WHY CHOOSE US

Seasonal Effects on Asphalt

The seasons are changing, and so is your asphalt. What do those changes look like? That’s a great question. And this article has all the answers.

The Hot and Cold Seasons

Your Asphalt Might Expand and Crack

Extreme temperatures tend to wreak havoc on pavement. Consider the following two scenarios:

Scenario #1 – You live in a warm-weather climate, like San Diego or Los Angeles. Those summer months can be tough on your asphalt. That’s because extreme heat causes your pavement to expand and, eventually, crack.
Scenario #2 – You live in a cold-weather climate, like Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, or Big Bear. Those harsh winters can be equally tough on your asphalt. That’s because water can seep into the asphalt and freeze. And when that water freezes, it expands and, similarly, causes your asphalt to crack.

But there’s no need to worry; these changes usually happen slowly over time. Asphalt is a flexible pavement surface, so as long as you’re keeping up with regular maintenance, you’ll get the most out of your pavement investment.

You Might See Waves and Soft Spots

Not only can the heat create cracks in your asphalt, it can also lead to depressions and soft spots. That’s because your asphalt is getting hammered with something called “solar radiation,” a force that causes your asphalt to change shape and weaken. These soft spots are most likely to come about during the summer season when the heat is strong and the days are long.

Your Striping Can Start to Fade

Whether you have a parking lot or roadway on your property, your asphalt probably has a bit of striping. Maybe it communicates that an aisle is “one way,” or maybe it defines the boundaries of each parking spot. You rely on that striping to communicate important information to drivers. During the summer months, the UV rays from the sun are stronger (and the sun beats on your pavement for more hours during the day) and can cause that striping to fade. If you see this happening, you can usually just touch up paint. But if the fading is extreme, it creates a potentially dangerous situation, and you’ll want to have the striping redone.

The Rainy and Dry Seasons

You Might See Some Potholes

Rains can really take a toll on your asphalt. Let’s say a couple of cracks formed in your asphalt over the summer. Those cracks allow water to seep into the ground, and that seepage can wash away your asphalt’s foundation, weaken the surface, and create the perfect conditions for potholes to form.

Your Asphalt Might Get Slippery

While slippery pavement is typically associated with snow and ice during the winter, warm, dry conditions can create slippery pavement, too. Without heavy rain to give your pavement a periodic wash, dirt and oil can build up—especially on a surface that’s not properly maintained. So when you get a drizzle of rain, that little bit of moisture combines with the oil and debris to create a grimey film that can actually be pretty slick. And this can be even more dangerous because motorists aren’t expecting slippery conditions.

Black Diamond Can Help with Seasonal Wear and Tear

Asphalt, just like anything else, will naturally degrade over time. But here’s the good news: There’s something that you can do to significantly slow down that process. You can hire Black Diamond. We’ll come out to seal the cracks, do the preventive maintenance and all of the sealcoating. Call Black Diamond today to protect your asphalt against the seasonal extremes.

The Pothole Problem

Picture this: You’re driving to work, sipping your coffee and then it happens. Your car hits a depression in the road, your coffee goes flying, and the party grinds to a halt. Congratulations! You’ve just hit one of 55 million potholes in the United States.

The Formation of Potholes

Like anything else, pavement is susceptible to wear and tear. Maybe the roads around your property are heavily trafficked. Maybe they experience extreme changes in temperature. Maybe they’re frequented by abnormally heavy vehicles. Or maybe they’re just a bit aged. Eventually, no matter the situation, cracks will begin to form in your pavement. And those cracks create passageways where water can seep into the ground. And from there, the stage is set.

Over time, water continues funneling into the cracks and, little by little, washes away a layer of dirt or water-soluble rock. The problem is that this layer used to be the pavement’s foundation. And in the absence of that foundation, there’s nothing left to prop the pavement up. By the time something heavy rolls along—whether that’s a truck, a car, a school bus, etc.—the unsupported pavement collapses, and a pothole is born.

Where Do Potholes Form?

The short answer: Everywhere.

Most people associate potholes with roadways. And while you’ll definitely find plenty of them as you’re driving along city streets, potholes can form anywhere there’s pavement. So, if you run an HOA, you might have to deal with potholes in your community’s streets and driveways. If you manage a retail location, you might find potholes in your parking lot. If you’re a non-profit, or any other commercial entity responsible for pavement, unfortunately you’ll probably have to deal with potholes at some point, too.

