OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CRACK SEALING  |   GSB SEALER BINDER  |   LINING, STRIPING, MARKINGS  |   MARKINGS REMOVAL

Gee Asphalt incorporates only high quality preservation products such as: Crafco hot rubberized crack sealants, GSB Sealer Binder for superior surface preservation, GSB Slurry Mac, and UPM Cold Patch materials for preserving your pavements. In addition we install or replace traffic markings for airport runways, highways, commercial applications and markings removal to bring you into compliance with current ADA regulations. No job is too big for our experienced crews!

CRACK SEALING

THE ASPHALT PRESERVATION CONCEPT - VIEW PICTURE GALLERY for STREETS - ROADS - HIGHWAYS - AIRPORTS - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL - RETAIL - SHOPPING CENTERS Water is enemy number one! "Stop the water from getting into the pavement..." is considered by experts as the first and most important task of preservation. Oxidation, however, is the ultimate destroyer of asphalt binder and all aging related problems of asphalt pavement can be traced in some form back to this problem. If you can save the binder, you can save the pavement. Therefore you must "Stop the oxidation process". Oxidation starts the day your pavement is built and it never stops, never sleeps, never takes a vacation, never quits till your expensive investment has been reduced to gravel once again. The truth is, every pavement is exposed to weathering and the aging process; many owners ignore this simple truth at their own expense. Pre-existing problems will magnify effects of weather, such as poor surface drainage, standing water, soft absorptive aggregates or other related problems only make matters worse. But when the environmental impact is combined with the cumulative effects of traffic, pavements age and deteriorate quickly. The hardening process and loss of flexibility is what ultimately destroys asphalt pavement. Hard and inflexible binder no longer carries the load it was designed to carry. Pavement failure and replacement is just around the corner. The first symptom of oxidation is raveling. Raveling is a condition where binder on the surface deteriorates allowing smaller, then gradually larger aggregates to come loose and wash away from your pavement. You can find these in the low areas near curbs, shoulders, drains etc. Next, as the oxidation really kicks into gear, a crack occurs, then another, and another, allowing water direct entry into your pavement sub-structure which further weakens your pavement. A few years have passed since your pavement was built and the aging process begins to aquire momentum, pot holes and alligators arrive to finish the job. Suddenly, before you realize it, your pavement is in need of a huge cash infusion to keep it going. How do I keep this from happening to my asphalt pavement? Preserve the binder!

Quality Materials Choosing quality sealant materials and properly installing them is critical to achieving long term performance on any pavement preservation project. Crack sealants particularly must be soft, elastic and pliable and not track during the hottest summer temperatures, nor pull apart in cold winter climates. Sealant must have a powerful bond that stays firmly attached to the sides of cracks during all variations of weather imaginable. Keeping cracks sealed for the long haul is not an easy job and this is definitely not the place to cut costs by hiring gypsies and locals who pour some sort of goo out of a bucket.

Hot Crack Sealant Gee Asphalt installs hot applied crack sealants meeting ASTM 3405 standards manufactured by Crafco and W.R. Meadows. We also install single and double component cold applied sealants for cost conscious clients in southern climates. Hot applied sealants are recommended for the majority of our clients because they prove most cost effective by lasting years longer. Hot pour sealants are melted down on your job site in a specialized double jacketed sealant melter.

Melter Applicators Sealants are manufactured in a solid form and must be melted down to be applied into cracks. Gee Asphalt employs the latest high tech melters designed specifically to melt the sealant back into liquid form for pouring into prepared cracks. Melted sealant is pumped under pressure through specially designed tips on operator wands down into cracks. When properly done, cracks are sealed from the bottom up, preventing air voids or bubbles that can debond and fail prematurely. In addition, operator skills are required to maintain a narrow margin of temperature range in the melting process. Skill and experience is required to prevent Coking, or overheating of sealant materials which can cause damage to the product, and a reduction of product performance. More importantly, overheating can cause tracking of sealant materials onto adjacent surfaces which may be quite a problem depending upon your circumstances! Coking is the most common operator mistake of unskilled contractors and is the reason you should choose experienced applicators like Gee Asphalt Systems for your crack sealing needs.

Routing Cracks Crack sealant is most commonly applied by contractors who only partially do the job. They simply blow some of the dirt and debris out of cracks, then try to pour high viscosity (very "thick") sealant into the narrow opening. Routing is a process of mechanically widening narrow cracks to obtain a specified 1.5 to 1 width and depth ratio. Creating a uniform reservoir and optimum bonding surfaces for sealant is a primary objective. This allows for expansion and contraction during thermal changes. Studies show that routed cracks performance is improved by a ratio up to 40 to 1 above that of cracks sealed without this procedure. Old sealant from previous crack sealing projects cannot be routed as damage to router equipment and possible operator injury can occur. Although routing is an optional component of crack sealing, sealant performance is greatly enhanced by this simple and effective procedure. Gee Asphalt Systems highly recommends routing to prolong the performance of your crack sealing projects.

