Category Archives: Concrete Repair

Safety Tips for Concrete Mixers and Trucks

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There have many several accounts of injuries and accidents reported from the concrete industry. Most of these accidents happen in the presence of a concrete mixer or concrete pumping truck. Fingers, hands, and even arms have been lost as a result of negligence in the workplace. When it comes to operating a concrete mixing truck, and pouring concrete, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and take all necessary precautions. Continue reading to learn some valuable safety rules and tips that can protect you and your workers from future accidents and injuries.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair

Pouring and Loading Concrete Mixers

One of the most common mistakes made in the concrete paving industry is contractors using their hands to manually empty the pump while the pump motor is still on. Just because the remote is turn off doesn’t mean you are safe and in the clear! The button can be leaned on or accidentally pressed and the motor can turn on while hands or arms are inside. Always remember this when operating a concrete mixing truck. This is what leads to accidental amputations on the job. In fact, that is rule number one.

Safety Rules 1, 2, & 3:

❶ Never Place Body Parts Inside the Outlet Valve, Lubrication Box, or Hopper.

Concrete mixing trucks require routine maintenance and service to achieve optimal performance capacity. This is a dangerous job that requires acute attention to detail and safety obedience. Always read the manufacturer’s manual before attempting to work with, clean, repair, or operate a concrete pump truck. It requires thorough knowledge and understanding of the machine before anyone can operate it on their own. You learn important safety guidelines, like:

❷ Always Turn Off the Pump Motor, Remove the Key, and Confirm All Pressure Levels are at Zero Before Placing Hands Near Moving Parts.

Sometimes, concrete hoses can clog or become damaged. This can cause accidents and serious injuries. This is because a clogged hose can burst and cause burns, disfigurement, property damage, and even death. Damaged reducers or elbows can cause equally devastating injuries and consequences. This is why you should always abide by safety rule number three:

❸ On a Daily Basis, Inspect Concrete Hoses, Clamps, Reducers, Elbows, Etc. and Throw Out Damaged Equipment.

Routine maintenance for concrete mixers is vital for protecting your equipment and investment. Hydraulic oil needs changed regularly, as well as, filters, motor oil, and all other fluids. Also, all other parts should be inspected for wear and tear, and replaced or repaired as need; such as filters, hoses, fittings, clamps, nuts bolts, and everything else. A truck in good condition is less likely to malfunction or cause injury.

Commercial Pavement Installation and Repair for 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 asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town, including crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

Why Outsource Concrete Sealing Services

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Concrete is a man-made material used in various industries for an infinite amount of uses. It is a combination of lime-enriched cement, sand, gravel, and water. Although concrete is widely used and renders numerous advantages, it is vulnerable to deterioration and damage. For this, concrete must be protected. Harsh weather, severe elements, heavy traffic, and every day wear and tear causes concrete to weaken, crumble, and crack.

Potholes, kettle-holes, chuckholes, and more are all the result of worn-out concrete pavement. The best solution for preventative maintenance is using a concrete sealer. Concrete sealcoating is strongly recommended to add durability, longevity, and even shine to any concrete pavement. Continue reading to learn more.

Commercial Concrete Paving
Commercial Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Concrete Sealcoating

Concrete is vulnerable to several elements and conditions because it is a porous material. This means moisture and water can seep deep down into the pores of concrete, and create more damage from within. In cold climates, water and moisture within these pores will freeze, thaw, and expand, resulting in crevices, cracks, and potholes. Sealcoating is a fantastic method to preventing the extent of these damages.

It requires the service of a professional Indianapolis Concrete Sealcoating contractor for effective and reliable results. They retain the proper training, tools, and resources to successfully and efficiently carryout concrete sealcoating services for residential and commercial properties. Be sure to use an experienced and licensed contractor, or risk having a sealer applied improperly, ruining the concrete paving job altogether.

Concrete sealers can more than double the lifespan of concrete pavement. Once applied, it can reduce cracking, splitting, crumbling, pitting, and dusting; as well as, stop efflorescence (white powder accumulation), prevent musty odors, and will resist moisture. This means protection against mold, mildew, bacteria, and more.

Concrete sealcoaters can be applied to driveways, decks, patios, basement floors, and all other concrete foundations. There are several types of concrete sealers on the market, so it is suggested to consult a professional concrete contractor for accurate advice on which sealer is right for your project.

Indianapolis Commercial Sealcoating Near You

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial sealcoating pavement 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.

Can Concrete Pavement Get Moldy?

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Concrete is a permeable pavement; meaning it is porous and vulnerable to moisture and water seepage. When it comes to mold, there are only three requirements to make a perfect environment for growth: water, dirt, and darkness. Overtime, a combination of these three things will produce mold growth. Plumbing, rooftops, crawl spaces, and more are common areas for mold growth on a residential or commercial property. As far as concrete pavement goes, mold makes no exceptions. Concrete pavement is susceptible to mold and mildew, as long as the conditions for it are just right.