Why It’s Important to Fix Potholes

You really want to stay on top of repairing potholes as soon as you spot them for a few main reasons:

Potholes can get worse—what starts as a simple fix could end up becoming far more complex (i.e. expensive) if you let the problem fester.
Potholes can become a safety hazard, causing personal injury to pedestrians and property damage to vehicles. That means they can create a liability for your property, both personally and financially. No want.
Fixing those unsightly potholes raises your curb appeal, which makes your property far more desirable to renters, buyers, customers…people, in general. Yes, repairing damaged pavement costs money, but it could also mean more revenue in the long run.

How Black Diamond Can Help

Black Diamond Paving fights the good fight against potholes on a daily basis, and we offer several services that will keep your property crater-free:

Sealcoating: One of the easiest ways to prevent these disagreeable divots is to stay on top of sealcoating your asphalt. This adds a protective layer to the surface of your pavement, preventing cracks from forming in the first place.
Crack Sealing: If cracks do form, there’s still hope. Crack sealing plugs up any crevices in your asphalt and helps keep water from eroding the pavement’s foundation.
Patch Paving: If, despite your best efforts, potholes do form (perhaps the previous property manager wasn’t a believer in preventive measures, or perhaps your asphalt is just nearing that point in its life cycle), there’s still no need to fret. If we find your property is a good candidate for it, we can undertake a patch paving job—digging out the failed sections and replacing them with new, thicker asphalt.

No matter your pothole situation—mild, major, or merely preventive—Black Diamond can help. Give us a call today!

Which Costs More: Asphalt or Concrete?

We know everyone’s tired of slogging through 15 minutes of clickbait just to get to a simple answer online. So, we’ll come right out and give you what you’re looking for: concrete usually costs more than asphalt. But that’s the simplified answer…the only way to understand the entire financial equation is to get a better sense of the big picture—which we helpfully spell out in this very article. Read on!

Concrete Usually Costs More

(Yes, we just said that…let us elaborate.) For the completion of the initial project, concrete can cost about 50% more than asphalt. That’s a rule of thumb, but it’s helpful to know that the upfront cost can be substantial.

Concrete Lasts Longer

We made sure to mention that concrete is more expensive for the completion of the initial project. But that’s not your only financial consideration. For example, concrete has a longer life cycle. So, in exchange for paying more, you’ll usually get more use out of it. Typically, concrete can last 40-50 years (or more) depending on the exposure to the elements and the type of concrete used.

Asphalt Requires Sealing Every Few Years

Our specialists can talk you through the benefits of sealing concrete. But with asphalt, you’ll definitely need to seal it every few years. That’s just a normal part of preventive maintenance and, obviously, another cost. This process prolongs the life of your asphalt by protecting it from water, gasoline, oils, and UV damage.

Your Climate Informs the Cost

Hot climates can be tougher on asphalt, which can lose structural integrity in extreme heat. While a great asphalt job will definitely hold up, all of that softening and hardening adds a little more wear and tear. On the other side of the coin, cold weather is harder on concrete. The constant freezing and thawing expands and contracts the pavement and leads to all sorts of cracking. So, it’s important to factor in the costs that come with climate-induced challenges.

Asphalt Repairs are Easier

Degradation is normal and happens over time. And when that time comes, asphalt is easier and cheaper to repair. We also find that a patch job on asphalt matches the original surface better and looks more subtle than a patch on concrete. And while we are experts at repairing concrete as well, it’ll usually cost more, and the repairs will be more noticeable. You also might consider that it’s harder to keep concrete looking clean. Things like oil stains, tire marks, and spills can be far more obvious on concrete surfaces versus asphalt.

Need More Guidance?

Industry-wide, you’ll usually find that concrete costs more than asphalt, but that’s far from your only financial variable. So, be sure to account for the life span of your surface, the cost of sealing, repairs, cleaning, and climate-induced wear and tear. Take all of that into account, and you’ll be sure to make the most informed decision possible. Or you can just reach out to Black Diamond Paving for an assessment and some sage advice.

Alien Life Meets Alien Concrete

How Concrete Factors Into the Race to Reside on Mars

Life on Mars never sounded so good…. Are we right, fellow Earth-dwellers? After all, an escape to the Red Planet and partying with tiny green men might be exactly what everyone needs right now. Happily, innovations in concrete are in the works that may get mankind one small step closer to calling Mars “home sweet home.”

