<![CDATA[North Country Concrete Contractors]]> https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification SunBlogNuke RSS Generator Version 7.1.5.0 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:23:19 GMT Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:23:19 GMT en-us hostmaster@tritoncommerce.com (North Country Concrete) 0 <![CDATA[Concrete Vs. Asphalt: 4 Distinct Advantages of Concrete Paving]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/8/concrete-vs-asphalt-4-distinct-advantages-of-concrete-pavingWhen it comes to selecting the right materials for your commercial driveway paving, sidewalk paving, or parking lot paving, you have two primary options: concrete or asphalt. So how do you decide which one to go with? Is one better than the other? Does one last longer than the other? What about durability and load distribution? Below, our North Country Concrete team has outlined the differences between the two paving options and why concrete offers commercial property owners a few distinct advantages.

Concrete Vs. Asphalt: Composition Differences and Properties

Both asphalt and concrete paving feature a base made from a combination of aggregates, which typically include some type of stone, sand, and gravel. Beyond similarities in base composition, the two materials are quite different in terms of their properties. Here’s how:

●        Asphalt paving. Categorized as flexible pavement, asphalt contains an oil-based adhesive that holds the various aggregates together. Because asphalt is more flexible than concrete, it’s also weaker, which means it doesn’t distribute load as evenly or widely across the subgrade beneath the surface pavement.

●        Concrete paving. Categorized as rigid pavement, concrete contains a combination of sturdy aggregates and cement adhesive. As a rigid pavement, concrete boasts superior strength, which allows it to distribute load more widely and evenly across the subgrade beneath the surface.

Because of their composition differences, the structural strength of the two paving materials differs considerably. Less structurally durable asphalt requires several more layers to achieve the thickness and associated strength necessary for optimal load distribution.

Because concrete paving is naturally strong due to its composition, it’s a highway heavy material that does not require such layered application to achieve optimal density. As such, concrete offers several distinct advantages that asphalt simply cannot boast.

Advantages of Concrete Paving

Though asphalt is highly common in paving, it’s not the best material for the job in many cases. Here’s why:

●        Maintenance. Due to its more durable composition, concrete paving generally requires less maintenance than asphalt. Because glaring potholes and large cracks are less likely to develop over time, concrete helps maintain smooth traffic flow by reducing property disruptions caused by repair crews.

●        Longevity. Even with a reduced need for maintenance, concrete paving tends to last far longer than its asphalt counterpart. On average, concrete has a lifespan of 20-40 years, depending on traffic and conditions.

●        Long-term cost savings. Due to its superior longevity and low-maintenance nature, concrete paving — though it may prove more expensive initially — offers long-term cost savings over asphalt.

●        Environmental impact. Unlike asphalt, which contains byproducts of petroleum processing, concrete is 100% recyclable, which makes it a more environmentally friendly paving material.

For those who work outdoors in hot weather conditions, concrete paving also delivers a more comfortable working environment due to its reduced capacity for heat absorption. Unlike asphalt, which readily absorbs heat from the sun, concrete paving is lighter in color, meaning it reflects rather than absorbs solar heat.

Considering Commercial Concrete Paving? Contact North Country Concrete Today

At North Country Concrete, we provide industry-leading concrete services for commercial property owners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro. We specialize in a wide variety of commercial concrete services, including pervious concrete, sidewalk paving, driveway paving, parking lot paving, and several others. Our extensive industry experience and commitment to superior quality workmanship, project transparency, and customer service has set our team apart for over 25 years.

To learn more about our commercial concrete services or to schedule a project estimate, give us a call at 763-576-8602 or send us a message through our contact form, and we’ll be in touch promptly.

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Concrete PavingConcrete MaintenanceNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/8/concrete-vs-asphalt-4-distinct-advantages-of-concrete-pavingMon, 15 Jun 2020 23:23:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=8
<![CDATA[Decorative Commercial Concrete: 4 Advantages For Your Property]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/7/decorative-commercial-concrete-4-advantages-for-your-propertyModern concrete capabilities offer your business far more in terms of design than plain grey slab. Though functional, monotone grey slab has never offered commercial properties the ability to showcase their creativity through customized concrete design. Today, however, improving the aesthetic appeal of any business property is more than possible with customized decorative concrete.

At North Country Concrete, it’s our goal to help you protect and beautify your commercial property. Below, we’ve outlined how stamped and colored concrete can help you accomplish that.    

Flexibility in Property Design

Ongoing advances in concrete mixing and application allow commercial concrete companies the ability to create virtually any color or texture imaginable. These features can be applied to existing concrete or new installations, offering a simple, yet effective method of improving the aesthetic appeal of any commercial property. Depending on the capabilities of the concrete company, decorative coatings can be applied through a range of methods, including:

●        Stamp overlays

●        Splatter texture

●        Textured float & trowel finishes

●        Broom finishes

●        Brick & natural stone finishes

If you’re looking for specific concrete design elements, feel free to consult with our team on your options. As Minnesota’s leading commercial concrete company, If you can envision a design, we can help you bring it to life.

