5 Types of Latex Additives Used in Asphalt Sealcoats

Posted on September 8, 2016 by admin

Asphalt pavement retains excellent waterproofing and aggregate-binding properties, making it ideal for roads, parking lots, driveways, and more. But without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements are vulnerable to surface damage from inclement weather, chemicals, gasoline, oil, salt and more. For this reason, sealcoating is a critical step toward protecting the structural integrity, function, and longevity of asphalt pavement. One of the most effective methods for enhancing the overall performance and quality of sealcoats is to use additives.

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Sealcoat Latex Additives

Various assortments of latex additives are formulated using polymers, rubbers, and emulsions. Here are 5 popular types of sealcoat latex additives:

❶ Acrylic polymers and Copolymer-Based Additives

These acrylic sealcoating additives are used for their thickening and fast-drying qualities. They are also used for enhanced sand and aggregate suspension. Acrylic additives are resistant to surface contaminants like oil, fats, hydrocarbon solvents, and other damaging lubricants. They are also resistant to ultraviolet rays.

❷ Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Polymer-Based Additives

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber additives are primarily used for rubberizing refined coal tar and asphalt-based sealcoats. They retain a strong chemical resistance to surface contaminants like fats, oils, solvents, hydraulic fluids, gasoline, kerosene, and most other chemicals.

❸ Chloroprene (Neoprene) Polymer-Based Additives

Chloroprene polymer-based additives are used in seal coatings because they have a high-resistance to many chemicals and mild acids, including oil, gasoline, and some solvents. For this reason, they are used primarily in industrial compositions in gaskets, rubber sheeting, adhesives, and more.

❹ Polyvinyl Acetate and Acrylic Copolymer-Based Additives

Just like acrylic polymer additives, polyvinyl acetate and acrylic copolymer additives are primarily used for sand and aggregate suspension, quick drying, and thickening qualities. But, these additives retain a weakened resistant to UV radiation and water, as well as, gasoline, kerosene, oils, fats, salts, and more.

❺ Styrene Butadiene (SBR), Natural Rubber (NR) and Butyl Rubber (BR) Based Additives

All of these sealcoat additives have the improved ability to withstand water, as well as, moderate chemical contaminants, such as organic acids, alcohol, and some solvents. However, they are widely used for their attributes in sand and aggregate suspension, faster drying, and thickening.

Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Call ACI Apshalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for exceptional asphalt sealcoat services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured pavers, are eager to answer your questions about asphalt and concrete sealcoats and more. Call 317-549-1833 to request an estimate for Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating, today.

Thicker is Not Better When it Comes to Asphalt Sealer

Posted on July 8, 2016 by admin

Without a sealcoat, your pavement will quickly become dry and brittle, which will eventually result in cracks, crumbling pavement, discoloration, and many other damages. Sealcoating asphalt pavement costs pennies per square-foot, yet repairing asphalt pavement costs dollar per square-foot. So you can see that preventative maintenance is more cost-effective. Continue reading to learn how to properly assess your sealcoating needs, and why thicker sealcoat does not necessarily mean it is better.

Sealcoating Benefits

A paved driveway or parking lot is an important investment. And in order to maintain and protect your investment, routine asphalt care is required. One part of routine asphalt maintenance is sealcoating. Sealcoating delivers an attractive, crisp look, and is a critical component to preserving the function and stability of asphalt pavements. Not only does regular sealcoating protect against water penetration, it also protects against sun damage and chemical erosion.

More Reasons to Seal Coat:

• Prevents Water Penetration
• Protects Against Harmful UV-Rays
• Resistant to Oil and Chemical Spills
• Protects Against Premature Cracking and Erosion
• Enhances Appearance
• Increase Longevity and Stability

Although sealcoating is the right choice for your asphalt pavement, choosing to sealcoat is only half the process. For the best results, you must also ensure that the sealcoating work is carried out correctly. Improper sealcoating is one of the most common issues behind failing asphalt pavement. And one of the most common mistakes made during the sealcoating process is using too much product.

When it comes to sealcoat, thicker is never better. In fact, it is a bad idea. You can tell when pavement has excessive layers of sealcoat if it looks like it has no texture at all, and asphalt should always have texture. If it’s too smooth and has no visible dynamic, then the pavement is over-sealed. Not only does too much sealcoat take too long to cure, it doesn’t cure properly, resulting in unevenness and irregularity. It can also lead to surface cracks and track marks.