Concrete Blasts Off

Concrete, you scoff? Why would the latest and greatest in concrete be pertinent to life on Mars? Two words: Shelter. Meteorites. Next to food (which I think we can all agree is essential), safe dwellings are most important when setting up shop on another planet. This means creating structures that are strong enough to withstand the occasional pesky meteorite.

Why not use the same old-fashioned concrete we have down here on Earth? Well, there are a few issues with that, and researchers at Northwestern University, led by scientist Gianluca Cusatis, have delved into the task of solving them.

First, Earthly concrete, and the materials used to make it, are far too heavy to be transported to the Red Planet. Therefore, we’ll need to create the concrete from materials readily available once we’re up there. However, the aggregate typically used to create concrete, which we find in abundance here, is swapped out for a finer soil on Mars that is significantly chemically altered.

Second, and this is a biggie, is that while Mars may have a lot of good things going for it, copious amounts of water doesn’t make the list. And water is essential to creating concrete.

What’s That I Smell?

No traditional aggregate and no water do not a viable concrete make. What does work, quite brilliantly, is combining the dusty Martian soil with sulfur. Sulfur is in big supply on Mars and, when heated to around 240°C, it becomes a liquid that can be mixed with soil. When the sulfur cools and solidifies it binds the soil into a super strong—perhaps 2.5 times stronger—medium than standard concrete. These exciting tests have been done in the laboratory using a simulated Martian soil. Take that, meteorite! Additionally, the substance lends itself well to 3-D printing applications, which means robots may be able to precede humans to Mars and build shelters prior to our arrival.

This isn’t the first time experimentations in planetary concrete have been undertaken. In fact, it was researched in the 70’s on the moon. However, due to the moon’s atmosphere (or lack thereof), sulfur whizzes past the liquid stage and goes directly into a gas. This inconvenient reality makes the moon method impossible.

When Red Goes Green

Even more interesting is the ability for recycling this new Martian concrete. When reheated, the substance softens and can be reformed. While we can and do take advantage of recycling standards for Earth-made concrete, the infrastructure and management of that task is quite involved and labor intensive. Having a substance that is more readily changeable is certainly a win.

Realistically, we are quite a few years out from human habitation on Mars…as appealing as it may sound. NASA has its sights set on 2030 for sending humans up, which will be here in a meteorite second. In the meantime, we continue to celebrate the impact technology has on our dynamic industry and make it our mission to bring you the latest and greatest concrete and asphalt-related products to serve you well during your time here on planet Earth.

Asphalt and Plastics

Crushing It, One Bottle at a Time

Do you ever wonder where plastic bottles and bags end up after you drop them into the recycling bin? As it turns out, you might be walking and driving on the answer. As our dear readers of Love2Pave know, the world of asphalt is an amazing place where technology and science meet the roadways, parking lots, and driveways of the country. In recent years, the paving industry has joined forces with the ever-changing realm of recycling, and the dynamic duo is quite unstoppable.

There is a lot to love about plastic: its durability, its high melting point, slow decomposition rate, and resistance to UV rays means it can seemingly last forever. Which is good…and bad. How can those qualities be put to optimal use while, simultaneously, ensuring they don’t end up in our landfills? Asphalt is the answer (or at least one of them).

Asphalt 101

Before we can fully dive into the fun stuff, let’s refresh our memories as to what asphalt actually is. What we call “asphalt” is actually shortened from “asphalt concrete,” and is made up of a mineral aggregate (tiny rocks or gravel) mixed together with bitumen. Bitumen, a crude oil derivative, is the glue that holds all the aggregate together. Think of it as the marshmallow to the Rice Krispie treat, the caramel to the popcorn, the egg to the meatloaf…you get the idea. Take loose, gravelly material, mix it with the binder, and poof! You have a substance that can be poured and smoothed into a roadway or parking lot.

Alright, we got that out of the way. On to the interesting part.

Where Plastics Come In

Remember a few paragraphs ago when we were talking about all those stellar qualities of plastics? Durability, slow decomposition rate, resistance to UV rays, etc? Some really smart people have found a way to maximize those qualities by adding plastics to the bitumen—the binder—in asphalt. In fact, they’ve been able to replace around 6% (by weight) of the bitumen with plastics.

