Creek Side Townhomes of Plymouth, MN
One of our biggest projects this year includes a 21 home concrete and asphalt reconstruction for the Creek Side Townhomes of Plymouth. We have been doing work for these townhomes for the past three years and the ongoing project required even more improvements. Five of our main installations were: concrete slabs, concrete stoops, concrete apron, foundation masonry block reconstruction, and asphalt driveways. The descriptions of each of these can be found below and images can be viewed in the video.
Concrete Slab- A concrete slab was poured if the previous slab was cracking or deteriorated. The cracked area could be found near the garage door. Cracks form in concrete due to moisture infiltration, allowing the crack to get larger. The concrete will then settle and begin to slope in the wrong direction. As more moisture begins to infiltrate the crack, ice can build up and it will eventually lead to foundation damage. This may cause edges of the concrete to rise and create trip hazards. Deterioration can occur from unprotected concrete being exposed to salt.
Only two of the townhomes required a new slab for their concrete garage floor. The process of removing and pouring a new slab is very similar to any other concrete pour. First, we saw-cut a perimeter around the area. Then the old, damaged area is removed using a jack hammer and a bob cat hauls it away. The area is rebased, then sloped in the proper direction and elevation. Next, forms are assembled around the perimeter to pour the concrete to the correct height. Expansion may need to be installed against buildings and foundations to help prevent shifting during the free-thaw cycle. The new concrete is then poured and leveled using a bull float or a frenzo, making sure to improve water drainage away from the garage. An L-shaped edging tool is used to properly finish the edges of the slab and create a more professional look. The concrete is again smoothed with a mag and a steel trawl to create a smooth finish. A broom is pulled over exterior concrete in the direction perpendicular to traffic in order to create more traction. When the concrete has begun to harden due to the moisture in the mix evaporating, the forms may be removed. A currying sealant is applied to the concrete to aid in the curing process and to provide protection. This may take up to 30 days to fully complete.
Concrete Stoop- Three homes required a new concrete stoop leading up to the front door. Not only did we have to demolish the old stoop, but we also had to add four-foot deep footings. Footings are installed to combat the freeze and thaw cycle of the harsh Minnesota weather. After the area is leveled, the stoop is formed using wooden boards in preparation for the concrete. The process of pouring the concrete is very similar to that of a concrete slab, but the frame work is more extensive. Extra reinforcements are needed to hold the forms and prevent movement during the pouring process. Another difference when pouring a stoop is that the sides of the forms are tapped with a hammer in a process called puddling. This is used to reduce air voids when the concrete is poured.
Foundation Masonry Block Reconstruction- Block deterioration occurs under the lip of the garage floor. The garage floor into a home is on a foundation, but the exterior pavements are not. This difference will allow seasonal movements to take their toll and will create a gap or opening. Sealing this gap regularly will help, but eventually the outside driveway will rise. During winter months, the salt that was picked up by your car will drain with melting snow in your garage and will flow into the joint allowing the freeze and thaw cycle to create more damage. This gap between the garage floor and the outside foundation is where the masonry blocks are located. The blocks are not salt resistant and over many years, salt will cause deterioration. This will force the driveway to sink in that area and the foundation to weaken. These blocks must be replaced to ensure that the garage stays stationary and stable. Without these secure blocks, your garage may be more prone to cracks and sinking. Our job is to examine the foundation blocks for any damage. If the damage was minimal, we will cap the blocks with concrete. Many times the damage is significant and if that is the case then we need to core fill the blocks with ready mix concrete from the concrete truck.
Concrete Apron- A concrete apron is installed where the driveway meets the garage floor. Fourteen homes required a new concrete apron either due to damage or because a new asphalt driveway needed to be installed. The process of adding a new apron is identical to that of a concrete slab. The area between the new concrete apron and the existing asphalt driveway is patched using asphalt.
Asphalt Driveway- Each group of four townhomes share a driveway with parking spaces. Three of these groups of houses needed their driveways replaced. A new asphalt driveway may be installed due to damage done to the old one or deterioration that cannot be fixed with seal coating. The old driveway is removed and the area is leveled. Soil support fabric was laid down before basing. Although this is rare, the Creekside townhomes needed this feature because of poor soil conditions. The soil support fabric reduces the chance of rutting by protecting the newly installed asphalt. Class Five Recycled is distributed for basing. The area is compacted by the roller and then we are ready to pave. The asphalt team paves the driveway and the roller quickly follows to continue flattening the area. A tamper runs over areas near the garage floor and the end of the driveway to complete compaction. The edges are also fully compacted to create straight sides for the driveway.
We would like to thank the Creek Side Townhome Association for choosing Asphalt Specialties to improve not only their homes, but also the look of their community. We look forward to serving you again!
Eagle Pass Townhomes of Centerville, MN
Asphalt Specialties will be completing up to 60 concrete aprons for the Eagle Pass Townhomes of Centerville, MN. To thank each townhome owner, we will be presenting them with a beautiful 14 inch flower pot and a special message. We appreciate your trust in our company and we love having happy customers like you. Thank you Eagle Pass! We have enjoyed working with you and we can’t wait to serve you again soon!
