Today's Roads are Going Green with Recycled Asphalt

There's no denying that most of America's roadworks and highways today consist of some form of asphalt concrete, and will continue to do so for many more years. However, recent construction innovations now make it possible for non-biodegradable asphalt to be recycled. Upon calculating the country's roadworks expenses for 2011, the government saved approximately $2 billion of taxpayer money by incorporating reclaimed asphalt into those projects.

Specifically, about a million tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS) and 66 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) from old roads and torn-down roofs were used in 2011's road construction season. Working with RAS and RAP require less energy, and the two materials are also good sources of liquid asphalt by themselves. Additionally, RAS and RAP don't require asphalt binders, thus saving the government about 21 million barrels of the substance.

Recycled asphalt may soon be used for building parking lots and other pavements. By incorporating so-called “warm-mix” technologies during construction work, harmful emissions like carbon monoxide can also be reduced. This trend of using recycled materials is expected to continue in 2013, now that plastic composites and other reclaimed materials (i.e. concrete) are now enjoying widespread use in major cities like New York and Pittsburgh.

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Avoid Legal Woes with Pothole Patching for Parking Lots

If you manage a building with its own parking lot, proper maintenance is extremely crucial because in time, the parking lot's surface will develop potholes. Potholes form as small cracks on road surfaces that are usually caused by exposure to heat as well as heavy vehicular traffic. Rainwater that seeps through the cracks freezes during cold weather then expands, causing bigger holes to appear on the pavement. These unattractive potholes can affect the image of your establishment and pose safety hazards.

Potholes not only affect your property's curb appeal but can also land you in hot water. While most motorists just drive past potholes, pedestrians can slip and fall and thus find sufficient grounds to file personal injury cases against you. You may end up paying hefty settlement fees for medical treatment as well as damages for emotional distress. Aside from the the actual settlement, you'll have to pay lawyer's the fees as well.

To avoid costly litigation, be sure to regularly inspect your parking lot's pavement for any signs of damage. You might want to get in touch with companies that specialize in parking lot maintenance, particularly pothole patching. Through proper parking lot maintenance, you can run your business in peace and avoid lawsuits.

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