Tag Archives: paving in rain

How the Rain Might Affect Asphalt Pavement Work

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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.

Asphalt Pavement Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833
Asphalt Pavement Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

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
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

When Must a Paving Project Be Postponed?

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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

Can Asphalt Be Paved in the Rain?

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If you are thinking about repaving your old, asphalt driveway, basketball court, or other paved surface, it is likely that you are filled with questions. This is especially true if you are a beginner paver. The most frequent questions about paving usually involve installation. Interestingly enough, many property owners want to know if asphalt can be paved when it’s raining. Although it is obvious you cannot attempt any type of outdoor work to the best of your abilities when it’s storming outside, compromises can be made depending on the situation. Continue reading to learn more about paving asphalt in the rain.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Paving and Rain

When we use the term, “rain”, it can mean all sorts of things, like heavy rain, light rain, constant rain, scattered rain, sprinkles, and more. Of course, during times of heavy storms, torrential downpours, and continuous precipitation, a paving operation should be shut down completely until the weather clears.

On the other hand, a few sporadic sprinkles may not be enough to stop a pavement job for the entire day. It all depends on the particular circumstances, including laws that govern this type of work, liability, and personal preference. In order for an asphalt surface to be paved well in light rain, the base must be firm, stable, and well-draining aggregate.

Some states have laws and regulations in order that mandate contractors to stop work upon rain or inclement weather, while others leave it up to the contractor’s personal discretion. Overall, the general industry-accepted standard is to NOT PAVE in rain, regardless of its strength, pattern, and persistence.

Here are some reasons why:

🌧 Paving in rain can result in the aggregate mix to cool too quickly. This can make it challenging, or even impossible, to achieve proper compaction for the job.

🌧 Any type of moisture can inhibit the asphalt lifts from bonding together, which can result in improper compaction, as well as decreased stability and longevity.

🌧 Puddles that are covered with hot mix asphalt will turn the underlying water into steam. Steam will cause the asphalt binder to separate from the aggregate, leading to premature surface defects and blemishes, like potholes, crumbling, and cracking.

Light or Sporadic Rain

If it is already raining, it is best to wait another day to start your asphalt paving project. However, if it begins to rain after you have already begun, you should suspend all work until the rain stops. If the rain is heavy, you will need to wait at least 24 hours for the rain to stop and the surfaces to dry. If the rain is light, you may be able to get back to work the same day. If this is the case, be sure to cover all your equipment and supplies with waterproof tarps, construct a vertical-faced construction joint, safely dispose of any material you have in your machine, and be very careful to not let mud or dirt interfere with your work space.

Professional Paving

Asphalt paving is a complex process that requires a certain skill set and inventory of equipment. It is important to hire professional Indianapolis asphalt paving contractors to install, replace, or repair your asphalt pavement. They retain the hands-on experience, as well as the knowledge, skills, equipment, and resources necessary to deliver long lasting results.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for asphalt pavement installation in Indianapolis you can trust. Our team of paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured with decades of experience in the pavement industry. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate, today.