Category Archives: Potholes

How to Clean Asphalt Oil Stains

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

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

Indianapolis Commercial Asphalt Work
Indianapolis Commercial Asphalt Work 317-549-1833

What You Will Need

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

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

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

Removing Old Oil Stains

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

Asphalt Damage Prevention

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

Expert Asphalt Resurfacing and Repair in Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.

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

Important Concrete Maintenance Tips

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The visual appearance of concrete pavement is not the only important factor in terms of your overall investment. Your concrete needs to also perform and function well over an extended period of time. The only way to achieve this level of dependability is to implement regular maintenance and repair.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine concrete pavement care.

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

Concrete Maintenance and Repair

There are some fundamental guidelines for concrete care, all of which can be applied to all outdoor concrete surfaces, including roads, parking lots, sidewalks, walkways, trails, patios, decks, and plazas. These concrete maintenance basics involve seal coating, cleaning, prompt repairs, and safe treatments. Follow these guidelines and you are on the right track toward long-lasting, bright concrete pavements!

☈ Concrete Seal Coating:

Seal coating is one of the most important preventative maintenance measures you can take to protect your concrete pavements against all sorts of outdoor threats. Concrete seal coating provides a protective layer that shields concrete surfaces from water penetration, chemicals, sun exposure, and more. The general rule of thumb is to have concrete pavements sealed every 5 to 10 years, depending on local climate patterns, condition of concrete, amount of traffic, surrounding environmental factors, and more.

☈ Concrete Cleaning:

Periodic cleaning of concrete pavements is an important part of overall concrete maintenance. This involves daily tasks like sweeping and trash clearance, to weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual obligations like pressure washing, rust and chemical stain removal, graffiti removal, line striping, crack filling, and even concrete overlays. You should have a short-term and long-term cleaning plan in place for concrete pavement if you want them to remain safe and functional for years to come.

☈ Safe Treatment of Concrete:

It is strongly encouraged to avoid using harmful or toxic chemicals on concrete pavements since many can be quite damaging to the integrity of the concrete, overtime. This also includes avoiding using harmful deicers in the winter to combat snow and ice accumulation. Keep in mind, deicers that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are more damaging to concrete than others. Sand and shoveling are the best methods of snow management when it comes to protecting concrete.

☈ Prompt Concrete Repairs:

Concrete pavements last much longer and perform much better when small repair needs are met promptly and properly. Such minor repairs includes cracks, exposed expansion joints, potholes, faded markings, and more. Be sure to hire a professional pavement repair company for reliable and skilled service you can trust. It is not recommended to perform your own pavement repairs without the proper tools, equipment, and training. This is especially important for larger projects and commercial properties.

Commercial Concrete Repair and Service

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured concrete repair 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.

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

When and When Not to Resurface Asphalt

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Asphalt comes in many forms, but regardless of which type of asphalt pavement you have on your property, it will require a certain level of maintenance and repair. One of the most efficient and effective methods of asphalt repair is resurfacing. Although asphalt resurfacing is an excellent approach, it is not always in the cards.

Continue reading to learn when you should choose to have your asphalt pavements resurfaced, and when you shouldn’t.

Asphalt Removal and Replacement
Asphalt Removal and Replacement 317-549-1833

When NOT to Resurface

Asphalt resurfacing involves removing the top layer of pavement, and then covering it with a new layer of fresh asphalt. This provides many benefits, as it is cost-effective, quick, and renders an instant visual advantage. But if your asphalt pavement is not in a good condition, resurfacing is not a good idea. Here is how you know you should not resurface your asphalt:

☑ POTHOLES – If your pavement has potholes, whether driveway or parking lot, you should not resurface. When the subgrade below an area of asphalt erodes, it falls in on itself, forming a pothole. So covering it with an asphalt overlay will only be a temporary fix since the base is not secure.

☑ PATTERNED CRACKS – If you have some small cracks, it is not a problem. However, if your pavement has alligator or spider web-like crack patterns throughout the surface, it will not respond well to resurfacing. Just like potholes, such cracks are an indication of structural failure of the asphalt’s subgrade.

☑ RAIN – If rain is in the forecast, asphalt resurfacing should not be on the calendar. See our blog, “Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?” to learn why.

When it is Safe to Resurface

If your asphalt is well-suited for a resurfacing project, you will know because it will not have the above-mentioned damages and vulnerabilities. If your pavement looks dull and old, it is a perfect opportunity to choose asphalt resurfacing. Also, if your pavement has a solid base and few surface damages, it is well-suited for resurfacing. Best of all, asphalt overlays perform better in the winter since they attract heat and melt snow and ice faster. Not only does this make driving safer, it makes property snow maintenance easier, and reduces damages caused by harsh winter weather.

