damping adhesive binders for asphalt mixes are under investigation as a potential solution to problems such as roadway chipping and pitting. And roadways that charge electric vehicles as they drive using wireless recharging technologies are in active use or the planning stages from Sweden to Michigan to Norway, solving one of the EV’s biggest hurdles while also making paving even more environmentally friendly!  

Asphalt Continues Its Reign As The World’s Most Recycled Material.

  Roughly 100 million tons of asphalt pavement mix are produced each year globally. Of that amount, an estimated 95% is reclaimed, reused, recycled, or repurposed, making asphalt one of the planet’s most readily recyclable materials. Perhaps most importantly, recycling asphalt helps keep costs lower and reduces reliance on foreign oil to create the bitumen binder that gives asphalt paving its flexibility. With all these factors going for asphalt, it’s reasonable to expect even bigger pushes to maximize asphalt recycling up to a full 100% in 2022 and beyond.  

Inflation And Rising Oil Prices

Between the war in Ukraine and US embargos on Russian goods, including oil, the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on shipping and trade, and a period of high inflation, prices are only getting higher for just about everything—and asphalt pavement is no exception. Recycling and the use of alternative paving materials will help offset this increase greatly, but paving contractors and stakeholders can still expect to see reduced profits and higher up-front costs, at least through the summer.  

Striping

 Some of the biggest advances and hottest trends in paving technology don’t really have to do with the pavement itself—but the paint! Striping is a perennial headache for entities from the federal government all the way down to small business owners trying to keep their parking stalls and handicapped spaces ADA-compliant, but new formulas and application methodologies appear poised to change that in 2022. New advances in striping paint include more eco-friendly options, nanotechnology and microfibers for increased durability and longer utility life, and additives and refined formulas for heightened visibility. Autonomous, self-piloting robotic paint sprayers which deploy striping more uniformly, more accurately, and with a greater level of precision than humans are capable of are making a big impression across the industry.   At Calvac Paving, we’re excited about (most of) what 2022 has in store for the paving industry, as well as how new advances and technologies are going to change both the paving industry and the face of our world. Since 1974, we’ve been committed to making the use of concrete and asphalt paving in construction as efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly as possible. Because of this commitment to a greener, cleaner planet for all, and better-forming pavement applications for our customers and stakeholders, we’re looking forward to seeing the next big advances and putting them to work! When you need a Bay Area paving contractor with an unparalleled safety record who goes above and beyond to deliver consistently outstanding results, click here to contact Calvac Paving. Let us show you what sets Calvac Paving apart from other paving contractors and why we’re the paving company the Bay Area trusts from the driveway to the highway and home again!    

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2645 Pacer Ln
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(408) 225-7700

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Bay Area Asphalt & Concrete

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Since 1974, Calvac Paving has taken great pride in serving the Bay Area Asphalt & Concrete construction needs.

For nearly fifty years, Calvac Paving has been the Bay Area asphalt and concrete paving contractor that California state and federal agencies, private construction firms, and individual property owners trust to deliver quality concrete paving and Bay Area asphalt cement for every application from tollways to driveways.

Consistently ensuring the highest possible quality and best results for clients means keeping pace with the latest innovations in Bay Area asphalt paving and concrete technology and techniques. Calvac Paving’s dedicated and knowledgeable paving professionals have amassed considerable experience in everything from new construction to refurbishment and repair of old, worn paving such as sidewalks, parking lots, roadways and more. While many paving companies focus solely on one kind of paving, Calvac Paving can boast extensive experience with asphalt, concrete and earthwork, from initial grading to final striping. 

“Excellent Service. Very Knowledgeable With Work Needed And Easy To Communicate Ideas Or Alternate Solutions. The Field Estimator And Project Manager Handled Everything With A Minimum Of Time Reviewing The Scope Of Work, And The Front Office Handled All District Paperwork On A Professional Level.” 

Among the services Calvac Paving offers to the public are:

In addition to these services, Calvac Paving takes its obligations to the environment we all share very seriously. 

We use the latest green and eco-friendly policies and practices at every stage of construction from the project’s start to the final cleanup and disposal of waste products at the end.  Most business owners would agree that taking steps to be a greener business is a win-win for everyone.

