Have you ever wondered what the first paved road was like? Route 66 is not the same as it was when the highway was built in the 1930s. With highways and paving, transportation and people’s lives were revolutionized during the 1930s and 1940s.
Highways allowed people the opportunity to travel, to have a sense of freedom, going from town to town. Route 66 was the first paved highway that gave hope to those looking for jobs and a better life. The highway was so popular a song was even written about it, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” which became a hit by Nat King Cole.
Among popular highways like Route 66, came Wisconsin’s first divided highway. Blue Mound Road became a divided, paved, four-lane highway in the 1920s. The road was highly travelled because it connected Wisconsin’s two major cities, Madison and Milwaukee.
Building interstates was the next step after highways. After Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956, the interstate network was born. The late 50s ended with the construction of the interstate and it was not completed until the 1990s. The creation of interstates boosted business and cities and suburbs started to grow.
Trucking and long-distance travel increased because of the development of interstates. More families began traveling and touring. More companies began using commercial freight by truck as opposed to using the railroad. With all the travel, the automobile industry began expanding and had a stronger demand.
Because of the increase in traffic and travel, more distinct ways of commuting were necessary. So began the construction of intercity highways, beltways, and city streets, resulting in the growth for business in America.
What would it have been like had paved roads not been created, and stayed dirt roads? How would the business industry have developed?
Interested in learning more about the growth of the paving industry and how roads evolved? Read more at
America on the Move from the
Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Have you ever noticed that some asphalt paving looks great for years, while some deteriorates quickly? What causes asphalt installations to behave so differently?
The answer lies in the proper preparation, laying, and care of asphalt. Here are four keys to ensuring your asphalt paving project looks great and lasts.
Choose a Reputable Contractor
Asphalt requires heavy equipment and specialized training, so the fist key is to select a knowledgeable contractor. Ask probing questions, such as:
- Do they have expertise in this specific type of project?
- Can they provide references?
- Are they insured?
Prepare the Site
The second key is to ensure proper site preparation. Discuss project requirements (size, steepness, stairs, ramps, etc.) with the contractor. Ask about any steps that you need to take.
The contractor will also need to prepare the site. If already paved, it’s possible the asphalt can be laid over, but it may need to be removed. Vegetation will need to be stripped, the area excavated, and the soil compacted. When the site is ready, a gravel or asphalt base will be added. Last, the hot liquid paving will be poured.
Let it Be
The third key is simple – let the surface cool and cure properly. Nothing should touch it during this time. Your contractor will guide you, but usually 1-2 days are needed.
Seal It In
Properly sealcoating the surface is critical – it protects the asphalt and helps avoid cracks and potholes. Here’s more information:
Sealcoating Tips and Benefits
Sealcoating Overview
Sealcoats also need to cure for 24-48 hours after application.
We hope you find these four keys to a successful asphalt project helpful! Getting the right contractor, preparing the site, properly curing, and properly sealcoating will give you lasting functionality.
Considering asphalt paving?
Contact Wolf Paving for a quote today!
The asphalt industry is full of events that bring in new perspectives and help expand the knowledge base of those in the asphalt paving industry. The World of Asphalt Show and Conference 2012, March 13-15, in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides over 40 educational sessions and many opportunities to talk to industry experts and view over 300 exhibitors. Here’s a brief overview of what the conference has to offer.
People, Plants, and Paving Training Program
- Learn the skills necessary for optimal paving performance
- Learn new techniques for quality asphalt paving
- Learn ways to preserve and sustain asphalt pavement
AGG1 Academy
- Discover the latest trends in the aggregate industry
- Discover ways to evaluate and improve plant productivity
- Discover how production changes can affect quality
Going Green
- Explore ways to lower costs and be more eco-friendly
- Explore some “green” practices for asphalt mixtures
- Explore case studies about warm mix asphalt
Also, review some of the products that will appear in the exhibits at the World of Asphalt Conference. Some exhibitors include:
- Astec
- Bomag
- Caterpillar
- Clarence Richard
Check out this full list of asphalt industry events happening this year. Are you attending any events this year? Do you have an event that you’d like to add to the list? We’d love to hear from you via the comments section below.
