The Basic Differences between Conventional and Airless Asphalt Striping Machines

In the world of asphalt pavement, there are two primary types of striping machines used to create those white and yellow lines in the road we see and depend on every single day. These two striping machines are separated from one other based on the use of air. One option is called a conventional paint striping machine, and the other is called an airless paint striping machine. There are some basic, but notable, differences between the two most commonly used striping machines in the pavement industry.

Continue reading to learn these differences, and a little more about the devices behind the stripes, lines, and commands on the roads and parking lots in your town.

Indianapolis Road Striping and Paving
Indianapolis Road Striping and Paving 317-549-1833

Conventional Paint Striping

A conventional striping device uses air and comes equipped with a 7-gallon paint pot that seals and opens, as well as, a small engine and air compressor. The air compressor is an important component that plays a major role in the machines function. In fact, it feeds air to 4 different places: the sealed paint pot, the gun, a small can that holds a paint thinner, and 2 hoses that connect to the rear of the machine. Let’s take a closer look at these four areas.

When air is fed to the paint pot, it forces the paint to travel downward and out of the can, and then into a hose that leads to the primary spray gun. As air is fed into the primary gun, it transforms the paint into a spray, allowing large-scale, uniform application. If air is not introduced to the paint, it would simply drip or squirt out of the gun.

Air is also introduced to a small container that primarily holds paint thinner, but can also house water instead, depending on the type of paint (latex or oil-based) you are using. This is used to clean the gun tip during the application process. After spraying for an extended period of time, you can open the valve for a second or two to send the paint thinner (or water) through a separate hose and directly to the gun tip. This, of course, prevents build-up and blockages.

As mentioned before, the fourth area that air is fed to inside a pavement striping machine are the two hoses that attach to the back. One hose is for paint, while the other is for air. The hose that carries the paint does not supply the primary gun, but rather, a second gun used for stenciling and other paint applications. The air in the other hose allows the paint to spray properly. When it comes to conventional striping machines, it is important to know they require two separate spray guns: one for oil-based paint and one for latex paint.

Airless Striping Machines

Unlike the conventional machines, airless paint striping machines do not use air. Instead, they come equipped with openings in the gun tips that are specially-designed to promote a “spray-like” dispersion. You can get a better idea of this concept by thinking about a garden hose. When a hose is on, you can place your fingers on top of the opening to change the way the water comes out. By simply reducing the size of the hose’s opening, you can alter the speed, force, and spread of the water.

The same idea apples to the openings on airless striping machines. The holes, or openings, in the tip of the paint gun are designed to be very tiny and uniquely shaped in order to achieve spray-like paint dispersal and application. Since these machines do not come with a paint pot, they are much lighter in weight. Many people prefer the airless machines since they simply come with one hose, one motor, one engine, and one pump.

Indianapolis Line Striping Road Marking Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional line striping and road marking 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.

FAQs Regarding Asphalt Pavement

If you were to ask a professional and experienced pavement contractor what the most frequently asked questions are about commercial asphalt paving, he or she would have plenty to tell you; most of which likely consisting of misunderstandings and untruths. Concrete and asphalt, and other paving materials, are not topics of common knowledge for commercial property owners, so questions are frequent, expected, and invited by most paving professionals. The more questions you ask, the more you understand about paving installation, maintenance, procedures, and more; thus protecting your investment in the long run.

Continue reading and learn some important facts about asphalt, and better prepare yourself for making final pavement decisions for your property.

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Commercial Road Work and Paving 317-549-1833

Lifespan of Asphalt Paving

Many people inquire about the lifespan of asphalt and are told that it can last for 15 years or more with proper maintenance and care. This is true! In fact, with proper installation and sealcoating, asphalt pavements can last up to 20 years and perhaps longer in regions with milder climates. Seal-coating is a protective layer that further slows the natural wear and tear (cracking, crumbling, potholes, dips, swells, etc.) that outdoor pavements are subject to on a daily basis. It also protects against chemical spills, oil accretions, water permeation, oxidation, fading, and more. It can even speeds up how fast snow and ice melts! It is important to have your asphalt surfaces routinely seal-coated for ultimate protection.

Eco-Friendly Aspects of Asphalt

Asphalt is a recyclable material, made of recyclable materials. This quality makes asphalt a very Eco-friendly choice for commercial properties. For this reason, over 100 million tons of asphalt material is used each year to construct our city’s parking lots, roads, highways, and more! Porous asphalt is additionally Eco-friendly due to the fact that it allows water to penetrate its surface and return to the natural water table after filtering through the soil and bedrock.

Asphalt in Cold Weather

In colder regions or seasons, asphalt pavements are known to outlast and outperform concrete pavements. The principle reason for this is that concrete is a permeable pavement, allowing water to penetrate its pores and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This causes concrete to expand, crack, and deteriorate overtime. Asphalt paving can withstand harsh winter weather, salt damage, and precipitation better than concrete can.

Types of Asphalt

There are several types of asphalt, each mixed differently for the precise job or need. It is important to match the right type of asphalt mix to the job your commercial property requires. Each job requires a specific asphalt mix, from parking lots to driveways and more.

Trusted Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Road Repair

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving and service 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 crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

Infrared Pothole Repair

A popular and effective method for road patching and pothole repair is a process that uses infrared heating technology. This method of asphalt patching has several benefits, making it a top choice for pavement repair companies across the country. Not only does the infrared asphalt repair technology allow for faster repair times and better results, it also reduces environmental impacts, noise pollution, labor costs, and the amount of equipment needed for the job. And perhaps best of all, it’s cheaper than the older methods of asphalt road repair!