“Green” Paving?

While this phrase may sound oxymoronic, asphalt pavement has consistently been reported as the most frequently recycled material in the nation since 1993. Continuous improvements in recycling technology and paving practices and techniques that permit for more adaptive uses of existing paving materials have fueled this recycling boom with regards to asphalt and, to a lesser degree, concrete. Purely virgin asphalt concrete, also known as “hot-mix,” is relatively rare today because of the numerous advantages of recycling asphalt in place. However, many old-school pavers often still refer to “warm-mix,” discussed below, as “hot-mix” regardless of this designation’s true accuracy.

“Overall terrific experience. Responsive, engaged and high quality work. I would definitely recommend Calvac to others.” 

Most asphalt you see on the road today consists of rocks, also called aggregates, sand, binder material, and additives such as shredded rubber tires, pig manure, cigarette butts, and metal slag, to name a few. These additives are re-purposed and treated in such a way as to make them a cohesive part of the overall mix and increase a Bay Area asphalt and cement mix’s performance. This transforms relatively useless or even outright hazardous materials into reasonably safe and effective filler materials for asphalt mixes. However, the most common fillers are recycled asphalt paving and asphalt shingles. Using these materials in “warm-mix” asphalt paving sharply decreases the amount of virgin oil binder needed to create a safe driving surface with proper internal cohesion and compactive properties. According to the National Asphalt Paving Association, in the 2013 construction season alone nearly 68 million tons of recycled asphalt and almost 2 million tons of asphalt shingles were used as recyclables, at a savings to taxpayers of around $2 billion. The use of recyclables has increased 21% since 2009 and represents over 99% of all in situ, or existing, asphalt paving and concrete being recycled and re-purposed instead of ending up in landfills.

Calvac Paving is proud to be part of an industry that is able to recycle and reuse apparent waste materials so efficiently and effectively in concrete and asphalt paving. 

As your Bay Area concrete and asphalt pavement provider, Calvac Paving takes a deep interest in ongoing advances in procedures and techniques that allow for new ways to re-purpose existing pavement, whether it is asphalt, concrete, or something else.

 The Future Of Asphalt & Concrete

The interest in new advances is not limited to asphalt because Calvac Paving is dedicated to finding more efficient and ecologically sound ways of achieving the same overall goals. One development that Calvac Paving is watching with great interest is so-called “bio-concrete.” In this type of concrete, a regular concrete mix is impregnated with tiny plastic capsules containing a type of bacillus bacterium which feeds on calcium lactate and excretes limestone. The capsules dissolve when exposed to water, activating and freeing the dormant bacteria within to begin the healing process. This landmark technology could result in admixtures for other types of Bay Area paving, which work to increase the strength, performance, and longevity of all kinds of paving while reducing necessary time-of-life repairs dramatically. As paving technology and techniques evolve, Calvac Paving intends to retain our leadership position in adopting new practices, prioritizing greater safety, security, durability, and environmental awareness in every task we undertake. From new builds to maintenance and repair of existing paving projects, Calvac Paving wants to ensure that its products and services stand the test of time, just as we have since 1974. For your next paving project, whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to determine the most efficient and effective way to repair or replace worn, cracked, or improperly placed paving materials, Calvac Paving’s experienced personnel can become stakeholders in your properties. We welcome the opportunity to show you why Calvac Paving has been building the Bay Area for over forty years, giving real results that stand the test of time!

To Find Out More About Why Calvac Paving Is The Bay Area’s Leader In San Jose Concrete And Asphalt Paving For Every Application From Auto Parking To Complete New Construction, We Invite You To Click Our Name To Find Out More About Calvac Paving, Including Directions To Our Office. 

You can also call us at any of the three numbers below, or visit https://www.calvacpaving.com/bay-area-san-jose-asphalt-concrete-contact/ to get in touch through our website. (408)872-9122 (650)318-6108  (831)264-0644 And for more information about Calvac Paving Bay Area asphalt and concrete, keep reading for our answers to frequently asked questions from readers and business owners like you!  

Frequently Asked Questions about Bay Area Asphalt and Concrete

Calvac Paving is your source for real information and true facts about everything to do with concrete and asphalt, so you know for sure the job will get done right the first time, every time!

