ere are some tips to be aware of when choosing a contractor. These are tell-tale signs that a contractor could be a "fly-by-night":
1. No landline telephone - Contractors operating only from a cell phone are not trustworthy as a cellphone can be turned off or have the numbers changed. Nothing more annoying than calling for an important deal and being welcomed by "The number you have dialled is unavailable at the moment, please try again later."
2. No office space - every business needs space to operate from it may be a home office or office block, as long as they have a valid address on which you can contact them on.
3. Don't pay a deposit unless you have been given a valid invoice on company letterhead with details of business contact details, company registration and tax number.
4. No company website
5. They do not allow or avoid you coming to their "office".
6. No references and company profile
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Monday, 13 October 2014
Asphalt vs Concrete
So you’re in the market for a new driveway or perhaps you’re building a new home and need to decide how to pave your driveway. Either way, you’ll probably have two traditional options to choose from- concrete or asphalt. They are similar but have key differences you should consider before making a decision. These considerations include aesthetics, climate, maintenance, cost, and restrictions.
Both concrete and asphalt must have well compacted bases of gravel before application. Both take time to ‘cure’ before they can be driven on, although concrete takes several days while asphalt takes several hours. In addition, both are made from the same general material- stone and sand. However, the difference comes from the adhesive.
In asphalt the adhesive is tar and in concrete its cement.
These two substrates give asphalt and concrete their unique characteristics. They also affect costs, durability and maintenance. Tar, while more inexpensive than cement is softer and degrades easier and faster. However, with proper maintenance this negative attribute of asphalt can be diminished.
Asphalt Driveway | Concrete Driveway |
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Aesthetics
As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is true for driveways as well. Some people like the look and concept of the driveway being an extension of the road and therefore have asphalt driveways. The differences between asphalt and concrete are as different as black and white, literally. However, there are some different things that can be done to both asphalt and concrete to get away from the traditional black or off-white colors.
As a general rule of thumb, concrete is an easier material to work with to get different finishes. Concrete can be stained or tinted to an array of colors and can be stained differently in a single driveway to get unique patterns. Concrete can also be stamped into different designs, etched or engraved to get different looks and it can have different finishes such as brushed or exposed aggregate. All these different options can create a plethora of unique options when designing your driveway.
Asphalt is more limited. Since asphalt must be rolled and compressed,
there is little in the way of unique finishes. Moreover, until recently, there was little option in color apart from standard black. However, there are now tints that can be added at the end of as a sealant or even integral coloring that is added during mixing.
Asphalt Driveway | Concrete Driveway | |
Cost | R75,00+/m2 | R145,00/m2 at 100mm |
Durability | Less durable | More durable |
Weather Issues | Softens in high heat | Cracks in freezing temperatures |
Longevity | 20 years+ | 40 years+ |
Maintenance | Resealing every 3-5 years | Sealing optional; occasional de-greasing |
Finishes | None | Multiple types |
Colors | Primarily black | Multiple color options |
Resurfacing | Yes | Yes |
Repairs | Easy | Difficult |
Climate
For those who live in areas that have either very cold winters or very warm summers, climate can be an important consideration. Concrete has the tendency to crack and suffer from frost heaving in cold and freezing winters. Furthermore, salt used for ice melting can create pits in concrete leaving blotches across the driveway. Alternatively, asphalt has issues in hotter climates. The tar in asphalt can become soft in the high heat of summer and can become tacky and even deform in some cases. It is important to talk to a reputable contractor about the effects the local climate will have on both asphalt and concrete prior to finalizing any decisions.
Maintenance
There are definite differences when considering maintenance. After about six months to a year after installation, asphalt driveways should be sealed. Asphalt should then be subsequently sealed every three-five years afterwards. This can be done by anyone and does not require any special tools or machinery. Sealing the asphalt will extend the life of the driveway, which when properly maintained may last upwards of 30 years.
Concrete driveways do not necessarily need to be sealed to last upwards of 50 years. However, sealing a concrete driveway can preserve the look and finish. Concrete driveways will stain easier than asphalt (although sealing will help) and will require a de-greaser to remove any oil based stains that may occur.