DID YOU KNOW?
Most asphalt is already recycled! The main ingredient of the aggregate used in paving is typically aggregate that has already been used. Reclaimed pavement is sorted, crushed, and mixed back into new asphalt—this is called Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP). Combine that with the plastics-enhanced binder, and we’re well on our way to making pavement that much more environmentally friendly.

How Does it Work?

Put very simply (we don’t even really understand it 100%), single-use plastics (like plastic bags and bottles) are ground up into granules and melted into the asphalt binder, thus replacing a good portion of what would otherwise be made up of petroleum-based bitumen. So, not only does this method help keep plastics out of our landfills, it also cuts down on how much crude oil is used in the asphalt paving process. Win, win!

To keep things even more environmentally pleasing, testing has shown no increase in leachable materials into the substrate beneath or surrounding the material, as well as no increase in fume generation when using recycled plastics as a modifier. (Basically, plastics-enhanced asphalt doesn’t seem to be any more harmful for the surrounding environment and air than normal 100% bitumen-based asphalt.) Another win!

DID YOU KNOW?
• An average plastic bag takes more than 500 years to degrade in a landfill.
• An average passenger car produces around 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide in a single year.
• When paving a 20,000 square foot parking lot (about the size of a typical strip mall), using the plastics-modified/extended asphalt can save up to 166,300 plastic bottles from landfills.
• When paving a 100,000 square foot lot (the size of a large shopping center or HOA), using the plastics-modified/extended asphalt can offset up to 27.5 tons of carbon dioxide (effectively nullifying the carbon emissions of 6 cars-worth of CO2).
• Black Diamond typically places around 30,000 tons of asphalt in a year. This means we can offset 275 tons of CO2 and save 9.96 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills…each year.

The Non-Environmental Benefits

All studies done around this subject so far have shown this asphalt to be a superior product. The testing done with bitumen that has been modified and extended with plastic has been shown to deliver a final result that is more resistant to deformation, less likely to fracture (which ultimately means less water entering the surface), and more durable across the lifespan of the asphalt. Win, win, win.

As the technology has developed, the sophistication of the formulas has also dramatically increased. This recycling wonder product can now be formulated to address key concerns regarding the anticipated use. For instance, if a surface is going to be frequented by heavy load vehicles, a formula can be chosen that is structurally denser and stiffer to reduce rutting. It makes you wonder…what will they come up with next?

Black Diamond is happy to play our part in the recycling efforts of our world by constantly improving our ability to put down a better, more environmentally friendly product. It’s one way we all can contribute to a greener reality. Are you ready to go Green with us?

Black Diamond’s Diamond Standard

When it comes to finding your best partner in the pavement industry, look no further than Black Diamond Paving & Concrete. Our Diamond Standard process is a four step comprehensive program that delivers everything you ever thought you’d need, plus a few things you may have never dreamed of. It provides an accessible solution that will save you time, money, and frustration.

Step 1: Document Your Unique Goals

Whether you have three properties or thirty-three, being able to view your investments as a whole, as well as individually, is key to gaining the perspective needed to create appropriate goals for today and years to come. Within that broader lens, special attention is paid to your overall corporate maintenance plan, aesthetic requirements, budgets, timelines, and functional needs, ensuring your plan is right for YOU.

Step 2: Perform Assessments and Ratings

There are a myriad of items to assess when it comes to determining the state of your surfaces. Entrances, sidewalks, curbing, striping, signage, and ADA considerations are just a few. We photo document the entire site, as well as areas of focus, and put that all into an easy-to-digest standard rating system. This system, called a Paser Rating, assigns a number from 1-10 based on the condition of the area. Then we take it a step further and provide a handy document that evaluates and scores your portfolio as a whole.

Step 3: Prioritize and Determine Best ROI

Pavement is an investment, and we want to be sure you put your money in the right places at the most optimal time. Think of this as your crystal ball for the next decade. We assign a value to each property and give you a forecast for what is to come in terms of maintenance and spending. It’s an invaluable asset to your short term and long range planning. We estimate that, with careful attention to maintenance, your savings can be up to 30% over the life of the surface.

Step 4: Execute the Plan Perfectly

We understand well that a pretty plan is only worth so much. That’s why we back it up with excellent project management and superb workmanship by our experienced crew. We even add a few bells and whistles, such as our real time portal that houses all the documentation, scheduling, and progress. We also take care of all of the notifications needed to complete the project. Sit back and relax knowing we’ve got it handled, seamlessly.