“Gahrahmat Properties has worked with Calvac well over 20 years. Calvac has done jobs for us of all shapes and sizes and they have never let us down, ALWAYS on time and ALWAYS on budget. Calvac is a company that is very knowledgeable at all levels, and the guys on site are amazing. For example, if one of the crew sees something that isn’t correct they either bring it to our attention or they simply just take care of it. This company takes pride at all levels of their work and it shows time and time again. So, on behalf of Gahrahmat Properties, I would like to thank you Guys for all of your hard work over the past 20 plus years and We look forward to many more. Robert J. Crum” 

Note: All reviews on this page are from actual Calvac Paving customers. To see more reviews, click here!  

 

Question: How Can I Tell If My Bay Area Asphalt And Concrete Company Is Going To Do A Good Job? –Arthur, San Jose, CA

Answer: A reputable paving contractor will have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau; solid reviews on Yelp!, Google, HomeAdvisor, and other contractor-oriented websites; and be able to provide honest reviews and references from actual customers so you can verify their credentials and past experience. However, is this the best way to gauge how a contractor works? Not necessarily! The best way to see how a contractor does their job is to actually see them working and how they interact with their crews, other contractors, inspectors, and the general public. This can help you evaluate both the content of the company’s character and the sort of results you can expect from your Bay Area paving contractor. Or you can just contact Calvac Paving!  

 

Question: How Does Recycling Asphalt Make For A Better Environment, And Why Does Calvac Paving Care? –Alisha, San Francisco, CA

Answer: Conserving natural resources to create a healthier environment and future for everyone who shares this planet has been a priority goal of Calvac Paving since the beginning. As such, we make it a point to source our cement-based concrete and asphalt concrete from recyclable materials when and where possible. We also work hard to keep up with the latest changes and developments in concrete and asphalt technology, so we’re always at the forefront of innovation for paving that delivers superior longevity, durability, performance, and safety for the general public. But it’s our results and impressive list of repeat customers, some of whom have trusted Calvac Paving’s personnel, methods, and processes for decades, that really sets us apart from other so-called “green” paving companies. That’s why more businesses and contractors trust Calvac Paving for eco-friendly construction materials and practices and why you can trust us too!  

 

Question: What Is The Difference Between Asphalt, Concrete, And Cement? –Jonas, Santa Clara, CA

Answer: Cement is one of the key ingredients in concrete. When you mix Portland cement with aggregate, sand, admixtures, colors, and other ingredients, you get a simple-to-place matrix that can be tinted, colored, shaped, and formed in just about any way you can conceive of. Thus, while you can have cement without concrete, you can’t have conventional concrete without cement.  Asphalt, on the other hand, uses sand and aggregates as well, but it substitutes a bituminous binder, also known as tar or oil, for cement to give the matrix greater strength, flexibility, and water resistance. When the asphalt is compacted and cured, it forms a flexible surface that can withstand more direct force for longer periods than concrete can. This is why you see concrete curbs alongside asphalt roads and driveways. The concrete helps to shape and support the roadway, while the asphalt provides a smooth, resilient surface that’s safer to drive on in all weather and easier to repair than conventional concrete.  Unlike some companies that only do one or the other, Calvac Paving places both Bay Area asphalt and concrete paving so you know you’ll get the best results every time. 

To learn more, click here to contact Calvac Paving today!

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2645 Pacer Ln
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(408) 225-7700

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Five Reasons, the Best Time to Maintain Your Asphalt Is NOW!

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Five Reasons, The Best Time to Maintain Your Asphalt Is NOW!

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The last 18 months have been rife with uncertainty and riddled with worry for nearly everyone. With businesses closing temporarily or permanently, the Bay Area’s paving situation has never been as dire as it is now. The fact is, if your parking lot, driveway, and other paving problems aren’t corrected early, they’ll get worse and more expensive to fix later. Here are five reasons the best time to maintain your asphalt is NOW!

1. Fluctuating Oil Prices

The price of oil impacts everything, perhaps especially in the construction industry. Asphalt and concrete batching and production processes are uniquely affected by the cost of oil. In July 2020, the cost of asphalt tumbled to a low not seen since March 2017. One year later, the price has increased by nearly 50%, spurred on by rising oil prices and a concurrent rise in the cost of refining, processing, and batching. With prices going up, now is the best time to lock in current rates for asphalt and concrete before the cost jumps even higher.