Durability & Longevity

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, stamped and colored concrete also boast incredible strength and longevity. Decorative concrete coatings not only function to improve the design of a commercial property, but they also help protect surfaces from environmental impacts, mold, and damage from heavy loads. Like simple grey slab, decorative concrete can retain its visual appeal and functionality for decades with proper maintenance.

Minimal Maintenance

Speaking of maintenance, decorative concrete doesn’t require extensive care. Though it offers far more in terms of design, maintaining its long-term visual appeal doesn’t necessitate specialty measures. Debris accumulation and spills are easily taken care of with simple soap and water, and there’s no need for ongoing coating application or polishing. If you’re diligent about applying sealant every few years, your decorative concrete should last for decades.

Budget-Friendly Design Improvements

Decorative concrete coatings offer an affordable solution for maximizing the aesthetic appeal of your commercial property. Despite their considerable benefits, colored and stamped concrete are cost-effective to install and maintain. Its extreme durability and lasting appeal make decorative concrete an intelligent design decision for any commercial property.

Curious About Stamped and Colored Concrete? Contact North Country Concrete

At North Country Concrete, we provide industry-leading commercial concrete services for business owners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro. With over 25 years of experience, no matter the size or complexity or size of your project, our team is ready to exceed your expectations. We specialize in a variety of commercial concrete services, including decorative concrete, pervious concrete, curb and gutter, and sidewalk paving, among others.

To learn more about how we can help you improve your commercial property, or to schedule a project estimate, give our team a call at 763-576-8602. You can also send us a message on our contact page, and a member of our team will be in touch with you promptly.

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Decorative ConcreteConcrete PavingNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/7/decorative-commercial-concrete-4-advantages-for-your-propertyMon, 18 May 2020 23:20:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=7
<![CDATA[Maintenance Tips for Pervious & Decorative Concrete]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/6/maintenance-tips-for-pervious-decorative-concreteIf you’ve invested in high-quality pervious or decorative concrete, practicing proper long-term maintenance is essential for its longevity. Routine cleaning and upkeep will help ensure your commercial concrete remains both functional and visually appealing for decades to come. To help you care for your investment properly, the experts at North Country Concrete discuss valuable maintenance tips below.

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Pervious ConcreteDecorative ConcreteConcrete MaintenanceNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/6/maintenance-tips-for-pervious-decorative-concreteMon, 13 Apr 2020 23:17:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=6
<![CDATA[Non-Negotiable Traits to Look for in a Commercial Concrete Company]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/5/non-negotiable-traits-to-look-for-in-a-commercial-concrete-companyLooking for a dependable contractor for your commercial concrete project? Finding the perfect concrete company to meet all of your project needs can be a time-consuming process. And if you don’t know what to look for, there’s a good chance you’ll end up disappointed, either in the service or the final product.

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Concrete PavingConcrete MaintenanceNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/5/non-negotiable-traits-to-look-for-in-a-commercial-concrete-companyMon, 16 Mar 2020 23:13:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=5
<![CDATA[Customizing Your Building]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/4/customizing-your-buildingIf you own a commercial or industrial building you understand how important it is to remain in good standing with the surrounding community. Providing jobs without causing enough noise or traffic to be a nuisance are the main ways you can keep a good image in the public eye. Another means of accomplishing such a goal is to turn the building into a local landmark. You may think of hiring local artists to decorate the outside of the building or by simply utilizing a beautiful architectural design to make an interesting landmark. An option you may have overlooked is how you can make a more permanent impression on the community by utilizing custom concrete in the building design.

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If you own a commercial or industrial building you understand how important it is to remain in good standing with the surrounding community. Providing jobs without causing enough noise or traffic to be a nuisance are the main ways you can keep a good image in the public eye. Another means of accomplishing such a goal is to turn the building into a local landmark. You may think of hiring local artists to decorate the outside of the building or by simply utilizing a beautiful architectural design to make an interesting landmark. An option you may have overlooked is how you can make a more permanent impression on the community by utilizing custom concrete in the building design.

Why Customize

There are a number of reasons to customize your building which promote the business as an active part of the community, especially if the building is in a highly visible area. As a part of the community you want people to enjoy driving by an interesting building rather than having to tolerate an eyesore. Customization also helps people find the building, whether they are clients or potential hires coming in to interview. Beyond being a beneficial landmark in the community, customization shows the business to be well established with long term goals rather than a short term business intended to turn a quick profit before the owners move on to their next project. Because of its long life and rugged durability, concrete customization is a great way to declare the building as being in it for the long haul.

