Facts About Concrete Slab Assembly and Installation

Posted on June 28, 2019 by admin

Concrete pads, also known as precast concrete slabs or pavers, are extremely versatile, which is why they are used in so many concrete paving applications. From sidewalks and patios, to stepping stones, walkways, and more, concrete pads are a vital component in the concrete paving industry.

Continue reading to learn how they are made and installed, and who to call for professional concrete service you can trust.

Assembling Concrete Pads

The primary material used to make concrete pads is actually just traditional cement. The cement mixture used for concrete slabs and pavers generally includes concrete, aggregate, and water. This simple but effective mixture is then poured into a mold and left to dry or “cure” over an extended period of time. The purpose of this method is to allow contractors to easily customize the appearance of the slab.

They can create a wide range of shapes, textures, and sizes, and even add an infinite array of color pigments for an added appeal. The best part about the versatility of concrete is that it can be made to look identical to higher-end materials like cobblestone, brick, shale, marble, tile, and more. You can also choose patterns and colors that are entirely unique to you and your home’s décor.

Installing Concrete Pads

The best route to take for concrete pad installation is hiring professional contractors. A decorative concrete company will have the skills and resources to customize the perfect combination of look, color, style, and texture, all within your budget. And furthermore, they have the experience, tools, and equipment to finish the project effectively and efficiently. Here’s some highlighted steps to expect during concrete slab installation:

➤ Ground Clearance
➤ Slope Excavation
➤ Soil Compaction
➤ Grid Placement
➤ Sand or Aggregate Application
➤ Pavers Placement
➤ Sand Application

Commercial and Industrial Concrete Paving in Indianapolis

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

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Are Your Concrete Sidewalks Heaving or Sinking?

Posted on April 17, 2019 by admin

Your commercial property is an important investment that requires routing maintenance and repair; and when it comes to the exterior of your premises, the quality and performance of your concrete pavements plays an important role in both property aesthetics and safety. One of the most hazardous concrete pavement issues that should be addressed right away is heaving or sinking.

If you notice large dips or heaves in your sidewalks, walkways, or parking lots, it is wise to have them repaired before they can become a costly lawsuit or jeopardize customer traffic. After all, the average cost of concrete repair lingers around $2,500, while the average slip and fall lawsuit hovers steady above $40,000, not including personal legal fees and insurance premiums.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about concrete sidewalk damage and repair, including who to trust for local commercial paving services at an affordable price.

Causes of Concrete Sinking and Heaving

Although concrete sidewalk depressions and humps are common types of damages, they are not something that should be ignored over a long period of time. Most often, spring and summer are when these damages are most noticeable, or appear for the first time. They result from the freeze-thaw cycles through the winter, as well as, soil compaction issues and excessive precipitation.

Sidewalk Sinking

Side walking sinking and dipping can be a result of several circumstances. Most often, it is a result of soil erosion brought on by too much rain water or precipitation over the winter season. Other times, concrete sinks due to temperature changes that cause soil to lose compaction. Basically, the weight of the pavement becomes too heavy for the ground below, and begins to sink into it overtime.

Sidewalk Heaving

Sidewalk heaves and humps are mostly caused by the expansion of clay-based soils beneath the concrete, which occurs from moisture accumulation. Rainwater is the most common source of moisture absorption in the ground soil, but things like burst pipes, sewer drainage, and water runoff can also cause excess moisture buildup beneath concrete. In contrast, heaving can also be caused by soil that is too dry.

Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Repair

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete sidewalk paving and 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.

Common Causes for Crack Development in Concrete Pavement

Posted on March 22, 2019 by admin

Although it doesn’t seem right that something as solid and firm as concrete can crack, but unfortunately, it does, and can do so very quickly under particular conditions and circumstances. This is an issue that thousands of home and property owners all across the nation are dealing with every day. You see, concrete deterioration is all too common, and the thought of wasted money on premature concrete repair scares property owners. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to abate pavement deterioration, all of which can be implemented this spring!

But first, continue reading to learn why concrete cracks, what might be the reason behind your particular concrete woes, and what you can do about it all!

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Concrete Paving

Many questions start to arise once a contractor or customer notices cracks and crevices in their newly paved concrete foundation. They wonder if the concrete technician added too much water to the mix; or if the sand content was too high. Was fiber or wire mesh installed? Were the saw cuts placed correctly? Although it is easy to blame the contractor that installed the concrete, they are not always the root of the problem. There are natural circumstances beyond our control that can cause pavement to crack. Surprisingly, the main culprits behind self-destructing pavements have to do with cold weather and hot weather.