 2. Curb Appeal

How can you tell the difference between a closed business and a business that’s open and ready to take care of its customers? The truth is your customers can’t, especially if they’re driving by on the street. Cracked, faded, potholed parking lots with worn-out striping are unattractive to the eye and send an unflattering message to potential clientele. By repairing your parking lot, access-ways, and other curb and drive installations, you clearly communicate that you’re open for business, ready to get to work, and able to assist your customers with all their needs.

 3. Safety

Did you know that cracked or potholed asphalt, offset sidewalk slabs, and other defects and damaged portions can be a safety hazard? It’s true! If a customer trips and falls because of poorly cared-for paving, your business may be liable for any injuries they sustain. Such hazards can also impede disability access to your business and maybe an ADA violation with a fine of up to $75,000 for the first infraction and $150,000 for each subsequent violation. When you add up the stiff financial and reputation costs of noncompliance and the potential for injury to your staff, customers, and the general public, having your parking lot and sidewalks repaired looks like a pretty good bargain.

4. Weatherproofing

When cracks form in asphalt paving, it allows water to infiltrate the subbase. A small trickle of water isn’t a big deal, though, right? Unfortunately, no. As water seeps into the pavement, it wears and washes away the surrounding material and pools within the matrix, allowing plant seeds to take root and start to grow. During colder weather, it may freeze and expand. These erosive processes accelerate cracking and pothole formation as well as undermining the structural integrity and flexibility of the overlying surface. At a certain point, the paving will be beyond repair and will have to be completely removed and redone to work properly. A well-maintained parking lot will perform and look better for years to come.

 5. Increase And Safeguard Your Property Value

Faded, cracked, or faulty paving can be expensive in more ways than you think. It can also drag down the property value, especially if you’re considering selling in the near future. If your paving looks good, it will also perform well for years to come, making the property a better investment for anyone who might end up buying.

All in all, maintaining your asphalt paving is a smart investment with a lot of benefits and virtually no downside over time. Whether you need a simple sealcoat and restriping, a spot patch and repair on a faulty section, or a complete tear-out and rebuild of your asphalt and concrete paving, Calvac Paving is here to help with proven, durable results that give you, your tenants, and their customers the great performance and appearance they expect and deserve. For all your Bay Area paving needs and a job that’s done right the first time, every time, click here to contact Calvac Paving today!

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
95111
(408) 225-7700

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Maintenance Monday: 10 Ways to Prepare Your Asphalt for Summer

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Maintenance Monday:

10 Ways to Prepare Your Asphalt for Summer

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Whether it’s a roadway, a driveway or a parking lot, asphalt takes a pounding over the fall and winter months. The cooler temperatures and more frequent rains can take a toll on even the most robust and well-constructed asphalt pavements. To ensure maximum safety and durability for your asphalt and the people who travel and park on it, Calvac Paving presents ten ways to prepare your asphalt for summer!  

1.  Take A Closer Look.

Asphalt is very durable and resilient, but there are a number of ways it can fail, so it’s a good idea to have a thorough walkthrough at least quarterly. You should check the condition of your asphalt more frequently in cases of unusually heavy or inclement weather, or if you notice indications of a problem like water flowing down the middle of your lot or roadway.  

2.  Cracked-Up Asphalt Isn’t Funny. 

Surface cracking often indicates that the subgrade beneath the asphalt is failing, this will also allow water penetration into the subgrade. In these cases, depending upon the severity, the affected problems such as potholes, alligatoring, or area(s) need to be removed and replaced.  

3.  Paint It Black.

If your asphalt looks gray rather than black, has a pitted look or you notice deep cracks which may allow water to infiltrate to the subbase, it’s time to engage in crack filling and sealcoating, to help preserve and protect the asphalt and retard further damage.  Note: Most unsealed asphalt has a rough and somewhat textured surface, because of the placement methodologies and the type of hot mix used. The larger the aggregate in the mix the stronger the pavement, but you give up the smooth appearance The solution to this rough surface is twofold. First, an admixture of 2% latex per gallon of raw seal coat is added to both coats of material. secondly, adding one to four pounds of sand to the seal coat on the first coat will add necessary fine aggregate to fill the voids in the asphalt pavement. No sand is added to the second coat. This works to ensure a better looking, longer-wearing surface.

