Imagine pulling into a parking lot where the cracks are wide and asphalt is worn. It happens all the time! Not only is it unsightly (negative first impressions can be disasterous), it is also unsafe. If a patron slips and falls on your property, you can be liable. Parking lot seal coating and crack filling will solve this problem.
Crack Filling
Cracks are caused when the asphalt ages or shrinks. When the cracks are left unfilled, rain and moisture seep through the asphalt and cause it to erode. Also keep in mind that cracks left unfilled open the door for weeds and/or plants to begin growing inside of them. As the roots on the plants continue to grow, they can push the pavement up and cause even greater damage. This is why asphalt crack filling is so important. Crack filling services prevent rain and moisture from from seeping through the pavement. When crack filling asphalt, be sure to clean the cracks first. They should be free of all dirt and debris befor being filled.
Seal Coating
Parking lot seal coating is a must for any property. Asphalt seal coating ensures that the
asphalt remains structurally sound and enhances aesthetics. Before seal coating, make sure the pavement is free of all dirt and debris. Providing seal coating services on dirty asphalt will make the job not hold up. It is important to keep that seal coating is merely a protective coating. Seal coating asphalt should only be done when it is structurally sound. If you seal coat prior to crack filling. the cracks will be magnified because of the asphalt's clean and uniform appearance. Ideal conditions for seal coating services are a warm sunny day with low humidity. Without seal coating, your pavement will begin to crack and develop potholes from an overexposure to sunlight and harmful substances such as gas, oil spills, and precipitation.
Hiring a Contractor
It is important to be comfortable with the contractor you choose to perform crack filling and seal coating services. Below are 4 helpful tips to finding the right contractor:
- Talk with industry professionals and see who they reccommend.
- Search the internet and related directories to find a local contractor.
- Obtain multiple estimates
- Beware of scams! Do not let anyone pressure you into signing a contract or agree to the work right now for an "amazing discount".
In closing seal coating and crack filling services, are important to the overall property maintenance. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, they protect the life of the pavement.
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Similar to parking lots, a parking deck is often a customer's first impression of your facility. That is why parking garage cleaning is so important.
Parking garages are cleaned with a parking deck scrubber (see picture on right) which uses a combination of scrubbing and power washing. Parking garages, regardless of the size, need to be maintained regularly. Cars and trucks bring in dirt and debris. Furthermore, oil stains and spilled beverages are common. Allowing the dirt and grime to build up is harmful to those that use the garage because it can become infested with bacteria. Allowing the bacteria to build will also lead to expensive replacement costs and decreases the surface's useful life. The oil is unsightly. Not to mention, oil spills that are left unattended, increases the likelihood of a slip and fall.
Like power washing, water reclamation is a MUST. Proper filtration of the dirty water is required as per the EPA. Allowing the dirty water to seep into our waterways is an example of storm water runoff and is very harmful to our environment.
Talk with your contractor of choice to develop a customized program that meets your needs.
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A clean property is a happy property! It is important to remember that alot goes into exterior property maintenance. A well-maintained property projects an image of success.
Sweeping
Parking lot sweeping is one of the best values in property maintenance. A regular sweeping schedule keeps the buildup of dirt and debris to a minimum. More importantly, it keeps the customers safe. A sweeper should be able to hit the corners and the perimiter of a parking lot. Allowing dirt or debris to accumulate, will cause the pavement to wear and open the way for bacteria to build up.
Sidewalks
Keeping sidewalks free of cans, glass, cigarette butts, and other debris is a must. This can be achieved through portering services and/or back-pack blowers. By making sure the sidewalks are kept clean, ensures that your customers have an accidnet-free surface to walk on. This will keep your liability to a minimum.
Trash Cans
An often, overlooked area of property maintenance is maintaining the trash cans. Garbages must be emptied and relined on a regular basis. Not doing so will result in a build-up of odors, insects, and bacteria, which can be harmful to the customers. Not to mention, a trash can filled to the top with garbage looks unsightly to those visiting the property.
Pavement
Your pavement also needs to be on a regular maintenance schedule. In addition to sweeping, other pavement maintenance services need to be performed. Crack filling is important to ensure that the cracks do not get out of hand and cause a more serious problem. Furthermore, the paint in the parking lot becomes faded overtime, which can cause confusion and chaos. Parking lot striping on a regular basis can help eliminate that problem.
Talk with your contractor about a regular maintenance schedule Click on the buttons below for more information.
