How to Fix Alligator Cracking in Asphalt Pavement

Alligator cracking is a common asphalt threat that should be addressed as soon as it becomes noticeable. Continue reading to learn more about the common causes of alligator cracking, as well as how to repair it and prevent it for years to come.

Asphalt Crack Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833
Asphalt Crack Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

What is Alligator Cracking?

Also referred to as asphalt fatigue or crocodile cracking, alligator cracking is a very distinct type of asphalt pavement damage that mimics the appearance of an alligator’s scales. Alligator cracking damage requires immediate and professional pavement repair, otherwise it will only worsen as every freeze-thaw cycle passes each year. If left untreated, you can expect bigger problems in the long run, including costlier and more invasive pavement repairs.

Common Causes of Alligator Cracking

The most common cause of alligator cracking is the failure to seal coat asphalt as needed. It is recommended to seal coat your asphalt pavement upon its initial installation, and then every 2 to 3 years depending on the amount of traffic and particular regional climate patterns.

Talk to your local Indianapolis IN commercial paving contractor to understand your asphalt sealcoating needs. Another common cause of alligator crack formation is improper sub-grade preparation, which can also lead to water drainage issues. This typically happens a result of hiring an inexperienced or unqualified paving company.

Asphalt Alligator Crack Repair and Seal Coating

To properly repair alligator cracking in your asphalt pavements, it is important to hire a professional Central Indiana pavement repair company that specializes in your particular type of paving project. For instance, if you are a business owner who needs professional parking lot repair or asphalt repair for your paved surfaces, you would need to hire a paving company that specializes in commercial asphalt work.

Again, sealcoating is a vital pavement maintenance need for all asphalt surfaces. Not only should you seal coat your asphalt pavement as soon as it’s installed, but you should also have it routinely seal-coated according to your paving company’s recommendations.

Are you ready to learn how to improve the appearance and performance of your commercial asphalt pavements? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional commercial asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also provide sealcoating services.

You Might Also Read:

When is the Best Time of Year to Sealcoat Asphalt?
3 Types of Pavement Cracks and How to Fix Them
What Causes Fatigued Cracking in Asphalt?

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

Common Commercial Pavement Emergencies and How to Resolve Them

To call a pavement repair company or not to call; that is the questions many commercial property owners find themselves asking when confronted with pavement damages. Which repairs can wait a while, and which pavement damages are emergencies that require immediate attention?

Continue reading to review some of the most common types of commercial pavement emergencies and how to resolve them all. This way, you will know if you need to book commercial paving service sooner than later.

Commercial Pavement Emergency Repair Indiana 317-549-1833
Commercial Pavement Emergency Repair Indiana 317-549-1833

Commercial Pavement Repairs That Need Attention ASAP

Dangerous Potholes

It is important to understand that not all potholes are considered pavement emergencies. But sometimes, potholes can suddenly appear overnight and present dangerous or hazardous conditions for anyone passing through your premises. Dangerous potholes are those that obstruct common or singular traffic routes, pathways, or stairwells.

Additional types of pothole emergencies would be potholes at the base of curbs or surrounding sewers and catch basins. These potholes can cause serious accidents, but mostly they can trigger ongoing pavement deterioration, thus leading to invasive and costly repairs down the line.

Concrete Heaving

Concrete heaving is a common type of pavement damage that can appear overnight, especially in the springtime after the frozen ground thaws. Such freeze thaw cycles can cause both asphalt and concrete to heave above the surface as much as 2 inches in his little as 24 hours.

Concrete heaving is considered a pavement emergency because a can pose several safety issues for drivers and pedestrians alike. As a proprietor, you can avoid this liability and save yourself a large amount of money by having heaved pavement repaired as soon as possible.

Damaged Catch Basin Curb Inlets

Although more common in the wintertime when snow and ice removal are underway, damaged catch basin curb inlets are another common type of pavement damage. From parking lots to busy streets, catch basin curb inlets are important structures that play a large role in road and driving safety. For this reason, such damages are considered a pavement repair emergency and should be resolves as soon as they happen. Fortunately, they are a quick repair that can often be completed in as little as one day.

