Paving Company Charleston SC builds paved surfaces such as driveways, concrete floors, and airport runways. They also work on smaller jobs for homeowners and businesses.

A quality paving contractor should have a strong business reputation and be covered by general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This helps protect their clients from being held liable for any accidents that may occur on the job site.

As with any trade, paving contractors face a number of risks on the job. Their work can damage property, harm people, or even injure their employees. That’s why it’s so important for them to get the right insurance. Without it, they could find themselves facing expensive litigation or losing their business.

The right trade insurance for paving contractors can help cover costs in the event of an accident or injury. It also protects their financial assets and reputation. The right policy should include commercial general liability, a workers’ compensation policy, and other coverages depending on the size and type of their operation.

One example is when a contractor’s employee accidentally drives a spray wand into a customer’s car window. This damages the vehicle and may lead to a costly lawsuit. Commercial auto insurance could pay for the repair bill.

Another possible scenario is when a contractor’s equipment accidentally damages a neighboring property. The neighbor may file a lawsuit for property damage and loss of income. Small business liability insurance could pay for the legal fees and compensation awarded to the victim.

In addition to general and commercial insurance, paving contractors should also have workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job. It’s important for all businesses to have this type of protection in place.

It’s not always easy to predict what might happen on a jobsite, especially when it comes to large construction projects that involve a lot of machinery and people. That’s why it’s so crucial for paving contractors to have the right insurance.

The best way to find the right insurance for a paving contractor is to talk with an independent agent. These agents can show clients policies from multiple companies and provide advice on the best coverage options. They can also help clients compare premiums and terms to make the most informed decision. This can save them time and money in the long run. In addition, independent agents can offer discounted rates for paving contractors. These discounts can make the difference in securing the right insurance for a company.

They have years of experience.

An experienced paving contractor will be able to provide you with a high-quality, durable asphalt surface. They will also be able to handle any challenges that may arise during the project. This will result in a finished product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. You will want to find a company that has been in business for several years and has a track record of success.

You should always check a potential paving contractor’s references and website before hiring them. This will help you determine whether or not they are the right fit for your project. You should also ask the contractor for examples of their past work. If they are unable or unwilling to provide you with these details, it’s best to move on to another candidate.

Another thing to look for in a paving contractor is their knowledge of the drainage issues that can occur with asphalt surfaces. They should know how to address these issues by laying a foundation that encourages proper drainage. They should also design the slope of the new paved surface to accommodate runoff, if necessary.

In addition to their experience, you should also make sure that a paving contractor has the equipment and tools needed to complete your project. This will include excavation and planning equipment as well as paving equipment. Lastly, you should also check if the contractor has a crew that is capable of handling large projects.

Finally, you should always get a contract in writing before beginning any work. This will protect you from any miscommunication or disagreements that may occur during the project. You should also ask the paving contractor if they offer a warranty on their work.

If you’re looking for a professional paving contractor, contact Lyons & Hohl Paving today! We have the years of experience and reputation needed to handle any residential or commercial paving project. We can answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote for your next paving project. We look forward to hearing from you!

They are faster.

The best paving companies use high-quality machinery and equipment. This ensures that the work is completed faster and correctly the first time around. They also have a team of professionals who are experts in the field and know how to get the job done quickly. When looking for a qualified paving contractor, be sure to ask for references and see examples of their past work. You should also pay attention to reviews to see what people are saying about the company.

Paving contractors lay new asphalt, repair existing paved surfaces, and maintain driveways and parking lots. They may work for commercial or residential customers. They can also be hired by city governments to lay new streets or sidewalks. These contractors typically report to a general contractor or construction manager and can work on a project as part of a larger building or roadwork crew.

Many paving contractors specialize in the type of surface material they work with. They are able to estimate the amount of material needed for a job and then bring in the appropriate quantity. This saves the customer time and money by avoiding waste. They can also provide expert advice about which materials are most suited to a particular location or environment.

When choosing a paving contractor, look for one who has years of experience in the field. They should have a strong record of customer satisfaction and be able to provide proof that their services are of the highest quality. When comparing quotes, be sure to consider the price, what is included and excluded, and warranty terms. A low quote can be a warning sign that the company may cut corners and not do a quality job.

A good paving contractor will be able to provide you with a smooth and durable surface that lasts for years. In addition to laying pavement, they can also repair existing paving surfaces and repair cracks and potholes. The company should be able to provide you with a written contract that outlines the work to be performed and its estimated cost. The contract should also specify the deadline for completion of the work.

They have a satisfaction guarantee.