Continue reading to learn more about concrete mold growth and how to clean it, safely and effectively.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Moldy Concrete

As mentioned before, concrete is a permeable paving material. It retains numerous pores, holes, nooks, crannies, crevices, and more. All of these minuscule openings can hold water, and never see much light or warmth. This is the perfect recipe for mold incubation. For cities with wet and humid climates or seasons, mold can certainly be a problem for property owners.

Moist, warm weather increases the rate of mold growth. It is important to always keep concrete clean to reduce the likelihood of mildew and fungal growth. Keeping concrete dry and moisture-free is another method to reducing mold. It is recommended to lower the level of humidity indoor, to protect indoor concrete pavement. Outdoor concrete pavements will require a higher level of attention since we cannot control the level of humidity outside.

Cleaning Mold

Fortunately, mold can be removed and cleaned from concrete with a few simple steps. When you see mold on your driveway or other concrete pavement, you can opt for an over-the-counter mold-killing detergent, or you can make your own solution with bleach and water. Either way, some thorough scrubbing action, followed by an extended soak-time and a rinse, can get the job done. It is best to use a power washer to rinse concrete after washing. The water pressure helps to cleanse the actual pores of the concrete, further ensuring the mold is completely gone.

For commercial and industrial properties, it is standard to contact a licensed pavement repair contractor for accurate mold removal services and concrete maintenance. They retain the proper equipment and industry knowledge to efficiently and effectively service concrete.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Professionals

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair work 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.

Why Does Concrete Crack?

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You would think something as hard and solid as concrete wouldn’t crack so easily. The truth is that concrete pavement is susceptible to a variety of elements and influences that can cause it to crack, buckle, crumble, and more. Although faulty concrete installation jobs can sometimes also be a reason behind crumbling or cracked concrete (i.e. no wire mesh installed, too much sand in the mix, watered-down mix, etc.), in most cases, the reasons are natural.

Continue reading to learn what makes concrete crack and what to do if you want them fixed in your driveway, parking lot, or street.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Cracked Concrete

Concrete commonly cracks in harsh environmental conditions. For example, concrete often cracks during freeze and thaw cycles; mostly in the northern climates of course. Freezing weather can freeze an underground water supply solid, and solid ice expands and requires more space than water. This is where the concrete is inflicted. The water-turned-ice expands underground, creating rifts and lifts in the above-ground concrete. It can cause the concrete to raise as much as two to three inches or more in most cases.

In the spring time, this cycle is reversed, causing even more concrete cracks and fractures. This is because as the ice melts in spring, causing the solid ice foundations beneath the concrete to disappear. This results in crumbling or caving concrete because there is no longer string ice beneath it for support. Once the summer time comes, even more damage is possible.

In the late spring and summer months, concrete pavement can suffer from cracking and fading from extensive sun exposure. This type of heat exposure can cause the concrete to warp and move even more so than it would in its freeze/thaw state. Once the sun goes down, the concrete will retract and settle in its original position. The problem is that the frequent instability and movement of concrete in hot weather can eventually weaken and crack the foundation altogether.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair

If you are bothered by excessive concrete cracks and deterioration, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial concrete 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.

Choosing Between Concrete Repair or Concrete Resurfacing

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There are several factors to consider before determining whether or not your pavement requires concrete repair or resurfacing. When concrete begins to crack and deteriorate, it is time to think about your replacement or repair options. Years of harsh weather, wear and tear, and overuse causes concrete to buckle and crack; however, these disruptions are easily refuted with concrete services. Your job is to choose between concrete resurfacing and a full-on concrete repair job.

Continue reading to catch up on a few concepts to consider before ultimately deciding on concrete repair or concrete resurfacing services for your residential or commercial property.

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

Structural Integrity of Concrete Paving

Take a look at your concrete and the cracks. If cracks are smaller than a quarter of an inch and the slabs haven’t lifted or moved vertically, then there shouldn’t be a need for all-out concrete repair. These small cracks are easier to repair at this size; so the concrete pavement can be resurfaced rather than replaced. If the structural integrity of the concrete slabs are lifted and moved, and cracks are becoming crevices, then concrete repair is most likely needed.

Sinking or Eroding Concrete Pavement

Minimal to moderate concrete sinking and heaving can sometimes be combated with a hydraulic leveler; eliminating the need for extensive concrete repair. On the other hand, if more than half of the existing pavement contains cracks, deterioration, sinking, or heaving, then it may need a professional concrete repair job. Also, if concrete paving is eroded more than a third of the way, then concrete repair is highly recommended for proper restoration and results.

Concrete Discoloration, Fading, and Wear

If the concrete pavement is free of large cracks and crevices, but appears worn and faded, then restoration and resurfacing is the best option. This option reduces the concrete service costs nearly in half! Discoloration, weathering, and aging can all be turned around with an effective concrete resurfacing and restoration job.

Indianapolis Concrete Resurfacing Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving and concrete work in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. Our licensed and bonded paving contractors provide pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and much more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.