What is Recycled Asphalt Pavement?

Recycled asphalt pavement, or RAP, is a common paving material used in several applications all over the world. In lamest terms, RAP is old asphalt that has been removed and reprocessed for reuse. It is milled into gravel and mixed with other high-quality, well-graded aggregates coated by asphalt cement. When compressed, it binds back together to form new pavement. It is an effective and eco-friendly selection for driveway, parking lot, and roadway paving.

Continue reading to learn even more helpful and interesting facts about recycled asphalt pavement!

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

RAP Application

If you are familiar with the application process of standard hot mix asphalt, then you will should have no problem comprehending the application procedures for recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). This is because they are very similar to one another, in the beginning. First comes proper grading and excavation, followed by water runoff planning, debris clearing, and then tact coat application. This type of paving material is best lain with an automated paver and vibratory roller. This allows for efficient and uniform paving results and smoother finishes.

Since RAP still contains many of its natural oils, post-application is naturally finished off when the sun heats the surface, allowing the oils to bind the pavement into one, uniform surface area. This produces much less dust and leaves behind a finer finish.

Many people choose RAP over processed gravel and other paving options because it is long-lasting, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. RAP is sturdy and won’t become muddy or soupy in rain or wet weather. Also, it can make a fantastic base if you ever choose to pave over it with another asphalt material.

It is important to trust a paving professional with RAP application, as well as, any other pavement or sealcoat application. They retain the proper tools, training, and insurance to provide safe and consistent results. DIY paving projects are extremely messy, risky, and time-consuming. It is wise to trust the project to a professional in the field.

Asphalt and Concrete Paving Contractors in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional paving repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

Factors to Consider When Sealcoating in the Fall

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Whether you plan to hire a professional service, or choose to do it yourself, sealcoating pavements is a job best completed in the fall. The weather this time of year, especially in Indiana, is the perfect climate for seal coating purposes. The low humidity and sunny days make the perfect formula for efficient and well-crafted sealcoats.

If you do plan to hire a professional company, it is wise to get a jump start on scheduling your sealcoating services. This is because fall-time is the busiest time of year for pavers. Many companies, mostly the ones that have been in business for quite some time, set cut-off dates because they cannot take on any more projects. Once winter hits, sealcoating is not an option any longer. Proper owners have no choice but to wait for early spring to come, and schedule their much-needed pavement maintenance services then.

If you are planning to seal coat your own pavement, then be sure to brush up on your pavement maintenance knowledge, as well as your inventory. Research the best sealcoats on the market and purchase all the needed supplies. Next, continue reading to learn some factors to consider before starting your fall paving project!

Temperature, Time, and Weather Factors

Indianapolis Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Seal Coating 317-549-1833

When it comes to seal coating on your own, be sure to review some important factors for a successful outcome. Most factors involve either temperature, time, and weather. But there are several others factors involving other focuses too. They are as follows:

Ideal hours for sealcoating projects are generally all day. Start early in the morning, as soon as the sun rises, and you should have plenty of sun and daylight to finish the job.

Ideal temperatures for effective sealcoating should be 50 degrees and rising, which means the temperatures should climb as the day progress. If it’s too cold, sealcoat cannot dry or cure properly.

If you have to seal coat in temperatures at or lower than 50 degrees, be sure the work area will receive at least three hours of sunlight for full drying and curing purposes.

Avoid seal coating in the shade. Without abundant sunlight, sealcoat cannot dry or cure effectively. If you must seal coat in the shade, be sure to apply just before the sunlight hits, so that is gets at least 2 hours of sun. In areas that never get sunlight, you will have better chances of waiting until the spring when the ground is warmer to help with drying and curing.

Avoid sealcoat projects on cloudy days. Just like in the cold and shade, sealcoat cannot dry and cure properly on a chilly sunless day. The only cloudy days you can effectively sealcoat on are higher temperature days when the warmth is enough to dry the material.

If sealcoating at night, be sure the temperatures will not get lower than 65 degrees. This means it may be too late in the season for some states. Then, wait until late morning before walking on the fresh sealcoat so that it can get some morning sun.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Pavement Services Indianapolis Indiana

Pavement Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for seal coating services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, is happy to discuss your sealcoating needs and inquires. We offer commercial and industrial-level pavement repair, maintenance, installation, sealcoating, winter cold patching, and much more. Call 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis, IN.