Cleaning & Blowing Cracks Newly routed cracks are blown clean of all dirt and debris to ensure a good bond to pavement surfaces. Gee Asphalt completes this critical step by using compressed air and/or heat lancing tools. After the crack has been routed to proper width and depth, the area is cleaned thoroughly; power swept and then blown free of dirt and debris in final preparation for sealant application.

Drying Cracks If work is delayed by wet or cold conditions, heat lancing may be the best option to simultaneously dry moisture from the crack and blow out dirt and debris. A heat lance is not just an LP weed burner; it is a sophisticated device that combines streams of compressed air and propane gas to create a 3,500 degree jet engine like blast of hot air. This highly effective tool can expedite crack sealing operations during marginal conditions.

Sealant Application The three most common techniques for finishing crack sealant at the surface are: Blow & Go, Rout & Flush Pour, or Rout & Overband. Each technique requires a clean and totally dry crack. Compressed air used for blowing cracks free of debris must have seperators to remove oil that is released from the compressor. Overly deep cracks require backfilling with appropriate materials like sand or backing rope which keeps the sealant in place during the cure process. Each has advantages and disadvantages that need to be understood for choosing which technique you should employ. Crack sealing can be performed as a stand-alone process or completed prior to application of a quality surface preservation treatment. When properly installed, hot applied crack sealants will last for years to come, protecting your pavement investment. Crack sealing is one of several integral components in an overall preservation strategy. Always work with reputable contractors who have a known track record that you can trust.

Crack Sealing Summary Crack sealing is an integral component of a sound preservation program to extend the useful life of asphalt pavements. Asphalt pavements should be inspected yearly and crack sealing completed accordingly. When proper crack sealing is coupled with periodic applications of a quality surface preservation treatment like GSB, a strategic and cost effective step has been taken.

GSB - A PREMIUM PRESERVATION PRODUCT!

CHOOSE LOW PAH ASPHALT FOR PRESERVATION  VIEW PICTURE GALLERY   for STREETS - ROADS - HIGHWAYS - AIRPORTS - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL - RETAIL - SHOPPING CENTERS Preventing oxidation of the asphalt binder in your pavement is a first priority and is critical to pavement longevity. Installation of a quality Sealer Binder preservation process will delay the onset and severity of the pavement aging process. In other words your best defense is a good offense! There are two high quality Gilsonite base fog seal products to choose from that literally withstand the test of time. GSB-78, is solvent borne (cutback) and is used primarily on commercial pavements. GSB-88, is water borne (emulsion) and typically is applied to streets, roads, highways, airports and large commercial projects. Both GSB products are made from premium grade Gilsonite asphalt resin. Gilsonite resin in its raw state is a naturally occurring solid mineral asphalt found in Vernal Utah, the only location in North America. Gilsonite is best described as a petrified asphalt binder. Gilsonite ore is mined then liquefied and blended with specific plasticizers and diluents to form the environmentally friendly and E.P.A. tested GSB product lines. Gilsonite is also a proven high performance modifier for strengthening hot mix asphalt in addition to making superior high performance asphalt preservation treatments.

Gilsonite Has Universal Compatibility In the finished form, GSB-78 and GSB-88 are fully compatible and integrate completely with any and all asphalt surfaces, providing unsurpassed preservation properties. GSB products have the ability to penetrate into asphalt, seal pores, bind aggregates, and rejuvenate by adding both Asphaltenes and Maltenes. Low viscosity allows GSB to penetrate without changing the surface character of the asphalt. Grooved runways or roadways need not be regrooved, nor are PFC (porous friction course) asphalt surfaces altered. During thermal expansion and contraction cycles GSB expands and moves at the same rate as asphalt pavement because Gilsonite is asphalt cement! As a result of GSB penetration, airfield FOD (Foreign Object Debris) is eliminated. GSB is frequently applied to failing slurry coatings where FOD has been created by chipping, peeling, or raveling surfaces and subsequently has become a serious problem. GSB will correct these problems by re-binding loose chips in aging chip and slurry seals. In comparison, coal-tar emulsions and other seal coats simply lay on the surface. They undergo a markedly differerent expansion and contraction rate than that of asphalt pavement. Eventually this difference leads to cracking, peeling, pin-holing, and delamination. GSB will never crack, peel or delaminate! Following are just a few types of applications where GSB has been successfully engaged: airport taxiways, grooved & PFC runways, city streets, county roads, interstate highways, shoulders, test tracks, race tracks, bike paths, parking lots, retention pond liners, industrial pavement, rail & intermodal yards, regional, super regional, strip and community shopping centers, office buildings, national parks, schools & universities, churches, banks, restaurants, hotels, apartments, etc..... Whatever type pavement you own or manage, GSB will preserve it!