Collapsed Catch Basins

In addition to experiencing damage from snow removal trucks and steer skids in the winter, catch basins are also prone to collapsing suddenly. If a catch basin collapses on your commercial premises, it is an emergency. Like catch basin damage, a collapsed catch basin can usually be resolved in one day’s work. This type of pavement damage occurs as a result of water permeation and annual freeze thaw cycles, which can all be abated with routine concrete and asphalt sealing.

How to Prevent Common Pavement Damage

The most effective approach for preventing pavement damage or reducing the rate of natural wear and tear is routine concrete and asphalt maintenance. Talk to a local and trusted Indianapolis IN commercial paving company to learn the best strategies and pavement maintenance program for your property.

Do you have a pavement repair emergency as a Central Indiana business owner or manager? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete and asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

3 Reasons Why it is Important to Understand Asphalt Sealcoating
How to Take Care of Your Company Parking Lot
Can I Cover Concrete With Asphalt?

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

Top Commercial Pavement Priorities for 2020

Now that the year is coming to an end, it is an opportune time to collect your thoughts and organize your priorities for the new year. As a business or commercial real estate owner, this task couldn’t be more important when it comes to routine pavement maintenance and repair. Continue reading to learn how to develop the best pavement management plan for 2020!

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

Pavement Maintenance and Repair

Your commercial pavements are more than just assets and aesthetics; they are also a liability if neglected in a way that poses harm to the surrounding public. For these reasons, it is vital to maintain good-looking, well-performing, and hazard-free pavements. This includes parking lots, curbs, ramps, sidewalks, terraces, Ballard posts, and more. Not only does well-maintained pavement increase curb appeal, and therefore, real estate value, it also provides a safe and functional method of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

In addition to maintaining pavements routinely, it is equivalently vital to have new pavements installed properly by a licensed and experienced Indianapolis pavement company. Improper pavement installation will always turn into a disaster down the line, creating all sorts of hazards and costly set-backs for property owners and those who use the pavements.

Here is what to look for before getting started on your new year commercial pavement management plan:

    ☑ Cracks
    ☑ Crumbling Pavement
    ☑ Cracked or Crumbling Curbs
    ☑ Depressions or Heaves
    ☑ Broken or Cracked Ballard Posts
    ☑ Cracked Ramps
    ☑ Uneven Stairs
    ☑ Crumbling Stairs
    ☑ Loose Gravel
    ☑ Water Retention and Puddling
    ☑ Unlevel Sidewalks or Pavements
    ☑ Faded Paint or Markings
    ☑ Obstructed Traffic or Parking Signs
    ☑ Oil Stains

Ideal Pavement Maintenance Plan

The best plan you can develop for your commercial pavements will include these 4 points:

Routine Inspections – Always have your eyes on your pavements. Be on the lookout for the defects listed above, as well as any other potential hazards or problems. It is important to have your pavements professionally inspected at least once per year, but better to have them inspected seasonally.

Daily Cleaning – Your pavements should have a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly cleaning schedule. You can appoint an in-house custodial staff or outsource the work from another company. Cleaning involves sweeping, debris removal, pressure washing, and more.

Minor Repairs and Re-Painting – When a defect occurs, it is vital to repair it right away before it can get worse. Pavement maintenance should always include routine repairs and services, such as pothole patching and crack filling. It should also include routine painting to ensure your marks are visible.

Pavement Replacement and/or Overlays – When your pavements come to a point where they are hazardous or inefficient, it is time to have them replaced or overlaid. These services should always be performed by a licensed pavement installation company.

Get a Pro Involved

Asphalt and concrete pavements are different, and therefore require a separate set of routine maintenance plans. It is best to discuss your pavement management needs with a licensed paving contractor who can give you personalized advice and guidance based on your individual property.

Commercial Pavement Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for all commercial and municipal properties in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.

New Types of Pothole Repair Technology for Asphalt

When water freezes within the pores of pavement, the ground underneath expands, causing the pavement to rise. Once the water thaws, the ground goes back to normal but the pavement it still elevated. Naturally, this creates stability issues that eventually lead to cracked pavement and potholes. So long as our planet continues to experience weather, we can expect to have a need for viable pavement repair. Fortunately, innovative advancements are being made every day in the pavement industry, especially when it comes to potholes.

Continue reading to explore some of the modern technologies used to repair asphalt potholes, and perhaps better understand the importance of pothole repair and roadway maintenance for your commercial complex.

