Is it Too Cold to Lay Asphalt Pavement?

Posted on February 17, 2020 by admin

When it comes to laying asphalt pavement, whether to repair potholes or build a brand new parking lot, the weather is just one variable that influences the success of the project. However, it is still a very important one, especially in terms of climate. So, is it too cold outside this time of year to have any asphalt work performed? Continue reading to learn which factors you might have to consider when determining whether or not it’s too cold to lay asphalt pavement.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Paving Asphalt in Winter

Asphalt mix cools faster in colder temperatures than it does in warmer ones. This is the main concern when performing asphalt work in the winter. Paving contractors must be able to mix and pour the asphalt before it cools so they can get it properly formed and compacted. Here are the top factors to consider when deciding if its too cold to pave:

☑ Ground Temperature

One of the chief factors to determining whether or not its too cold to pave is ground temperature. If the ground temperatures are too cold, it is not compatible for asphalt work. The colder the ground temperatures are, the quicker asphalt mix loses heat, thus presenting a challenging for stabilization.

☑ Ambient Temperature

Along with ground temperatures, ambient temperatures play a large role in the compatibility of asphalt work. The general rule of thumb is 50 degrees. But even if the ambient temperature is at least 50 degrees on the day of the project, it is equally important to ensure it is not too windy.

☑ Thickness of Pavement

The thickness of the final asphalt surface will have a major influence on whether or not it is too cold to pave. As mentioned, the colder the temperatures are, the faster asphalt mix will cool, which creates problems with compaction and stability. Well, if your final asphalt surface specifications are intended to be a thin, the pavement will cool faster on a cold day, and therefore, potentially pose some challenges.

☑ Sun Strength and Exposure

The term solar radiant flux is a common one in the asphalt construction industry. You see, the sun has a great effect on the process of asphalt paving. So, in winter, asphalt contractors prefer sunnier days since the heat of the natural sun prevents asphalt from cooling too fast.

When to Have Commercial Asphalt Repaired or Paved

The best times of year to have commercial asphalt pavements repaired or lain is between late spring and early fall. During these times, precipitation levels are lower and climates are milder. The most compatible temperatures for asphalt paving range between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Commercial Asphalt Paving Contractors in Indianapolis

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

Choose ACI for Bollard Post Services in Indiana

Posted on January 21, 2020 by admin

Bollard posts are a protective or architectural perimeter that safeguards pedestrians and structures from vehicular accidents and attacks, as well as, unauthorized security threats. They are also often used as a visual guide to direct traffic and mark boundaries. For this reason, bollards are a vital asset to various types of commercial and industrial complexes.

Here at ACI Asphalt & Concrete, we are experts at bollard repair and replacement services, and provide our services for commercial, industrial, and municipal clients in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. Continue reading to learn more about our bollard post construction services, including why so many Hoosiers choose us for their commercial asphalt and concrete paving needs!

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Bollard Post Repair and Installation

Our Indianapolis paving professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured with more than 35 years of experience in the road construction industry. We maintain the industry’s latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment for all asphalt and concrete projects and developments for both commercial and industrial properties. In addition to using top-of-the-line materials and cutting-edge technologies on every job, we set ourselves apart from our industry contemporaries by offering a “Satisfaction Guarantee” on all our paving services.

Furthermore, we continue to operate as good-standing members of several important associations, including the Community Association Institute, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association, Apartment Association of Indiana, and the Better Business Bureau. This means you can trust us for unparalleled customer support, economy-based prices, and first-class business ethics, across the board. You can trust us for quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service, no matter how large or small your paving needs may be.

Our primary bollard services include, but are not limited to:

Get in Touch for a Free Quote

If you have questions, or would like to request a free quote, call our office at 317-549-1833 during regular business hours and speak with a live pavement contractor on duty. In addition to our commercial and industrial paving services, we also offer free estimates, professional references, honest workmanship, friendly customer support, and scheduling flexibility. Although we are based out of Indianapolis, we provide pavement work throughout all of Central Indiana.

