Frequently Asked Questions About Potholes and Pothole Repair

If you are noticing a development of potholes on your commercial or industrial lot, it is important to act and contact a professional Indianapolis paving company for inspections, recommendations, and service. In the meantime, continue reading to review some of the most fundamental questions about potholes, and perhaps gain a better understanding about the problems associated with having unresolved pavement damage.

Indiana Commercial Pothole Repair and Emergency Road Repair 317-549-1833
Indiana Commercial Pothole Repair and Emergency Road Repair 317-549-1833

Pothole Repair FAQS You Do Not Want to Ignore

Potholes are one of the most common damages to asphalt and concrete pavements. They can range in size, depth, and shape, and fluctuate in expansion rates depending on a variety of factors, including traffic rates, weather patterns, ground soil, water drainage, and natural wear and tear. Potholes require immediate repair since they will only continue to expand and worsen as time goes continues. Below are the most frequent questions commercial proprietors ask about their lots and pavements, especially once all the ice and snow melts away in Spring.

What Causes Potholes?

Potholes are created by excess moisture in asphalt and concrete pavements. This is usually a result of snow, ice, and rain. Porous pavements, like concrete, lose their protective coating after a few years as a result of natural wear and tear. The same can happen to asphalt paving as well. When this happens, they become vulnerable to water accumulation in their pores. Accumulated water then freezes and thaws from season to season, causing pavement to deteriorate from within. This leads to pavement cracks, fractures, fissures, and more.

How are Potholes Repaired?

The top 3 most common methods used to repair or patch up potholes include using cold asphalt, hot asphalt, and polyurethane asphalt. Cold asphalt is mixed and poured at a lower temperature than other asphalt mixes. It is also easy to work with and low in cost. Hot asphalt is a common choice for larger-scale pothole repairs because it is less available in smaller quantities. It is mixed and poured at an average temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyurethane asphalt is customary option for pothole patching because they last a long time, which is cost-effective for property owners. So long as the asphalt mix can be properly dried, it can be used all year round, in any season.

Do Potholes Damage Cars?

There are a few indications that point toward pothole damage in a vehicle. As a car or truck owner, you want to keep an eye for tire punctures, bent rims, scraped wheels, suspension troubles, exhaust system troubles, poor steering, and any other physical exterior damages. Strange noises from the engine, engine complications, and a bouncy ride can all be warning signs of pothole damage.

Can Potholes Be Repaired in the Winter?

The process of repairing potholes and other surface defects in asphalt is generally performed during warmer seasons because a hot mix product is used to fill in gaps and openings in damaged pavements. However, winter cold patching makes it possible to repair asphalt potholes in the winter, effectively. Also known as cold tar patching, this method of asphalt pothole repair works well in colder temperatures because the actual product is designed with special polymers that render it ready-to-use at all times.

Do I Need to Repair the Potholes on My Property?

Potholes are a big problem for many reasons. Not only can they cause damage vehicles and cause serious car accidents, but they can also reduce property value, compromise company profit, and even pose safety hazards to people. Proper pothole repair is critical in order to protect your investment and achieve the long-lasting pavement stability you desire.

What are the Best Methods for Pothole Prevention?

Pothole prevention starts with a trusted paving company that knows how to assess an area and provide proper pavement installation, taking into consideration subgrades, water drainage, risk factors, and more. If pavement is not installed and laid properly, it will immediately show signs of defects and instability. Improper pavement installation will surely lead to an increase in pothole formation, and costly pothole repair.

Do you need a few potholes and similar seasonal pavement damages resolved in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and winter cold patching services at the best rates in town.

You Should Also Read:

Why is Proper Pothole Repair So Important?
Can I Repair a Pothole Myself?
How Will Snow Affect My Pavements?

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

How to Prepare Your Commercial Asphalt Lot for Spring

Although the majority of Indiana is covered in mounds of snow, it is not too soon to be thinking about your spring maintenance needs for your commercial lot. After all, being here right now to learn more about planning ahead for spring asphalt maintenance is just one reason why you are a successful business owner and proprietor! Go with your gut instinct and get in touch with a local commercial paving company to schedule your spring asphalt maintenance checklist.

Continue below to learn how to prepare your asphalt lot for spring this year, as well as who to trust for superior commercial pavement maintenance and repair in Central Indiana.