4.  Don’t Stand For It!

Standing water can be a symptom of subsurface issues with a section of your asphalt, usually caused by compaction failure in the subbase. Not only can standing water erode the surface as we’ve already discussed, but it can also undermine the integrity of other sections as the water is forced out of the depression and follows the drainage profile of the area in question.  

5.  Rainbows Belong In The Sky, Not On Your Asphalt!

If you notice iridescent or rainbow-colored patches, these should be cleaned off as soon as possible. Oil and fuel spills can degrade the asphalt’s surface quickly, creating imperfections which over time can become full-fledged failures, reducing your asphalt’s performance and lifespan.   

6.  Clean It Up.

In addition to the fuel and oil spills mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to keep your asphalt clean and clear of debris such as garbage. Food products, in particular, should be cleaned up quickly, because these tend to have a relatively high acid content, e.g., ketchup, hot sauce, salad dressing, which then lingers on the surface, promoting deterioration of the asphalt. Besides, it just looks nicer!  

7.  Root It Out.

If you have trip hazards such as uneven areas or raised roots, now is an excellent time to get them corrected. Trip hazards can be an expensive liability and can presage surface failure later depending upon the nature, type, and expression of the hazard. If possible, identifying and removing these hazards early can extend the life of your asphalt and help keep your insurance premiums down as well.

8. Traffic Control Is Important.

Older and graying pavements make it significantly more difficult to see the traffic markings. This can lead to potentially hazardous situations. Often the markings, arrows, crosswalks, stops and bars can become unrecognizable because of “ghosting”. This is the prior striping bleeding into view and confusing the drivers and pedestrians and leading to potential accidents. This condition is usually timely with the need to seal coat the pavement. Seal coat and restripe will solve this for years to come. This will also allow the property to be brought up to the current Building Code.

9.  Time Is Not On Your Side.

By the time most people notice a problem with their paving, the damage could be far more extensive than even a detailed site walk can really pinpoint. Frequent examination and correcting areas which show indications of failure as soon as possible after they’re noted can help prevent costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary repairs.  

10.  Call In The Professionals.

A paving job done poorly can often be worse than no repair at all. That’s why it’s worth your while to bring in pavement professionals with a solid track record of proven results. Calvac Paving has been serving the Bay Area since 1974, and we have the experience, resources, and personnel to do the job right the first time, every time. Put our experience and cutting-edge construction technology and methods to work for your project by calling any of our Bay Area locations or clicking here to contact us!

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
95111
(408) 225-7700

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Maintenance Monday – Joints In Concrete Slabs

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Maintenance Monday:

Joints In Concrete Slabs

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Concrete Joint Information

Different joints in concrete slabs all have the same bottom-line purpose of preventing cracks

As concrete moves, if it is tied to another structure or even to itself, we get what’s called restraint, which causes tensile forces and invariably leads to cracking. Restraint simply means that the concrete element (whether it’s a slab a wall or a foundation) is not being allowed to freely shrink as it dries to expand and contract with temperature changes or to settle a bit into the subgrade. Joints allow one concrete element to move independently of other parts of the building or structure. Joints also let concrete shrink as it preventing what’s called internal restraint. Internal restraint is created when one part of a slab shrinks more than another or shrinks in a different direction. Think how bad you feel when part of you wants to do one thing and another part wants to do something else! Concrete feels the same way. If you have a question about Calvac Paving, please contact us at Calvac Paving 2645 Pacer Ln San Jose, CA 95111 408-225-7700 sales@calvacpaving.com  

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(408) 225-7700

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New Medical Building Parking Lot

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New Medical Building Parking Lot

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Calvac Paving’s commitment to service means that we often have projects that present unique challenges. For a medical center in Menlo Park, there were several problems that had to be overcome. First, the base below the asphalt had become unstable, leading to depressions and potholes in the surface. Due to these conditions the existing asphalt had to be removed, the baserock graded and compacted. Second, the existing asphalt had to be off hauled and new pavement placed over the recompacted baserock. Finally, because it is an active office, we had to complete the removal, replacement and striping in a single Saturday.