Start Sooner, Get 10 to 1 Savings! To achieve the greatest benefit, preservation treatments including GSB should be applied to pavements before they begin to show signs of age and oxidation. According to FHWA research data, the sooner the better. Up to 80% of pavement flexibility is lost during the first five years. When the aging process is arrested, care and maintenance is less invasive and less expensive. Application of GSB once every four to six years will not only extend the life of the asphalt pavement significantly, but will reduce life cycle costs by up to an ten to one ratio. This philosophy represents a shift away from the past practices of worst first, where all budget dollars are continually spent for the rehabilitation of the very worst pavements. When using the old way of doing things there is never enough money to catch up with all the work that needs to be done. The most cost effective way to reduce costs over the long haul is to implement a preservation process early to preserve the good pavements and keep them in good condition. This allows time and resources to correct those pavements that have fallen into poor condition. Change requires planning, perseverance and getting the whole organization up to speed on the benefits of preservation, all the way from the field and operations people, up to the top management and ownership. This can be a challenge, especially when the system has always been operated a certain way. Therefore, to succeed in the implementation of a preservation strategy, you must influence and change the way people in your organization think about preservation!

GSB & Proven Performance GSB is incorporated by state, county, city, and commercial agencies on diverse applications totaling millions of square yards annually. GSB-88 is recognized by the FAA as a restorative seal and qualifies for Airport Improvement Program funds as defined in Denver District ADO Engineering Modifications to standards. Under the AIP (Airport Improvement Program), the FAA participates by funding ninety percent (90%) of the cost of GSB-88 applications. In most cases an additional five percent (5%) is paid by those states, leaving local costs for GSB applications at only 5%. With supportive federal funding available, there has never been a better time to start an asphalt preservation program on your airfield pavements. Some engineers believe fuel spills are their greatest enemy on airfield pavements, however recent Asphalt Institute findings say something completely different. AI research shows over 90% of airfield pavement failure is attributed directly to the aging effects of the environment, not fuel spillage.

Surface Preparation As in any technical process, preparation is critical to the long-term success of an installation. Thoroughly cleaned surfaces are prerequisite to ensure penetration and bonding of GSB with all pavement surface types. This is an area where Gee Asphalt consistently outshines the competition. We engage sophisticated cleaning and preparation equipment and take the extra time needed to properly clean and prepare all surfaces prior to application of GSB products. Hand cleaning is also employed extensively on commercial projects to remove stubborn deposits that cannot be removed with power equipment. Gee Asphalt Systems completes this critical step using the latest tools and equipment coupled with plain old-fashioned hard work and, of course, a keen eye for detail!

Application Process GSB products are spray applied from distributors in a "fog seal" manner to precisely control application rates. GSB immediately penetrates into voids and pores creating a superior and inseparable bond with existing aggregate. GSB provides consistent protection from environmental forces to preserve oils within the pavement that are vital to pavement flexibility and longevity. Surfaces are tested and the proper type and amount of micro friction material is incorporated into the application process to improve or maintain safe conditions.

GSB Lasts up to Five Years When applied early, GSB maintains a tight surface that is tough, durable, long-lasting, and highly resistant to oxidation and the aging process. Because GSB penetrates into the surface pores of asphalt pavements, it is unlike coal tar coatings that rest just on top. Of course, the way it performs is different as well. GSB's long term performance is not just a pretty, black paint job, whose performance is contingent upon visual cues and wear from traffic abrasion and exposed aggregates. If you have been using those type of "top coatings" and are tired of the short time they work their magic, take note. GSB products perform approximately five years before re-application is recommended regardless of traffic wear. Correct product application is critical to performance. In this respect, Gee Asphalt once again outshines our competition. Our specialized high production application distributors are tailored to properly apply GSB products in the absolute minimum time at the specified rate for all pavement types including: airports/taxiways, aprons, runways, hangar areas, city streets, county roads, parks, bike trails, highways, shoulders, schools, playgrounds, colleges & universities, commercial & industrial complexes, regional & strip shopping malls, office buildings, intermodal rail sites, race tracks, sports complexes, and all other asphalt surface types and uses. Specially designed hoppers have been fitted and are harnessed to apply friction materials from each distributor. Every size job is completed quickly, safely, and to your satisfaction.