Milford Hills Hunt Club is the leading hunt club in Wisconsin with a proud 5-star rating. Located in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, they have been serving Milwaukee, Madison, and surrounding areas for 17 years with over 400 acres of land. More than just a hunt club, they host many corporate and special events, as wells as weddings and celebrations. The club also has a full restaurant and bar open to the public.
Milford Hills was looking to have their 2-acre parking lot and driveway repaved. Being a 5-star rated hunt club, they understand the importance of maintaining a professional looking and high-quality environment to their customers. To that end, creating a positive first impression with a new, asphalt driveway and parking lot was an important objective.
According to Lloyd Marks, owner/operator of Milford Hills Hunt Club, “We chose Wolf Paving because of the quality, the service, the commitment of the family run business, and the time frame of when they could get (the paving) done."
He went on to say, “When the project was finished it was exactly what they (Wolf Paving) said; it was actually above and beyond. They were here to help…they did a great job on everything and made sure everything was satisfied with the customer. It was awesome; we would love to recommend Wolf to any of our other customers. If anybody ever asks us, we always do."
Wolf Paving offers a variety of paving services, including both residential and commercial paving, such as business or private parking lots and driveways, to fit the needs of their customers.
If you are interested in having your parking lot repaved or seal coated, or would like more information, call the experts at Wolf Paving or request a quote.
Everyone remembers that scene in Disney’s Bambi where he skids around on ice while his rabbit friend laughs. The scene is very cute, but it belies reality: ice is extremely dangerous, causing many injuries and accidents each winter.
The most dangerous is black ice – that transparent sheet of mayhem lurking on pavement. It’s virtually indistinguishable from the surface below, so can it even be avoided? If not, what then?
Be Vigilant
Black ice can be nearly invisible, but careful observation may help. If pavement seems shinier or darker, beware. It's often in shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses, but any area is potentially icy – it only takes a little water to freeze.
Take your time. Remember 4-wheel and all-wheel drives can spin out on a sheet of ice just as easily! Go slowly so you can drive more defensively, too.
Be Deliberate
Be calm and deliberate. Avoid sudden, jerky movements, like stomping on your gas or brake pedals. You’ll glide along on ice in nearly the same trajectory you were going before. If you fight this, you’re likely to spin out (driving) or fall (walking).
Remove your foot from the accelerator and wait for traction. If you're going slowly, you’ll have time to stop. Avoid braking suddenly, and keep steering where you were. If you start spinning out, gently steer in the direction of the skid.
Try to avoid walking on slick pavement, and walk slowly if you do. Don't react in a jerky fashion if you start to slip. We really are like Bambi, but with only two spindly legs instead of four!
The best safety tip is to check conditions and stay home on icy days. If not, be vigilant and deliberate. The extra time is worth it to stay safe in slick conditions.
Most of us lead a comfortable existence, assured we’ll have warmth, food, and shelter every day. Unfortunately, this means we rarely plan for situations in which our lives might actually be threatened.
Bad weather can strip away your safety suddenly. To see how quickly a normal situation can turn deadly, we have only to look back at the sad death of James Kim of CNET, who lost his life seeking help after his car and family were stranded in a blizzard. You don’t have to be in a very remote area for this to happen, either. Wisconsin blizzards can be so blinding that rescue crews can’t see you 10 feet off the road.
We really don’t know what the weather will bring, but you can take steps to help ensure your safety. Ensure your car is in working order, that you have sufficient fuel, and that you verify directions and watch for warning signs. Carrying a winter survival kit may help if the unexpected happens.
Here are the basic items recommended by the Wisconsin DOT for your winter survival kit:
- 3-pound metal coffee can (punch 3 equidistant holes at the top). Store the other items inside the can.
- 60" twine and 3 large safety pins (to suspend can).
- 1 candle 2" diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting snow).
- Pocketknife and spoon.