 

When we first arrived, the parking area was riddled with potholes and puddles from the destabilized base. The existing striping and stall design of the parking lot was several years out of step with current ADAS and CBC standards for access. We then scheduled the off haul of recycle and import of hotmix asphalt tonnage and we mobilized the equipment and manpower necessary to complete the job, as well as staging the striping crew. Since we had a very tight window and no margin for error, we knew this had to be done efficiently and correctly the first time, with no delays. After blocking off the area so that we could work safely, we began grinding out the existing asphalt using a specialized milling machine. This pulverized the existing asphalt so that we could haul it to a local recycling plant, while exposing the existing baserock surface. Once that was completed, we graded and compacted the baserock so that Calvac Paving could create a stable, uniform surface that would create the necessary drainage and eliminate the puddles. This process, known as “grading,” is key to establishing a surface safe for vehicles and pedestrians while permitting stormwater drainage, which helps prevent subgrade destabilization by not allowing water to collect and seep through the asphalt.

Once the grade had been established and the baserock compacted to comply with industry standards and project specifications, we placed fresh hotmix asphalt in two 2” layers, or “lifts.” Compacting the asphalt in lifts as it was placed, created an end product that is more durable, less prone to cracking, potholing and other problems seen with asphalt paving. Once the second lift was placed, and we fog sealed the surface, we then had to layout and stripe the parking lot up to current ADAS and California building code requirements for correct access to the building and parking areas.

The result was a very smooth and puddle free, pedestrian, parking and driving surface that is far more stable than the previous paving, as well as meeting the latest standards. At the end of the project, we had removed and replaced more than 150 tons of hotmix asphalt in a single day, which was a quick turnaround for this volume of material and the job specific constraints.

Calvac Paving has been serving the Bay Area for over 45 years, from road rehabilitation projects in Los Altos Hills to this medical center parking lot overhaul in Menlo Park, and we have constructed, repaired or remediated thousands of properties. Each project requires a slightly different approach, due to project requirements, schedules, access concerns and other factors. We pride ourselves as the Bay Area’s solution to those supposedly “challenging” jobs, combining our reputation for safety and efficiency with the attitude that there’s no reason to consider a job “challenging” with the right safety, tools, training and equipment.

We also offer an industry-leading three-year warranty on the finished product to our qualifying clients as proof that we stand behind our product and the workmanship that goes into it. We are committed to providing our clients and stakeholders the best and most efficient results in the business, while making sure that the product that we leave behind is one we can look back at with pride. For more information about how Calvac Paving can help with your job, from a major roadway reconstruction to building an ADA-compliant access point to restriping a parking lot, we invite you to call us at:

(408) 225 – 7700

(650) 694 – 7944

(831) 375 – 7944

Some things in life shouldn’t be left to chance, and the surfaces where you, your family and your clients drive and walk on a daily basis are good examples. When you want the best, done right the first time, every time and on time, you want Calvac Paving, and we want to help!

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
95111
(408) 225-7700

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Maintenance Monday: When Was Asphalt Paving Invented

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Maintenance Monday:

When Was Asphalt Paving Invented

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At Calvac Paving, we think the history and evolution of paving and construction materials over time is just as interesting and important as using them properly to deliver great, durable results for the projects we work on. For this week’s Maintenance Monday installment, we’re going to take a look at the surprising and fascinating history of asphalt and answer a few questions we get a lot from clients and the general public. You might even learn new facts to stump your friends or help your trivia team crush the competition, courtesy of your friends at Calvac Paving!  

When Was Asphalt Invented?