Both asphalt and concrete driveway cracks can be repaired. However, asphalt cracks are easier to repair and blend into the original. Meanwhile, concrete repairs are more obvious due to weathering. An added plus with asphalt is that it can be resurfaced fairly inexpensively leaving a brand new top coat if the old layer falls into disrepair, which is impossible for concrete.
Cost
Ignoring any maintenance costs, asphalt is generally much cheaper to install than concrete. On average, the cost per square foot for asphalt will run from about R75,00 per square metre. Fluctuations in crude oil prices can cause fluctuations in asphalt prices but the price will remain around this range. Concrete, on the other hand, can run between $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot for basic installation and can cost more depending on different finishes and detail. It’s not unheard of to have a stained concrete driveway with a smooth finish cost over $15.00 per square foot.
Regulations
Finally, before you get too far, you may want to check with any local building codes to see if there are any specifications. For those that live in a development, your HOA may have very specific restrictions on color, finish or even type of driveway material you can use.
Still can’t decide? Call Paveking Construction cc today at 011-267-0511 for a free consultation or request a consultation via e-mail on info@paveking.co.za. Our qualified staff can point you in the right direction
and provide an honest quote customized to your home.
and provide an honest quote customized to your home.
Bridging the Gap
As a young female I came into the male-dominated industry of road construction. Sure enough I was intimidated as I had marketing and corporate communication background. I asked myself only many occasions how this was going to work. Little did I know that I didn't have to have it all figured out on the first day, besides joining your husband's company should be a breeze, right? Oh boy, was I wrong. Yes, it wasn't easy at first, I had a lot to learn. But as days went by I realized just how much we needed each other. He, with his civil engineering experience and I, with my marketing and corporate communication background could make fireworks.
First off, every company needs a marketing strategy and corporate communication liaison and Paveking Construction is no different and it being a roads construction business it obviously requires civil engineering expertise. It's not easy working together as a couple, there are boundaries that need to be set, for instance, separating work and personal. It's tricky but we manage. This is our livelihood and that of our children so it works seamlessly. I run the office and he's out on the field. Don't be fooled, you will have to make sacrifices that no ordinary employee has to make but think of this way, if you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten - nothing more. Mediocrity shouldn't be part of your vocabulary. Go above and beyond, things will be tough but it's always better going through challenges with the one you love.
I cannot begin to tell how much I have learned from him and vice versa. I have been to sites many times but I wouldn't know what I know if I didn't ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask. Being in a senior position doesn't mean you won't earn anything from your juniors, ask and you will be surprised of the ideas and methods they have. You can learn as much from them as they can from you.
All things work for good for those who believe. If anything, the people I meet while at work seem to be intimidated by me instead. So if any of you are thinking of working with your spouses, consider it. There is no one else who can value the importance of the success of your business more than the one you chose to spend your life with.
Put God first in everything, your home, your marriage, your business, your job. Because when He shows up, He truly shows off.
Signing Out....
First off, every company needs a marketing strategy and corporate communication liaison and Paveking Construction is no different and it being a roads construction business it obviously requires civil engineering expertise. It's not easy working together as a couple, there are boundaries that need to be set, for instance, separating work and personal. It's tricky but we manage. This is our livelihood and that of our children so it works seamlessly. I run the office and he's out on the field. Don't be fooled, you will have to make sacrifices that no ordinary employee has to make but think of this way, if you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten - nothing more. Mediocrity shouldn't be part of your vocabulary. Go above and beyond, things will be tough but it's always better going through challenges with the one you love.
All things work for good for those who believe. If anything, the people I meet while at work seem to be intimidated by me instead. So if any of you are thinking of working with your spouses, consider it. There is no one else who can value the importance of the success of your business more than the one you chose to spend your life with.
Put God first in everything, your home, your marriage, your business, your job. Because when He shows up, He truly shows off.
Signing Out....
Why Asphalt Surfacing is better than Brick Paving: Advantages of Asphalt/Tar Surfacing
Why Asphalt Surfacing is better than Brick Paving: Advantages of Asphalt/Tar Surfacing: You may be looking to improve your driveway and the most common question that comes up at this time is, "Which is better between tar an...
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