4 Seal Coat Options for Asphalt Pavement Protection

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833 Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

The best way to extend the life of your asphalt pavement is to provide the proper routine maintenance it needs for optimal performance and appeal. But without a quality sealcoat, all the maintenance in the world couldn’t stop asphalt from sustaining damage. So really, the first step to asphalt protection and longevity is sealcoating. Asphalt sealcoats are an invisible layer of material used to protect bituminous pavements from natural wear and tear, including foot and vehicular traffic, cracks, crumbling, fading, and more.

Continue reading to learn about 4 common sealcoating options for asphalt pavements, and who to call for Indianapolis asphalt repair you can trust.

Asphalt Sealing Options

Standard Seal Coats – A standard sealcoat can be applied to any and all asphalt pavements that are structurally sound or newly paved. They provide a protective layer against rain, snow, ice, and chemicals, as well as, sun exposure, foot traffic, vehicular traffic, and more. They contain special anti-oxidation additives that allows them to provide this level of protection. It maintains a sleek, fresh look to your asphalt for several years, making it a cost-effective solution for regular pavement maintenance.

Slurry Seal Coats – Slurry seal coats are very similar to standard ones, except they also include aggregates in their mix. This not only covers up slight imperfections in existing pavement, it provides longer protection against inclement weather and natural wear and tear. It is a cost-effective alternative to asphalt overlays. And the installation process can be completed in as little as one day.

Tire Rubber Modified Surface Sealer (TRMSS) – Tire rubber modified surface sealer protects asphalt pavements by replenishing essential surface oils, binding loose aggregates, and of course, preventing damages caused by oxidation, inclement weather, natural wear and tear, and more. For this reason, its common applications include highways and interstates, airports, and residential roadways.

Micro Surfacing – Similar to slurry seal, this sealcoat options works well to extend the life of asphalt pavement and give it a fresh look at the same time. It contains a higher polymer and asphalt residual content, which delivers a higher level of protection from wear and tear. It also contains fast-setting chemicals, allowing a quick turn-around time. In most cases, roads are ready for traffic in as little as one hour!

Keep in Mind…
These sealcoat options are not intended to repair asphalt pavements, nor can they be applied to pavements that are too degraded or damaged. Talk to your local asphalt paving contractor for advice on which sealcoat is best for your pavement protection needs.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt seal coating 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. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis asphalt paving, today.

What Should a Paving Estimate Include?

Spring is a great time to implement necessary upgrades to your commercial property. And this time of year, one of the most outsourced services is commercial pavement repair. Whether you need to fill a few potentially-problematic cracks, or need to resurface your pavement altogether, you will be certain to receive a written estimate from the company of your choosing.

Continue reading to learn the primary parts of a paving estimate, and how to understand them all.

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

Asphalt Paving Estimates

When you hire a paving company to assess and service your asphalt pavement, you will receive an estimate. Sometimes, depending on the company, this is a free estimate, but most often because of the work and labor involved, estimates are not free, but they are also not unreasonably priced either (or at least they shouldn’t be). Whether free or not, and estimate should have certain key points for the client. This includes an on-site inspection, review of needed services, water drainage information, materials, and referrals.

On-Site Inspection – A paving company should never just provide a dry estimate for general paving repair and service. They should also provide on-site inspections to accurately gauge a property’s needs and suggest effective solutions. In terms of an estimate, this service should always come first.

Service Needs – Once a paving contractor has inspected your pavement, they will use their industry acumen and experience to make professional suggestions for needed repairs or services. This may include resurfacing, crack-filling, pot hole repair, seal coating, and more. The estimate should outline all of these recommended services with cost-estimates for each beside them.

Water Drainage – When it comes to paving, water drainage is one of the most vital aspects to address. Proper water drainage is critical to the longevity and structural integrity of your asphalt. A good paving company always reviews and addresses water drainage needs or issues, and provides this information on the final estimate.

Required Materials – Every paving job requires a certain set of materials. Depending on the project, different materials will be needed. Driveways and parking lots might not use the same type of asphalt or sealcoat, so the estimate should reflect these recommendations and the prices of each.

Referrals – A good paving company will also provide a list of referrals on your estimate in the case that you wish to get a second professional opinion. If they are confident in their services and have integrity, they will be happy to provide referrals so that you can get another estimate and compare the two.

Aside from paving estimates, a trusted Indianapolis pavement company should always provide dependable customer service and support, and follow up with all their clients after an estimate is provided. This shows that they are professional and keep track of their client’s needs and requests. In a follow up, they should be happy to answer any additional questions a client like yourself may have.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Professionals

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

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.

Coal Tar-Based Seal Coats Versus Asphalt-Based Seal Coats

In the paving industry, there has been a long-term debate regarding the pros and cons of both coal tar and asphalt seal coats. And anyone that works in the industry is either for one way or the other, having a strong opinion and preference about each. Although coal tar was used prior to World War II, asphalt-based seal coats were an innovative and exciting addition to the paving industry in the 1980’s.

Continue reading to learn more about these two types of seal coating materials, as well as, the pros and cons of of each.

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Coal Tar Seal Coats

As mentioned, coal tar-based seal coats were used prior to World War II, and have been the customary seal coat for asphalt pavements east of the Rocky Mountains for many years. But in the recent years, many states and municipalities have banned the use and sale of coal tar seal coats for environmental and health reasons. Such states include Washington, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington State, The District of Columbia, and Austen Texas. The reason for such bans has to do with coal tar seal coat toxicity. It contains 20 to 30 percent coal tar pitch, which is a steel manufacturing by-product made of 50% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are harmful to humans and the environment. In fact, it is considered a human carcinogen.

Although there are drawbacks to coal tar emulsions, there are a few strong points worth mentioning as well. Coal tar seal coating is highly durable and the application process is easy. It’s also oil and fuel resistant. It is said that the application of coal tar seal coating has to be precise in order to prevent harming the environment and jeopardizing human health; but everyone has their own opinions about this!

Asphalt Seal Coats

Many in the industry look to asphalt-based seal coats as an alternative to the off-putting coal tar based materials. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining and provides a deep, rich black topcoat color. They are much better for the environment because they do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). This makes this a great alternative to coal tar emulsions. It is also easy to install and less prone to cracking. A few downfalls to asphalt-based sealcoats include their vulnerability to fuel and oil. Unlike coal tar sealcoats, asphalt-based sealers are less resistant to oil, gasoline, and more.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving and Sealcoating Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair and sealcoating service 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.