How the Rain Might Affect Asphalt Pavement Work

Posted on July 21, 2021 by admin

Although Indiana has finally seen a bit of a dry streak lately, rain will inevitably be in the forecast again, and sooner than we think. So, if you have any asphalt pavement work coming up in a schedule, you may want to learn how the rain might affect your paving project.

Continue reading to learn whether or not it’s possible to lay asphalt in the rain, and some important information about asphalt maintenance and protection.

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Rainy Days are Not Compatible with Asphalt Work

Not only can climate and temperature changes affect the outcome of asphalt paving project, but moisture and standing water produced by rain can also significantly reduce the quality of an asphalt pavement job. To get straight to the point, you never want to schedule any type of asphalt installation or paving work when there is rain in the forecast. Asphalt is an oil-based material, and we all know that oil and water do not mix.

What Would Happen if You Installed Asphalt in Rainy or Wet Weather?

So, if you were to lay asphalt in rainy or wet conditions, the oil binders will mix with water and then rise to the surface of the asphalt, and as a result, the asphalt binders will break down, eventually leading to surface damages and similar consequences. It is important for the weather conditions to be dry and have amiable temperature levels.

Even if it’s not raining, if the ground is still wet, it is not compatible with asphalt paving. Now, a light mist or little morning dew is not really enough moisture to affect an asphalt pavement project. As mentioned earlier, place your trust in a licensed and reputable Indianapolis Indiana paving contractor to protect your investment and ensure a successful outcome.

If the Weather Takes an Unexpected Turn

in the case that your asphalt has already been installed, but then the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worst, it is important to take certain measures to uphold the integrity of your pavement as much as possible. Try laying down plastic tarps and canopies, or even incorporating commercial dryers and fans. As you can already deduce, spring and summer are the best seasons of the year to schedule any asphalt or concrete paving work.

What is the Average Asphalt Curing Time?

Not only should you have your asphalt work done in dry and amiable weather conditions, but your freshly laid asphalt will need to stay completely dry for at least 24 hours, and up to 3 to 4 days after installation. Although freshly laid asphalt cures and forms a virtually watertight seal within a few days of installation, it takes six months to a year for asphalt to fully harden and cure. It is important to keep water from huddling on your asphalt if it’s been installed within this period. Also, your pavement project should have included a solid water drainage and water runoff system to ensure that standing water is a problem on your lot.

Was Your Asphalt Project Delayed by Your Contractor?

In the case that your asphalt contractor contacts you and reschedules your project, do not take concern. This means they are a reliable and trusted paving company who understands the importance of meeting all the proper standards and conditions for successful asphalt pavement work. Just be patient with the weather and trust your paving contractor to make the best decision regarding your pavement renovations or installations.

How To Protect Asphalt After Installation

It is important to keep your asphalt surface is dry as possible for up to a year after installation. In addition to routine cleaning and sweeping of the lot, another critical part of asphalt protection is seal coating, as it can add years onto the life of your asphalt pavement, plus enhance its performance level and overall safety. And turnaround times are quick, as a fresh seal coat job only requires 24 hours to fully dry, or up to 72 hours if the weather is cloudy and cool.

Are you looking for qualified commercial paving contractor for asphalt work in Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for reputable and trusted pavement sealcoating and commercial asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Might Also Like:

The Best Times of Year to Install New Pavement
Can You Apply Pavement Seal Coat in Hot Weather?
Can Hot or Cold Weather Affect the Asphalt Paving Process?

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

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.

Environmentally-Friendly Asphalt Paving Options

Posted on January 13, 2017 by admin

If you are an Eco-conscience person, you may be surprised to learn that there are environmentally-friendly asphalt paving practices and possibilities! In fact, there are several ways asphalt can be “green” and eco-friendly. For instance, asphalt is a porous pavement. This means that water can infiltrate the tiny pores of asphalt and percolate through to the ground below. The result is less water run-off, as well as, a method of returning rain water back to the town’s natural water table. Continue reading to learn more about the “green” asphalt paving solutions out there.

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Recycled Asphalt RAP

Asphalt pavement can be recycled and reused to create additional eco-friendly asphalt solutions. Recycled asphalt pavement, or RAP, is old asphalt pavement that has been removed and crushed down into a reusable material. This material is a product of recycling, which is one of the greatest environmentally-friendly practices around! One hundred percent of asphalt is recyclable and reusable in the paving industry, making it a greener alternative to consider.

Benefits

By recycling asphalt pavement, we not only conserve our Earths natural resources and reduce the need for more mining, we keep a 100% recyclable product out of landfills. RAP can be combined with a wide variety of asphalt mixes to be used for a wide variety of projects and applications. This allows for the best custom mix for the desired project, every time.