Freezing Temperatures

In the northern parts of the nation, freeze and thaw cycles are the most common reasons behind cracked concrete pavement. This cycle begins when water inside the ground freezes from cold temperatures; and when water freezes it turns into ice and expands. This increase in mass can cause the ground to rise or shift, causing anything above it to do the same. If concrete pavement lies above a frozen and lifted ground, the concrete is likely to be implicated as well.

When seasons change and the ice melts, pavements are shifted and moved again because there is a void where solid ice once existed. This results in more cracking and damage. There is not much a property owner can do to prevent natural occurrences like this; however, in order to prevent a freeze thaw cycle issue, wait until spring and summer to install new concrete. This way it has time to strengthen and solidify before harsh weather can cause its deterioration.

Extreme Heat

In contrast to freezing temperatures, concrete can also crack in extreme heat. In the south and coastal regions of the United States, it is common for pavement to rupture from extended sun exposure and heat. Just as ice expands within the ground, heat causes concrete to expand and move as if it were baking in the sun. Once the sun or temperatures go down, the concrete retreats back to its normal state. This consistent expansion and decreasing in size can make pavement more susceptible and vulnerable to cracks, crumbling, and deep crevices.

The fact that concrete is moving and shifting is the damaging factor; not the magnitude or weight of the damage. In order to prevent natural occurrences and weather from damaging your newly paved concrete, be sure to discuss the best times to install new pavement. Always use a reputable and licensed paving company that can answer your questions about concrete installation, or concrete repair and protection, as they are the industry experts that can deliver precision concrete placement you can trust.

Trusted Concrete 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 concrete and asphalt repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.

The General Process of Concrete Installation

Posted on February 28, 2019 by admin

When your commercial property is in need of concrete installation or restoration, it is wise to learn what to expect from the process. Your lot is an investment, so you want to do whatever you can to be prepared to obtain the best possible results. The first place to start is hiring a reputable and experienced paving company to ensure that your concrete install job is carried out precisely to code; otherwise, you can face premature repairs and replacements down the line. After all, the number one cause of concrete defectiveness is poor or improper installation.

Once you hire a licensed, bonded, and insured pavement installation company, your concrete installation process will begin. The process differs from company to company, but the general steps tend to remain universal. Continue below to learn the basic process of professional concrete installation, as well as, who to trust for your concrete paving needs in Indianapolis.

Concrete Installation Steps

STEP 1: On-Site Estimate

To begin, a company estimator will come to your property and perform an on-site evaluation. During this evaluation, they will confirm the condition of your current grounds or pavement, and configure a plan for installation. At the end of the evaluation, the estimator will provide a detailed, written quote outlining all of the recommended modifications and work needed for the overall project. For instance, your estimator might tell you at this time that extra work needs to be done to reinforce the ground beneath the installation site since concrete performs better on solid, stable soil.

STEP 2: Site Preparation

Once you agree to have the work done, the paving crews will arrive on the scheduled work day. They will use this initial day to organize all the materials, set up all of the equipment and machinery,and prepare the site for concrete installation. Contractors will typically test the machinery to make sure everything is working properly,and even go over the gravel base a few times to check the quality and condition of their equipment. Once they know their fleets are ready for paving, they can begin any structural work that’s needed, like ground reinforcements and more.

STEP 3: Screeding and Smoothing

Paving contractors are likely to start out with a technique known as “screeding”, which is basically leveling the concrete if any exists on the site already. To do this, pavers use flat boards and other screeding tools to smooth out the concrete after it has been placed to help with flattening. Concrete dries fast, so in this same step, pavers will utilize other tools and techniques to smooth and even out the concrete as it cures.

STEP 4: Curing

Once the concrete is laid and cured, the pavers will then apply a concrete curing agent to the surface. This product is designed to slow down the rate of water-loss over a month’s time, which will render stronger, longer-lasting, and better-looking concrete. It takes 7 to 10 days for newly laid concrete to fully cure. During this time, it is important to keep all foot and vehicular traffic off of it, including animals.

STEP 5: Clean Up and Check Up

When the paving crew is finished with the last step, they will clean up their work site, pack up all of their equipment and machinery, and head off! It is also standard practice for them to implement post-service checkups, both on-site and over the phone.

Professional Concrete Installation Near You

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!