Expert Asphalt Resurfacing and Repair in Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt removal and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.

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

Where to Get Commercial Pothole Repair in Indiana

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As a commercial property owner, your paved lots and surfaces are more than an investment, they are a liability. For this reason, it is wise for you to take initiative by properly maintaining your asphalt and concrete pavements, year-round. With all of the recent temperature fluctuations and climate changes, your lots are probably in need of some repair. Potholes are a common, and quite predictable, outcome of such weather patterns, making it a prime time to get your property back in shape.

The most important aspect to commercial pothole repair is to hire a reputable and skilled company. If pavement repairs and projects are not performed properly, they will not last, which will cost you more and more money in repairs, year after year. Be sure to hire licensed, bonded, and insured paving professionals you can trust.

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

So where can you find such a company?

At ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc., of course!

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. is a full-service, licensed, bonded, and insured pavement installation and repair company based out of Indianapolis. Our skilled paving contractors have more than 25 years of hands-on experience, and offer a wide range of both commercial and industrial paving services throughout Central Indiana. This includes city properties, municipal properties, roads, interstates, highways, public sidewalks, office complexes, apartment complexes, parking lots, and much more! Our services also include routine maintenance, seal coating, road stripping, milling and overlays, ADA ramps, excavation, cement repair, winter cold patching, inspections, post-service checkups, written estimates, evaluations, and more.

Your Trusted Indiana Pavers

As long-standing members of the Better Business Bureau and several other organizations, property owners all across the state have trusted their properties in the hands of our exceptional pavers. Furthermore, we retain the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, and only use premium materials and products to implement our services. From start to finish, our teams will work with you, side by side, to ensure all your paving needs are met.

Check Out More Reasons to Choose Us!

☑ Licensed Bonded & Insured
☑ BBB Members
☑ More than 30 Years of Experience
☑ Customer-Oriented Business
☑ Commercial and Industrial Work
☑ Fully Certified
☑ References Available Upon Request
☑ Members of Indiana Manufactured Housing Association
☑ Free Estimates
☑ Apartment Association of Indiana Members
☑ Serves All Commercial Facilities
☑ Cutting-Edge Technologies in Equipment
☑ 100% HONEST Workmanship

Get a Quote Today!

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to learn more about the winter road patching and pothole repair services we provide in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of winter cold patching services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties, and all at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.

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

Why are There So Many Potholes on the Road?

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It is usually about this time of year when clients start asking about pothole repair. The resulting conditions of inclement weather and motor vehicle traffic have left many parking lots, streets, and various other paved ways, crumbling with damage. Now that the snow and ice have melted away, our local streets and roadways are hit with craters of all shapes and sizes. This has many drivers asking why so many potholes have suddenly shown up.

Continue reading to learn what causes potholes to form, as well as, how to repair and report local potholes in Indiana.  

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

⚠ Reporting Dangerous Potholes:

If you discover an obstructive or dangerous pothole that has not been repaired or closed off yet, you can report them to the city. Read our blog, “How to Report a Pothole in Indianapolis” to learn the various options for your area.

Pothole Formation

Potholes always seem to arise after a heavy winter of snow, ice, sleet, hail, and rain. Why? The root of the answer is permeation. Asphalt and concrete pavements are porous, which means water and other liquids, such as chemicals, can seep into the aggregate. During the harshest of winter, the moisture and liquid inside the pores of pavement will freeze, thus expanding the pavement around it.

As temperatures fluctuate throughout winter, these liquids will melt, refreeze, and melt again. This predictable process is known as the freeze-thaw cycle, and it is the root cause of pothole formation prior to spring. As water freezes, thaws, and freezes again, the surrounding pavement continues to expand and contract. Overtime, this movement causes the pavement to weaken, and eventually, break apart.

Methods of Pot Hole Repair

The umbrella method for pot hole repair is asphalt patching. This process can be accomplished using three different methods: hot asphalt mix, cold asphalt mix, and polyurethane asphalt mix. These are all cost-effective and efficient methods for repairing and patching pot holes in asphalt. Cold asphalt is mixed and poured at a lower temperature than other asphalt mixes, but its lifespan is not as long. Hot asphalt is a common choice for larger-scale pothole repairs because it is less available in smaller quantities. Polyurethane asphalt is customary option for pot hole patching because they last a long time, which is cost-effective for property owners.

