The Best Temperatures For Paving Asphalt

Posted on March 24, 2021 by admin

No matter what kind of asphalt paving job is on the docket for the day, all professional pavement contractors know to consider the most important elements of such work, most importantly, temperatures. In addition to the outdoor climate, ground temperatures, ambient temperatures, and mix temp are all critical factors that impact the overall results of an asphalt paving or patching project.

Continue below to learn more about the best temperatures for asphalt pavement work.

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Timing and Temperature Control for Asphalt Paving

Ambient, ground, and mix temperatures must all be well-monitored and managed, but there is more temperature control that comes into play after asphalt is poured. Contractors have to move very quickly to compact the mixture and smooth it all out before it can begin to cool, or cure. If asphalt mix cools to fast, there is no way to ensure full compaction, which leads to several pavement defects and extensive deterioration down the line. This is why proper asphalt installation is so vital.

Asphalt Mixture

The temperature of the asphalt mixture is a critical part of a successful pavement job. The most commonly used material is hot asphalt mix, which arrives on site at extreme temperature levels; usually between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to lay the asphalt mixture initially, it must cool down to at least 290 degrees Fahrenheit, but as cool as 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower than 190 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the asphalt mix to cool to quickly, and therefore lead to poor compaction and unstable performance. Variables that impact the thickness and cure time include ground temperature, wind speed, and ambient temperature.

Ambient Temperature

Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air. For any type of pavement installation work, ambient temperatures should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the best case scenario, climbing as the day progresses. Because wind speed can also impact how quickly asphalt mix cools, which can ultimately lead to a bad paving job, the ambient temperature for asphalt work ideally should be higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit on exceptionally windy days.

Ground Temperature

The temperature of the ground, both at the surface and below, are important factors to consider before laying asphalt. If the ground is to cold, proper installation may not be possible. If the ground is too hot, the asphalt mixture might not cool fast enough. Generally, the ideal ground temperature for asphalt work should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and climbing. The ground is usually cooler in the morning, so the temperature should rise throughout the day from 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How are your commercial pavements looking this year? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients all throughout Central Indiana. Request a bid, today.

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4 Common Asphalt Problems and How to Prevent Them

Posted on March 10, 2021 by admin

The Mid-West is known for its weather changes. From winter to spring, and from summer to fall, the evolving seasons tend to bring on a whole list of structural maintenance needs for property owners, including pavement repair. If you are the owner of an asphalt lot, it is important to implement the proper seasonal, routine maintenance services to ensure it remains durable and safe all year long. Right now, between the transition of winter to spring, is the perfect time to inspect your asphalt lot and look for any seasonal damage that may have taken place since your last pavement inspections.

Get started by scrolling down and learning about the 4 most common types of asphalt damages and what you can do to prevent them year to year.

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Asphalt Problems and Needed Repairs to Watch Out For

Asphalt defects are something to take seriously, and to act on fast. Problems like cracking, heaves, potholes, depressions, raveling, and rutting can all pose safety threats and hazards to both staff and guests, but they can also be the catalyst to more major or extensive asphalt and foundation damage. When such problems are not addressed and corrected on time, they will allow moisture to get below the surfaces and lead to more pavement structure and stability damages.

Most Prevalent Damages Seen in Asphalt Pavements:

► Potholes – Almost all potholes start off as small cracks or holes. Overtime, they degrade further, causing them to grow in size and depth, and therefore, in danger. Freezing and thawing of snow and rain are the most common causes of pothole development, but traffic wear and tear and improper installation can also cause potholes to form.

► Cracking – Alligator cracking, interlocked cracking, fissures, edge cracks, block cracks, transverse cracks, moving cracks, and more are all common asphalt damages seen during every season. They are also important to repair and seal to prevent further and future damage.

► Raveling – When asphalt is installed in weather that is still too cold, sometimes pieces of asphalt slabs will separate from the surface. This results in a pavement degradation known as raveling. It causes dents and sizable indentations on the surface of asphalt, which can pose several safety threats and water runoff issues.