Indianapolis Commercial Pothole Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Commercial Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Conventional Pothole Repair Methods

There are various types of pothole repair methods used in the pavement construction industry, both semi-permanent and temporary versions. One of the most popular techniques used to repair potholes is the “throw and roll” method. This is a temporary fix that basically involves patching the hole with the right material, and then letting traffic drive over it to finish the job. This is the quickest and easiest technique for repairing a pothole on a short-term basis.

In fact, it can cause even more water accumulation and stability issues if used as a permanent solution. This is because the pothole is only being filled-in from the top; which means the rocks and pebbles still inside creating gaps beneath the surface where water can occupy. To make the “throw and roll” repair method semi-permanent, these chunks of rock and pavement need to be removed before the hole is filled with patching material.

Infrared Pothole Repair

For an even more permanent solution, many pavers are turning to a new pothole repair technique called infrared heat technology. In this method, a heat panel is used to melt a pothole enough to soften it slightly. This allows all the crumbled and broken asphalt in and around the pothole to be converted into a reusable material. The softened asphalt leftovers are raked-in and smoothed out until it is thoroughly conformed to the repaired asphalt and the existing surrounding asphalt. This creates a strong, thermal bond between both pavements.

Another great operational advantage is the lack for excavation. No jack-hammering, digging, or milling is necessary when using this technology, so no underground systems are disrupted. This includes telephone lines, plumbing, and more. No matter how large or small the patch in the pavement is, it can be repaired with infrared technology, and all at once in a continuous route so to not block off large portions of the road or highway.

Infrared technology has a few note-worthy economic benefits too.  For one, it primarily uses existing asphalt, so very little new material is needed, reducing material purchasing costs by 80 percent or more. Also, for this same reason, very little material is discarded, which reduces disposal costs by 90 percent. Costs for transporting and plant production, as well as, the cost for city highway and road repairs are reduced dramatically.

Indiana Asphalt Pavement Professionals

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of paving services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. Request a free quote, today.

Commercial Pavement Safety Advice for Hosting Trick-O-Treaters

Are you a commercial business owner planning to accommodate the public for some trick-o-treating fun this Halloween? If so, it is vital that you take the necessary precautions to ensure your parking lot, sidewalks, and other pavements aren’t too spooky for your guests!

Continue reading for some professional advice on how to protect your Trick-or-Treaters from pavement defects and dangers.

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

Premise Liability and Pavement Care

As a commercial business or property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your premises is a safe and hazard-free environment for customers, employees, and visitors. In the case that someone is injured on your property as a result of poor pavement maintenance, you could be held legally liable for their damages and losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What You Can Do for Your Pavements

☑ Inspection:

To ensure your commercial pavements are safe for visitors, start with a comprehensive, on-site inspection. Look for debris, pooling water, crumbling curbs, large cracks, unlevel surfaces, deep depressions, humps and swells, faded paint markings, obstructed signs and entrances, and similar conditions that could be potentially troublesome or hazardous to people. Take note of what you find so that you can use your inspection notes later on to address any needed pavement repairs.

☑ Cleaning:

Next, clear away any debris from your pavements. This includes loose aggregate and gravel, broken glass, leaves, twigs, pooled water, trash, and any other solid objects that can cause injuries or dangerous surface conditions. You can use a large broom or a power blower, but be sure to collect all debris in a garbage bag and dispose of it safely. Sometimes, after clearing away all the solid debris from your pavements, more defects and problems areas are revealed. Be sure to add these to your notes as well.

☑ Minor Repair:

During your initial and post-cleaning inspections, if you found some damages that are severe, such as large crevices, potholes, crumbling steps or curbs, defective handicap ramps, water drainage issues, and similar conditions, it is important to either have them repaired or responsibility zoned off from public access. When your Trick-or-Treaters enter your premises for your planned Halloween activities, it is important that they are not injured or obstructed by dangerous conditions like these.

Need Emergency Pavement Repair in Indianapolis?

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete 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.

When Must a Paving Project Be Postponed?

No matter how much planning you do for your pavement repair or remodel, you can’t always trust the weather forecast. There are times when a paving project must be put on hold and rescheduled due to common, uncontrollable elements like rain, wind, snow, and more. Additionally, there are non-elemental circumstances that can also impede paving plans.