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The exterior property is the very first thing customers and tenants will see when they pull up. An unkept property gives them a negative impression and may cause them to wonder why they would shop at or lease from your establishment.
There are two types of property maintenance:Residential and Exterior. Exterior Property Maintenance includes: street sweeping, line striping, power washing, landscaping, and much more. Depending on the scope of the project, a property manager will usually hire an expert to handle any exterior maintenance issues.
Once you have chosen a property maintenance company, ask your contractor for a certificate of insurance. Also, be sure to ask for references. It is important to have a reputable contractor who is properly certified. This keep your liability to a minimum. Finally, before signing the contract, make sure the following parameters are included:
- Specify the equipment to be used and the area to be worked on
- Identify materials used. Make sure a clause regarding dumping is included as well.
- The contractor and property manager's responsibilites should be clearly outlined.
- Contract languauge is clear and easy to understand.
Every property should be on a regular maintenance schedule. If the land is too much for the property manager to maintain, hire an outside company to look after the land and report any malfunctions to the manager. Preventative Maintenance will help solve problems before they actually happen.
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Pressure washing regularly prevents the build up of dirt, mold, and other bacteria. Most importantly, power washing on a regular basis increases the value of your property.
Pressure washing is a good preventitive maintenance tool. Typically, there are two types of power washing: Commercial Power Washing and Residential Power Washing.
Commercial Power Washing
- Shopping Centers
- Office Buildings
- Stores
- Walkways/Pavement
- Stadiums
- Parking Garages
Residential Power Washing
- Residential Homes
- Patios/Patio Furniture
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
Talk with your contractor and find out what power washing services they
provide. Regardless of what type of power washing you do, water reclamation is of the utmost importance. It is a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of the water. Some of the most common questions concerning power washing are:
What is the difference between Commercial Power Washing and Residential Power Washing?
Commercial Power Washing has to do with businesses while Residential Power Washing deals with an individual's home or private property.
Will Power Washing damage my landscaping?
No, the chemicals are diluted. An experienced power washing company should know the right mix of chemicals and water as well as the right amount of pressure.
How often should you power wash your home/office building?
Generally, power washing should be done once a year. That way, your home/building will constantly have that fresh, clean look. Waiting until the algae/mold builds up makes the job more difficult and more expensive.
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Parking lot sweeping is a must for any business. First impressions are formed in the parking lot. In today's day and age, there is alot more to parking lot sweeping than just sweeping the lot.
Prospects - Know Your Market
- Shopping Centers
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Apartment Complexes
- Airport Lots
- Hospitals
- Stadiums / Golf Courses
- Grocery Store Lots
The Proposal
The proposal should be clear and easy to understand. Make sure there are no "hidden fees". The proposal should also outline how often the parking lot will be swept and for how long. Most importantly, a sweeping proposal needs to identify the problem and the proposed solution.
Relationships
The single most important thing is establishing a relationship with your customers. Make yourself easily accessible and provide after hours support. Every once in a while, let them know how good of a job you are doing. Most property managers take it for granted that their parking lot is spotless. Don't be afraid to let them know how you made it spotless.
Quality Service
Analyze the property regularly to make sure your employees are doing the job properly. See how you can upgrade your parking lot sweeping services. It is all about keeping the customer. Assess every action in each parking lot sweeping job.
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The National Pavement Expo (NPE) is the largest pavement maintenance tradeshow. This year the show will be held in Nashville, Tennessee from January 23 to 26.
The NPE benefits contractors on every level and targets the following groups: pavement contractors, dealers/distributors, manufacturers, trade associations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
About the NPE
The NPE is a great networking opportunity. Attendees have the option to walk the tradeshow floor and interact with industry professionals. Click here for a list of companies that will be exhibiting. The newest sealcoating, line striping, infrared equipment will be one display. Seminars and workshops are also held each day. 37 new seminar topics and 15 new speakers have been added for the 2013 show. Three notable seminars are:
- Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce: There is an excellent chance that your business will soon include baby boomers ('46-'64), Generation Xers ('60's & '70's), and Generation Y ('82-'00), if it doesn't already. These
groups think differently and have different expectations. This seminar will allow you to understand what makes each generation "tick" and how to get everyone on the same page.