Commercial Asphalt Repair and Sealcoating 317-549-1833
Commercial Asphalt Repair and Sealcoating 317-549-1833

Springtime Pavement Maintenance Checklist for Asphalt

For any commercial asphalt lot, there is a set checklist that should be addressed and completed every season. As for spring, the primary tasks your maintenance checklist should include a comprehensive pavement inspection, minor repairs, and sealcoating service.

Pavement Inspections

Your appointed pavement contractors will know exactly what to do and where to look in a comprehensive pavement inspection. Everything from potholes and minor repairs to bollard posts, road markings, water drainage, and more, will be addressed and resolved if needed. The freeze-thaw cycles of freezing and melting snow can leave a lot of visible damage come spring. These areas will be checked out and resolved before they can become worse. This includes pavement cracks, which can quickly turn into potholes.

Asphalt Repair

The sooner you address asphalt pavement damage, the better your chances are at avoiding larger and more costly problems down the road. The first step is to observe your pavement. Look for cracking, fissures, swells, heaving, standing water, and any other types of structural damage. Keep in mind that some areas of damage can be fixed with a little maintenance, while others may need complete removal and replacement.

Sealcoating Service

Your next checklist priority for asphalt pavement is sealcoat service. Sealcoating gives asphalt a fresh, rich, dark color that looks smooth and even. It is recommended to follow sealcoating services with new line striping and markings to really make your lot look great. Better than just the cosmetic benefits, sealcoating also delivers strength, durability, and longevity in your pavements. This saves you money on invasive repairs, demolitions, and other unanticipated construction costs.

Commercial Asphalt Paving and Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to schedule your needed commercial asphalt repair and sealcoating service before spring arrives. Our licensed and qualified pavement construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete services, including seasonal maintenance, pothole repairs, crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and winter cold patching. Request a free estimate for spring asphalt work, anytime. We serve clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Central Indiana.

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

Will Salt Damage Asphalt Pavement?

Whether they have been there for years or you have just recently paved, your asphalt surfaces are an important investment. As a result of the recent snow, you might be asking yourself whether or not you should be applying salt to rid the ice and slush. If you are, you are not alone. Many people worry that throwing salt on asphalt will damage it or cause it to deteriorate. Before tossing out all of your supply, continue reading to learn the real facts about the affects of salt and similar de-icing agents might have on asphalt.

Salt and Reagents are Mostly Safe to Use on Asphalt Pavements.

What You Need to Know About Applying Salt to Asphalt

The truth about snow melting and de-icing salts is that they will not deteriorate or damage your asphalt pavement, nor will they cause potholes to form. However, such salts can cause line striping and road markings to fade more quickly, over time, as well as pose certain environmental risks of not handled and applied properly.

Protect the Environment

When using salts on pavements, it is important to consider the environmental impact it can have on the surrounding Eco-system. To prevent water runoff contamination, be cautious when applying your salt by using it sparingly, and always shoveling snow away first.

Don’t Worry About Potholes

Applying salt on asphalt should not cause it to deteriorate or crack, which means you do not have to be concerned about pothole formation come spring. Potholes develop as a result of annual freeze-thaw cycles, which occurs when water trapped inside pavement pores freezes in the winter, and then thaws in the spring. When water inside pavement freezes, it causes the pavement to expand. When the water thaws, the pavement contracts, which leads to cracks and other ground stability issues.

Salt is Essentially Safe for Asphalt

It is a common misunderstanding that salt will damage asphalt. So long as your asphalt was laid by a trusted and certified Indianapolis asphalt paving company, your asphalt surfaces should be fully-resistant to any potential affects salt and other minerals can have on them. Furthermore, it is important to have asphalt seal coated, and then resealed every three to five years; otherwise, you could start to see pavement deterioration.

Where to Get Superior Asphalt Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured commercial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of paving services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town, including pothole repair and winter cold patching work. Request a free quote, today.

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

Get the Best Deal for Indiana Winter Cold Patching at ACI Asphalt and Concrete

Here at ACI Asphalt and Concrete, we have the workable solutions for repairing chuckholes and other surface deficiencies during the winter season. And as a family owned and operated company built on old-fashioned values of integrity and excellence, you can expect the most economical prices and unparalleled customer service when you choose us to repair your asphalt pavement. Continue reading to learn about our winter cold patching services, and the various benefits it has to offer your property.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Emergency Winter Road Repair in Indiana You Can Trust.