Continue reading to learn the most common situations that may require you to delay your paving project.

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

Rain and Precipitation

When it comes to paving and precipitation, the two do not go hand-in-hand. You cannot move forward with a paving project if it is raining, snowing, hailing, sleeting, or even lightly sprinkling. In fact, any type of wet conditions are not well-suited for paving, neither asphalt nor concrete. For instance, if the ground is still wet from a storm that came through a day before, paving plans cannot, and should not, commence.

So why no paving in wetness? Asphalt mixtures contain oil, which repels water. These are not conducive properties if you want to get asphalt to adhere to the ground. If you were to lay asphalt while it was raining or wet, the pavement would develop cracks, and holes as it cures, and quickly lead to pothole formation and similar exponential damages. Overall, rain and precipitation have negative effects on the outcome of a paving project. See our blog, “Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?” to learn more about this topic.

Inclement Weather Conditions

If you have a large-scale paving project in the works, and the time is set to begin during an active tornado warning, there is a good chance it will be delayed. Mild weather is the best weather to perform any paving project, regardless of size or scope. As for large-scale projects, more kinds of heavier machinery and equipment are used, and more staff are needed to carry out the job. This means that hazardous weather conditions, such as tornado warnings, can put contractors at risk, as well as, ultimately affect the outcome of a paving remodel.

Changed Minds

Another common reason why a paving project might need to be postponed is when the client changes their mind about the scope or design of the plan. Since readdressing a previously-agreed upon paving project will mean rewriting the specifications, rerouting the approach, and perhaps even changing the bid, it’s not something that is done last minute on the side of the contractors. Paving contractors will need time to adjust any changes that you might want to make before the project day comes, and this is perfectly acceptable. A good paving company will care more about your ultimate satisfaction than rearranging their schedule by a day or two.

Who to Trust for Superior Commercial Paving in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured paving and road management services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. Request a free quote, today.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

5 Qualities To Look For in a Paving Contractor

Pavement repair is an important investment to make for your property, so it is necessary for it to be done right. The primary key to all good paving work is installation. Without proper installation and craftsmanship, your pavement does not stand a chance against weather, wear, tear, and time. So you see, all good paving work starts with hiring the right contractor.

Continue reading to learn which qualities you should be looking for in a paving contractor in order to ensure trusted, long-lasting results for your pavement.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

License

The first quality you should be looking for in a qualified paving contractor is licensing. The state departments for licensing and regulation of paving contractors issues licensing numbers that your contractor should be able to provide. You can use this number to look up their license status online. (Our state licensing number is #C8081407)

Insurance

The second important quality to look for in a paving professional is insurance coverage. This is for your own protection. Be sure a paving contractor can provide proof of their official certificate for general liability and workers compensation insurance. Insurance coverage is also an indication that you are working with a professional company.

References

Another important quality to look for in a paving professional is their company reputation among past clientele. You can do this by directly asking the paving contractor for references, or you can look up customer reviews and testimonials online on popular sites like Yelp and Angie’s List. A good contractor is always eager to provide references because they are confident and proud of their work.

Written Contract

Before allowing any work to be done on your property, it is vital that you have, in your possession, a comprehensive written contract detailing all of the agreed upon work, materials, payment terms, and estimated completion date. Always be sure your paving professionals incorporate written contracts in their standard business practices to protect yourself and your investment.

No Full Payment Upfront

In most states, the law does not allow contractors to require all payments in full before the work has begun. In fact, such laws do not allow contractors to accept more than one-third of the total contract price, upfront. If a paving contractor mandates that all costs need to be paid in full upfront before they get started on the project, it is not a good business practice.

Professional Pavement Repair in Indianapolis

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

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

3 Types of Pavement Cracks and How to Fix Them

Now is the time of year to make repairs and renovations to your paved lot. Not only does the weather permit such work, making the process more efficient and successful, it also prepares paved surfaces for the upcoming winter climates. Common winter expectations, like heavy precipitation, strong winds, and extreme temperatures, can all negatively impact asphalt and concrete pavements if they are not sufficiently protected.