Commercial Sealcoating Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sealcoating

Posted on May 10, 2016 by admin

Every professional paver understands the importance of pavement preventative maintenance. In order to maintain aesthetically-pleasing pavement that lasts, certain measures must be applied. One of the most common and effective methods for extending the life of asphalt pavement is sealcoating. But many property owners have several questions regarding the sealcoating process and more.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about pavement sealcoating, as well as, their answers!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sealcoat

Posted on November 20, 2015 by admin

Sealcoating is an important part of asphalt installation and maintenance. Just like any asset, asphalt requires some protection and routine care to preserve its value. When it comes to choosing a sealcoat for your asphalt pavement, it is important to recognize a few factors that one should consider before making any final purchases.

Continue reading to review some common factors to consider before choosing a sealcoat for your pavement.

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How to Extend the Life of Your Pavement

Sealcoats serve multiple purposes for asphalt pavements, primarily for protective and aesthetic reasons. They provide a protective coating on asphalt pavement, preserving its fresh black luster and preventing imperfections on its surface. It is applied by either brush or spray to seal out moisture and prevent cracking, potholes, and other general pavement damages. They are meant to last anywhere between two and four years, depending on the rate of natural wear and tear. They are best known for the uniform black appearance they give pavement, as well as, the degree of protection against moisture. This protection against moisture is the key to preventing cracking, crumbling, and pot holes.

If you are in the market for sealcoat, be sure to consider these important factors before you decide to buy one:

1. Cohesiveness
2. Adhesiveness
3. Preparation Time
4. Cure Time
5. Ease of Workability/Application
6. Elasticity
7. Weather Resistance
8. Moisture Resistance
9. Resistance to Natural Wear and Tear

It is highly recommended to consult a professional paving contractor for advice about choosing the proper sealcoat for your asphalt project. There are various circumstances that can influence the type of sealcoat you should use, and countless brands to choose from. A licensed paver can not only offer you accurate and reliable advice, they can provide the sealcoating service for you at an affordable cost!

Indianapolis Sealcoating for Commercial Pavements and Roads

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

3 Types of Tar-Free Coal Seal Coats for Asphalt

Posted on November 10, 2015 by admin

Seal coats are used for a number of reasons. They not only improve the appearance of asphalt by maintaining that desirable uniform dark-black color, but they also protect pavement from oxygen, moisture, natural wear and tear, and other likely damages. Sealcoating is applied by brush or spray methods, and typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on the region, climate, and other variables. Reapplication is necessary to support longevity and value in asphalt pavements. There are various forms of asphalt mix, most of which are made from emulsions and aggregate materials. Asphalt emulsions are essentially liquids that would otherwise separate without a form of additive.

Continue reading to learn three examples of common coal tar-free asphalt emulsions.

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Types of Asphalt Seal Coats

Sealcoats are safer and easier to apply when they contain water. After application, the water evaporates, the remaining binders (oils and solids) cure to a perfect uniform lawyer that effectively blocks out moisture and oxygen; two elements that are most damaging to asphalt. Here are three kinds of asphalt seal coats:

Chip Seal

This is a sealcoat asphalt emulsion that is made from 60% asphalt and 40% water. The top is finished with one or more layer of fine aggregate material. This process is often referred to as asphaltic surface treatment, and is frequently used on rural roads with lower volumes of traffic. It is a popular alternative to asphalt re-sealing, but not always the best choice for all pavements. It is primarily used to reinforce roads and make new roads more durable.

Fog Seal Emulsions

Fog seal emulsions are generally 30% binder material, and 50% or more of water. It also contains various polymers and additives to enhance the product’s performance. There are a few different types of fog seal emulsions. They include acrylic emulsions, coal tar pitch emulsions, asphalt petroleum-based emulsions, and Gilsonite® emulsions.

Slurry Sealcoat

Slurry sealcoats are asphalt emulsions that are made with aggregate materials, mineral fillers, and additives. This mixture of ingredients bonds with the pavement surface and creates a barrier against weather, moisture, and oxygen.

Commercial Pavement Installation and Repair in Indianapolis

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

Factors to Consider When Sealcoating in the Fall

Posted on October 16, 2015 by admin

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Whether you plan to hire a professional service, or choose to do it yourself, sealcoating pavements is a job best completed in the fall. The weather this time of year, especially in Indiana, is the perfect climate for seal coating purposes. The low humidity and sunny days make the perfect formula for efficient and well-crafted sealcoats.

If you do plan to hire a professional company, it is wise to get a jump start on scheduling your sealcoating services. This is because fall-time is the busiest time of year for pavers. Many companies, mostly the ones that have been in business for quite some time, set cut-off dates because they cannot take on any more projects. Once winter hits, sealcoating is not an option any longer. Proper owners have no choice but to wait for early spring to come, and schedule their much-needed pavement maintenance services then.

