Waterstops are embedded into, and continuously run through, concrete structures or slabs for the purpose of preventing water and other fluids from passing through. There are two main categories for concrete waterstops. The first includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do not move, while the second category includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do experience movement.
From there, more types of waterstops exist. Continue reading to learn the top 4 most common concrete waterstops.
Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Contractors 317-549-1833
Extruded Plastic Waterstops
Extruded plastics and thermosets, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), are common materials used to manufacture concrete waterstops. Other rubbers used to make waterstops include neoprene, styrene-butadiene, and even natural rubber.
Metal Waterstops
Metal waterstops come in coils as large as 50 m, and usually between 1.0 to 1.5 mm in thickness and 250 to 300 mm in width. Some metal waterstops are coated with polymeric or hydrophilic materials, or both in some cases. Such coatings form a tighter bond with concrete, and therefore, a second barrier against fluids.
Hydrophobic Polymer Waterstops
Hydrophobic polymer waterstops are made from the same kinds of extruded plastics mentioned before, like PVC and TPV. These kinds of waterstops are meant to do two jobs at once: allow direct interlocking into concrete, and prevent movement at the joints. They are generally applied to joints in secondary containment structures to prevent toxic or hazardous fluids from passing through.
Hydrophilic Waterstops
Also known as “water-loving” waterstops, hydrophilic waterstops are rubber strips that are enhanced with hydrophilic agents like bentonite. This modification causes the waterstops to swell when exposed to moisture or fluids. As a result, concrete joints are better sealed against leakage. However, such waterstops are not used in joints that move, such as expansion and contraction joints.
Commercial Concrete Contractors in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis 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.
If your commercial lot looks like it has seen better days, it could very-well be time for an upgrade. Pavement upgrades can come in all different forms, depending on unique factors surrounding your lot’s condition. In some cases, concrete lots are well-suited for an asphalt overlay. But many property owners wonder if you can, in fact, pave over old concrete pavement with asphalt. The answer is, yes. However, it takes supreme skill and paving knowledge to get it done correctly. If the concrete foundation is not stable enough, an asphalt overlay will suffer the consequences.
Continue reading to learn why concrete stability is so important to an asphalt overlay project, and who to trust for premium advice regarding your pavement renovation needs.
Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Stable Concrete Foundations are a Must
Although it is perfectly safe to add asphalt on top of concrete, it must be done properly to get good compaction and lasting results. Not only should it last a long time, it should look good. This is where concrete stability comes into play. Concrete is often used a base material because of its stability benefits, but this does not mean that it is always stable enough for an overlay project. If it is not, there can be a lot of negative and costly side effects.
Poor Concrete Stability
In contrast to asphalt concrete is not compacted, nor does it have to be. That is because it will harden over any surface, naturally. In fact, it is a common industry practice to lay concrete directly over unstable soil because it can bridge the stability imbalance. But overtime, if concrete is laid over an unstable base, its slabs will eventually begin to move and crack at the expansion joints. Ultimately, what you get is a very unsightly surface filled with cracks, crevices, depressions, and heaves.
Fortunately, a professional paving company can ensure that your concrete base is stable for an asphalt overly, and that the expansion joints will not shift after installation. They accomplish this by making sure the base has an even thickness, and that the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion. They also properly install paving fabrics, mill portions of the concrete when necessary, and use an industry-specific adhesive material that is extra strong, and will bond the asphalt to the concrete. Lastly, a pro always uses hot-mix asphalt for overlays to get the best results.
Who to Trust for Commercial Pavement Work in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 when you need commercial pavement repair for asphalt and concrete. Our licensed and bonded paving contractors provide pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and much more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.
The brilliant and uniform look of freshly-coated asphalt pavement instantly upgrades the value of a commercial property. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, asphalt sealcoating also prevents asphalt decay, which can be caused by natural wear and tear, inclement weather, and time. Asphalt decay can come in many forms, including alligator cracking, crumbling, potholes, dips, and more.
Fortunately, asphalt sealcoating is an effective solution for protecting asphalt against natural wear and tear, and preserves the fresh appeal of blacktop for years. A proper sealcoat also protects asphalt surfaces from the harmful UV rays of the sun. When these rays penetrate the asphalt foundation, it can cause it to weaken and wear away over time. A layer of sealcoat acts as a shield against these UV rays, and extends the life of pavement for years to come.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about sealcoating asphalt, most importantly, when is the best time of year to apply it for optimal and long-lasting results.
Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating 317-549-1833
The Purpose of Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a preventative application meant to protect the surface of pavement, thus extending its life and the quality of its performance. It involves applying one or two layers of asphalt material, known as sealant, for the purpose of protecting cracks, gaps, and other vulnerable or permeable areas. If you have ever seen a stunning, perfectly smoothed-out blacktop, you have seen a proper sealcoating job.
But even though sealcoating delivers an exceptional curb appeal, it is also one of the most important parts of asphalt maintenance. In fact, it is recommended to have your commercial asphalt resealed every 3 to 5 years, depending on the amount of traffic your lot gets and the extent of inclement weather in your region. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions about Sealcoating” to learn more about the process and its advantages.
🌷 The Best Time to Sealcoat is the Spring! 🌷
The best time of year to apply an asphalt sealcoat is in the spring, when temperatures are ambient and weather conditions are mild and predictable. Once the climate gets too hot, issues can occur with the way sealcoating adheres and cures. So long as you have a skilled paving company providing the service, this should never be a problem.
Summer Sealcoating
There are many challenges that can arise from seal coating in hot weather. However, this does not mean you have to wait until fall to have your lot seal coated. Just be sure to hire a professional Indianapolis paving company to ensure the project gets done right the first time. Accordingly, it is not recommended to attempt seal coating or pavement work on your own in hot weather, not just for your own safety, but for liability and investment protection purposes.
Commercial Asphalt Sealcoating in Indianapolis You Can Trust
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial asphalt sealcoating 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.
Spring is a time for enduring rain. After all, nothing will grow if we don’t have sufficient seasonal precipitation. But like most things in life, there are good and bad qualities to rainfall. One such disadvantage is the impact it has on outdoor activity. Not only can rain can put a hold on your picnicking and bike riding plans, it can also delay important outdoor construction and renovation needs. When it comes to needs like asphalt repair, the decision can seem quite conflicting since it’s an industry best practice to repair asphalt as soon as possible, before defects can worsen, and therefore, require more time and money to resolve.
So, when it’s raining outside every day, many proprietors are unsure whether or not they can move forward with outsourcing asphalt repair. If you are asking this same question, continue reading to find out the best options for asphalt repair in rainy weather.
Indianapolis Commercial Pavement Repair 317-549-1833
Asphalt Repair Climate Conditions
Like any outdoor pursuit, the best weather is the mildest, which means amiable temperatures, minimal wind, and zero precipitation. When it comes to repairing asphalt, the same theory applies. The best climate for asphalt is weather that is not too cold, not too hot, and definitely not wet. You see, asphalt is made from a mixture of aggregate (crushed stone, rock or sand) and bitumen. This combination makes asphalt mix oily, which does not mix well with water.
After being laid, asphalt must cure properly, and cannot do so if it is repelling water. The action of repelling water can cause the asphalt to form cracks and other surface blemishes. The main problem with cracks is that they lead to pothole formation, quickly. After a fresh asphalt job, no one wants to see surface imperfections, let alone pay for asphalt repair only a few short months later.
Exceptions to the Rule
Although the general rule of thumb is that asphalt work CANNOT be done in the rain, nor in wet conditions, there are some exceptions. For instance, very light rain fall is not likely to have a lasting impact on asphalt work as a heavy rainfall would. In most cases, a pavement repair company will simply monitor the weather report and reschedule work during a clear stretch of weather. Also, there are certain types of asphalt mix that can be used when it is cold outside, such as cold-mix and warm-mix asphalt. For climates above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, hot-mix asphalt is the industry standard.
Here are some blogs that can help you understand proper temperature conditions for asphalt work:
Trusted Commercial Asphalt Repair and Paving in Indianapolis
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 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.
As a commercial property owner, the safety and function of your business’s paved areas are important to your overall bottom line; and in more than one way. From liability and lawsuits, to customer volume, social appeal, and more, the list goes on and on. So, after this recent hailstorm we experienced in Indianapolis, it is wise to address any pavement damages that resulted, sooner than later.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about storm damage pavement repair, including how to perform an inspection, and who to call for trusted commercial paving work.
Storm Damage Pavement Repair 317-549-1833
Perform a Pavement Inspection
After a harsh storm passes, and the weather calms down, always be sure to take a walk around your premises to inspect for unsafe conditions and damages. Be sure to perform this inspection during the day, when the lighting is sufficient; that way, you will have a better view of any damages. Begin with your bollard posts, curbs, steps, rails, and ramps. These areas are particular important in terms of safety and functions.
From there, you will want to turn your focus on the flat surfaces of your pavement, and look for potholes, cracking, crumbling, depressions, or heaving. Once you have a full report of all new and existing damages, you are well-equipped to contact a local commercial pavement repair company and request an on-site assessment.