It’s no wonder our Diamond Standard is our client’s best friend. We pride ourselves on providing the best plan and being the best partner for all of your asphalt and concrete needs. If you’re interested in learning more about how our four step process can build and retain value in your pavement investments, call us today.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

We talk a lot on our Love2Pave blog about the steps you can take to ensure your surfaces stay in tip top shape for all of your existing properties. But our expertise in all things asphalt and concrete can be a real asset when you are considering making an acquisition as well.

The acquisition equation has a lot of parts and pieces, whether the property is large or small. Part of that decision-making is assessing the condition of the property and the intended uses and incorporating that into your bid and future plans. The sheer volume of paved surfaces in any given property means it is a real factor in future maintenance as well as a real contributor in aesthetics and ease of use for owners and tenants alike.

There are several things the experts at Black Diamond Paving & Concrete can do to help you navigate acquisitions from the very beginning, through purchase and implementation of any repairs that need to be addressed.

1. Observe and Assess

First, we’ll walk the property with you and do an assessment of where it hits on the Pavement Life Cycle. This will give you great insight into what you’re looking at in terms of future maintenance dollars. Every surface contains markers of where it stands on its overall life span, and breaking this down into accurate and easy language keeps current and future decision-making simple.

2. Discuss Goals

Second, we’ll discuss the short term and long term goals of the property. This is important when coming up with the budget going forward. Specifically, we’ll talk about investing in the conditions of your surfaces as they apply to the timeline of owning the property. The timing of future planned maintenance is also a worthy topic to explore. For instance, if the property will not be occupied during the purchase transition it may make sense to be proactive and achieve great strides before tenants are present.

3. Present Recommendations and Estimate

Third, we’ll present our recommendations and plans to you along with a budget estimate. This information is a critical part of the file you build for the property and will act as a blueprint for work going forward for property managers as well as investors.

4. Provide Scope and Proposal

Once the acquisition is complete, we’ll provide a work scope with any revisions that are necessary along with a formal proposal. Then we’ll get to work doing what we do best, ensuring that your asphalt and concrete surfaces look great and serve you well for years to come.

The sum total of this knowledge means you will be well prepared to approach the purchase confidently and minimize budget surprises. As with all things surface-wise, a penny of prevention will lead to a pound of cure.

Octopuses and Concrete: Not So Different, After All

The world of concrete innovations often seems to take on a surreal ingenuity. Take for example, the glowing concrete we wrote about a few months ago which played on what could best be described as lighting bug technology. Now, to add to the list, we introduce the concept of Bio-Concrete with self healing capabilities.

Concrete has long been lauded as a popular material due to its density and strength, as well as its unique abilities to be formed and reinforced. The biggest downfall of concrete has always been degradation due to its number one enemy, water. Enter: a way to keep the water out.

The original inspiration for self-healing concrete came to Dutch researcher and microbiologist, Hendrik Jonkers through his early career work in marine biology, specifically, the ability for octopuses and other marine life to self-heal and regenerate.

The expansion of that theme included him identifying a unique bacteria that withstands dry and alkaline environments and can remain happily dormant. This bacteria is encapsulated within 2-4mm wide clay pellets and is integrated into the concrete mix.

Additionally, a nourishing combination of nitrogen and phosphates is similarly encapsulated and incorporated in the mix. Then, their high-tech, encapsulated tiny selves just hang out and wait for things to start to crack. Because, no matter how perfect the mix, concrete eventually begins to open up with little cracks. And all those little cracks allow moisture to seep in.

When the moisture begins to permeate the structure, the capsules degrade, allowing the bacteria and the nourishing cocktail to mix. Upon mixing, it begins to transform into a limestone type material as it forms, takes in the moisture, and fills in the crack.

This magical little process takes about three weeks and can be identified across the surface as a small line or puddle-shaped color variation. As cracks form across the surface the process is repeated, sealing out the moisture and providing an impervious surface once again.

The impact of this technology, at once so complex and yet so simple, is one that will continue to transform the way the world builds and maintains infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roadways, and dams. Also in development by Jonkers are repair mortars and liquid repair applications for this technology.

As always, we love to see how our world continues to evolve and change. In the meantime we will pair the new and exciting with our tried and true best practices when it comes to process and customer service. You can’t go wrong with that combo!

