How to Clean Asphalt Oil Stains

Posted on September 12, 2019 by admin

Wondering what you can do about all those greasy oil stains on your asphalt parking lot or driveway? If so, you are wise. Oil and grease can cause further atrophy to asphalt, including pot holes, alligator cracking, fissures, crumbling aggregate, and more. These damages, in turn, can pose a safety risk to anyone who walks, rides, or drives over the pavement. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to manage asphalt oil stains.

Continue reading to learn how to get rid of tough and stubborn asphalt oil stains, as well as, your options for restoring your pavements back to new.

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What You Will Need

To eliminate grease and oil spots on asphalt surfaces, you will need some specific products. When working with chemicals or cleaners, is recommended to add in the cost of protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to your overall project budget. Without safety gear, you pose a high risk of injury to your eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Below is a list of what you will need to get the job done right, the first time around!

⛖ Liquid Detergent
⛖ Clean Water
⛖ Hard-Bristled Scrubbing Brush or Broom
⛖ Safety Goggles
⛖ Work Gloves

For a fresh oil or grease stain, all you will need to do is create a cleaning solution of standard liquid detergent and clean water. Use this solution to soak and then scrub the stain out of the surface of the pavement, using even, circular motions. Finish by thoroughly rinsing the surface with fresh, clean water. Keep in mind, you will likely need to repeat the process a few times to get optimal results.

Removing Old Oil Stains

If your pavement oil stains have seeped deep into the asphalt, you will need a more intensive treatment method. That is because oil seepage overtime will dissolve the asphalt binder within, thus causing portions of aggregate to breakdown and loosen. As a result, the surface of the asphalt will show crumbling, cracking, potholes, or a large depression. If this happens, you need professional asphalt pavement resurfacing services, including a sealcoat finish.

Asphalt Damage Prevention

The best method of preventing asphalt damage is routine maintenance and sealcoating. See our blog, “Important Asphalt Maintenance Tips” to learn what you need to know about proper pavement maintenance. When it comes to seal coating asphalt pavements, there is not better preventative maintenance plan. Talk to a trusted asphalt contactor in your town about the best course of action for your asphalt pavement maintenance plan.

Expert Asphalt Resurfacing and Repair in Indiana

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

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Important Asphalt Maintenance Tips

Posted on September 4, 2019 by admin

In our last blog, we discussed the fundamentals of concrete pavement maintenance. In today’s blog, we will transition that discussion into asphalt maintenance. What you will discover is that the methods and priorities are much the same, but still dissimilar in their own unique ways. This means that you need to treat your concrete pavements slightly different than you would your asphalt pavements.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for proper asphalt maintenance.

Recommended Maintenance for Asphalt

Some considerations to keep in mind when creating an asphalt maintenance plan is that all maintenance agendas will vary at some degree. Furthermore, understand that some tasks can be managed on your own, or by an appointed staff, but others should be carried out by a licensed paving company.

Whether you have a tarmac, parking lot, commercial drive, embankment dam, or other large-scale asphalt surface, these maintenance tips will help you extend the life and performance of your pavements:

☑ Routine Cleaning

Just like concrete, asphalt pavement should be periodically cleared of excess debris, including leaves, snow, ice, and trash, as well as, routinely cleaned. Pressure washing, stain removal, and other similar cleaning treatments are recommended for asphalt in order to sustain visual appeal and longevity.

☑ Seal Coating

Seal coats are emulsions that are brushed or sprayed onto pavements, providing a clear protective layer against moisture and more. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements will experience amplified wear and tear from traffic, weather, chemicals, salts, and more, which shortens their life and diminishes their aesthetic value.

☑ Preventative Care

Aside from seal coating, it is important to take additional precautions to ensure your pavements are protected, year-round. For asphalt, it is encouraged to never use harsh chemicals on its surface, including harmful deicers in the winter to combat snow and ice accumulation. Keep in mind, deicers that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are more damaging to asphalt than others. Sand and shoveling are the best methods of snow management when it comes to protecting asphalt.