A quality paving contractor will stand behind their work and will not only be willing to take on a new job if you are unhappy with the results, but they will also provide you with a list of past clients that you can contact for a reference. In addition, they will often put a gallery of completed projects on their website for potential customers to view.

Whether you are a residential homeowner or a business owner, hiring a paving contractor for a new driveway, parking lot, or walkway is an important investment that requires careful consideration. Be wary of fly-by-night contractors who might promise a quick and inexpensive fix to your problem but will be gone when you need them most.

While it is true that some of the top paving contractors offer other services such as asphalt repair, sealing, and striping, the bulk of their sales come from paving alone. It is a good idea to ask any prospective paving contractor what percentage of their total annual business comes from each service and whether they have general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation.

Tools for the Handyman

July 5, 2023

Ernestine Long

Handyman No Comments

Handyman Naperville IL can do everything from fixing a leaky faucet to installing a new light fixture. However, they don’t have the same skills as a licensed plumber or electrician.

Some handymen choose to charge by the hour, while others prefer to price jobs based on the scope of work and factor in the cost of any specialty tools or equipment needed.

A circular saw uses a selection of disc-shaped blades to cut materials such as timber, plastic, and metal. It’s a great tool to have when working on home improvement projects, as it allows you to make repeating straight cuts quickly and accurately. The tool is available in both cordless and electric options, with the latter often being a better choice when working on heavy-duty jobs.

A great option for a beginner or someone who plans on using the tool occasionally is the BLACK+DECKER ONE+ Circular Saw, which provides plenty of power and precision. With a large 7 1/4″ blade, it’s capable of cutting through wood and metal without much difficulty. It also includes an easy-to-use depth adjustment that lets you create precise cuts with the tool.

The saw’s baseplate can be used to support a straightedge guide, which is useful when making rip cuts (cuts that run parallel with the grain of the material). This feature allows you to get accurate and straight results every time. The guide can be attached to the saw’s baseplate or to an external device such as a clamp.

It’s important to note that when using a circular saw, you need to take extra care and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. This means keeping your hands away from the blade and always gripping the tool properly to avoid splinters or injuries. It’s also recommended that you regularly inspect the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and other safety features to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

A good idea is to keep a spare blade in case it’s damaged when working on a project and to regularly clean the saw and remove any debris before storage. This will help extend the lifespan of your tools and make them more reliable.

Framing Nailer

The framing nailer is a staple tool for handymen, as it allows them to quickly drive large nails into thick material. It’s used to build and repair decks, fences, sheds, and other small buildings, as well as framing houses and other structures. A nailer can be either pneumatic or electric, depending on the type of job and its intended use.

A pneumatic nailer uses an air compressor to drive nails, whereas an electric nailer draws power from an outlet or battery. Both can be effective, but it’s important to consider the needs of your business and choose the right one for your specific purposes.

Both types of nailers have a variety of options and features, such as an adjustable depth, no-mar pad, and exhaust diffuser. The best framing nailers also have a removable nose cap that prevents accidental firing and helps you get into tight spaces. They also come with a choice of interchangeable triggers, so you can choose between single-fire and bump-fire modes. The single-fire mode is safer and easier to master, so it’s a good idea to use this until you have a feel for the tool.

Another consideration is whether the framing nailer uses round-head or clipped-head nails. Many local building codes require the use of round-head nails, which can hold up better than clipped-head ones. A good framing nailer will accommodate both kinds of nails, but it’s best to stick with round-head nails.

A nailer’s size and weight are also important factors to keep in mind. A framer may need to crouch or stand on a ladder for long periods of time, so it’s important that the tool is light and easy to maneuver. Additionally, it should have a depth adjustment that’s easy to turn without requiring too much force.

Miter Saw

A miter saw is a tool of choice for many carpenters. It cuts a wide range of wood workpieces, including trim and moldings. It can also cut metal and masonry with the right blade. Miter saws cannot cut a large sheet of material like a table saw, and they don’t curve as well as a bandsaw, but they are great for cutting dimensional lumber for building framing or decks.

There are a number of different types of miter saws available to a handyman, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a sliding miter saw can increase cross-cut capacity but may require regular maintenance to keep the blade in perfect alignment. If you don’t want to deal with that, consider a compound miter saw that can cut both bevels and crosscuts.

Another feature to consider is the size of the miter saw’s base, as this will determine how portable it is. Many of these saws have bases that can fold to become a rolling stand, so you can easily transport the tool in and out of your truck or garage. If you don’t need to move your saw around much, consider a cordless model that runs on a battery and doesn’t require cords to operate.