  The “active” ingredient in asphalt is tar, also called pitch and technically known as bitumen. It is a naturally occurring petroleum byproduct that is formed from the decomposition of buried plants that were ancient when the dinosaurs rose to ascendancy on the planet. It is often found in pitch lakes and oil sands. It is also created as a byproduct of petroleum distillation, which today is the most popular source of bitumen due to global fossil fuel consumption. One of the most famous natural sources of bitumen is California’s very own La Brea Tar Pits, which also happens to be one of the most notorious and productive Ice Age fossil concentrations in America. This is because water accumulating and floating on the surface of the pits attracted prehistoric animals to drink from it—trapping them in the hot tar and preserving their remains! The earliest known references to the use of bitumen as a building material date all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia. Bitumen was used to waterproof temple roofs, ritual baths, and rainwater collection vessels, basically serving as an ancient precursor to silicone caulking. The Phoenicians used pitch to protect the hulls of their ships from the ravages of saltwater, weather, wind, and waves, which in turn helped rank them among the world’s most skilled and feared navies of the day. There is a school of thought that suggests the formula for the legendary “Greek fire,” which could burn on water and was primarily developed as a counteroffensive measure against the Phoenicians and other seafaring foes, may have incorporated bitumen in some way, though this cannot be factually substantiated since the actual process for producing this fearsome weapon has been lost to the ages. In Egypt, bitumen was employed as an adhesive for the funerary wrappings of royalty to protect both the earthly bodies and the treasures bound within the linen bandages which formed the shroud.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge, Ancient Babylon Has The Best Claim To Fame For The First Use Of Asphalt As A Paving Material, Somewhere Around 625BCE. 

From Babylon and Carthage, the idea caught on with both the Greeks and the Romans. In fact, the word “asphalt” derives from a Greek word, “asphaltos,” meaning “secure.” The Romans used this new Babylonian technology to create smoother, more efficient roads to move goods, supplies, and, naturally, military forces throughout the Empire. The first use of asphalt as pavement in modern history appears to date to the 1700s, when an Englishman named John Metcalf began laying roads using asphalt around England. A Scot, Thomas Telforld, took up the idea and brought it to Scotland, where it was later perfected by one John Loudon Macadam. Macadam used a combination of crushed rock and bitumen to create his asphalt roads, giving rise to the names “tarmacadam,” “macadam” and “tarmac,” all names which are still in common use on the Continent, and to a lesser extent in the United States, today.  

Asphalt in America

The first recorded asphalt roads in the United States were laid in Newark, New Jersey and on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC by a Belgian chemist, Edmund DeSmedt, in 1870. This was also the year the first hot mix production operation in the United States began. Curiously, the first patent for asphaltic concrete was not filed until 1871! Another patent in 1900 referenced “bitulithic” concrete, a portmanteau term of “bitumen” and “lithos,” the Greek word for “stone,” which set the foundational template for nearly all asphalt mix designs used in America up to the present day. As early as 1907, the rise of automobiles as a primary transportation method and the increasing demand for gasoline to fuel them had made man-derived asphalt the most popular source of bitumen. In a magnificent twist of ingenuity and synchronicity, the very thing that made cars run also provided the materials on which they could drive!  

Asphalt Today

Today, asphalt or asphaltic concrete, as it is technically known, is by far the most popular paving material for everything from parking lots to interstate highways. It is also used in roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. Raw hot mix can also be applied to the surface of a roof, creating a light, strong, waterproof surface. Natural asphalt is rarely used these days, partially because asphalt derived as a byproduct of petroleum production is so plentiful and relatively cheap compared to the expense and effort required to distill asphalt into a usable purified form.  Another reason natural asphalt sources go largely untapped is because many of them, like the La Brea Tar Pits, are protected by local, state, and federal laws for their paleontological and cultural value.  Fossil plants, animals, insects, and human artifacts from Native American tribes in these areas have all been found, making their ongoing conservation and preservation a major point of interest to nature and environmental groups, Native American tribes, and government agencies alike. Finally, asphalt is one of the most recycled substances on earth. An estimated 89.2 MILLION tons (178.4 billion pounds/81.09 billion kilograms) of asphalt were reclaimed and recycled into new mixes in 2019 in America alone according to the National Asphalt Paving Association. This means that overall, asphalt is very environmentally friendly and is not considered an air pollutant by the EPA, even though the fumes from fresh asphalt can be a little overwhelming if you’re not used to them. So the next time you’re driving down the highway or pulling into your own driveway, you might take a moment and spare a thought for the fact you’re driving on the results of an idea older than recorded history!  And of course, for all your concrete and asphalt paving needs, click here to contact Calvac Paving and get the job done right the first time, every time!  

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2645 Pacer Ln
San Jose, CA
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(408) 225-7700

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