► Rutting – Just like your car tires can make paved ruts in the wet mud, natural wear and tear can cause the same type of surface depressions in asphalt pavements. This is known as rutting, and will usually develop as a result of poor or improper installation, or due to asphalt being laid to thin.

How to Repair and Prevent Asphalt Damages

The most common methods to repair the above-mentioned asphalt damages are overlays and routine sealcoating. As for year-round maintenance and care, be sure to keep your asphalt clean, and properly seal-coated every season. The best asphalt pavements are those that are properly poured and installed by professional pavement contractors. If you want great pavements all year long, be sure you choose a certified pro to install, repair, and protect your asphalt.

Do you need asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and asphalt paving services at the best rates in town.

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How to Prepare Your Commercial Asphalt Lot for Spring

Posted on February 19, 2021 by admin

Although the majority of Indiana is covered in mounds of snow, it is not too soon to be thinking about your spring maintenance needs for your commercial lot. After all, being here right now to learn more about planning ahead for spring asphalt maintenance is just one reason why you are a successful business owner and proprietor! Go with your gut instinct and get in touch with a local commercial paving company to schedule your spring asphalt maintenance checklist.

Continue below to learn how to prepare your asphalt lot for spring this year, as well as who to trust for superior commercial pavement maintenance and repair in Central Indiana.

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Springtime Pavement Maintenance Checklist for Asphalt

For any commercial asphalt lot, there is a set checklist that should be addressed and completed every season. As for spring, the primary tasks your maintenance checklist should include a comprehensive pavement inspection, minor repairs, and sealcoating service.

Pavement Inspections

Your appointed pavement contractors will know exactly what to do and where to look in a comprehensive pavement inspection. Everything from potholes and minor repairs to bollard posts, road markings, water drainage, and more, will be addressed and resolved if needed. The freeze-thaw cycles of freezing and melting snow can leave a lot of visible damage come spring. These areas will be checked out and resolved before they can become worse. This includes pavement cracks, which can quickly turn into potholes.

Asphalt Repair

The sooner you address asphalt pavement damage, the better your chances are at avoiding larger and more costly problems down the road. The first step is to observe your pavement. Look for cracking, fissures, swells, heaving, standing water, and any other types of structural damage. Keep in mind that some areas of damage can be fixed with a little maintenance, while others may need complete removal and replacement.

Sealcoating Service

Your next checklist priority for asphalt pavement is sealcoat service. Sealcoating gives asphalt a fresh, rich, dark color that looks smooth and even. It is recommended to follow sealcoating services with new line striping and markings to really make your lot look great. Better than just the cosmetic benefits, sealcoating also delivers strength, durability, and longevity in your pavements. This saves you money on invasive repairs, demolitions, and other unanticipated construction costs.

Commercial Asphalt Paving and Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to schedule your needed commercial asphalt repair and sealcoating service before spring arrives. Our licensed and qualified pavement construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete services, including seasonal maintenance, pothole repairs, crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and winter cold patching. Request a free estimate for spring asphalt work, anytime. We serve clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Central Indiana.

3 Reasons Why it is Important to Understand Asphalt Sealcoating

Posted on January 29, 2021 by admin

As a commercial property owner or manager, it is your duty to ensure your premises is a safe and hazard-free environment that looks good, appeals to clients, and performs optimally. When it comes to your parking lot, all of these objectives can be achieved with proper sealcoat work. You might have a vague understanding of asphalt sealcoating, but diving in a bit deeper will help you have better insight that will translate to the overall success of your business.

Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why this level of understanding is so valuable for commercial real estate and business owners, and how you can determine when your premise requires a fresh sealing next.

Knowing the True Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating Will Increase Your Business’s Overall Success.

Parking Lot Sealcoating

Parking lots are one of the types of asphalt pavements that benefit the most from proper, routine sealcoating. In fact, industry surveys have suggested that more than 80% of the sealcoat market are parking lot projects. With the frequency and weight of both vehicular and foot traffic, combined with the predictable Indiana inclement weather conditions, and inevitable wear and tear, parking lots see a lot of damage overtime. This is why sealcoating is so vital to their performance, safety, and longevity.

