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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

4 Considerations for Choosing Your Paving Material

by Jacob Reed

If you're thinking about installing pavement in or around your homestead or commercial facility, you may be wondering where to begin. One major consideration will be the materials used for the installation. Here are four critical points to think about.

1. Rigid vs. Flexible

The first thing you need to understand when selecting pavement is that there there are two basic categories to consider: rigid and flexible.

Rigid pavement, which is usually made of pre-cast concrete or a similarly stiff material, does not bend or flex to transfer weight from each and every object that rolls over it. Instead, the entire slab distributes the load equally over the underlying base and subgrade.

Flexible pavement such as various asphalt mixtures can flex with the load so that the weight is transferred directly beneath the object as it moves.

2. Asphalt or Concrete?

You've probably seen plenty of asphalt and concrete roads and driveways over the years, which naturally prompts the question of why a homeowner or business would choose one over the other. Both forms of pavement have proven highly popular, but not always for the same reasons. Here are some differences that might influence your decision:

  • Installation—Pouring a concrete driveway, parking lot, or road is a more time-consuming and expensive process than laying asphalt pavement. If installation cost and time to completion are major issues for you, then have your paving contractors install asphalt instead.
  • Sturdiness and maintenance—Concrete can remain intact and trouble-free for many more years than asphalt, which sometimes tends to suffer from cracks. On the other hand, repairing damaged asphalt is much easier and cheaper than repairing a concrete slab. If you're not likely to need the pavement for more than 20 years, you might save money by simply installing asphalt and giving it proper maintenance as needed.
  • Safety—Asphalt is generally considered a safer substance to drive on in wet weather than concrete. Concrete offers a more slippery surface without the extra texturing asphalt provides. Snow and ice are also less likely to accumulate on asphalt than on concrete.

3. Options for Each Material

Both concrete and asphalt pavements come in a few different varieties, and you'll need to take these options into account when discussing your project with the paving contractors.

For instance, pre-cast concrete pavement may have any of several different types of bases supporting them. Ordinary aggregates of crushed rock, with or without additional stabilizing agents, are commonly used as a base layer. If you need a stiffer base for your particular stretch of pavement, your contractor may recommend a material called HMA. You may also decide to use an extra-strong material called lean concrete for your surface layer.

Paving with asphalt allows for some interesting options. If you want to build more drainage capacity into your pavement, for instance, you might choose a porous asphalt that permits water to transfer to the underlying subgrade. If you want the strongest possible asphalt pavement, ask about installing full-depth asphalt. This type of pavement gives you a solid asphalt surface anywhere from 4 to 8 inches in thickness for extra durability and flexibility.

4. Environmental Impact

From an environmental perspective, the question of concrete versus asphalt isn't as cut and dried as you might think. It's true that concrete doesn't use up the world's finite supply of fossil fuels, while asphalt is based on petroleum. But asphalt redeems itself somewhat by being highly recyclable. It's quite possible to melt down old pieces of asphalt and put them to work again and again as paving material.

As you can see, rigid concrete pavement and flexible asphalt pavement each has its own set of pros and cons. Your final choice may be dictated by cost, building deadlines, long-term plans and environmental considerations. Discuss your paving needs in depth with paving contractors in Nanaimo so you can make the most sensible decisions for your needs.

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