Continue reading to learn more about infrared asphalt and pothole repair, and all the wonderful benefits it offers.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

Infrared Asphalt Road Patching

Potholes are trouble. And no one likes them. And no one sees them. Which is why they are such trouble! The new infrared asphalt road patching technology eliminates this frustrating dilemma by allowing faster repair rates and simpler repair procedures. Here’s how it works: An infrared heating unit heats up asphalt on roads, melting it in its place and changing it into a workable and alterable state of composition. From here, pavement repair contractors add new asphalt that melds perfectly with the old asphalt. Then they use specialized equipment to smooth out and re-pave the soft asphalt until it’s entirely level and feathered into the surrounding pavement. This eliminates seams and lines, reducing water infiltration and future freeze/thaw damages.

Environmental Benefits

There are several industry, commercial, and societal benefits to the infrared asphalt repair process; however, there are several environmental benefits too! Just another great reason why this new technology is a wonderful addition to the pavement repair industry. Environmental benefits start with the simple fact that reusing existing asphalt tarmac is less environmentally wasteful than removing old asphalt and replacing it with new material. All of the existing tarmac is 100% recycled and reused! Also, since the technology has become popular, materials sent to landfills have reduced as much as 90 percent, as well as, the use of new asphalt materials!

Commercial Paving Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair 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 crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

Is Salt Safe to Use on Asphalt?

There are several myths out there regarding the use of salt on asphalt driveways and other pavements. Some people believe salt is very harmful for asphalt, while others strongly support its benefits. In this blog, we will review some of the more common misunderstandings about salting your driveway this winter, as well as, additional facts about the effects of salt on asphalt pavements.

Continue reading to explore this topic and learn more on what you need to know about proper asphalt maintenance and care.

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Commercial & Industrial Paving Contractors 317-549-1833

Asphalt Myths and Rebuttals

One of the most common arguments against using salt on asphalt pavements is that salt causes deterioration. This is untrue, so long as your asphalt was properly installed by a licensed pavement company. Asphalt is not effected by salt or any other de-icing agents; instead, its integrity can be compromised by the freeze-thaw cycles of water seeping into its tiny crevices. Although most asphalt material is engineered to withstand freezing and thawing damages, it is still important to have your asphalt properly seal-coated every few years or so to protect it from weather-induced damages.

Since many believe that salt causes asphalt to deteriorate, they also believe it creates potholes. This is also not true. Salt can really only affect asphalt if it’s already in severely-deteriorated condition. Potholes are created by freeze-thaw cycles of water. When water creeps down through pavement, it expands the soil beneath it and then freezes, which causes the pavement above it to elevate and defect. Then the frozen water thaws and the soil goes back to its normal state, causing the once-elevated pavement to fall back down, resulting in a crumbling pothole. Once this happens over and over again, season after season, the pothole gets bigger and nastier.

Something True About Concrete

One notion about salting pavement is actually true, and it has to do with concrete. De-icing agents will cause concrete pavements to deteriorate and crumble. This is because the acid values of these products break the bonds that hold concrete together. Since concrete freezes faster than asphalt, people are more prone to salting more often, causing quicker wear and tear. This is a concern for bridges and overpasses because air circulates all around them, causing them to freeze faster as well. Corrosion of concrete on bridges and overpasses is a dangerous situation. Salt can also be harmful to the environment by means of water-run off. Plants and animals can fall ill from over-exposure; so use salt wisely this winter!

Trusted Asphalt Paving Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

Removing Mildew from Concrete Pavements

Mold and mildew growth can be hazardous to one’s health, and pose many dangerous and unpleasant threats as well. For these reasons and more, mildew should always be removed as soon as it is discovered. It can also be quite unsightly and unattractive. One common area where mold can thrive is concrete, like sidewalks, curbs, driveways, fireplaces, and more. It is understandable to have mold or mildew somewhere on your property you cannot see or reach, but the exposed and attainable areas, like the ones just mentioned, should be cleaned thoroughly.

Continue reading to learn more about the importance of removing mold and mildew from concrete, and how to get it done.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Concrete Mildew Removal

Mildew is slippery, especially when wet, and can cause slip and fall accidents; but the main health concern associated with mildew and mold has to do with our respiratory health. Spores from mold can become airborne, and consequently, be inhaled by people and pets. This can cause or contribute to several respiratory illnesses and conditions; like asthma, allergies, and more.

So when you find mildew growing on your concrete surface, be sure to follow similar instructions to the ones listed below, in order to successfully remove mold and mildew from concrete, cement, and more. If the fungus that causes mildew is not properly killed and removed, the mildew will be sure to come back.

What You’ll Need:

✔ Chlorine Bleach (about 1 Quart per 100 square foot)
✔ 1/3 Cup Powdered Laundry Detergent
✔ Large Bucket
✔ 3 Quarts Warm Water
✔ Running Water
✔ Garden Hose
✔ Stiff Bristled Broom or Brush
✔ Safety Goggles
✔ Rubber Gloves

What To Do:

1. Open Nearby Doors and Windows to For Ventilation (floor fans are best)
2. Put On Safety Goggles and Gloves
3. Mix Bleach and Warm Water
4. Add Powdered Detergent to Bleach/Warm Water Mix
5. Saturate the Affected Area with the Solution
6. Allow Solution to Fully Saturate for 15 minutes
7. Vigorously Scrub the Surface with the Bristled Broom or Brush
8. Turn On Running Water
9. Use Garden Hose to Rinse the Surface Clean
10. Make Sure the Area Dries Thoroughly
11. Repeat Steps 1-10 if Necessary

In order to prevent mildew and mold growth in the future, be sure to mop up excess puddles of standing water, and try to add more sunlight exposure to concrete surfaces. Sun and heat prevents mold and mildew growth. So keep concrete surfaces dry and bright!

Industrial and Commercial Paving Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for industrial and commercial concrete pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!