How to Protect Concrete in Winter

Although concrete is one of the most useful, durable, and reliable paving materials, it is still prone to damages caused by harsh or inclement weather. Here in Indiana, winter is the time of year that poses the most risk to our concrete pavements. Snow, sleet, ice, wind, and rain can deteriorate concrete in various ways, and in short amounts of time. For this reason, it is important to take the proper measure to prevent premature concrete damage caused by seasonal weather.

If you have concrete surfaces you wish to protect this winter and next, continue reading to learn some vital tips that will help you achieve this goal.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

General Concrete Maintenance

Concrete is low-maintenance, but that does not mean it doesn’t require any care at all. It is still necessary to implement preventative maintenance to support both longevity and performance, as well as, aesthetic appeal. One of leading causes of concrete damage in the winter is freezing and thawing.

Concrete is porous, which means water can permeate into the concrete, then freeze, and eventually thaw. This freeze-thaw cycle causes concrete to expand and contract, leading to heaving, cracks, potholes, crumbling, and more. If left neglected overtime, such damages will cost more to repair come spring and summer.

Here is what you can do to ensure your concrete stays in optimal condition while resisting the inclement weather conditions winter has to offer:

☑ Concrete Sealing

Concrete sealing is very effective for protecting pavements from all sorts of damage; not just winter weather conditions. Sealants will protect concrete against staining and discoloration, mold and mildew, corrosion, fissuring, cracking, and more. They work by filling in the tiny pores of concrete, and creating a solid invisible barrier against water and moisture. If water cannot seep into the pores of concrete, the freeze-thaw cycles cannot take place, and concrete will not be affected by such conditions.

☑ De-Icing and Salting

Although snow and ice removal are part of good concrete maintenance, concrete is not a good candidate for snow salts and de-icing products. They can cause expedited corrosion and deterioration, which becomes very evident by spring. Instead of using your typical salts on concrete, use safer alternatives like cat litter and sand. These work just as well, but will not damage your concrete.

☑ Stain Removal

When liquids are spilled on concrete, they can seep into the pores just like water and moisture can. For this reason, it is important to clean up stains and spills as soon as they occur in order to prevent the freeze-thaw damages mentioned before. Examples include grease, oil, chemicals, and anything else that can leave behind a stain.

☑ Minor Repairs

Another important part of taking good care of concrete is to have all minor repairs made as they come. Do not allow small damages, like cracks or warping, go untreated; this will only worsen the damage and increase the amount of time and money needed to repair the concrete. Keep in mind that all large and costly pavement damages start as small ones. It is important to catch small pavement problems early on and resolve them before they can get worse.

Indianapolis Pavement Checkups and Repairs

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional concrete pavement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed and insured pavers, provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Request a free estimate, today.

There’s Still Time to for Asphalt Patching Services

If you think it is too late in the season to have your asphalt repaired with asphalt patching services, think again! There is still time to get your asphalt reinforced and ready to take on the elemental conditions. Continue reading to learn more about asphalt patching, as well as, how to get started on a free assessment for your commercial lot.

Indianapolis Asphalt Patching 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Patching 317-549-1833

Asphalt Patching – Applications and Benefits

When you want to protect the foundation and surface of your asphalt lot, patching is the way to go. Not only does asphalt patching provide extended resilience and longevity, it also renders an instant aesthetic upgrade. Asphalt patching is the process of filling in cracks, crevices, and potholes for a safer and higher-performing lot.

There are many types of asphalt materials used to implement patching services, including hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt, asphalt emulsion mixes, and even proprietary mixes with special blends of such materials. The type of patching material used depends on several factors, but primarily the current surface condition of your lot will be the most influential.

Since your asphalt lot cannot be repaved this winter, asphalt patching is an effective method of providing added strength and protection to your pavements. Freezing temperatures and precipitation, as well as frozen ground, make it virtually impossible to lay asphalt properly. Use asphalt patching services now to get your pavement through the harshest parts of winter, and then reconsider an asphalt overlay come spring!

Talk to a Pro Paver for Advice

Talk to a local and trusted Indianapolis asphalt paving contractor for help identifying the pavement maintenance and repair needs of your commercial lot. They have the knowledge and hands-on experience to provide accurate assessments and principle-supported strategies to remedy your pavement weaknesses within a budget you can afford.

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt patching in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town, including winter cold patching and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Using Salt on Pavement

There are many misconceptions about using salt and de-icers on pavement. With so many contradicting notions, it can be difficult figuring out whether or not you should salt your asphalt and concrete pavements. And with the current Indianapolis snow forecast, now is the time to clear up any confusion or concerns you’ve had about salting your paved surfaces.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about using salt on asphalt and concrete this winter season.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Rock salt provides an impactful benefit when it comes to creating safer, more stable road and walkways. However, in order to reap the benefits of salt, it is important to know which types of pavements to use it on, and how to be environmentally conscientious while doing so. Here are the top 4 facts you need to know to ensure you protect your pavements and the surrounding ecosystem:

➠ Salt Can Harm the Environment

It is important to apply salt properly and with the utmost care and attention. Otherwise, it can negatively affect the surrounding environment via water runoff. It can also be toxic to local plants and wildlife. In fact, certain studies have identified an increase in salinity within rivers, lakes, and even drinking water, as a direct result of roadway salting practices.

➠ Salt Will Damage Concrete

Concrete is a porous pavement, which means it has pores that can collect moisture and water. This makes them more vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles and other intruding constituents. Roadway salts are common culprits behind concrete deterioration because they are acidic and breakdown the adhesive bonds that hold concrete together. As a result, concrete freezes more quickly, thus requiring more salting. Overtime, concrete is damaged if ongoing maintenance is not implemented after every season.

➠ Salt Will Not Damage Asphalt

In contrast to concrete pavements, snow salt will not harm your asphalt surfaces. Hot-mix asphalt pavements are made from stone aggregate, sand, petroleum, and other sturdy constituents, so they will not be affected by salts, de-icers, and freeze-thaw cycles. So if you want to use salt on your asphalt, go right ahead! Just be sure to maintain a clear and controlled boundary to prevent water run-off and environmental damage.

➠ Salt Does Not Create Potholes

Although salt can deteriorate concrete, it does not create potholes. Water must enter into the ground below the pavement to create a pothole. As for salt, it weakens concrete, and can even lead to cracking, crumbling, and fissures; however, those frustrating giant craters are thanks to changing weather, vehicular traffic, and lack of proper pavement maintenance. When it comes to asphalt, salt can only cause deterioration or damage if the pavement is already damaged or compromised.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair and Maintenance

Indianapolis Winter Asphalt Patching 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Winter Asphalt Patching 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and municipal paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.