Soil Instability Troubleshooting Tips for Paving Projects

Posted on January 10, 2020 by admin

When you begin a new paving project, you never know what the ground underneath has in store for you. Often times, people will come across highly unsteady soil conditions, bringing their work to a sudden halt. After all, you cannot properly pave over soil that is in poor or unstable condition. For paving, you want optimal ground reinforcement for best results. If your soil conditions are holding you back from making paving renovations or improvements, continue reading to learn some helpful trouble-shooting tips for treating and preventing soil instability.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

What Causes Unstable Soil?

There are three common causes for soil instability: poor compaction, organics, and general composition. Let’s start with the presence of organics. When plants, dead insects, and living organisms within topsoil decay and break down, the soil becomes increasingly unstable. As for compaction, soil compaction is a top requirement for proper ground reinforcement.

However, soil can lose compaction as a result of a long list of potential facts, such as flooding, improper construction, poor water drainage, and more. When it comes to general composition, it plays a large role in how well soil can hold up against a topping of pavement. You see, soil maintains certain pH levels, and requires a healthy balance of air, water, and minerals. Without a proper balance, the soil will become exponentially unstable.

How to Stabilize Soil

To prevent soil instability, it is important to have your property inspected by professional Indianapolis paving contractors who understand the proper methods and techniques of laying pavement in unstable conditions. They can assess the current condition of your soil stability, and make modifications to improve it if you choose to move forward with work.

To treat soil instability, there are a few methods you can try:

➲ Use drainage tiles to rid excess water and moisture from your soil.
➲ Turn and till your soil routinely to promote drying.
➲ Excavate into the sub-grade and replace poor soil with good soil.
➲ Bridge the unstable soils with a suitable base material.
➲ Install a geo-grid (reinforcing grid).
➲ Change the chemical composition through chemical stabilization.
➲ Implement foamed asphalt injections.

Where to Get Trusted Commercial Paving Advice in Indianapolis

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

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!

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!

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

Common Types of Porous Pavement

Posted on July 29, 2019 by admin

In our last blog, we discussed the various ins and outs of pervious pavement, namely, all of the wonderful benefits and applications it offers. In this blog, we will expand our discussion on permeable concrete by providing a brief description of the most common types used in the construction and road building industries. Continue reading to get started!

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Permeable Concrete Grades and Applications

There are several types of pervious concrete, all of which have their own unique set of properties, and therefore, separate applications. Depending on the type of concrete work you are interested in having done, your choice of permeable pavement will vary greatly. Below are the most common types of porous pavements, what they are conventionally used for, and why they are recommended for such applications.

➤ Bound Recycled Glass Porous Pavement

This type of porous pavement is comprised of recycled glass, and bound together using resins and similar kinds of binding agents. Since it is a recycled product, it is a great initiative for the environment. Common applications include road and pedestrian paving.

➤ Permeable Clay Brick Pavers

Permeable clay brick pavements are made from fired clay. Similar to interlocking pavers, clay brick pavers can be laid out in custom patterns and filled in with organic material like soil or grass, or with cement and aggregate material. These are mostly used for decorative or architectural applications.

➤ Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers

Similar to clay brick pavers, interlocking pavements can be laid out in custom patterns and filled in with organic material like soil or grass, and they are mostly used for decorative or architectural applications in public areas, like parks, plazas, and pools.

➤ Plastic Grids

Plastic grid pavements offer 100% permeability, making them perfect for areas where water runoff and drainage are issues. They are gaining popularity due to LEED project requirements. They are commonly used to reinforce gravel driveways, parking lots, and fire lanes.

➤ Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt is unique because it is not concrete, but rather, a bitumen mixture. It’s most common application is for highway and interstate drainage and water runoff.

➤ Porous Turf

Porous turf is a type of pavement that is mostly used in areas where parking it an occasional occurrence, such as state fairs, carnivals, churches, stadiums, and marinas.

➤ Resin-Bound Paving

Resin-bound pavements are pavements made aggregate and held together with a clear resin. They are commonly used for pedestrian and road paving, such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and parking lots.