If you are planning to seal coat your own pavement, then be sure to brush up on your pavement maintenance knowledge, as well as your inventory. Research the best sealcoats on the market and purchase all the needed supplies. Next, continue reading to learn some factors to consider before starting your fall paving project!

Temperature, Time, and Weather Factors

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When it comes to seal coating on your own, be sure to review some important factors for a successful outcome. Most factors involve either temperature, time, and weather. But there are several others factors involving other focuses too. They are as follows:

Ideal hours for sealcoating projects are generally all day. Start early in the morning, as soon as the sun rises, and you should have plenty of sun and daylight to finish the job.

Ideal temperatures for effective sealcoating should be 50 degrees and rising, which means the temperatures should climb as the day progress. If it’s too cold, sealcoat cannot dry or cure properly.

If you have to seal coat in temperatures at or lower than 50 degrees, be sure the work area will receive at least three hours of sunlight for full drying and curing purposes.

Avoid seal coating in the shade. Without abundant sunlight, sealcoat cannot dry or cure effectively. If you must seal coat in the shade, be sure to apply just before the sunlight hits, so that is gets at least 2 hours of sun. In areas that never get sunlight, you will have better chances of waiting until the spring when the ground is warmer to help with drying and curing.

Avoid sealcoat projects on cloudy days. Just like in the cold and shade, sealcoat cannot dry and cure properly on a chilly sunless day. The only cloudy days you can effectively sealcoat on are higher temperature days when the warmth is enough to dry the material.

If sealcoating at night, be sure the temperatures will not get lower than 65 degrees. This means it may be too late in the season for some states. Then, wait until late morning before walking on the fresh sealcoat so that it can get some morning sun.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Pavement Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for seal coating services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, is happy to discuss your sealcoating needs and inquires. We offer commercial and industrial-level pavement repair, maintenance, installation, sealcoating, winter cold patching, and much more. Call 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis, IN.

Is it Better to Apply a Thicker Layer of Seal Coat?

Posted on September 10, 2015 by admin

Since summer is coming to an end shortly, and fall will be here before we know it, pavement maintenance is something to think about now. Before the inclement weather reaches our driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots, we property owners should be getting a head-start to protect our pavements so they can withstand what fall and winter has in store. This is exactly what sealcoating services are for!

Applying a sealcoat to pavement adds an extra layer of protection against harsh elements and natural wear and tear. But applying too much sealcoat can be problematic. Many people assume that a thicker layer of sealcoat is better and more protective, but professionals will refute this assumption quickly.

Continue reading to learn why it is not better to apply a thicker layer of sealcoat on asphalt and concrete pavements.

Seal Coating Basics

Seal coating should be applied by trained and licensed professionals who retain the proper tools and equipment to proficiently and effectively complete the project. Licensed pavers are well-aware that a thicker layer of sealcoat does not equal more protection. Instead, it renders pavement more vulnerable than before.

Here’s why:

☑ Thick Seal Coats Do Not Cure Evenly

☑ Thick Seal Coats are More Prone to Surface Cracks

☑ Thick Seal Coats Take a Long Time to Cure-Increasing Project Schedule and Labor

☑ Thick Seal Coats Cause Degradation and Decrease Lifespan of Sealer

☑ Thick Seal Coats are Prone to Tracking

☑ Thick Seal Coats are Prone to Peeling

Over-Sealed Pavement

When pavement, such as asphalt driveways, have been over-sealed, you can see the signs. For one, it will look extremely flat and smooth, and will not have any visible texture. Asphalt pavement should always retain texture. Too much sealant will only make the condition of pavement worse. In order to fix an over-sealing job, pavers may have to provide an overlay or slurry sealcoat, which is not always desirable. It is best to simply wait a few years until the pavement needs resealed or replaced. Just remember, when it comes to sealcoating, more is definitely not better!

Trusted Indianapolis Commercial Sealcoating Services

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

Coal Tar-Based Seal Coats Versus Asphalt-Based Seal Coats

Posted on September 4, 2015 by admin

In the paving industry, there has been a long-term debate regarding the pros and cons of both coal tar and asphalt seal coats. And anyone that works in the industry is either for one way or the other, having a strong opinion and preference about each. Although coal tar was used prior to World War II, asphalt-based seal coats were an innovative and exciting addition to the paving industry in the 1980’s.

Continue reading to learn more about these two types of seal coating materials, as well as, the pros and cons of of each.