How Decorative Concrete Customizes Your Building

Concrete can be used a number of ways to customize the front of your building. Sidewalks can form interesting contoured pathways, and can be especially inviting with the use of colored concrete. Add walls, flower beds, benches, and tables to make an area even more inviting. Using stamped concrete can add company logos, interesting patterns, or written pieces of inspiring business philosophies.

Ultimately, the options available to make a building interesting and appealing are only limited to the imagination of the building's owners, the creativity of the designer, and the skills and talents of the contractor. Be sure to discuss with a concrete specialist just how they can help make your building into an interesting community attraction which will be welcomed as part of the local neighborhood and draw people from further away to come view the building.

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Decorative ConcreteConcrete PavingStairs and WallsNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/4/customizing-your-buildingTue, 15 Nov 2016 04:17:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=4
<![CDATA[What Is Pervious Concrete?]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/3/what-is-pervious-concretePervious concrete is a great way to make your project greener, more environmentally sustainable. This form of concrete captures stormwater and, instead of channeling it into the gutter, allows the water to seep into the ground and thus helping to recharge the water table. Pervious concrete, also known as porous concrete, permeable concrete, and no-fines concrete, is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends.

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Pervious concrete is a great way to make your project greener, more environmentally sustainable. This form of concrete captures stormwater and, instead of channeling it into the gutter, allows the water to seep into the ground and thus helping to recharge the water table. Pervious concrete, also known as porous concrete, permeable concrete, and no-fines concrete, is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends.

 

How Does Pervious Concrete Work?

Because pervious concrete uses little to no sand (hence the “no-fines concrete” moniker), the end pour has lots of void content. This porosity is achieved by mixing carefully controlled amounts of water and cementitious materials in order to form a paste that coats aggregate particles. This mixture generally has a water-to-cement ratio of 0.28 to 0.40 and a void content of 15 to 25 percent.

 

Where Is Pervious Concrete Used?

You’ll find pervious concrete used in many different applications. The primary use is for stormwater management, specifically in pavement. When your project employs pervious concrete, there will be a much reduced need for retention ponds, swails, and other stormwater management techniques. This can result in a lower cost for your project.

 

Other applications of pervious concrete include:

  • Roads, alleys, parking areas, and driveways
  • Patios
  • Slope stabilization
  • Floors for aquariums, greenhouses, zoos, and fish hatcheries
  • Swimming pool decks
  • Hydraulic structures
  • Tennis courts
  • Much more

 

North Country Concrete is one of the most experienced concrete companies in the state of Minnesota with pervious concrete. We have completed many projects across the metro area including one of the largest pervious street projects in the country - a project in the Woodbridge community in Shoreview, Minnesota, in the summer of 2009. If you’d like to learn more about how pervious concrete can help your commercial construction project, give us a call today.

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Pervious ConcreteNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/3/what-is-pervious-concreteFri, 28 Oct 2016 22:57:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=3
<![CDATA[Five Reasons Why You Need to Pave Your Commercial Driveway With Concrete]]>https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/2/five-reasons-you-need-to-pave-your-driveway-with-concreteIf your company's roads and driveways are already paved -- and it looks like they are ready for a repaving -- or you're looking to expand your driveways, you need to call a company that specializes in concrete driveways. Here are some advantages of using concrete to pave your company's driveways. 

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If your company's roads and driveways are already paved -- and it looks like they are ready for a repaving -- or you're looking to expand your driveways, you need to call a company that specializes in concrete driveways. Here are some advantages of using concrete to pave your company's driveways. 

 

1. Less Maintenance

Compared to other driveway types, such as asphalt or cobblestones, a concrete driveway requires much less maintenance. Simply brush or blow debris and leaves off of it or give it a good scrubbing with a power washer as needed. You can expect a concrete driveway to give you between 20 and 40 years of beautiful service. 

 

2. Durable

Concrete is designed to withstand heavy loads on frequent basis. This is why it is the preferred material of commercial parking lots. Known for its superior resilience under immense pressure, a concrete driveway can hold up under a busy business's traffic for years to come. 

 

3. Attractive

Paving your driveway provides a finished and attractive look for your entire property. Whether you choose to pave it in concrete, colored stamp, exposed aggregate, plain stamp or some other design, your driveway will only enhance the looks of your business. 

 

4. Cooler During the Summer

Some paving materials, such as concrete, reflect the rays of the sun. This keeps your driveway cooler, making it a welcoming place for customers to drive, park, and walk. 

 

5. It's Eco-Friendly

Concrete is the world's most recycled building material. When compared to other materials, concrete uses fewer petroleum products. 

 

Before deciding on which materials to use for your driveway, be sure to consult with an experienced and professional company who focuses on commercial concrete projects. North Country Concrete specializes in commercial driveways. Contact us today to learn how they can help your home or business look its best. 

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Concrete PavingNorth Country Concretehttps://www.northcountryconcrete.com/Blog/entryid/2/five-reasons-you-need-to-pave-your-driveway-with-concreteMon, 19 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.northcountryconcrete.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=2