Pothole Prevention

Preventing potholes in your pavement starts with proper installation. Without meeting all standards for pavement installation, including mixing, curing, and equipment, paved surfaces will not retain sufficient structural strength and durability, nor will they look nice. Aside from proper installation, routine maintenance is also important to protect paved surfaces from structural damages and water drainage issues. Talk to a local and trusted Indianapolis paving contractor for professional advice on both pavement installation and maintenance.

Indianapolis Paving Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete 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.

What is Cold Mix Permanent Patching?

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Permanent patching is a type of environmentally-friendly pavement repair that involves using a high performance cold patch asphalt mix. Continue reading to learn more about cold asphalt permanent pavement repair, including when and where it can be applied.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Cold Asphalt Permanent Patching Grades

Permanent patching material is most commonly used to fill potholes. It is very high performance, which allows it to be used all year long, in virtually all average outdoor temperatures. It comes in 3 different grades for each significant season we experience here in Indiana. There is a specially formulated winter grade for temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, a spring and fall grade for temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and a summer mix for temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recommended Products:

✔ Unique Paving Materials® (UPM) Permanent Pavement Material
✔ EZ Street® Cold Asphalt
✔ Aquaphalt® 6.0 Black Water-Based Asphalt and Concrete Patch

Advantages of Cold Asphalt Patching

Permanent patching cold asphalt mix comes with a wide variety of features that makes it a great option for year-round pothole remediation. Not only can it be used year round because it comes in 3 flexible grades, it is also an all-weather product that is suitable in both wet and dry conditions. Furthermore, cold asphalt mix is a permanent solution to potholes, which means it lasts substantially longer than all other pavement patching materials.

Best of all, installation is generally quick and simple. Permanent patching cold asphalt material is ready to use since it does not require any priming prior to application. Instead, a straight forward, 3 step process of pouring, scooping, and compressing is all that is required. Just be sure to leave permanent patching projects to the professionals! They have the proper training, tools, and resources to deliver outstanding results that last.

Indianapolis Winter Cold Patching

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to learn more about the winter road patching and pothole repair services we provide in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed paving contractors offer a wide range of winter cold patching services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties, and all at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Report a Pothole in Indianapolis

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Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Potholes are a drag. Not only do they force us to drive defensively and avoid certain roadways (even though they are the faster route), they also have the potential to cause vehicular damage and car accidents. Furthermore, they lower the aesthetic appeal of a property, and can pose certain premise liability risks. There are even more reasons why potholes are not something you want in your way, whether you are a driver, property owner, or pedestrian.

Potholes are not something you should have to deal with, which is why the city provides several portals and resources to report potholes that go on neglected.

Continue reading to learn 3 simple ways to report a pothole in your town, and who to consult for trusted paving repair in Indianapolis.

Report Potholes Near You:

☑ RequestIndy

Requestindy is a local online portal that allows users to make new requests, check status updates, watch help videos, and more. There is also a RequestIndy Mobile for smartphones. When making a pothole repair request, be sure you have the address or closest intersection of pothole.

☑ Mayor’s Action Center

Another terrific and effective resource available to you is the Mayor’s Action Center. The online portal allows users to get getting free information, provide citizen feedback, and request city services like pothole repair. Users can also report everything from missed trash collections and abandoned vehicles to defective traffic signals, zoning violations, and more. You can also contact them directly at 1-855-463-6848 or 1-317-327-4MAC.

☑ Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

For highways and interstates, pothole and road damage repair requests are filed through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). You can make free requests or reports concerns, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on their INDOT Service Website. You can also contact them directly at 1-855-INDOT4U (463-6848). Have ready the county, state road number, the mile marker or nearest cross road, the lane where the damage is located, and mile marker or nearest cross road.

Indianapolis Pothole Locator:

Use the Indy Pothole Viewer to find potholes near you!

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for asphalt and concrete paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed contractors provide several commercial and industrial paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

Why Are There So Many Potholes Right Now?

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Potholes are everywhere right now, varying in size, shape, and level of hazard. This time of year seems to present a repetitive theme for pothole development, and for good reason. Continue reading to learn where these potholes come from, and why they seem to always get worse just before spring.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

The Basics of Pothole Formation

The best way to understand why there are so many potholes around this time of year is to learn how they form. Pothole formation is pretty straightforward, and develop as a result of annual freeze and thaw cycles. Cyclical freezing and thawing is damaging to any type of porous pavement. Permeable pavements like asphalt and concrete can absorb water.

Water that does not run-off will settle within the pavement’s pores, and freeze in the winter when temperatures drop. When water freezes, it expands, which causes the pavements to shift and crack internally. Come spring, the water within pavement thaws and eventually melts, which causes additionally movement within the pavement.