What to Inspect and/or Look For After a Harsh Storm:
⇾ Bollard Posts ⇾ Culverts and Sewer Drains ⇾ Curbs ⇾ Steps ⇾ Rails ⇾ ADA Ramps ⇾ Traffic and Parking Signs ⇾ Potholes ⇾ Depressions or Concave Surfaces ⇾ Heaves or Raised Bumps ⇾ Standing Water
How to Reinforce Your Pavements to Withstand Harsh Weather
The best options for ensuring your commercial pavements remain strong and sturdy, and therefore, resistant to inclement weather, include sealcoating, routine cleaning, prompt repairs of minor damage, scheduled resealing, and timely overlays or resurfacing. See our blogs, “Important Concrete Maintenance Tips” and “Important Asphalt Maintenance Tips” to learn what you need to know about developing an effective pavement maintenance plan for your commercial property.
Where to Get Emergency Storm Damage Pavement Repair in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.
Although spring has had a strong start this year, allowing us
to enjoy brighter, greener days, those damaging potholes left over from winter
are still depriving drivers of a safe and comfortable commute. It is vital to
repair potholes as soon as they form, and even prior to forming. Not only does
pothole repair support safety, function, and convenience, it also supports economic
growth, cost-savings, and investment protection.
Continue reading to learn why you, as a commercial or municipal
proprietor, should outsource professional pothole repair service as soon as
your pavements begin to show signs of cracking and deterioration.
Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833
The Importance of Pothole Repair
Potholes are arguably one of the biggest issues in metropolitan
areas among commuters. To make matters more serious, potholes get worse as time
goes on. So, if a pothole is not repaired, it will only continue to get bigger,
and eventually it will evolve into a massive crumbling hole. 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.
Pothole Repair
As soon as you see signs of pothole formation, it is important to have your pavements inspected and serviced to inhibit further damage and deterioration. From there, is it essential to protect your pavements from damage with regular cleaning, maintenance, and most importantly, sealcoating. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions about Sealcoating” to learn what you need to know about protecting your pavements. The most common signs that suggest your pavements will soon form potholes are water retention and puddling, cracking, crumbling pavement, loose gravel, and lack of seal coat.
The process of repairing and patching up potholes can differ
slightly depending on certain variables, such as the condition of the pavement,
the type of pavement, extent of damage, and more. For most paving repair
projects, the process involves a general pattern of steps. A paving company
will always start with a full inspection of the damaged pavement to provide an
accurate assessment. This allows them to then plan the pothole patching process
according to your property’s unique needs.
Commercial Pothole Repair Services in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional pothole 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.
Now that the last freeze is likely behind us, commercial and large-scale lots that are paved will soon require some maintenance. This is especially true for asphalt pavements that have poor sealcoating, or none at all. In fact, asphalt experiences a lot of common problems this time of year, all of which should be addressed and resolved once spring is official in swing.
Continue reading to learn which types of asphalt problems are most expected this time of year, and what you should do if your asphalt pavements fit these descriptions.
Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Cracking
There are various types of cracking that can develop in
asphalt surfaces. Alligator cracks, block cracks, traverse cracks, and edge
cracks are among the most common. Alligator cracking occurs when the subgrade,
layers, or surface is either too weak or too thin to support the weight of
traffic. You can easily identify alligator cracks because they form interconnecting
lines in a pattern that literally resembles alligator skin.
Block cracks form in a pattern similar to alligator cracks,
but on a much larger scale. Traverse cracking refers to cracks that form in the
opposite direction of the pavement. Generally, underlying foundation weaknesses
and cracks are to blame for traverse cracking, as well as extreme temperature
changes. Edge cracks form along the edge of pavements as a result poor water drainage.
Potholes
Potholes are one of the most destructive road defects that
can develop in asphalt pavement. They form mostly due to poor sealcoating or
lack thereof, allowing water to seep deep down into the cracks and weaken the
base soil underneath. Water then freezes and thaws several times, which further
jeopardizes the ground level and solidity. As a result, the ground underneath
expands, which causes the pavement to rise, then the water thaws, causing the
ground to go back to normal. This cycle creates stability issues that
eventually lead to crumbling pavement or crater holes.
Raveling and Rutting
Raveling is when pieces of asphalt begin to separate and form
indentations in the surface of the pavement. It mostly occurs when asphalt is
installed in weather that is too cold for proper curing. This is why it is
important to hire a professional paving company for asphalt work. Rutting is
form from traffic, and simply look like ruts, or wheel indents, in the road. Typically,
this occurs when lower layers shift due to moisture permeation or poor surface
quality.