Commercial Cold Tar Patching Service for Central Indiana

The freeze-thaw cycles of winter are harsh on asphalt pavements. Not only can it cause new pavement depressions and damages, but it is also highly likely to worsen existing surface defects like potholes and more. If your asphalt pavement is not in the best condition, there is no better time to reinforce it with professional winter cold patching services. The process of repairing potholes and other surface defects in asphalt is generally performed during warmer seasons because a hot mix product is used to fill in gaps and openings in damaged pavements. However, with winter cold patching, it is possible to make emergency asphalt repairs in the winter.

Also known as cold tar patching, this method of asphalt pothole repair works well in colder temperatures because the actual product is designed with special polymers that render it ready-to-use at all times. The material is much softer and more pliable than typical hot mix asphalt. The sticky product works well to fill cracks and holes, as well as bind together existing fragments of aggregate and loose material. Because it molds together like clay or dough, it can simply be scooped and spread with shovels, and then compressed and compacted down to an even level. The cold tar cures very quickly once applied, without the need for heat or heavy rolling equipment.

Certified Commercial Paving Pros With a Strict Attention to Detail

Prior to application, our teams of licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors will implement a detailed inspection of the area to identify and diagnose the repair needs of your pavement. After disclosing all costs and fees upfront in a written estimate, we can begin our work. We will start by clearing any trash or debris from the surrounding area, and then set up our materials and get to work. The asphalt mix hardens in as little as a few hours, so you can open your lot back up to guests, clients, and customers the very same day!

Our Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Winter Cold Patching Program Offers:

☑ All-Weather Winter Patching
☑ UPM Permanent Patching
☑ Emergency Cold Tar Patching
☑ Road Resurfacing
☑ Road Gap Repair

Request a Free Estimate Today!

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 for Indianapolis pothole repair winter cold patching, 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!

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

What to Include in a Parking Lot Preventative Maintenance Plan (PMP)

As a commercial proprietor, you must understand that your parking lot is a vital investment to the overall success of your business. Even if you do not serve customers at your location, your staff and laborers will require a safe and functional lot to park and drive through. For these reasons and more, one of the best methods of investment protection you can take is to incorporate a parking lot preventative maintenance plan (PMP) into your comprehensive facility maintenance program.

Continue reading to learn more about parking lot preventative maintenance, and walk away with a better understanding of what you need to do for your pavements, year round.

Indianapolis Indiana Parking Lot Repair
Indianapolis Indiana Parking Lot Repair 317-549-1833

Parking Lot Preventative Maintenance

The parking lot is the very first opportunity you get to make an impression on your customers. Furthermore, the functionality and safety of your parking lot directly influence your annual costs and ultimately, your bottom line. Not only does unsafe parking lot conditions put your business at risk for being sued under premise liability laws in the case that someone is injured as a result of negligent pavement care or ignored repairs, but it also sets a tone for how you conduct your company’s operations. Customers want to see a nice-looking lot because it speaks to the professionalism and capability of a business.

Sealcoating and Crack Filling Services

The absolute best investment you can make for your commercial property is developing and implementing a parking lot preventative maintenance plan (PMP). Although referred to by many other names, a parking lot preventative maintenance plan basically involves routine sealcoating and hot rubberized crack sealing services. And although there are several other components of parking lot maintenance, these two services are key in abating asphalt damages.

Sealcoating

One of the most common and effective methods for extending the life of asphalt pavement is sealcoating. A properly-applied sealcoat provides long-lasting protection against chemical spills like oil and gasoline, as well as inclement weather and heavy traffic. Once new asphalt pavement is laid, it generally takes at least 4 to 6 weeks for the surface to rid itself of light oils through the process of oxidation. Once this process is complete, sealcoat can be applied. Sealcoat your asphalt parking lot and pavements every 3 to 5 years for optimal protection. Talk to a trusted and licensed paving contractor to learn when is the best time of year to sealcoat asphalt.

Hot Rubberized Crack Sealing

Crack sealing is equally important to asphalt sealcoating because it stops working cracks from becoming worse, and ultimately, causing massive and exponential destruction to a parking lot. A working crack is a crack that is either vertical or horizontal, and is exhibiting movements greater than 2.5 millimeters.  Examples of working cracks include transverse cracks, and in some cases, longitudinal cracks. Crack sealing is applied in a unique configuration to give asphalt less permeability, stopping water infiltration, salt, and other debris. They bend, stretch, and flex along with the surrounding pavement’s movement, preventing further cracking.