This cycle of freezing and thawing causes pavements to expand and contract, which results in deteriorated aggregate. As pavement aggregate worsens, it weakens, and begins to deteriorate further until a hole is formed on the surface. Foot and vehicular traffic are contributing factors to a growing pothole, as well as, inclement weather and other natural elements.

Overall, the cause of pothole formation is the reason why pothole numbers increase this time of year. Before and during spring, temperatures can fluctuate back and forth from freezing to not freezing. And this means on and off contracting and expanding. Once the city is sure that the fluctuating temperatures and cold weather are behind us, large-scale pavement repair and construction will ensue. That is why you notice more road work in spring, every year.

Pothole Prevention

Proper installation and drainage are key factors to pothole prevention. It is important to entrust your pavement’s installation and maintenance needs to a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company that has extensive local experience. Furthermore, routine maintenance is vital for pavement durability, longevity, and performance.

Commercial and Industrial Pothole Repair

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial pothole repair and paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate or information, today.

Comparing Asphalt Crack Sealer to Crack Filler

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Although asphalt is a water insoluble, it is not resistant to the effects of water pressure and movement. Freezing weather and ice can cause the asphalt bond to weaken, resulting in crack formations. Furthermore, asphalt is a flexible material, and expands and contracts as temperatures change. This attribute is actually another common cause for cracked asphalt pavements.

Other causes for asphalt cracks include water penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, inclement weather, and more. The most common practices for repairing asphalt cracks is to use crack sealers and fillers. Several factors will decide which type of material to use, like local climate, pavement conditions, and more.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Crack Sealers

Crack sealers are specialized treatment materials that are deposited into and above non-working asphalt pavement cracks. A non-working crack is a crack that shows less than 3 millimeters of horizontal movement per year. Aside from filling the crack, this process significantly decreases water infiltration and strengthens the adjacent pavements. There are many factors to consider when choosing a sealant for asphalt pavement cracks. A good product will have short preparation and cure times, and good cohesiveness, adhesiveness, elasticity, and flexibility. It should also have resistance to softening, aging, abrasion, weather, and flow. Products that meet these standards for sealers include rubberized asphalt, low modulus rubberized asphalt, and self-leveling silicone.

Crack Fillers

Crack fillers are standard treatment materials that are deposited into and above working cracks in asphalt pavement. Working cracks are cracks that shows more than 3 millimeters of horizontal movement per year. These materials are placed using unique configurations to prevent in-compressible solids and water infiltration from entering the crack. A good crack filler product will evince the same above-mentioned qualities of a crack sealer. Crack filler products that retain these qualities include asphalt emulsion, asphalt cement, fiber-ized asphalt, asphalt rubber, and polymer-modified emulsion.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial asphalt paving and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Whether you need a new parking lot paved, or an ADA ramp repaired, we are the licensed, bonded, and insured professionals who can guaranteed the highest standards of excellence, regardless of how small or big the job may be. Call 317-549-1833 to learn more, today.

Advice on How to Avoid Unpredictable Pot Holes

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Pothole Repair Indianapolis 317-549-1833

Pothole Repair Indianapolis 317-549-1833

Pot holes can cause a wide-range of problems for cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, semis, and more. Even though we all try to avoid them as best we can, there are still times we let our guards down and hit one. Fortunately, there are a few interesting and unique tricks that can help us drivers reduce the amount of pot holes we come into contact with every day.

Continue reading to learn how to better avoid destructive pot holes, and what to do if your pavement is showing signs of pothole formation.

The Signs of Pothole Damage

There are a few indications that point toward pothole damage on 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. If your vehicle is experiencing any of these signs and indication, you must seek professional diagnostic services from a licensed mechanic if you wish to keep your car for a long time.

Here are some helpful hints on how to avoid damaging pot holes and craters:

⛐ Always stay focused on the road and keep a lookout for holes, cracks, crevices, and other road obstructions.

⛐ Keep a legal and safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

⛐ Never swerve away from a pot hole. Always brake gently and ride over it.

⛐ Drive slow on damaged roads.

⛐ Watch out for hidden potholes in large puddles of water.

⛐ Avoid driving in harsh or heavy rain.

⛐ Keep your vehicle in optimal condition with routine maintenance and tire care.

⛐ Have your asphalt or concrete repaired at the first signs of pavement damage to avoid pothole formation.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair

Parking Lot Paving

Parking Lot Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 when you need prompt and professional pothole repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, offers a wide range of paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties, and all at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.