Additional Sealcoating Applications

Parking lots are not the only asphalt pavements that benefit from sealcoats. Additional sealcoating applications include walkways, playgrounds, stadiums, airfields, and racetracks. All of these surfaces are better off with a proper and regular sealcoat schedule.

Why it is Good to Be Knowledgeable About Sealcoating

➀► You Can Better Protect Your Investment. Your commercial property is a major asset, and therefore, a very serious investment. By maintaining your parking lot and asphalt paved surfaces for as long as possible, you not only safeguard the viability of your investment, but you also save money in the grand scheme of things. Since sealcoating tends to cost less than 20 cents per square foot, the math will show you just how worth sealcoats are to proprietors.

➁► You Will Effectively Keep Costs Down. Sealcoating certainly has its aesthetic benefits, but it is primarily an effective preventative maintenance approach that saves you time and money. Proper sealcoating means less repairs, less liability in terms of injuries and accidents, and a less likely chance of needed overlays. A good sealcoat will also allow you to catch minor problems and defects in their early stages, which helps avoid costly, disastrous repairs or overhauls.

➂► You Can Develop an Efficient Schedule. By understanding just how important asphalt sealcoating is for your commercial investment, you can better develop a sealcoating and asphalt maintenance schedule that most effectively meets all agenda, budget, and business objectives. Of course, you will also need to work alongside your trusted Indianapolis sealcoating contractor to ensure your property’s needs are being met accordingly.

Premium Commercial Asphalt Sealcoating in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Storm Damage Pavement Repair Tips You Need to Know

Posted on April 13, 2020 by admin

As a commercial property owner, the safety and function of your business’s paved areas are important to your overall bottom line; and in more than one way. From liability and lawsuits, to customer volume, social appeal, and more, the list goes on and on. So, after this recent hailstorm we experienced in Indianapolis, it is wise to address any pavement damages that resulted, sooner than later.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about storm damage pavement repair, including how to perform an inspection, and who to call for trusted commercial paving work.

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Perform a Pavement Inspection

After a harsh storm passes, and the weather calms down, always be sure to take a walk around your premises to inspect for unsafe conditions and damages. Be sure to perform this inspection during the day, when the lighting is sufficient; that way, you will have a better view of any damages. Begin with your bollard posts, curbs, steps, rails, and ramps. These areas are particular important in terms of safety and functions.

From there, you will want to turn your focus on the flat surfaces of your pavement, and look for potholes, cracking, crumbling, depressions, or heaving. Once you have a full report of all new and existing damages, you are well-equipped to contact a local commercial pavement repair company and request an on-site assessment.

What to Inspect and/or Look For After a Harsh Storm:

⇾ Bollard Posts
⇾ Culverts and Sewer Drains
⇾ Curbs
⇾ Steps
⇾ Rails
⇾ ADA Ramps
⇾ Traffic and Parking Signs
⇾ Potholes
⇾ Depressions or Concave Surfaces
⇾ Heaves or Raised Bumps
⇾ Standing Water

How to Reinforce Your Pavements to Withstand Harsh Weather

The best options for ensuring your commercial pavements remain strong and sturdy, and therefore, resistant to inclement weather, include sealcoating, routine cleaning, prompt repairs of minor damage, scheduled resealing, and timely overlays or resurfacing. See our blogs, “Important Concrete Maintenance Tips” and “Important Asphalt Maintenance Tips” to learn what you need to know about developing an effective pavement maintenance plan for your commercial property.

Where to Get Emergency Storm Damage Pavement Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial pavement repair 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.

The Quickest Ways to Improve the Look of Asphalt

Posted on May 13, 2019 by admin

With spring here and summer around the corner, we will be spending much more time outdoors. Whether you are a home or business owner, your paved asphalt surfaces will play a large role in property value, curb appeal, comfort, water runoff, and mostly importantly, safety. Maintaining the quality of your pavements is something that should be made a priority, not only to protect your investments, but also to abate liability. But not everyone has time for an asphalt overhaul. In this case, you can rely on some easy methods that can give your paved surfaces an instant upgrade.

