Category Archives: Asphalt

When and When Not to Resurface Asphalt

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Asphalt comes in many forms, but regardless of which type of asphalt pavement you have on your property, it will require a certain level of maintenance and repair. One of the most efficient and effective methods of asphalt repair is resurfacing. Although asphalt resurfacing is an excellent approach, it is not always in the cards.

Continue reading to learn when you should choose to have your asphalt pavements resurfaced, and when you shouldn’t.

Asphalt Removal and Replacement
Asphalt Removal and Replacement 317-549-1833

When NOT to Resurface

Asphalt resurfacing involves removing the top layer of pavement, and then covering it with a new layer of fresh asphalt. This provides many benefits, as it is cost-effective, quick, and renders an instant visual advantage. But if your asphalt pavement is not in a good condition, resurfacing is not a good idea. Here is how you know you should not resurface your asphalt:

☑ POTHOLES – If your pavement has potholes, whether driveway or parking lot, you should not resurface. When the subgrade below an area of asphalt erodes, it falls in on itself, forming a pothole. So covering it with an asphalt overlay will only be a temporary fix since the base is not secure.

☑ PATTERNED CRACKS – If you have some small cracks, it is not a problem. However, if your pavement has alligator or spider web-like crack patterns throughout the surface, it will not respond well to resurfacing. Just like potholes, such cracks are an indication of structural failure of the asphalt’s subgrade.

☑ RAIN – If rain is in the forecast, asphalt resurfacing should not be on the calendar. See our blog, “Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?” to learn why.

When it is Safe to Resurface

If your asphalt is well-suited for a resurfacing project, you will know because it will not have the above-mentioned damages and vulnerabilities. If your pavement looks dull and old, it is a perfect opportunity to choose asphalt resurfacing. Also, if your pavement has a solid base and few surface damages, it is well-suited for resurfacing. Best of all, asphalt overlays perform better in the winter since they attract heat and melt snow and ice faster. Not only does this make driving safer, it makes property snow maintenance easier, and reduces damages caused by harsh winter weather.

Expert Asphalt Resurfacing and Repair in Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt removal and replacement 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. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.

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

The Quickest Ways to Improve the Look of Asphalt

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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.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

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!

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

Frequently Asked Questions About UPM® Asphalt

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Pot holes are not something we want to see on our pavements. Not only are they visually unappealing, and thus, reduce property value, they are also safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. A common solution to year-round pothole repair is known as “cold patching”, which often implemented using permanent pavement repair material known as UPM® asphalt, as well as, various other brands on the market that are equivalent in quality.

Continue reading to learn more about UMP® asphalt by reviewing the most commonly asked questions and answers, below.

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

What is UPM® Asphalt?

UPM® permanent patching material is manufactured by the company, Unique Paving Materials, hence the acronym UPM. Although one of the most popular products, there are various brands offered on the market aside from UPM® permanent patching material, such as EZ Street® and Aquaphalt®.

What is Cold Patch Asphalt Mix?

Cold patch asphalt is mostly used to fill potholes on a year-round basis. There are various grades, all designed for specific climates. There is a specially-formulated winter grade for temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, a spring and fall grade for temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and a summer mix for temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. See our blog, “What is Cold Mix Permanent Patching?” to learn more details about this popular paving material.

How is Cold Patch Asphalt Installed?

If you are filling in a small pothole, or otherwise, attempting a very simple and non-significant pothole repair project, you can simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, larger scale jobs, or projects that must render longevity, should always be left in the hands of licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors. They have the proper knowledge, training, experience, and licensing to deliver professional results you can trust.

What is Cold Mixing?

Cold mixing is just one version of asphalt and aggregate mixed together. There is also hot asphalt and warm asphalt mix. Basically, cold mix asphalt is emulsified in water using soap, and then mixed with an aggregate, usually concrete, to render a stronger, more durable paving material. It is most commonly used as a patching material for pavements with little traffic, such as service roads.

How Long Does Cold Patch Asphalt Take to Cure?

Surfaces that are paved using cold patch asphalt should be allowed to cure for at least 30 days, but preferably up to 90 days or more, before any sealers can be applied. However, there are products on the market that allow newly patched surfaces to be driven over the same day. Talk to your trusted Indianapolis paving company for specific instructions and recommendations for post-pavement installation care.

Where Can I Get Trusted Asphalt Repair in Indianapolis?

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and municipal 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, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

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

Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?

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Rain affects the process and outcome of a lot of outdoor activities and projects; from picnics and exercise, to gardening, construction, and more, anything done outdoors will be either delayed or made more challenging by the weather. But what about new asphalt pavements? We know that rain has an impact on dry asphalt; but does it affect asphalt during the curing phase?

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about post-installation pavement care, as well as, how you can expect rainfall to affect your curing asphalt.

Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair 317-549-1833

Rain and Asphalt Installation

There is no way around it; asphalt cannot be installed when it is raining outside. Furthermore, asphalt installation projects must be postponed if it has rained recently and the ground is still wet. Why? Asphalt mixtures contain oil, and we all know how oil and water react when they come into contact: oil repels water. So when rain comes into contact with fresh asphalt, it causes the oil to rise to the surface. This affects the asphalt curing process and the finished result in a number of ways.

First, the overall quality of the project will be jeopardized, and likely reduced. This includes structural reinforcement and stability, as well as, aesthetics, performance, and longevity. In the case that newly-laid asphalt is subjected to rainfall or water, holes and cracks can form, eventually leading to a crumbling mess of potholes and other major pavement damages. Cracks and severe damage can also occur as a result of installing asphalt when the ground is still wet from a recently rainfall.

How to Prevent Asphalt Pavement Damage

High quality asphalt pavements that perform well and last for a long time all start with proper installation. Proper installation is the most critical factor. This means that the most important job for you as a commercial or industrial property owner is to hire a skilled and reputable paving company to get the job done right. Look for experience, licensing, insurance, and client testimonials to confirm you are choosing a qualified crew. Or skip the hassle and call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for all your commercial paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas!

Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair

Here at ACI, we are truly dedicated to proving superior asphalt paving services for the surrounding Central Indiana municipalities. In fact, we are truly honored to be members of the local community, and strive to be your affordable solution for professional, high-quality municipal pavement repair and service. Contact us at 317-549-1833 to learn more about our asphalt and concrete paving services, today.