➤ Single-Sized Aggregate

Single-sized aggregate is a type of pavement that does not have any binder material. For this reason, it is it commonly referred to as loose gravel. It’s most common applications are for low-speed areas, like sidewalks and driveways.

Commercial Concrete Paving 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.

Environmental and Financial Benefits of Pervious Pavement

Posted on July 19, 2019 by admin

Pervious concrete, also known as porous or permeable concrete, is a popular paving material in the United States, and for many reasons. Continue reading to learn which kinds of financial and environmental advantages you can expect from choosing to pave with porous concrete.

What is Pervious Pavement?

Pervious is a term that means “permeable”, or “admitting of passage or entrance.” When applied to the paving industry, the term pervious refers to concrete pavements that allow water to run through them, which imitates the natural rainwater runoff process. This may sound like a feature that you wouldn’t want for your paved surfaces, however, there are various surprising benefits porous concrete pavements come with.

Common applications for pervious concrete include retaining walls, parking lots, sidewalks, residential driveways, patios, low-water bridges, well linings, swimming pool decks, and low-volume pavements.

Environmental Benefits

As mentioned, pervious pavement mimics the natural water runoff process that occurs when rain comes into contact with the ground. Not only do pervious pavements return rainwater to the underground water table, they also retain contaminants and solid pollutants, thus keeping our ground water cleaner and safer for consumption. Additional environmental benefits include, but are not limited to:

✓ Water Runoff Reduction
✓ Groundwater Revitalization
✓ Contaminant and Pollutant Filtration
✓ Surface Temperature Control
✓ Prevents “Heat Island Effect”
✓ Retention Basin/Water Collection Area Alternative

Financial Benefits

As a property owner, you can reap several financial benefits by choosing to pave with pervious concrete. As just mentioned, pervious pavements eliminate the need for water collection areas and retention basins, which delivers instant savings. Furthermore, concrete installation is much cheaper than its alternative paving material options.

Not only is the actual material cheaper, concrete is easier and quicker to install, especially since there is no need for underground piping, storm drains, or sloping/grading. All this reduces labor costs. Additional financial benefits include, but are not limited to:

✓ Reduced Salt and De-Icing in Winter
✓ Low Maintenance
✓ Lasts Up to 40 Years

Types of Pervious Concrete

There are various types of pervious pavements, including porous asphalt, single-sized aggregate, plastic grids, porous turf, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, permeable clay brick pavers, resin-bound paving, bound recycled glass porous pavement. Be sure to check back with our blog page at the end of the month for a closer look at these types of porous pavements!

Commercial Concrete Paving in Indianapolis

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

The Advantages of Scored Concrete Pavement

Posted on July 9, 2019 by admin

Whether new pours or existing ones, scoring is a terrific technique that will instantly update the look of concrete surfaces. Basically, scoring concrete is the process of making permanent shallow etches or ridges in a concrete foundation. These markings can be custom and artistic, or standard and geometric, and they give concrete surfaces the look of tile or pavers.

This is a cost-effective alternative to these higher end materials. Not only are higher end materials more expensive, they are more of a challenge to clean and maintain, and they take much longer to install. Scored concrete is a fantastic solution to enhancing the look of concrete on a budget. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of this trendy paving option.

Scoring Concrete

Although numerous tools and equipment can be used to score concrete, the most common include power saws, grinders, diamond plated blades, and chisels. Chiseling is primarily used to achieve a more rustic and weathered look, whereas diamond cutting will render smooth, precise lines.

Benefits of Scored Concrete

One of the most revered benefits of scored concrete is the lack of invasive construction. There is no need to tear out the slab of concrete, mix together a solution, re-pour, and cure. Instead, the surface of the existing concrete is altered to give it a brand new appearance without all the demolition. This is also very environmentally-friendly! And as for maintenance, occasional sweeping and sealing is all it needs.

Trusted Paving Installation in Indianapolis

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

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.

When Must a Paving Project Be Postponed?

Posted on May 24, 2019 by admin

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.

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.

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.

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.