Every Crack Tells a Story

We talk a lot about the importance of regular maintenance when it comes to your paved surfaces. After all, catching problems early on is one of the best ways to get maximum life out of your asphalt, saving you money and headaches in the long run. That’s why doing a yearly visual assessment of your property can pay great dividends. But before you head out the door and start wandering across the parking lot, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind.

There are some common signs of distress that point to underlying issues with your asphalt, and nearly all manifest themselves in an easily identifiable disruption of the surface, whether it be cracking, dipping, or holes. The following are some of the most common culprits to keep an eye out for:

Generalized Cracking

As common as dandelions, and just as pesky, these may seem random, popping up here and there across the pavement surface. They can be caused by a variety of things, including the most common of stressors: sun and moisture.

Fatigue Cracking

Characterized by an alligator skin appearance (but not suitable for making purses), these cracks tend to indicate weight overload or a poor substrate.

Block Cracking

When asphalt is unable to adequately expand and contract due to temperature variations, interconnected cracks in a rectangular shape can occur over large areas of your pavement. Like Legos, but way less fun.

Edge Cracking

Texture along the edge of an afghan is stylish and pretty. Texture along the edge of your pavement is a sign of something gone horribly wrong. Typically occurring a foot or two from the lip of your asphalt surface, edge cracks generally point to poor drainage and a lack of underlying structure along the perimeter.

Depression

A condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal, typically caused by the notable dips in one’s paved surface area. Overloading and settling of the substrate can also be key factors.

Raveling

Just as a raveling sweater leaves behind loose threads, a raveling pavement is characterized by loose debris. In the simplest of terms, this happens when the bonding agent in asphalt isn’t adequately holding the aggregate (different sized rocks) together. The result is a pavement that’s as crumbly as Grandma’s blueberry cobbler.

Potholes

Water seepage and temperature changes are the #1 and #2 enemies of asphalt (are you starting to notice that pattern?). Add the two together and throw in a healthy dose of heavy traffic, and you end up with literal holes all over your paved surfaces. If you’ve ever driven a car, we’re 97% sure you’ve hit a pothole at least once. The bane of motorists everywhere.

Some of these signs of distress can be fixed with a simple sealcoat. Others may require a more involved approach, possibly even a full replacement. At Black Diamond, we are always happy to expertly assess your surface and come up with a plan that meets your budget and needs.

Every crack tells a story. What is your pavement telling you?

Pool Projects that Go Swimmingly

You may associate Thomas Edison most closely with the harnessing of electricity and the invention of the lightbulb, but did you know that he also attempted some wild innovations in concrete? He even went so far as to patent and implement concrete homes. These structures were entirely constructed with a single pour mold that encompassed all parts of the house. The exterior and interior walls, floors, and even bath tubs were all glorious concrete.

Unfortunately, the concept didn’t go far, as the 2,300 piece mold was a bit…ahem…unwieldy for the average builder to handle. On top of that, the public wasn’t exactly clamoring to live in the houses. Perhaps it was the questionable luxury of soaking in a concrete tub? Still, think of it…an entire house built in one pour. It’s pretty incredible.

We’ve never tried our hands at concrete houses here at Black Diamond, but we do regularly undertake some pretty note-worthy concrete projects. Top amongst them is our work on pool decks (an essential feature for any California living community). Like Edison, we have a comprehensive and innovative approach to getting your pool into tip-top, splash-worthy condition…even if it might take more than one pour.

The to-do list for a pool project can seem daunting to property owners. After all it goes far beyond just the surface replacement…but that’s okay, because so do we. Not only will we do the concrete work, but we’ll coordinate with other industry professionals to ensure the entire project is done and done well, with as little hassle for you as possible. Here are just a few of the aspects we can help manage:

Concrete surface replacement
Plumbing system repairs and pressure testing
Electrical system repairs
Handrail and skimmer replacement
Coping
ADA compliance
Landscape repair
Fencing
Permits

As the warmer weather approaches, a poolside lifestyle means a lot to residents, and beautiful, safe, accessible surrounds do so much to enhance the general atmosphere of your space. Think back to your last barefoot trip around the pool. Are the surface areas smooth and free of cracks and slippery areas? Do you feel comfortable that your property is up to date on ADA regulations? Is the layout conducive to people having a safe and relaxing time in a fresh, welcoming atmosphere?

If not, give us a call, and let us take on the project. You’ll be happy you did as it may even free up a little time to do some lounging on your own.

