There are various fabric products available, and these fabrics are sometimes referred to using their trade names. Fabrics are installed to extend the life of the asphalt, or "bituminous concrete" street, as some call it. Fabrics are economical considering the additional life gained.
The fabric serves several purposes. The membrane is installed between layers of asphalt, or between pavement and asphalt or bituminous top coat, and forms a waterproof layer. If installed atop an existing layer, it should be bonded to the existing using liquid asphalt cement. Why use such a fabric? It is because asphalt is a flexible pavement and any cracks in the underlayment, if left untreated will travel upwards from the underlayment and through the overlay, compromising the integrity of the asphalt.
The holes in Lakecliffe were patched. However, I didn't see new fabric installed. When a pot hole or checkering (sometimes called alligator cracks) form, the old asphalt is dug out and patched. Single line cracks should also be treated and then a new asphalt overlay is installed. If untreated, the cracks from below, which are called "reflective" cracks, will migrate upwards and in as little as one year, will broach the surface of the newly installed asphalt.
The ultimate goal is to protect the sub-base. If that base begins to disintegrate, the structural integrity is lost and the street will also disintegrate. This photo shows the exposed fabric. Clicking on the photo will enlarge it, in most browsers.
The following shows "checkering" or "alligator cracks", and the hole that forms if left untreated.
Cracks
Cracks are not "checkering" or "alligatoring". Cracks form a single line, and can be of varying widths. Cracks smaller than 1/4 inch can be treated using pourable sealant. Cracks of 3/8 inch or wider usually require a different treatment. All cracks should be cleaned before sealing, and such cleaning may include removal of weakened material, soil, plants etc. A heat lance is often used. After cleaning, hot air at 2000F is forced into the crack under very high pressure, perhaps 1000 PSIG. Then the appropriate sealant is applied. Wider cracks have more movement than smaller ones, under varying temperatures and therefore frequently require a "hot pour" crack filler, which fills the crack and is poured and distributed with a squeegee and trowel, to form a tight seal across the entire crack.
A good hot crack sealant will satisfy federal specification ASTM-D3405-78, which results in a material capable of withstanding temperature extremes from minus 20F to 140F, and under those conditions the sealer will retain its bond and will remain flexible and will not chip, crack or become sticky.
If you are interested in viewing the results of some of the techniques for repairing cracks, you drive over them every day on Briarcliffe, before you enter BLMH!
Seal Coating
Seal coating is not currently in use at BLMH. Proponents of seal coating point to studies that indicate that a structurally sound street or driveway can last indefinitely, if properly seal coated every 3 to 5 years.
Seal coating requires thorough cleaning of the pavement before application. Cleaning typically includes power washing, brooms, sealing of cracks, removal of vegetation, etc. Of course, the street or parking area must be thoroughly dry prior to sealing. Any oil spots are primed before application of the sealer. The sealer is a coal tar product, and is applied in two coats. Properly applied seal coating is resistant to weather, gasoline and oil. There are various products, but seal coating equivalent to federal specification RP355E is a good beginning.
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References, Errors, Omissions, Comments:
Who cares...it's only one street.
ReplyDeleteI just farted.
To 7:46 PM - it appears your assessment is correct - which does not bode well for BLMH residents.
ReplyDeleteIt also appears that many things of importance are being "written off" by this board. If they have no understanding, then they just don't do anything - and they obviously have no understanding.
To 10:50 PM - you are a member of the lower class of people on this planet. I guess you could be considered a non-entity.
Yes, this board does have understanding, but of what? Nothing that I can discern is beneficial to BLMH residents.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do have priorities, but not ones that are beneficial to BLMH residents.
Yes, there is money, but the critical question is how the money will be spent, and how will we keep reserves adequate at all times, and provide for present concerns, as well as future concerns. This is part of the problem with the board not having understanding.
the board is figuring it out. It takes time to do these things. All but one have less than two years experience.
ReplyDeleteHaven't you ever heard of "on the job" training?
Be patient. Thing will get better, or then won't. We'll know in a couple of years.
To 12:51 PM - I don't mean any offense, however, I don't know whether to laugh or cry at your response.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4/8 @ 12:51 -
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it, but I agree with you. I don't like this board, personally. I think they do a lousy job, and they are full of personal agendas. They listen EVEN LESS than the old board. But I think you're right. I think given the proper amount of time, we may see progress.
The disconcerting thing to me was our first 'new' president two years ago resigned. One year later, the one guy in the ROC group who seemed to be paying attention, the LD, also resigned. So now what?
This has potential to spiral out of control. I have lived in some VERY bad complexes before. I managed to sell. I can do it again. Even up against the 10 - 20 other units for sale at the moment. But I'd rather not. I guess time will tell...
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ReplyDelete"Next will be fee increases or special assessments."
ReplyDeleteThat's what Norm wants though.
"Really Fed Up with Stupid People said" is full of crap and makes up facts.. Got any proof to back up your comments.
ReplyDeleteApril 11, 2010 1:50 PM, got proof that $30,000 was spent on landcaping via notes passed. More of your accusations and B.S.
ReplyDelete