- Bright cloth (tie to antenna or door handle).
- Packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc.
- Peanuts, protein/energy bars, dried fruit, etc.
- Socks and gloves (not cotton).
- 2 packs of matches.
- 1 sun shield blanket.
- 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate).
Pack enough material to survive at least 72 hours in your vehicle. If you’ll be travelling in a more remote location at any time, pack more. Here's a more advanced kit from Safety-Goods.
Did You Know Deicers Can Be Environmentally Harmful?
Depending on which solution is used, concerns might include it washing down into water stores, damaging plants, creating air particulates, or being harmful to animals. It can also cause damage to home fixtures like wooden steps and may damage asphalt. Even storing deicing solutions is a careful business, since large amounts can leach into soil and seriously affect nearby waterways.
Use Deicers Sparingly
It’s therefore recommended that deicers be used sparingly. Shoveling and plowing regularly can help, and laying down sand or gravel helps traction (not melting). If you lay down sand or gravel, it’s best to sweep it up or otherwise collect it afterward for reuse in the next storm. (Reuse is one of the primary tenets of environmental stewardship, since buying new supplies creates waste in production, packaging, and shipping -- plus reusing saves you money!)
In those rare cases when more powerful deicing solutions are needed, it’s important to shovel and plow first, and then use the least toxic option that's still effective. Salt and sand are the most cost-effective, but calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is also relatively inexpensive and benign. Potassium acetate (KA) is another fairly benign option that also works at colder temperatures than salt or CMA.
An Environmentally Friendly Mix
The best option in many cases is to use a mix of various deicing agents. At Wolf Paving, we prefer to use a mix of sand and salt, in ratios of 8:1, 4:1, or 1:1 as appropriate. No solution is perfect, but we find this is the best for melting, improving traction, and having the minimal possible impact on the environment.
Need help with deicing in an environmentally friendly way? We’d love to talk with you about your needs. Contact us for a quote today.
Nothing stops Old Man Winter from reminding you of his existence, and he doesn't choose the most pleasant tactics! Those wintry reminders can be burdensome for you as a business owner as you try to keep your lots and sidewalks safe. Here are three more reasons to seriously consider professional snow management instead.
1. Safety
The safety of employees and patrons is probably at the top of your list of winter concerns. Slippery conditions can cause falls and injuries. No one wants to see someone hurt, especially from something that could be avoided. Besides the injury, litigation might follow and cost your business in time and money.
2. Quality
Sure, you could have your buddy plow your lot. But would it be done right? Also consider the potential damage untrained plowing might do. A professional plowing company understands how to maintain and preserve the asphalt surface and is a lot less likely to mar the surface with the plow's blade.
3. Economics
You’ll have to decide, but we’re convinced that snow removal services are the smart and economical choice. Depending on your needs, you might choose snow removal on a regular basis, just when snow arrives (available 24/7), or on a seasonal plan to save more. (Whatever you choose, be sure it happens often. Multiple snowfalls or ice storms can create very unsafe conditions and be harder to resolve.)
Remember when winter sends his missives, you can keep the worst away economically and safely by using professional, high-quality snow removal. Click here for a quote!
In June of 2011 Wolf Paving was brought in as an asphalt paving subcontractor on a building addition and parking lot expansion project. But, as it turned out, this wasn’t your normal, run-of-the-mill type of project. It became a unique collaboration among a diverse and highly-talented team.
At the time, the Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. of New Berlin, Wisconsin was in need of a facilities expansion in the neighborhood of 25,000sf. At first blush, engineering revealed there simply wasn’t enough usable land at the site to accommodate a new structure of that size plus the additional parking that would be needed and, still be in compliance with the areas storm water management plan. It seemed relocating to another location was the only answer, but that too proved to be an untenable, cost-prohibitive solution. And somewhere in all of this some very bright people got together around a porous asphalt pavement solution.