Another wonderful benefit of recycled asphalt material is cost savings. RAP is cheaper than using brand new asphalt materials, which cuts the cost of the overall project for the property owner or city. This helps build the economy while helping to save townships and proprietor’s money.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional Indianapolis asphalt paving you can trust. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of pavers, are licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors. We offer a wide range of commercial, industrial, and municipal pavement repair and installation services. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate for asphalt pavement installation in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

Learning About Road Surface Markings

Posted on July 12, 2016 by admin

We drive over them, alongside them, behind them, and we obey them. Surface stripes and pavement markings serve a very important purpose in traffic and road systems, and play a major role in the organization, functionality, and safety of drivers and pedestrians. But many drivers are unsure about the different colors, applications, and meanings behind the most common pavement stripes and markings. It is important to know this information so you can be safer on the road. To improve your driving acumen and security, continue reading to learn about pavement stripes and marks.

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Road Stripes and Markings

Road surface markings and striping is any material or device used to assist or convey official information to motorists and pedestrians. They are either mechanical, non-mechanical, or temporary, and used in several applications, including parking lots, roads, highways, toll booths, school zones, pedestrian crossings, and more. And today, there are new innovative technologies available for road marking systems, such as retro-reflectivity, that lasts longer and costs less to apply. So we can count on reliable traffic and pedestrian surface markings for years to come. Below is a review of some common road markers, and the purpose they serve.

Mechanical Markers

Botts’ Dots – A type of mechanical non-reflective marker that is raised off the ground in the form of small mounds, or “dots.” They are used to indicate the edges of traffic lanes and are commonly used in combination with raised reflective markers. Botts’ dots are also used to alert motorists of highway toll booths, school lanes, and speed limit reductions. Since they are easily damaged by snow plows, they are usually used in areas with warmer climates.

Rumble Strips – If you have ever accidentally veered off the road, then you have probably experienced driving over rumble strips. They are repetitive troughs carved into the pavement (generally 1 cm deep and 10 cm wide) on the edges of roads to alert or awake drivers that are falling asleep or not paying attention. When you drive on rumble strips, your vehicle shakes and vibrates as it moves over the deep ridges.

Raised Reflective Markers – Also called road studs, these markers are reflective, making them more visible at night and in poor weather. They are raised off the ground, usually in the form of dots or small squares, and used as travel lane dividers, median markers, exit slip-road markers.

Non-Mechanical Markers

Paint – The most common form of non-mechanical road markers is paint, sometimes containing retroreflective glass beads. The primary colors of road paint depend largely on locality, but generally include white, yellow, red, blue, and orange. Paint markers are used for a wide variety of purposes in terms of road systems and pavement, including driving lanes, parking lots, handicap parking, no-parking zones, time-restricted parking, loading zones, and much more.

Yellow Lines – Yellow lines are used to mark the center of two-way streets that have two-way traffic lanes. If the center yellow lines are dashes instead of solid lines, you can pass on a two-way street with two-way traffic. However, if they are solid, you cannot. So this means you cannot drive to the left of these lines.

White Lines – White lines are applied in the center and on the shoulder of a two-lane road to advise traffic traveling in your direction. If the lines are solid, you cannot legally pass on the road. If they are broken up into dashes, you can legally pass other vehicles if the way is clear.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Indianapolis Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional pavement installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed and insured pavers, are fully-equipped to manage any size pavement application or installation project for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We provide road striping services, as well as, pavement repair, pavement installation, pothole patching, and more. Call 317-549-1833 to speak with a knowledgeable Indianapolis paving contractor, today.

The Basic Differences between Conventional and Airless Asphalt Striping Machines

Posted on December 17, 2015 by admin

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.

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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.

The Fascinating Versatility of Asphalt Pavement

Posted on July 2, 2015 by admin

Across the United States, more than two million miles of paved road exists, and more than 90% of them are surfaced with asphalt material. Canada and Mexico have similar statistics. Needless to say, asphalt is our country’s pavement of choice, along with a few others as well. Asphalt pavement is widely universal with several different applications. It is used to pave driveways, outdoor sport courts, parking lots, interstates, highways, roads, racetracks, airport runways, and even roof shingles. It is a durable and sustainable pavement with a versatile profile.

Continue reading to learn more about asphalt and its many applications in today’s society.