Crack Filling

For non-working cracks, or cracks that move less than 2.5 millimeters per year, crack filling is the service required. Examples of such material includes crumb rubber, asphalt emulsion, AC-3, and more. This not only reinforces the pavement, but it also drastically reduces water infiltration which can cause cracks to expand.

Additional Aspects to Include in a PMP:

⛿ Routine Cleaning and Debris Removal
⛿ Pothole Repair
⛿ Winter Cold Patching
⛿ Drainage Inspections
⛿ Culvert Maintenance and Repair
⛿ Bollard Maintenance and Repair
⛿ Line Striping
⛿ Road Marking
⛿ Snow Removal/Ice Management

Indianapolis Indiana Parking Lot Maintenance and Repair Service

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

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

4 Signs You Need Emergency Pavement Repair

There’s pavement repair, and then there’s emergency pavement repair. As a commercial or industrial proprietor, it is in the best interest of your company, insurance policy, staff, and customers to ensure it remains in good condition, year-round. A part of this responsibility is knowing the difference between needed pavement repairs that can be scheduled in near time, and pavement problems that cannot wait, and require immediate attention.

Continue below to learn the top 4 pavement repair emergencies property owners experience in Indiana, and who to trust to do the job right, the first time around.

Emergency Paving and Road Road Repair
Emergency Paving and Road Road Repair 317-549-1833

Heaved Pavement

Pavement heaving typically occurs after a frigid winter as a result of the natural freeze-thaw cycle. When water enters pavement, it seeps deep into its pores and freezes when winter comes. Then when the weather warms up again, the water melts. Well, this freezing and melting process causes the pavement to expand and contract. Overtime, this causes the pavement to raise up and crack. Sometimes, heaving can happen overnight. If this happens, you will need a professional pavement contractor to level out the surface to ground level again, thus abating accidents and a decrease in property value.

Damaged Catch Basins

Catch basin curb inlets often take quite the beating come winter as a result of snow pushing machines and skid steers. The good news is that they can be easily repaired, and often in as little as 24 hours. Just be sure to hire a skilled and experienced pavement repair company that retains advanced technologies and top-quality materials.

Collapsed Catch Basins

Damaged catch basin structures are a pressing repair, but collapsed ones are even more of a pavement repair emergency. Similar to the freeze-thaw cycles that cause heaving and cracking, catch basin curb inlets are affected by parking lot water runoff, which winds up inside and behind the joints of the blocks. Consequently, when this trapped water freezes in the winter, it expands within its confines, thus causing the entire basin to collapse on itself. These are common repairs, typically weekly in the winter and spring, and can be fixed within a few days.

Severe Potholes

Commonly referred to as “craters” or “wheel killers”, severe potholes are those that are so bad, they are a danger to drivers and pedestrians. Large or wide holes in the ground can cause extreme vehicular damage, but also serious motorist and pedestrian accidents. To avoid the liability altogether, have severe potholes repaired immediately. While waiting for your contractors to arrive, barricade the hole with tape, signs, cones, and warnings.

Who to Trust for Commercial Pavement Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for emergency pavement repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our team of licensed and insured contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Don’t choose a rookie concrete company! Instead, trust our licensed commercial pavers to meet all your pavement needs. Request a free estimate, today!

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

How to Cure Cold Patch Asphalt

Cold patch asphalt is quite innovative for our time. It is currently the easiest and most economical way to repair small potholes, crevices, and cracks in bitumen-based pavements. If you plan on tackling a paving project on your own, the most important factor to consider is the hardening process. If this phase of the cold asphalt patch method is jeopardized, it can greatly reduce the quality of results.

Continue below to learn some professional paving recommendations for using and curing cold patch asphalt.

Indianapolis Asphalt Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Commercial Paving and Pot Hole Repair 317-549-1833

Why Use Cold Patch Asphalt?

The primary reason why cold asphalt patch mix is a common choice for small pothole repairs in asphalt is the ease of installation. There is not a long, extended process of preparing or mixing materials. Instead, the air does most of the work. You simply pour the mix directly into the hole, compact it with simple manual tools (metal tamper or piece of lumber), and leave it to air dry. The mix turns into a permanent surface patch after extended contact with air.

Curing Cold Patch Asphalt Mix

When it comes to applying cold patch asphalt mix, the drying process, also known as curing, is very important. The quality of this curing phase will directly influence how well it establishes a solid, stable surface that lasts a long time. If you want a permanent repair for your asphalt, you need to make sure the entire process is done correctly. If you want to speed up the curing stage of your pavement repair project, you can try a few recommended strategies, including gravel, pouring technique, and forced air.