Coal Tar Seal Coats

As mentioned, coal tar-based seal coats were used prior to World War II, and have been the customary seal coat for asphalt pavements east of the Rocky Mountains for many years. But in the recent years, many states and municipalities have banned the use and sale of coal tar seal coats for environmental and health reasons. Such states include Washington, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington State, The District of Columbia, and Austen Texas. The reason for such bans has to do with coal tar seal coat toxicity. It contains 20 to 30 percent coal tar pitch, which is a steel manufacturing by-product made of 50% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are harmful to humans and the environment. In fact, it is considered a human carcinogen.

Although there are drawbacks to coal tar emulsions, there are a few strong points worth mentioning as well. Coal tar seal coating is highly durable and the application process is easy. It’s also oil and fuel resistant. It is said that the application of coal tar seal coating has to be precise in order to prevent harming the environment and jeopardizing human health; but everyone has their own opinions about this!

Asphalt Seal Coats

Many in the industry look to asphalt-based seal coats as an alternative to the off-putting coal tar based materials. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining and provides a deep, rich black topcoat color. They are much better for the environment because they do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). This makes this a great alternative to coal tar emulsions. It is also easy to install and less prone to cracking. A few downfalls to asphalt-based sealcoats include their vulnerability to fuel and oil. Unlike coal tar sealcoats, asphalt-based sealers are less resistant to oil, gasoline, and more.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving and Sealcoating Services

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

Parking Lot Maintenance Tips

Posted on April 21, 2015 by admin

The parking lot is usually the least visually-appealing aspect of a commercial property. But this doesn’t mean ignore it completely! Keep in mind that a business’s parking lot is one of the first impressions a guest or customer will see. It can tell a person a lot about the company in general, or at least they will think so. A safe and aesthetically-pleasing parking lot will give clients the message that a company truly cares. Parking lots require a note-worthy amount of routine care and maintenance for safety, cost-efficiency, and longevity.

Continue reading to learn three effective tips for maintaining and preserving a commercial parking lot.

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Routine Parking Lot Care

When parking lots are neglected, you can see it. You will spot weeds growing through cracks and crevices, which are created by freeze/thaw cycles and natural wear and tear; while the surface of pavement fades, crumbles, and creates pot holes. All of these damages are costly to repair, which is why parking lot preventative maintenance is so crucial. Not only will preventative maintenance save property owners money down the road by reducing the need for repairs and replacements, it protects their investment and sustains a safe driving and walking environment for customers.

Here are the top 3 tips to follow in order to preserve a commercial parking lot for years to come:

✅ Routine Parking Lot Cleaning

Asphalt and concrete pavements are prone to collecting leaves, trash, grease, oil, dirt, and even the occasional dead animal carcass. It is vital to routinely sweep off any tangible debris like grass trimmings, leaves, garbage, rubber tire pieces, and more. Grease, fuel, and oil are also common accumulations in parking lots; all of which should be cleaned up immediately using proper de-greasing techniques for asphalt and concrete pavement.

All of this maintenance prevents stains, spots, and other damages, as well as, customer injuries and accidents. It provides a tidy-looking parking lot. This should be done on an as-needed basis, like daily, once a week, or more often, depending on the elements and climate.

✅ Pothole Repair

If a parking lot has potholes, they should filled or repaired as soon as possible. Not only are potholes unsightly and only lead to creating more potholes, they are dangerous for pedestrians and drivers alike, and can cause accidents and injuries that a commercial company can be liable for. Potholes are hard to prevent, as they are created by water freezing and thawing within the pores and crevices of pavement. But they can be repaired, and should be addressed in a timely fashion to prevent accidents, injuries, and further wear and tear.

✅ Pavement Sealcoating

Sealcoating cannot be overemphasized enough. It is the most effective preventative maintenance option for commercial parking lots. Why bother investing all that money into a new parking lot without properly sealing the surface for added protection? Sealcoating provides protection against harsh elements and reduces the rate of natural wear and tear. It’s like insurance for your pavement! And it’s very necessary to increase its lifespan and prevent costly damages in the future.

✅ Professional Pavement Installation and Repair

Be sure to outsource licensed, bonded, and insured pavement repair or installation for your commercial parking lot for optimal results and durability. They retain the proper tools, training, resources, and knowledge to efficiently and proficiently pave asphalt and concrete parking lots. They are also the best option for prompt and affordable pavement and pothole repair.

Professional Parking Lot Paving and Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for trusted parking lot repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town, including crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

Why Outsource Concrete Sealing Services

Posted on September 22, 2014 by admin

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

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

Concrete Sealcoating

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

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

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

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

Indianapolis Commercial Sealcoating Near You

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