If you wish to spruce up your asphalt pavements without the need for a large, invasive project, simply implement some of these more efficient options for asphalt restoration. Continue reading to learn the quickest way to improve the look, and even the performance, of your asphalt.

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Fast and Effective Asphalt Enhancement

There are several services and do-it-yourself tasks you can implement to instantly improve the look and performance of your asphalt pavements. Here are some of the most recommended considerations to try this spring:

☑ Pavement Sweeping

For parking lots, lot sweeping services are great for eliminating the many layers of dirt, gravel, sand, and other solid debris veering your asphalt surfaces. You will be surprised to see how much of a difference this service can make in just one round.

☑ Weed Clearing

If your asphalt surfaces are tainted by weeds and other types of overgrowth, eliminating it will instantly improve the way your asphalt looks. This is also good for abating pests like bees, gnats, flies, and other insects. Use a safe, non-toxic weed killer to prevent future growth, and reapply as the manufacturer instructs.

☑ Sealcoating and Marking

To make your asphalt look new again, you can have a company provide professional sealcoating services. This will give the asphalt a rich, dark color that looks smooth and even. Follow sealcoating with new line striping and markings to really make your lot look great.

☑ Crack Repair

Although larger-scale damages, like potholes, alligator cracking, crumbling, and more, require professional repairs, you can implement some basic crack repair yourself to improve the appearance and performance of your lot. Crack filling can also help protect your asphalt against freeze thaw cycles, wear and tear, and similar affects. See our blog, “3 Types of Pavement Cracks and How to Fix Them” to learn more about crack repairs.

☑ Asphalt Pavement Maintenance and Repair

Although there is plenty you can do to restore and protect your asphalt surfaces, there are some things that should be left to a professional paver. Damages like surface warping, crumbling curbs, and large potholes should be repaired by a licensed and insured paving company.

Professional Asphalt Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Most importantly, we always offer our services at the right price for all commercial property owners and companies. Don’t choose a rookie asphalt company; instead, trust our licensed pavers to meet all your paving needs. Request a free estimate, today!

Do You Know What’s Deteriorating Your Asphalt?

Posted on June 8, 2018 by admin

As a business or property owner, it is important for your asphalt lot to look and perform at its best. A smooth, clean, and strong pavement is ideal, and achievable, but cannot last without proper care.

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If your asphalt lot looks like it’s getting worse, it could be time for some professional intervention. A licensed Indianapolis asphalt repair company can provide you with workable solutions to get your pavement back on track to performing well and looking good! In the meantime, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the causes of worn out asphalt pavement so that you can take the right steps to protect your lot with proper maintenance and care.

Expected Asphalt Wear and Tear

Asphalt is strong and resilient, but it does not last forever. It requires regular upkeep and maintenance, including minor repairs along the way, to ensure it reaches it maximum life expectancy. With proper installation and good care, an asphalt lot can last up to 10 to 20 years or more (depending on various factors like climate and usage).

The more traffic and contact a lot experiences, the faster it will depreciate. Vehicles, foot traffic, weather, climate, and more can all affect and expedite the deterioration rate of asphalt. Overtime, the binder loses its elasticity, thus causing the pavement to lose its resistance. With its guard down, asphalt is subject to moisture and water accumulation, which leads to expanding, contracting, cracking, and similar structural defects.

Eventually, as these defects worsen, they become apparent at the surface, leading to crumbling pavement, potholes, and more. This is a primary reason why it is vital to hire a professional paving company for asphalt installation. They use high quality binders that help pavement retain strength, longer.

More Factors That Cause Asphalt Damage

Aside from normal wear and tear, there are several other factors that can influence the overall condition and longevity of an asphalt lot. The most common is improper installation; just another reason why it is vital to hire a reputable paving company for the job. When asphalt is improper installed, various problems can occur. Common installation mistakes include too much or too little compaction, improper water drainage, improper base compaction, and improper asphalt mix temperatures.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt paving and seal coating in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our teams 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.

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