Mark Ellena of Ellena Engineering Consultants got the idea for a very unique and ingenious solution from a seminar he had taken on flood water management methods and procedures involving the use of porous asphalt. According to the National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA), porous asphalt pavement has played a prominent role in the paving industry since the mid-1970s. More importantly perhaps, it’s been discovered to be an extremely cost-effective and viable solution for complex projects involving storm water management. According to information found on NAPA’s Web site: “With the proper design and installation, porous asphalt can provide cost-effective, attractive pavements with a life span of more than twenty years, and at the same time provide storm-water management systems that promote infiltration, improve water quality, and many times eliminate the need for a detention basin.”
Mr Ellena brought this idea of using porous asphalt for the parking lot expansion over the floodplain to Jim Warzinski of Wolf Paving. Mark provided research and created a design based on the specifications involving the size, depth and quantity of material needed for water storage and infiltration. Jim supplied his expertise on the technical aspects of the porous asphalt product and a gradation plan that would meet Mark’s design requirements. Together, the pair provided general contractor, Anderson Ashton a compelling and winning plan by which to enable the customer to successfully complete their expansion without compromising the site’s storm water management scheme - and most likely saving the company tens of thousands, perhaps millions of dollars in the process.
Another key player in the overall solution was the Vulcan Materials Company who supplied the all-important base course or stone recharge bed called, Decco Base. This is the heart of the system which not only provides the infiltration of water but a strong sub-base for the porous asphalt. In the illustration below, you can see a cross section of the elements making up the complete solution.
“Together, we collaborated on design and technique to meet the client’s need and delivered the solution with a personal touch, said Mark Ellena. “And It looks better than I ever thought it would look, Wolf really delivers to meet the project needs. They’re the best around.”
The following is a photo of a portion of the finished parking lot with the porous asphalt on the left and the regular asphalt pavement on the right.
Have a storm water management challenge to your expansion or property plans? Consider a porous asphalt pavement solution, designed and installed by the experts.
This is one of Wolf Paving's many success stories. A leading provider of residential, industrial and commercial paving solutions in Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin, Wolf Paving has built a strong reputation for exceeding client expectations through ingenuity, adaptability and old-fashioned hard work. (Not to mention some pretty effective teamwork and collaboration with some of the best engineers, contractors and industry suppliers around!)
Summer is over; fall is here. Temperatures are down, and football is on. But football isn’t the
only thing you have to think about. Winter is coming, and some household maintenance may need to be done to prepare.
For example, should you apply driveway sealcoating before winter? A proper seal is important for avoiding cracks and potholes.
How Often Should I Sealcoat?
Sealing doesn’t need to be done every year. So how do you know if this is the year?
A driveway sealcoat usually lasts 2-4 years, but its life expectancy depends on weather and use. Look carefully for these signs:
- Cracks 1/8” or larger
- Patchy, dry look
- Pitting
- Gravelly surface
Pits and cracks allow water to get in and do more damage. A dry, unprotected look may indicate UV damage that could eventually break down the binder material in the asphalt.
Do It Myself or Hire a Contractor?
It can be a messy process, but some homeowners choose to do the driveway sealcoating themselves. The overall process is:
- Ensure the area is ready – rope off the driveway, cut back the grass, and remove any decorative items nearby.
- Remove all debris from cracks and pits. Apply crack filler and let dry.
- Remove any remaining surface debris (use a leaf blower and brooms).
- Wearing safety glasses, cut in the edges of the driveway, applying a coal tar based sealer with a handheld brush.
- Still wearing safety glasses, apply the remaining sealer by pouring it out on the driveway and spreading it thinly from side to side to the cut-in areas. Excess sealer should not be allowed into grass or drains. Allow to dry at least 36 hours.
If you choose to hire a contractor, ensure they have experience and a good reputation, and that they use commercial quality materials. Ask about their process, too. Contact multiple companies to compare. Ask about their square footage rate, and ensure you know your driveway dimensions so you can check their estimate.
Ready to have it done right? Contact Wolf Paving for a sealcoating estimate today!
You may also be interested in these articles:
Sealcoating Your Driveway - Tips and Benefits
Sealcoating Your Asphalt Driveway - An Overview