Finally, be sure the saw you choose has a dust collection port so you can hook it up to a shop vac to minimize the amount of sawdust in your workspace and lungs. Even the best miter saws will produce a lot of dust, and if you don’t have some kind of dust control system, your shop can quickly become a messy place to work. Fortunately, most miter saws come with simple dust ports that you can use to connect your vacuum.

Fish Tape

A handyman needs to run cables and wires through a finished wall, and that’s where fish tape comes in. It’s a thin, flexible length of nylon, fiberglass, or steel designed to be fed through narrow spaces and wall cavities, helping you guide wiring through walls, conduits, and other obstacles without damaging the conductors inside.

There are several different types of fish tape, and it’s important to pick one that matches your needs. For example, if you work in an environment with potentially energized circuits (like a data center), look for an option that’s rated to withstand electrical shock. This can protect you from injuries caused by electrical arcing and reduce the likelihood of equipment damage.

Most fish tapes come coiled on a plastic reel, which allows you to store them neatly and easily when not in use. The reels also make it easy to grab the right length of fishing tape when you need it. Most models feature hooks on either end that can be attached to wires, which helps you pull them through walls or conduits. When you’re pulling through an especially long opening, it’s a good idea to use two pieces of fish tape connected together to help prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged.

A fish tape’s case is another important factor to consider. Look for one that’s made from corrosion-resistant material, so it can last longer. Some cases come with a thumb control, so you can wind up the tape quickly and easily. Others are made with wide, impact-resistant slots that ensure the tape can be wound securely. Some even have viewports, so you can see where the tape is positioned within the case.

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a must-have tool for any handyman. You can use it to patch minor nicks in your wiring, protect exposed wires from heat, or for arts and crafts projects. It’s important to look for electrical tape that has a rubber or vinyl backing that is resistant to temperature extremes and can stretch. It should also be able to resist airborne contaminants and create an airtight seal. Look for a UL listing or Canadian CSA approval, which are certifications that indicate the tape has passed certain quality and performance qualifications.

You can find electrical tape in a variety of widths and colors, depending on your project’s needs. You may want to opt for a wider tape for larger applications or go with a narrower version for tighter spaces. The thickness of the tape is another factor to consider. Thicker tapes are more durable, but they can be difficult to tear. Look for an adhesive that doesn’t leave a residue upon removal or a softer adhesive for a more natural tear experience.

Most traditional electrical tapes have a black backing made of vinyl, rubber, or varnished cambric. The elasticity of the backing allows it to stretch out and around your wiring without being affected by current flow. This type of backing also resists temperature extremes and helps the tape hold up to abrasion, moisture, and damage.

Some electrical tapes have different colors to mark voltage levels and phases of wires (colored tape is sometimes called phasing tape). You can even find a special striped variety that allows you to label each individual wire with letters or numbers. These are great for identifying which wires supply power to adjacent outlets or appliances, as well as spliced wires that aren’t yet fully connected.

How to Spot Problems That Need Deck Repair

July 4, 2023

Ernestine Long

Deck Builders No Comments

Decks take a beating from sunlight, rain, and snow. Deterioration is to be expected, but regular inspections can help spot problems that need repair before they become safety hazards.

If the damage involves rot in weight-bearing posts or beams, repair will be more extensive and expensive than if surface rot only affects one or two planks. A deck ledger is the connecting point between your deck and your home, but it can also be a major source of structural problems. When a ledger board isn’t properly installed or maintained, moisture can leak behind the deck and into your home, causing dry rot. Fortunately, this problem is easily preventable with a little knowledge and proactive maintenance.

Dry rot is a serious and costly problem that can cause significant damage to both your home and deck if left untreated. The best way to prevent it is to ensure your deck remodelers include flashing when they install your new deck. Properly installed flashing is a thin layer of water-resistant material that prevents water from penetrating the junction between your deck and your house. Without proper flashing, moisture will seep into the ledger, triggering persistent dampness and eventually rotting it away.

To repair a rotting ledger, remove the old section and cut two 24 by 2 by 10 inch pieces of wood to scab onto the floor joists on both sides of the removed area. Then, attach the scabs to the floor joists using 3-inch screws. You can also replace the sill plate and ledger board if they are rotted as well.

Insects like termites and carpenter ants love to feast on decks, and if left unchecked, they can destroy your home as well as your deck. Look for signs of insect infestation, including holes in your deck posts and wood flakes on the ground beneath them. If you have an infestation, call a pest control company for assistance.

Rotted Spots

Nothing threatens the life of a deck like moisture and wood rot. While it’s normal for deck boards to splinter or crack, it’s a sign of deterioration when you find rotting spots on the structure. Rotted areas are typically soft, spongy, and discolored. If caught early, the fungus can be killed with a powerful fungicide and the affected area repaired with a wood filler or composite material.