How to Protect Concrete in Winter

Posted on January 29, 2019 by admin

Although concrete is one of the most useful, durable, and reliable paving materials, it is still prone to damages caused by harsh or inclement weather. Here in Indiana, winter is the time of year that poses the most risk to our concrete pavements. Snow, sleet, ice, wind, and rain can deteriorate concrete in various ways, and in short amounts of time. For this reason, it is important to take the proper measure to prevent premature concrete damage caused by seasonal weather.

If you have concrete surfaces you wish to protect this winter and next, continue reading to learn some vital tips that will help you achieve this goal.

General Concrete Maintenance

Concrete is low-maintenance, but that does not mean it doesn’t require any care at all. It is still necessary to implement preventative maintenance to support both longevity and performance, as well as, aesthetic appeal. One of leading causes of concrete damage in the winter is freezing and thawing.

Concrete is porous, which means water can permeate into the concrete, then freeze, and eventually thaw. This freeze-thaw cycle causes concrete to expand and contract, leading to heaving, cracks, potholes, crumbling, and more. If left neglected overtime, such damages will cost more to repair come spring and summer.

Here is what you can do to ensure your concrete stays in optimal condition while resisting the inclement weather conditions winter has to offer:

☑ Concrete Sealing

Concrete sealing is very effective for protecting pavements from all sorts of damage; not just winter weather conditions. Sealants will protect concrete against staining and discoloration, mold and mildew, corrosion, fissuring, cracking, and more. They work by filling in the tiny pores of concrete, and creating a solid invisible barrier against water and moisture. If water cannot seep into the pores of concrete, the freeze-thaw cycles cannot take place, and concrete will not be affected by such conditions.

☑ De-Icing and Salting

Although snow and ice removal are part of good concrete maintenance, concrete is not a good candidate for snow salts and de-icing products. They can cause expedited corrosion and deterioration, which becomes very evident by spring. Instead of using your typical salts on concrete, use safer alternatives like cat litter and sand. These work just as well, but will not damage your concrete.

☑ Stain Removal

When liquids are spilled on concrete, they can seep into the pores just like water and moisture can. For this reason, it is important to clean up stains and spills as soon as they occur in order to prevent the freeze-thaw damages mentioned before. Examples include grease, oil, chemicals, and anything else that can leave behind a stain.

☑ Minor Repairs

Another important part of taking good care of concrete is to have all minor repairs made as they come. Do not allow small damages, like cracks or warping, go untreated; this will only worsen the damage and increase the amount of time and money needed to repair the concrete. Keep in mind that all large and costly pavement damages start as small ones. It is important to catch small pavement problems early on and resolve them before they can get worse.

Indianapolis Pavement Checkups and Repairs

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional concrete pavement services 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. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Clean Moldy Concrete

Posted on December 27, 2018 by admin

Many people do not think about mold and mildew growing on foundations made from concrete or cement; however, if the conditions are just right, this type of growth can occur. Not only can mold, mildew, and fungus grow within the pores and on the surfaces of concrete foundations, staining is a probable result as well.

Mold and mildew can cause health problems, respiratory complications, and slippery surfaces. This can be dangerous to residents, guests, customers, visitors, and all other persons inhabiting the infected area. These reasons and more are why mold removal for concrete is so vital. Getting rid of mold growth encourages a healthier environment and a more durable foundation.

Continue reading to learn more about mold growth, including how to effectively eliminate it from concrete sidewalks, driveways, and more!

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What Causes Mold?

Mold, mildew, and fungus grow in the presence of two principle variables: moisture and a food source. In most cases, these food sources are dirt and dust. Concrete is not capable of fungal growth on its own, but in the perfect conditions of humidity, moisture, and a present food source, mold can quickly grow and thrive for quite some time.

Prolonged weather conditions, water leaks, flooding, and poor insulation can create an environment for concrete mold growth. The combination of moisture and humidity, along with a viable food source, is the perfect formula to house mold and mildew.

Also, concrete is a porous pavement, meaning it has several pores and channels running within it. These pores and microscopic crevices are perfect incubators for fungal growth too. So as mentioned before, given the right conditions, mold can easily grow within and on concrete.

Some conditions are created on a temporary basis, like humid and wet weather mixed with dirt and dust, while others may be an interior issue that requires some extensive renovation or repair.