Gravel – You can use gravel to create a denser space within the hole, which may help to establish lasting strength. Just fill the hole with gravel, little by little, while using your compacting tools to compress the gravel with each layer. Do not fill the hole all the way to the top; be sure to leave 2 inches of space below the surface line for your cold patch mix.

Pouring Technique – As you pour your mix, exceed the surface line by half an inch. This means that your mix should go over the top of the hole by a ½ inch. Then use your compacting tools to compress your material down until it is properly flattened. You may need to repeat this step two or three times to get a proper fill.

High-Powered Drying – Asphalt cold patch mix cures by having contact with air. You can speed up the drying process by using hair dryers or commercial paint dryers. If you are going to use a hair dryer, you will need to manually operate it in a steady, sweeping motion to ensure even curing. The material is near dry when you cannot easily press into the surface with your hand.

Superior Commercial Asphalt Repair and Paving in Central Indiana

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

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

Why it is So Important to Repair Potholes as Soon as Possible

Although it’s not prime pothole season, they are still a problem that can arise at any time of the year. This fall season, you can ensure that your commercial property’s pavements remain in good condition well into next year by repairing any potholes or surface damages before winter hits.  Continue reading to learn the importance of pothole repair for commercial complexes and municipal roadways.

Commercial Pothole Repair in Central Indiana 317-549-1833
Commercial Pothole Repair in Central Indiana 317-549-1833

The Basics of Pothole Formation

Potholes are created by excess moisture in asphalt and concrete pavements. This is usually a result of snow, ice, and rain. Porous pavements, like concrete, lose their protective coating after a few years as a result of natural wear and tear. The same can happen to asphalt paving as well. When this happens, they become vulnerable to water accumulation in their pores. Accumulated water then freezes and thaws from season to season, causing pavement to deteriorate from within. This leads to pavement cracks, fractures, fissures, and more.

Water can seep deep down into the cracks and pores of pavement and weaken the base soil beneath it. It can then freeze and melt several times over further jeopardizing the ground level and solidity. When water freezes, the ground underneath expands, causing the pavement to rise. Once the water thaws, the ground goes back to normal but the pavement it still elevated. Naturally, this creates stability issues that eventually lead to crumbling pavement or crater holes. So, you see, the need to repair potholes in our city’s streets and roadways will never fade.

Potholes Can Quickly Lead to Disastrous Pavement Damages

There are various types of pothole repair methods used in the pavement construction industry, both semi-permanent and temporary versions. One of the most popular techniques used to repair potholes is the “throw and roll” method. This is a temporary fix that basically involves patching the hole with the right material, and then letting traffic drive over it to finish the job. This is the quickest and easiest technique for repairing a pothole on a short-term basis. In fact, it can cause even more water accumulation and stability issues if used as a permanent solution. This is because the pothole is only being filled-in from the top; which means the rocks and pebbles still inside creating gaps beneath the surface where water can occupy. To make the “throw and roll” repair method semi-permanent, these chunks of rock and pavement need to be removed before the hole is filled with patching material.

Infrared Pothole Technology is a Great Solution for Asphalt Damages

For an even more permanent solution, many pavers are turning to a new pothole repair technique called infrared heat technology. In this method, a heat panel is used to melt a pothole enough to soften it slightly. This allows all the crumbled and broken asphalt in and around the pothole to be converted into a reusable material. This is Eco-friendly and cost-effective. The softened asphalt leftovers are raked-in and smoothed out until it is thoroughly conformed to the repaired asphalt and the existing surrounding asphalt. This creates a strong, thermal bond between both pavements.

Indianapolis Indiana Pothole Repair for Commercial and Industrial Clients

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for more information about commercial pothole 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.

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

How Asphalt Crack Filling Protects Your Investment

One of the most important maintenance practices you can do for your asphalt pavement is to fill in the cracks when they occur. Without filling in your asphalt cracks, over time, water will eventually penetrate deep within the pavement. Once water is inside the cracks, seasons pass, and the water freezes and thaws, thus causing the pavement to expand and contract over and over again.