To identify rotting wood, look for long sheets of grayish mold or darker-looking patches on the decking surface. You may also notice that the surrounding wood has a distinct musty odor. It’s important to note that wood-eating insects, such as termites and beetles, often attack rotted areas as well. If you suspect a problem, locate the source of the water and address it as a first step to preventing future rot. This could include a plumbing leak, a gutter alignment issue, a sprinkler system problem, or anything else that encourages water retention.

Dry rot fungus is difficult to kill once it’s established. In fact, the pores of this type of fungus can actually grow even in the presence of a fungicide. This makes it critical to address the entire situation with a thorough inspection, the removal of all rotted wood, and the treatment of all nearby timbers with a fungicide to stop the spread.

In some cases, the fungus can be killed with oxalic acid. This is a chemical found in some deck cleaners and may be purchased from hardware stores. It’s crucial to wear eye protection and gloves when working with concentrated chin scanning. It’s also a good idea to prune any plants that might be near the damaged areas, as some deck cleaners can burn leaves on contact. When using a power tool to cut away rotted sections of timber, it’s best to support the board above with lumber to prevent binding and slipping as you saw through it. This will also make it easier to finish the rotted section with a stain or paint that matches the rest of your deck. Once completed, be sure to sand down the repair to smooth it and stain it with a solid color rather than a semi-transparent stain for maximum longevity.

Cracked Wood

Wood cracks and splits are a natural part of the growth cycle, but if they go untreated, they can ruin furniture or other projects. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair them. The most common is to use a sealant or stabilizer that will prevent the cracks from spreading further, but there are other methods as well. Some of them include using epoxy or sanding and sawing the crack to make it shorter and less visible. Others involve incorporating the crack into a design, which can be an aesthetic accent and even add a unique style to the piece.

Identifying the source of the crack is important before trying to correct it because improper diagnoses often lead to the wrong course of action and more damage. It’s also important to understand that wood swells when it’s wet, then shrinks as it dries. This can cause a tabletop to twist, warp, or even separate from its base.

There are several types of wood fillers, but epoxy is best for this type of repair. The first step is to prepare the artwork by sanding and cleaning it. Then, mix the epoxy components: resin and hardener. When they’re combined, the mixture should be paint-like in consistency. If the knots twist, dwarf, or catch the wood, consider adding a drop or two of a wood-colored dye or powder pigment to the epoxy.

Once the epoxy has been applied, sand off the excess and smooth it over with a putty knife. Let it dry as recommended by the manufacturer’s label.

Another good option for cracks in off-edge wood is wood putty, which is thick and durable. However, it is not an ideal choice for this type of repair because it merely masks the crack and doesn’t bind the wood, as wood epoxy does. It’s best for smaller cracks, such as nail holes. In addition, it’s important to avoid storing wood in extremely dry or damp environments or in direct sunlight, as this can contribute to cracking. By taking these precautions, wood can look beautiful for a long time.

Protruding Nails

Oftentimes, deck boards are held in place with nails rather than screws. Over time, these nails can come loose and protrude through the surface of the wood. This is a common problem and one that can be easily repaired with some basic supplies. The first clue that a deck may be experiencing this issue is a visual inspection. If you notice the nail heads sticking up above the board surface or empty nail holes, this can be a sign that the boards are loose and should be replaced. It is important to resist the temptation to simply pound any protruding nails back into place, as this would only be a band-aid over the issue.

The best way to fix this is to pull the nails and replace them with exterior-grade deck screws. Choose screws that are slightly larger in diameter than the nails, and make sure to use a screw with a star bit to lessen the likelihood of stripping. When installing the new screws, it is important to put a piece of scrap wood between your pry bar and the deck board. This will help prevent the tool from denting the surface of the wood and allow you to gain leverage without damaging the board.

Another benefit to using screws instead of nails is that they are much easier to install. This is because it takes far more effort to drive a nail than it does to drill in a screw, and this can lead to fewer errors being made during the installation process.

Once all the old nails are removed and the replacements are installed, it is a good idea to treat the area with a preservative such as stain or sealant to further protect the wood and keep it looking like new. Ultimately, this can help the deck last longer and look its best for years to come.

Lastly, remember that harsh weather can be detrimental to your deck, and if you spot any issues early on, it is better to tackle them now before they get worse. The key is to be vigilant and watch out for signs of damage, such as splinters or a spongy feel to the deck boards, which are indicators of rot.

How to Find the Best Paving Contractors