☑ Prompt Repairs

When asphalt experiences the start of a defect, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible, before it can turn into a large, intensive, tedious, and costly repair. For instance, if you are noticing alligator cracking on the surface of your asphalt, have these cracks treated and filled promptly to prevent further crumbling and pothole development.

Your Leaders in Indiana Asphalt Repair Service

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

Looking for Professional Asphalt Contractors in Indiana?

Posted on August 16, 2019 by admin

If you are in need of professional asphalt paving or repair in the Central Indiana vicinity, look no further! Our professional contractors here at ACI Asphalt and Concrete have more than three decades of hands-on experience in the paving industry. We are also active members of the Better Business Bureau, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association, Community Association Institute, and the Apartment Association of Indiana. As a locally owned and operated company here in Indianapolis, we are dedicated to supporting our communities with reputable and friendly paving service at economy-based prices.

When it comes to asphalt, we happen to specialize in all related commercial and industrial work. Continue below to learn what asphalt paving services we offer here in Indiana, including why you should choose us!

The Indiana Asphalt Contractors to Trust

ACI Asphalt and Concrete has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional asphalt and paving services for commercial and industrial properties in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our clients openly admire our constant initiative to go above and beyond their expectations of quality service and workmanship. Also, the price for asphalt doesn’t have to break your bank account!

Our licensed asphalt paving repair technicians have more than three decades of experience in the concrete and asphalt pavement industry. Our asphalt services include repairs, restorations, repaving, seal coating, block paving, black asphalt work, maintenance, and much more. Our asphalt maintenance services are boundless, just like our determination to achieve great results, reputation, and client satisfaction.

More Than Just Paving!

Paving asphalt is not our only job! Here at ACI Asphalt and Concrete, we also provide a long list of asphalt services, aside from pavement construction. We offer pavement services for slab paving, asphalt resurfacing, slab paving, asphalt construction, slanted pavement, excavation, demolition, asphalt driveway repair, and much more. With our company, you never have to worry about asphalt cost and price.

Commercial and Industrial Asphalt Services We Offer:

How to Get Started With a Free Quote

Contact our office directly at 317-549-1833 during regular business hours to request a free quote on asphalt paving, as well as, how we can help you reach your pavement and road construction goals, year-round. Best of all, we back all of our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

7 Reasons to Choose Asphalt Pavement

Posted on August 6, 2019 by admin

Asphalt is a type of pavement made from the combination of aggregates and composite materials. Today, it is used in various industries all across the world for countless construction and building applications, and for good reason. Asphalt pavements have several beneficial attributes that make it an ideal material for building and restoring roads, tarmacs, lots, walkways, and much more.

If you are preparing to build or repave a property soon, you might want to review the reasons why asphalt is such a popular and preferred material for commercial and industrial pavements. Or perhaps, you should just review the top 7 reasons why you should choose asphalt pavement for your upcoming paving project.

Continue below to do just that!

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➀ Quicker Project Completion

Because asphalt paving cures fast and is easy to work with, the amount of time it takes to complete an asphalt pavement project is substantially less than other paving jobs. Not only is this economical for clients who pay for labor, it is beneficial for all surrounding businesses since traffic obstructions are reduced. As soon as asphalt is compacted and cooled, it is ready for immediate traffic. This is good for local commerce, and makes it easier for restoration and quick repairs.

➁ Perpetual Pavement

Asphalt is a perpetual pavement, which means it can basically last forever with proper installation and routine maintenance. You can expect your asphalt lot to appeal and perform for as long as you need it, so long as you take good care of it. Read our blog, “Top Engineering Facts About Perpetual Pavements” to learn why perpetual pavements are the future of road construction.

➂ Low Maintenance

Although asphalt pavement requires ongoing maintenance if you want it to last forever, it does not require extensive labor or time. Basic asphalt maintenance includes having damages repaired as soon as they show up, and most importantly, routine asphalt sealing. Read our blog, “The Importance of Asphalt Sealcoating” to learn what you need to know. Additional tasks include periodic lot sweeping, inspections and trash clearance, periodic line striping, and more.