As a result, you get more cracks come spring, as well as, more intense pavement damage, such as alligator cracking, crumbling, heaving, pavement depressions, un-leveled surfaces, and potholes. Worst of all, cracks that go unfilled over time will eventually cause damage deep within the pavement, at the base level. This causes the overall integrity of the pavement to weaken, and therefore reduce your property’s value.

In order to ensure your asphalt pavement does not incur more crack damage than a should on a seasonal basis, be sure you fill in your cracks as soon as they become evident. Continue reading to learn why asphalt crack filling protects your investment, and where you can get trusted asphalt repair and resurfacing services near you.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Potholes

Potholes stand out, so you don’t have to go looking for them. But you do need to have them repaired for the sake of liability, as well as, your investment and property value. If your asphalt has many potholes and large cracks, it might be time for a complete repaving project. If there are just one or two potholes, you can have them cleaned, filled, and sealed just like you would large asphalt cracks.

Large Cracks

Cracks are no good to have in pavement. Cracks lead to more cracks, and exponential damage after that. For this reason, it is important to keep an eye out for large cracks in your asphalt driveway or parking lot. Any crack larger than 1/4th of an inch should be treated right away. This includes cleaning, filling, and sealing all cracks larger than a quarter inch. This will prevent water from seeping into the pavement and jeopardizing the sub-grade.

Small Cracks

In addition to large cracks, small cracks can have a massive effect on the overall function and performance of your asphalt pavement. Furthermore, they will eventually turn into larger cracks and worse kinds of pavement damage, which chips away at your investments overall value. Sealcoating is the best method to prevent small cracking.

Standing Water

One of the biggest culprits behind asphalt deterioration is sitting surface water. When water sits on top of asphalt, it slowly breaks down its barriers, making it more vulnerable to damage like cracks, crevices, and potholes. The reason why sitting water becomes an issue for asphalt pavement is poor water drainage, either as a result of improper engineering and installation, or from some sort of breakdown or malfunction. Storm water management and annual sealcoating can help protect your asphalt pavement from such issues.

Commercial Asphalt Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving and asphalt maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

Can I Repair a Pothole Myself?

There is no argument about it, potholes are menacing. They are especially undesirable to have on or near your own property. But whether you are a commercial or residential property owner, it is not wise to attempt pothole repair on your own. Continue reading to learn more about pothole management, including how they form and why you should always hire a professional to have them repaired.

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

The Basics of Pothole Formation

Pothole formation begins when water seeps into existing cracks and depressions in pavement that have been caused by a combination of inclement, weather, traffic, and natural wear and tear. Water then reacts with the cold temperatures by freezing and subsequently expanding. Then, when temperatures become milder, the water thaws, causing the existing cracks to contract and ultimately worsen.

This worsening is due to water draining and evaporating into the surface, causing a gap to form between the ground and the pavement. The more this cycle occurs, the larger the surface blemishes get, and eventually form what we frustratingly know as potholes. Both asphalt and concrete surfaces are vulnerable to these effects, including sidewalks, parking lots, roads, streets, pool decks, and more.

Conventional Pothole Repair Methods

There are various types of pothole repair methods used in the pavement construction industry, both semi-permanent and temporary versions. One of the most popular techniques used to repair potholes is the “throw and roll” method. This is a temporary fix that basically involves patching the hole with the right material, and then letting traffic drive over it to finish the job. This is the quickest and easiest technique for repairing a pothole on a short-term basis.

In fact, it can cause even more water accumulation and stability issues if used as a permanent solution. This is because the pothole is only being filled-in from the top, which means the rocks and pebbles still inside creating gaps beneath the surface where water can occupy. To make the “throw and roll” repair method semi-permanent, these chunks of rock and pavement need to be removed before the hole is filled with patching material.

DIY Pothole Repair

As you can see, there are many specialized materials, machines, and technologies used to ensure pothole repair is finished up to code, and lasts a long time. If you attempt to repair a pothole yourself, you are not promised long-lasting results. Furthermore, you would have to spend more money acquiring the necessary materials and supplies for the job. It is more cost-effective to hire a professional pavement repair company to fill in potholes. They will do the job right the first time, so that you do not have to address it again in the future.

As for business owners, hiring professionals is a must. Fortunately, commercial asphalt repair is more affordable than most people believe, and you can find reputable commercial pavement repair services in a matter of minutes. Just be sure to choose a company that is licensed and insured, with years of experience and training. They can offer competitive rates and free estimates, saving you hundreds of dollars along the way.

Commercial Paving Contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified contractors provide several 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.