One of the most frequently-made repairs this time of year are for surface cracks. There are three common types of surface cracks, all of which can occur to both asphalt and concrete pavements. Continue reading to learn how to identify, repair, and prevent such cracks on your property.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Block Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

The 3 Common Pavement Cracks:

Reflective

Reflective surface cracks occur when a crack or joint in the underlying pavement “reflects” upward through the surface. These types of cracks are primarily dealt with in resurfacing projects, but they can also appear in the form of “low-severity” cracks following new pavement installation. They are not a good sign since they reduce the overall lifespan of your asphalt or concrete overlay.

Block

Block cracks are easy to identify because they form in patterns of squares; the cracks intersect each other at nearly 90 degree angles. They are often found in parking lots, as they tend to happen as a result of not having enough traffic. You see, steady, consistent traffic on pavement helps to knead it and keep it flexible, making it more resistant to crack formation. Other reasons why block cracks form is due to low-penetration asphalt, excessive air voids, overly high plant mix temperatures, and more.

Edge

Edge cracks are just that; cracks that form around the edges of pavement, usually along curbs, sidewalks, medians, and drainage ditches. They are identified accurately by measuring their location; if they are parallel to and within 18 inches of the edge of the asphalt or concrete, they are considered edge cracks. The most common causes are insufficient base construction, inadequate shoulder support, poor drainage, and frost effects.

Resolve Pavement Cracks ASAP

It is important to catch and resolve pavement cracks early on, before they can spread and lead to larger structural problems. The best way to do so is to hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company for help creating the best pavement repair and maintenance plan for your property. Depending on the extent of damage to your lot, you may require crack-filling, crack routing or widening, pavement resurfacing, re-striping, curb repair, ADA ramp repair, and more. To protect your lot from future damages, be sure to discuss sealcoating options with your trusted paving contractor.

Get Started With a Free Quote

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833
ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial 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, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

The Advantages of Commercial Dumpster Corrals

When you go shopping at your local department store, or hit the drive-thru of your favorite fast food shack, you may notice a little area to the side of the building or parking lot that houses a dumpster or two. This is called a “dumpster corral” in the construction industry; and although they may seem mundane, dumpster corrals can offer a wide range of benefits for both commercial property owners and their patrons.

Continue reading to learn why your commercial lot should be planned with a dumpster corral, and who to call to get trusted paving service near you.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

A commercial property can serve many crowds, primarily guests, visitors, customers, clients, employees, residents, and patients, and more. Dumpster corrals can benefit all of these parties, including the business owners and proprietors themselves. And trash is not the only thing they are good for. Overall, a dumpster corral gives a commercial property a higher level of class by enhancing aesthetic appeal, comfort, convenience, property value, safety, security, and sanitation.

Location is Key

Dumpster corrals are generally incorporated in a designated, central area. They can be attached to the side or back of a building, or at the end of a parking lot. Their location provides benefits by making it easier and more convenient to access by residents or employees. It’s location also averts illegal trash dumping, which is a frequent problem for commercial buildings in metropolitan areas.

Another great advantage to the location of a dumpster corral is odor and waste management. Many commercial properties do not want their guests, customers, or clients smelling the rotting odors of garbage as they enter the premises. Furthermore, it can be unsanitary to have garage within range of guests. A dumpster corral can mitigate odor and safeguard against unhygienic environments.

Dumpster corrals also hide garbage, which is easier on the eyes from a curb appeal standpoint. No one wants to go inside a store or restaurant when there is a dumpster full of garbage in sight. That can certainly turn off even the most loyal patron. With a barrier fence as a component to most dumpster corrals, guests and customers will not get a glance before entering the building.

Pavement Protection

You wouldn’t think that a dumpster corral could protect the pavement beneath it, but it really can. Dumpster corrals are made with more concrete, cement, or asphalt to add stability to the structure. This actually reinforces the pavement around the corral, providing better performance and increase longevity of the pavement. This added reinforcement protects against the weight of the containers and garbage trucks, as well as, grease, chemicals, and other types of trash that can damage pavement.

Learn more about the benefits of dumpster corrals and pavement maintenance by talking to a licensed, insured, and bonded Indianapolis paving company you can trust.

Indianapolis Commercial Pavers

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis pavement installation you can trust. Our teams of paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have decades of combined hands-on experience in the road construction and design industry. Request a free estimate, today.