Client Testimonials

Here’s the buzz about town…

Each time I have worked with Black Diamond, they have taken a big load off of my mind by managing every step of the process. Their professionalism towards me and…

Richard P.

In the many years we’ve worked with Black Diamond Paving, we’ve always found them to be professional, competitive and often creative when putting together quality projects in a tightly budgeted…

Janice D.

Black Diamond has the invaluable ability to work with difficult tenants on a retail property and smooth out any sticky situations. It’s difficult when you interrupt someone’s business…they go out…

Sherry B.

You and your crews, from the beginning, showed a concern for the project, the finished product, and the impact on the community and its residents. Your meticulous planning and management…

Board of Directors

This is a letter of appreciation and commendation to you and your field crew for the superb job done at Sand Dollar Beach. The quality of work speaks for itself.…

John B.

Thank you so much for doing such a great job for me and the associations I manage. Your team works very efficiently and maintains a clean project site. I always…

Steve D.

I want to say ‘thank you’ for the great work you guys did on our street. I received many compliments from the neighbors stating how great our street looks and…

Jacqueline S.

I would like to thank you for the wonderful resurfacing work that you performed for our complex. Not only is it beautiful, but according to the subcontractor who painted the…

Lewis I.

Your crews were on time, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I have heard nothing but compliments from the homeowners about the work done here by the crew, even from the people…

Bo P.

Black Diamond Paving and Kris Karr are wonderful to work with. This company goes beyond what other asphalt companies have done in the communities that I manage. Their communication skills…

Channa A.

I have used Black Diamond Paving for over three years now and have not been disappointed yet! The proposals are received on a very timely basis and are very detailed…

Nick W.

Black Diamond has done several jobs for me now; their notification procedures keep me from getting any angry phone calls, and the follow through after the job is first rate.…

Michael K.

I highly recommend the paving services of Black Diamond Paving. What really stood out to us was their understanding and concern for the Homeowners, the Board of Directors, and even…

Kristen Munnik

Working with Black Diamond Paving has proven to be very successful for my clients. Their efficient notification process, level of professionalism, high standard for quality of work, and established reliability…

Jeff L.

It is my pleasure to give Alex and Black Diamond Paving an enthusiastic thumbs-up. One of Alex’s many talents is working and communicating with homeowners. He always gave clear, concise…

Cynthia S.

Their scheduling is precise. The people that they hire are well-rounded and don’t look shabby in their work outfit. Their staff has good dialogue skills. Dialogue is very important to…

Brian N.

They are easy to deal with and the quality of their work is as good as it gets. During the past 12 years, I have used several asphalt companies but…

Bryan W.

The quality is exceptional compared to the rest of the world. It was great from start to finish. The pricing was reasonable, accurate and correct.

Dan G.

Basically the customer service, reliability and completion of the project as planned, everything was on budget and they met all of my expectations.

Daryl B.

I like their punctuality and professionalism. They are just a great company.

George M.

When I contacted them, they got back to me with an estimate for the job quickly and did the work. It was everything I expected from a company but normally…

Greg W.

Their sales representative is very good. She will go out at the drop of a hat to look at associations. They do what they say they will do and are…

Jeane D.

I’ve gained so much confidence in them through the years that I don’t have to supervise anymore. I just tell them where to go and let them do their thing.…

Bill J.

I love their work. I’d use them again and again.

Ken K.

Jeffrey does a very good job. We utilize their company over and over again. When there is an incident, it is resolved immediately. He is extremely responsive and the pricing…

Larry J.

They do a good job. There is good value, a lot of bang for the buck. They quote excellent competitive prices. I’ve used them on a number of projects.

Michael S.

I liked their professionalism. They always said what they would do and did it punctually. A water pipe busted, but they fixed it so fast, it was unbelievable. I’d recommend…

Sal S.

They came when they said, charged what they said and did what they said, which was very unusual in this day and age.

Sheila C.

They came in and got the job done without any issues at all. I shopped around for a good price, so after I looked at three to four bids, I…

Bill C.

Their professional approach to the job, they did what they said and met all of their commitments. One of their mottos is to leave the place cleaner than they found…

Jim K.

We manage more than twenty properties. We use their services all the time due to the personal relationship we’ve cultivated with Don Bilson. He always tries to give us the…

Milan P.

Read Them All

"*" indicates required fields

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

Archive for: Love 2 Pave Articles