Larger projects utilize full size distributors for even application and speed of operations. For smaller and more complex tasks a "mini" distributor is used. Hand work is accomplished with careful masking, blocking, or "cut-in" to minimize over spray. Curing on warm sunny days takes only a few minutes. Equipment operators are trained and highly experienced at installing GSB quickly, efficiently, and neatly. Whether your project is large or small, Gee Asphalt incorporates high-tech equipment designed to do your project with the least down time, in a neat, efficient, and professional manner.

When to Preserve with GSB GSB applications are just one type of tool that can effectively be used to preserve and maintain asphalt pavements. Like all processes, there is a time to move forward with preservation, and a time to move towards another more comprehensive rehabilitation tool in the tool box. GSB will effectively preserve asphalt surfaces and can be applied immediately following construction, and then at five year intervals until the pavement no longer has structural integrity. As long as a pavement continues to perform structurally, GSB applications will provide benefit over time. Gee Asphalt has pavements that have been on a continuous preservation program for 35 years and counting! (How many years are you getting from your asphalt surfaces???)

Preservation a Primary Component Preservation is the primary component of a sound pavement management program. When correctly used, preservation will significantly extend the useful life of asphalt pavements. As a primary component, preservation requires that preemptive measures are implemented early and repeated periodically. This type of program is a strategic leap towards reducing costs and providing high performance pavements for longer periods of time. Preserve the asset; it makes a lot of sense.

WHAT IS SLURRY MAC AND WHEN SHOULD I USE IT?

Older pavements that are structurally sound, but show advanced oxidation and a coarse surface texture may be prime candidates for Slurry Mac. Slurry Mac is a water-carried petroleum asphalt surface treatment which fills the small cracks and voids smoothing the surface; and aiding in sheeting water off from coated surfaces. Slurry Mac is a tough and durable micro slurry application that can be installed as a single-coat or as a double-coat process, depending upon the desired final texture. It corrects surface raveling, levels minor depressions, and seals pavement surfaces from moisture. Because Slurry Mac is asphalt based, it bonds to the existing asphalt surface and binds the aggregate - it won't crack shortly after application like non-asphalt/coal tar surface treatments can. If the asphalt at any of your facilities has not been adequately maintained or let go a little longer than it should have, Gee Asphalt can help to re-establish older, rough pavement surfaces with Slurry Mac. Gee Asphalt Systems will come to your location and conduct a grass roots training program to assist your organization in understanding and developing a preservation strategy designed to protect your investment in asphalt pavement.

RE-STRIPING & TRAFFIC MARKINGS

TRAFFIC MARKINGS - VIEW PICTURE GALLERY for STREETS - ROADS - HIGHWAYS - AIRPORTS - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL - RETAIL - SHOPPING CENTERS After crack sealing and preservation work is complete, lining and traffic markings must be completed to add the finishing touch to your job. It is more than just walking a straight line with a can of paint; striping and traffic markings are the most visible aspect of a pavement preservation project. By correctly striping paved surfaces, the safety, appearance and performance of markings is greatly enhanced. Gee Asphalt provides striping, re-striping, and markings removal services, including re-striping with our truck mounted highway striping unit. We always use the latest equipment available to provide a quality application every time.

New Striping Layouts Gee Asphalt Systems can re-stripe markings as existing, or layout a new configuration on new pavements, or those freshly sealed. We consider and monitor these important criteria before, and during striping projects:

local climate and forecast weather conditions   condition and evenness of the pavement surface to accept paint   choosing proper paint for compatibility with intended use   apply intended quantity of paint for superior wear ability   use of fast-drying paint to minimize drying time and speed re-opening   color to suit the customer specifications (yellow, white, red, blue)   install lines in any configuration, angled or straight parking stalls   replace/correct desired traffic flow markings   comply with ADA requirements

Re-Stripe Existing Markings Re-striping replaces traffic markings according to their original layout. This process can be performed after sealer binder applications are completed, or on any asphalt or concrete pavements immediately following construction including a new lay out. Markings will normally last about two seasons depending upon weather, climate, and traffic conditions. Of course, higher volume traffic, abrasives and de-icers can significantly reduce the performance of all traffic markings.

Removal of Markings Occasionally there is a change of use and a need to re-configure traffic markings. Permanent removal is accomplished using rotary head diamond bit grinders designed specifically for this purpose. These cutters are designed to remove as much paint as possible while at the same time minimizing damage to pavement surfaces. Gee Asphalt Systems generally recommends this permanent type of stripe removal instead of "blacking out" because it is just that, permanent! Blacking out markings, however, is less desirable from a cosmetic standpoint, but a viable option that can be used to accommodate budget constraints.

ADA Requirements Gee Asphalt can help you keep on top of changing regulations including the requirements to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gee Asphalt knows how to keep you in compliance with Federal regulations.

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