- Asphalt Maintenace Basics - Cracksealing, Patching, Sealcoating, & Overlays: This seminar will show you how to make sure clients get the most for their money. Proper materials and methods will be discussed. In addition, new techniques will be taught. After this seminar, you'll be able to match the appropriate maintenance method to the pavement problem.
- Basic Sealcoating Principles: details the "ins" & "outs" of the sealcoating process and business. Understanding the basic principles will improve the quality of your work. Finally, the do's and don't's of sealcoating will be discussed.
Round table discussions will be held on January 24th and 25th. Topics such as infrared potholes, sealcoating, striping, and sweeping will be covered. These round tables provide attendees with yet another networking opportunity.
Beyond the NPE
There is plenty of fun things to do at night in Nashville. Nashville is commonly referred to as the "Music City" with the Grand Ole Opry Stage nearby and live music concerts. Nashville also offers a wide-variety of dining options. From friendly dinners to expensive meals, there is something for everyone.
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Potholes are a nuisance that can cause damage to vehicles that drive over them. Pothole Repair has never been so easy. Heres how to repair those unsightly potholes quickly.
Materials Needed:
- Pothole Filler
- Tamper Tool
- Broom
Clean out the pothole with a broom. It must be free of debris. Once the area is cleaned out, pour the pothole filler into the hole. Pothole filler is very easy to obtain. Simply go to your local Lowes or Home Depot. A two-inch base of filler is a must. The key to a permanent repair is compaction. Use the tamper to compact the mix. After applying the base, reapply the mix in two inch increments and compact again. Finally, apply a small crown to the repair area to allow for additional compaction. This will allow the product to continue to settle once open to traffic.
What many customers do not know is that pothole repair can be done year round, not just during the spring and summer. The longer you wait to repair a pothole, the harder it will be.
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Hurricane Sandy wreaked unthinkable havoc on New Jersey. The Jersey Shore will never be the same. Many families have been displaced and many more are working around the clock to rebuild their homes. Unfortunately, as we work to rebuild, we must be aware of people trying to take advantage of us in these trying times. If you suspect fraud, please contact the NJ Department Consumer Affairs immediately. Below are the top three hurricane related scams:
Price Gouging
Price gouging is an increase in price that is 10% higher than the original price. Excessive price gouging is illegal. Companies may increase the price if they incur unexpected costs. That increase cannot be more than 10%.
Charities
Before making any donations, do some research first. Make sure the charity you wish to donate to is tax exempt. Do not make any cash donations as you can not be guaranteed that it will get to the charity of your choice. Pay by check or credit card if possible. Understand exactly how your money is being divvied up. Know how much is actually going towards storm relief efforts and how much is going to cover administrative costs.
Contractors
Whether you have a sweeping contractor or a home repair contractor, they need to be reliable. They must be registered and should be able to provide you with a copy of their liability insurance. Obtain multiple estimates. The terms and conditions of the contract need to be clear. Otherwise, it should not be signed. Do not allow anybody into your house unless they provide proper identification. Most importantly, never pay the entire amount up front. Inspect all areas to make sure the work was done correctly. Do not make final payment until all work is completed. Contractors that tell you repairs must be made immediately or who try and pressure you into signing a contract immediately cannot be trusted.
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The 2012 CAI Conference and Expo bought HOA board members to the NJ Convention & Expo
Center in Edison, NJ. A networking reception was held prior to the show at the Sheraton. Both events gave attendees the opportunity to network with other industry professionals. We at C&L Sweeper Service met with numerous board members and were able to learn about the issues facing their communities. We were able to show them how services like sweeping or parking lot striping will benefit their communities.
Educational seminars were offered to those in attendance. Some of the seminars offered included:
- Caring for Community Association Funds - options for investing association funds, borrowing money, and proper bank procedures.
- Community Association Board Meetings: A to Z - running association board meetings; policies, procedures, and proper documentation
- Working with the Directors - associations must comply with DCA requirements and regulations. Failure to do so will result in costly fines.
Most of the companies in attendance offered fun activities at their booths in order to capture the audience's attention. FWH Associates gave away wine bottles to those that had matching pins. Wentworth Property Management handed out red velvet cupcakes. C&L Sweeper Service raffled off a $100 giftcard to one lucky winner.
Furthermore, this tradeshow gave C&L the opportunity to solidify their relationships with reputable companies such as RCP Management and Wentworth. Thank you to the CAI staff for putting on a wonderful tradeshow. We are already setting our sights on the 2013 CAI Conference & Expo in Atlantic City.
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