Cleaning Moldy Concrete

Finding the root of mold growth is the first step in removing it. If the fungus is a result of a larger underlying problem like interior water leaks, then it is vital to correct this issue first, in order to acquire long term mold removal and control. Since concrete is very durable, removing mold is fairly simple and the process is quite easy. Once the mold is removed, it is helpful to keep concrete surfaces that are more susceptible to fungal growth, clean and dust-free.

Here’s how to combat mold and mildew on concrete foundations:

⇒ Purchase an OTC Fungicide or Mold-Killing Detergent

✢ These products can be purchased at any local hardware or home improvement center. You may even find them at your local grocer or superstore. Be sure to choose a higher-end product for optimal results. For a homemade solution, simply mix household bleach and water together, using equal parts.

⇒ Allow the Solution to Set in For Some Time

✢ Apply the solution liberally to the infected areas and allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of fungal growth. The next step involves scrubbing, but should then be followed with a second application, setting, and scrubbing once again.

⇒ Use Elbow-Grease to Scrub the Fungus Away

✢ It really takes a lot of scrubbing and elbow grease to scrub the mold away. This job is great for the man of the house. Once the solution is applied liberally to the infected areas, use abundant force to scrub and rub away the fungal growth and stains. Rinse the area thoroughly, and repeat the last two steps until you achieve desirable results.

When You Need Concrete Replacement

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial 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!

Paving Tips for Commercial Concrete Curbs and Sidewalks

Posted on June 15, 2018 by admin

Commercial properties are generally subject to high levels of foot and vehicular traffic. Overtime, this traffic begins the natural process of wear and tear. Additional factors that increase the speed of concrete erosion include inclement weather, precipitation, freeze thaw cycles, and even sunlight. As a commercial property owner, it is vital to both the safety and aesthetics of your premises to properly maintain your concrete curbs and sidewalks.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about concrete curb and sidewalk maintenance, including what you can do as the owner to ensure they remain in top condition for years to come.

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The Importance of Concrete Repair

As a result of natural wear and tear, concrete curbs and sidewalks can begin to experience structural malformations, such as heaving, settling, cracking, crumbling, fading, and more. See our article about what causes potholes to form in pavement. If your concrete exhibits these signs, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible.

Failing to repair concrete deformities can cause you a lot of problems. Not only is surface damages a dangerous and costly liability for slip and fall accidents, they are also very unbecoming in appearance. Extensively damaged concrete curbs, ramps, and sidewalks may also lower property value. Furthermore, a poorly-kept premises sends a message to your guests that you do not care about them.

Concrete that performs well starts with proper installation. Concrete must be prepped, handled, mixed, poured, reinforced, finished, and seal coated, all according to industry best practices and standards for concrete installation. Improper planning and installation will cause your concrete pavement to deteriorate at a much faster rate than it should, costing you more and more money every year to repair. If concrete pavement is installed incorrectly, the best course of action would be to replace the concrete altogether, rather than just repair problem areas.

Building Codes for Concrete Curbs and Walkways

In Indiana, commercial concrete sidewalks and curbs must be repaired in accordance to state and local building code requirements for lines, grades, dimensions, materials, and finishing. Be sure to hire a team of licensed, bonded, and insured Indianapolis concrete pavers for professional workmanship you can trust. They have the experience, skills, and technology necessary to deliver quality results while keeping your premises accessible to staff and visitors.

Indianapolis Concrete Paving

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional concrete 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. Request a free estimate, today.

The Benefits of Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

Posted on February 5, 2018 by admin

There are numerous types of paving services a commercial property owner can outsource for their business. Asphalt and concrete paving involves a lot more than just building roads and sidewalks. Paving contractors are proficient in many other areas of commercial pavement work. These areas include seal coating, road striping, demolition services, road milling, excavating, overlaying, repairs, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some of the more popular and commonly subcontracted asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial properties and complexes in your town.

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Commercial Paving Service

A reputable and well-equipped paving company can offer an endless list of asphalt and concrete services. Sidewalks, walkways, staircases, outdoor plazas, curbs, speed bumps, ADA ramps, dumpster pads, Ballard posts, storm drains, handrails, parking blocks, and more are common services offered by most paving companies. Also, general paving services frequently include asphalt repair and replacement; including pot holes, cracks, and resurfacing.

Commercial asphalt and concrete paving contractors provide services for schools, hospitals, zoos, industrial plants, public parks, car lots, office complexes, strip malls, apartment complexes, and other commercial and industrial properties. Paving services that do not include demolition or excavation are also common jobs for asphalt and concrete companies. These companies also provide road painting services; such as road striping, markings, handicap spaces, tow-away zones, fire lanes, parking areas, parking lots, traffic controls, and much more.