➃ Smoother

Asphalt pavement renders a smoother, even surface, which in turn, provides several benefits. Not only are blacktops more visually appealing, they enhance ride quality and reduce fuel consumption. This also plays a part in safety, which is another top benefit of asphalt pavement.

➄ Enhanced Safety

As mentioned above, smoother roads are safer roads, and asphalt pavement is the smoothest paving material on the market. Vehicles have better traction, drivers can see road markings more clearly, splash back is reduced, and ice and snow metal off faster in the winter. Furthermore, a smoother lot experiences less damages, which in turn protects both vehicles and pedestrians from harm.

➅ Cost-Effective

One of the most admired features of asphalt pavement is its cost. Not only is asphalt cheaper in terms of a building material, it is easier and faster to install, which reduces overall construction and labor costs. As for long term cost savings, asphalt maintenance lasts longer and experiences less damage, which means it will require less repairs over the years. This attribute also contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of asphalt.

➆ Eco-Friendly

Asphalt is 100% recyclable, so it can be used over and over again, so long as someone continues to recycle its materials. For this reason, asphalt is a leading sustainable building material that allows us to better preserve our natural resources by reducing the need to mine for new ores and elements.

Choose Leaders in Asphalt Construction

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!

Top Engineering Facts About Perpetual Pavements

Posted on June 18, 2019 by admin

In the world of road construction, there has been a gaining trend known as perpetual pavements. Continue reading to learn more about this interesting and innovative paving construction concept, including some of the most educational facts regarding the engineering of such pavements.

Perpetual Pavement Facts

The term, “perpetual pavement” refers to an inventive, tri-level, flexible road surface design and construction concept for the purpose of providing deep strength within asphalt pavements for improved longevity. Basically, it is a new engineering approach for asphalt pavements to make them stronger and last much longer.

Here are helpful engineering facts that describe the applications, benefits, and mechanics of perpetual pavements:

⇶ Design and Construction

Perpetual pavement is constructed in multiple layers to provide a strong, stable, and deeply durable roadway that can withstand inclement weather and resist tensile strain caused by traffic conditions. Only asphalt can be perpetual pavement.

The bottom layer is flexible in order to resist tensile strain and stop cracks from developing. The middle, or intermediate layer, is the permanent structural section of the pavement. And the final top layer of rut-resistant asphalt mix completes the job and provides a smooth long-lasting paved surface.

⇶ Longevity and Benefits

The installation and maintenance procedures for perpetual pavement is convenient and inexpensive. It will not requires as much time-consuming, traffic-disrupting reconstruction or repair compared to other road construction systems.

Perpetual pavement is just that: perpetual, meaning the asphalt is meant to go on and on. Basically, they are built to last forever. The whole idea behind perpetual pavements was to develop a road construction concept that could eliminate the need for repairs, indefinitely, with only the top layer requiring routine maintenance and renewal.

When a perpetual pavement requires renewal or maintenance, professional paving contractors will use specialized milling machinery to quickly remove the top layer (which is recycled), and then install a new layer in its place to create a new surface.

⇶ Contributions and Awards

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance created the Perpetual Pavement Award program, which awards DOT’s and pavement owners who have built their roadways and lots using perpetual pavement principles. In order to qualify, pavements must be at least 35 years old and has never had any kind of structural failure.

Perpetual pavement helps our planet because it has a low environmental impact. Not only does the application of perpetual pavement conserve our natural resources, it also saves billions of dollars. Furthermore, its materials are 100% reclaimable, recyclable, and reusable.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving Services

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

When and When Not to Resurface Asphalt

Posted on June 10, 2019 by admin

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.

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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.

The Quickest Ways to Improve the Look of Asphalt

Posted on May 13, 2019 by admin

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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About UPM® Asphalt

Posted on April 10, 2019 by admin

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.

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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.

Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?

Posted on March 11, 2019 by admin

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.

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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.