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Asphalt Paving

Asphalt, also referred to as Bitumen, is a highly useful and flexible engineering material used in several road construction projects and similar initiatives within the industry. It is a viscous, black, sticky liquid, or it can also be in a semi-solid form of petroleum. It is the glue that’s added to aggregate materials to make what we know today as asphalt pavement. There are many types of asphalt mixes, including hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix asphalt; all customized for a particular paving need (i.e. waterproofing, heavy traffic, resurfacing, poor weather conditions, etc.).

Additional Types of Asphalt:

• Hot
• Hot-Rolled
• Cold
• Warm
• Mastic/Stone Mastic
• Asphalt Concrete
• Porous
• Double-Layered Porous
• Soft

Its material can be paved as thin as ¾ of an inch, all the way up to a foot thick. For example, ultra-thin overlays cab be applied to existing road for resurfacing purposes; or multiple dense layers can be paved to provide decades of solidity and strength. It is versatile because it can be a surface course, a wearing course, a thin waterproof layer, exceptionally dense, or free-draining.

Asphalt Advantages

There are several advantages of asphalt, which is why it is such as prevalent paving material all across the world. It is the most recycled material in the country and some other parts of the globe. It is environmentally-friendly for its recyclable capacities and more. Asphalt is highly durable, strong, resilient, flexible (often called flexible pavement), high-quality, long-lasting, versatile, and cost effective. Its application reduces traffic congestion and construction times because it is the quicker and more efficient method for paving. And the best advantage asphalt provides is a smoother, safer, more comfortable drive. This not only makes driving more pleasurable and easy, it reduces wear and tear to vehicles, saving drivers on repair and maintenance costs.

Commercial Asphalt Repair Service in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for more information about commercial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. 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.

What are Recycled Asphalt Millings?

Posted on May 27, 2015 by admin

Recycled asphalt millings are essentially the product you get when old asphalt is ground up into gravel-sized pieces. You may also hear it be referred to as “crushed” or “recycled” asphalt. When a road needs repaired or replaced, a milling machine can be used to “mill” the existing asphalt pavement, and the gravel produced from the machine is saved for other purposes. Asphalt milling is an inexpensive, versatile, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional paving procedure and products, and can be a wonderful choice for asphalt repair or refurbishing.

Continue reading to learn more about asphalt millings and how they are beneficial for home and property owners.

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled asphalt millings offer a wide variety of benefits and purposes for both commercial and residential property owners. They offer a long-term solution for roads, streets, driveways, paths, parking lots, bike trails, and more; all for a lower cost than laying new asphalt pavement. It is less susceptible to natural wear and tear, harsh weather, and changing climates; and it produces less mud, dirt, and dust. So not only is it affordable, it is long-lasting and durable as well!

A full truck-load of recycled asphalt millings will generally contain around 20 tons of material and cover nearly 1800 square feet in a three inch thick layer. Prices vary from company to company, but you always get the best deal for full truck loads or bulk orders.

Crushed asphalt is environmentally-friendly because it doesn’t require the use of new materials, and old materials are reused and re-purposed. The do not require refinishing, replacing, or resurfacing, and only strengthens over time. It is the perfect alternative to new asphalt pavement installation, and can dramatically transform the look of any property! Consult a professional asphalt paver for details about pricing, installation, design options, and more.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Repair Near You

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt 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.

FAQs Regarding Asphalt Pavement

Posted on April 14, 2015 by admin

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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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!

Eco-Friendly Facts about Asphalt!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by admin

Did you know that asphalt paving has Eco-friendly qualities? It’s true! Asphalt pavement retains certain characteristics and properties that makes it a perfect choice for those who are considering pavement installation and prefer a “greener” option for this kind of addition to their property. Asphalt provides several benefits for the surrounding Eco-system and environment, including the local water table and more.

To learn what makes asphalt pavement so Eco-friendly, continue reading and broaden your perception of modern construction!

Asphalt is Recyclable

One of the greatest Eco-friendly advantages to installing asphalt pavement is that it is entirely 100 percent recyclable. In fact, it is among the top recycled products in the country, having more than 100 million tons reclaimed each year. Asphalt is an aggregate material that can be melted down and reused over and over again, just like gold or other precious metals. This is why it is totally recyclable.

Underground Water Tables

Another environmentally friendly characteristic of asphalt pavement is that it supports the local water table. It does this by retaining porous and permeable qualities. This means water can run right through it, stopping water runoff and returning water back to the water table. And asphalt pavement helps to filter rainfall, so the water is cleaner when it enters our rivers and streams.

Longevity

Because perpetual asphalt pavement can last up to 20 years, even in high traffic areas, local wildlife, landscaping, and traffic are not interrupted for long periods of time with pavement installations and repairs. Once it’s down it’s done, and there’s very little maintenance required.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving repair 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!