On top of all the above mentioned paving services, practiced and licensed asphalt and concrete contractors offer even more types of road work. Sealcoating, grading, freeze thaw operations, warped pavement repair, low spots and puddle prevention, fabric overlays, and more are all additional services commonly offered through professional and well-established paving companies.

Commercial Paving Contractors

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Effective Cement Mold Removal Tips

Posted on January 17, 2018 by admin

Mold accumulation and growth is a troublesome discovery for any business or property owner. Many people want to know how to remove such mold from cement walls and flooring in order to avoid larger and more costly repairs or renovations down the road. Fortunately, this is not an unreachable feat! Anyone can learn to efficiently and effectively remove mold from cement foundations and more. Continue reading to learn some easy-to-do tips and tricks to mildew and mold removal for cement flooring, walls, and foundations.

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Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew

The culprit behind mold and mildew growth is moisture. Moisture can navigate the interior channels and pores of cement, leading to such accumulation. Even with moisture barriers in place, water can still finds its way if these barriers are worn out or weakened. For mold to grow, moisture and darkness must collaborate. This is why cement pavements are common targets.

When it comes to getting rid of mold and mildew growth on cement pavements, health and safety are the number one reasons to take action. Right beneath health concerns is property aesthetics and preventative maintenance. All of these reasons are why mold and mildew removal are vital for a buildings well-being and durability.

To get started, be sure to gather all the necessary ingredients, products, and supplies before putting yourself in action-mode. The process, once started, should not be interrupted and needs to be completed in a timely fashion. Preparation is helpful so that you do not have to stop in the middle of a mold removal project to locate additional supplies.

You will need clean fresh water, bleach, scrubbing brush, clean bucket, and rubber or waterproof gloves. You can also purchase pre-mixed mold removal solutions and products at your local home store as well. These Are just as effective as bleach and water, but are best used for smaller surfaces.

Here’s a simple and basic guide to mold and mildew removal for cement pavements:

➔ Collect all the necessary ingredients and items.
➔ Put on a pair of quality rubber gloves.
➔ If indoors, open doors and windows for safe ventilation.
➔ Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water in a large bucket.
➔ Dip a scrubbing brush or broom into the bleach solution.
➔ Vigorously scrub the infected area using circular motions.
➔ Continue scrubbing until the mold is gone.
➔ Allow the area to dry completely or else the mold will return.
➔ Get professional sealcoating service to prevent additional mold and mildew growth.

Indianapolis Sealcoating and Paving

ACI Asphalt & Concrete Inc. Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Paving 317-549-1833

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

What is Ultra-High Performance Concrete?

Posted on March 9, 2017 by admin

Ultra-high performance concrete, or UHPC, is a new class of superior-performing concrete paving material. It is also known as reactive powder concrete, or RPC for short. This version of concrete is strong and ductile, delivering compressive strengths up to 29,000 pounds psi (per square inch), and flexural strengths up to seven thousand psi. It is primarily formulated by combining a list of powders, superplasticizers, organic materials, and more. The most common constituents include varying ratios of water, cement, quartz flour, silica fume, fine silica sand, high-range water reducer, and organic or steel fibers.

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UHPC Benefits

When procuring UHPC, you will generally get them in a pre-blended bag of all the above-mentioned materials, excluding the water of course. It is commonly sought-after for its capacity to distort and support flexile and tensile loads, even after its early age cracking phase. These qualities and more make construction applications simpler by eliminating the need of steel reinforcements, and because ultra-high performance concrete has the capacity to nearly self-place or dry cast.

So what makes ultra-high performance concrete so useful and effective? It’s the combination of fine powders (no larger than 600 micrometers per grain) and the induced chemical reaction. As a result, UHPC renders a small, disconnected pore structure with ultimate compactness.

UHPC Applications

The most common modern-day applications for UHPC include the construction of bridges (bridge girders, decks, piles, etc.), building facades, marine anchors, piers, seismic columns and structures, highway infrastructure, wind turbine towers, reinforcement connectors (bridges, buildings, etc.), and much more.

Indianapolis Concrete Pavers

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional concrete installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed and insured pavers, provide a wide range of paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Call 317-549-1833 to request a quote from one of our esteemed Indianapolis concrete pavers, today.