Heaving and Depressions
Sinking and dipping can cause depressions in asphalt
pavements, and be a result of several circumstances. Most often, soil erosion
brought on by too much rainwater or precipitation over the winter season is to
blame. As for heaving, raises and humps in asphalt are mostly caused by the
expansion of clay-based soils beneath the concrete, which occurs from moisture
accumulation.
Indianapolis Commercial Asphalt Repair You Can Trust
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured 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 inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. Request a free quote, today.
Culverts are trenches or sewer conduits that cross beneath paved groundwork, such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and railroads. They are designed to divert water runoff below paved surfaces, and transport it to a local reservoir or basin. In addition to water runoff diversion and architectural land planning, culverts serve the important purpose of providing bridge-like support for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Because culverts serve an array of important purposes, both functionally
and environmentally, it is important to keep them in optimal condition. As a
commercial property owner, it is encouraged to have culvert damage repaired in
a timely manner as to avoid larger, more invasive and expensive pavement work
down the line.
Continue reading to learn more about culvert pavement repair,
as well as, how to obtain a free bid for commercial pavement work near you.
Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Culvert Pavement Repair
Frequency and intensity of both car and foot traffic, combined
with the overall condition and installation of pavement, will determine how
soon culvert repair should be addressed. These types of wear and tear can
weaken the pavement above a culvert, making it even more important to implement
comprehensive repairs to avoid additional or exponential damage; and culvert
damage left unaddressed can lead to larger, costly, and more time-consuming repair
work. Be sure to choose a licensed and experienced Indianapolis asphalt and concrete repair
company for the most accurate and reliable culvert construction and
pavement repair services.
The Process of Repairing Culvert Damage
To begin a culvert repair job, certified pavement
contractors will use saw to cut the apron approach area, and then peel away the
old asphalt using a skid steer. Once the asphalt and removed and the gravel is
pushed to the side, the culvert pipe will most likely be exposed. If it is
damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the old asphalt is raised, lifted, or
bumpy, then the pipe will most likely be damaged as well and need replaced. As
a side note, the old asphalt and culvert pipe can be recycled and reused!
At this point, the base is ready to be set. Most contractors
use a bed of crushed stone. Next, the culvert is positioned on top of the
crushed stone, and the sides are packed in with this crushed material as well.
This guarantees proper placement. When culverts are installed in dirt or
poor-quality gravel-like material, it can cause future complications and needed
repairs.
Once the stone bed is set and the culvert is situated and
packed in, flares are installed to open up the ends of the piping. These flares
permit paving contractors to pack-in the gravel and asphalt by hand, in order
to taper it to the ditch line properly. They also promote better durability
against weed over-growth and storm wash-outs.
When the pipe is replaced and the culvert is set up, the
rest of the pavement project can continue as normal. The stone base and layers
of asphalt can be applied as usual. When this kind of pavement repair job is
done incorrectly, heaving and large bumps will appear. If there were complications with the initial
culvert construction, the new pavement repair job should not be affected in any
way, so long as the company uses the proper equipment, tools, and procedures.
Who to Trust for Commercial Culvert Repair in Indiana
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for culvert paving repair and installation 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 quote, today.
Road work is complex. Not only does it require a concentrated,
scientific methodology, it also requires quality materials, skilled labor, and
most importantly, professional industry acumen. If these standards are not met,
pavements steadily lose quality and deteriorate over time. One common result that
we all know too well is pothole formation. Potholes are a common road defect,
especially this time of year when freeze-thaw cycles are taking over. When they
are not patched properly, they will continue to come back, year after year. This
is why commercial and industrial property owners, as well as municipal pavements,
seem to always have potholes.
It is important to contact the appropriate authorities to
have potholes repaired. Residential property owners and commercial companies
will need to call different sources, while city potholes must be reported in a particular
manner, through a specific portal. The proper authority to contact will vary
depending on the location, which can make it difficult to know who to actually contact
for pothole and road repair. So, for your convenience, we have compiled the
information you need to know about pothole repair and management in Indiana.
Continue reading to learn who to contact for pothole repair,
as well as, important information regarding winter road patching and similar pavement
repair work.
Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833
Causes of Winter Road Defects
The winter climate is hard on pavements. A natural phenomenon
known as freeze-thawcycles occurs each year, which starts with
water and moisture seeping deep into the pores of pavement. As a result, pavements
contract and expand repeatedly, thus creating cracks, crumbling, and similar atrophic
damage. Eventually, craters form, which we know as potholes. Another leading cause
of pothole formation is poor or improper pavement installation. It is vital to
always hire a licensed and bonded Indianapolis commercial pavement company that
retains the proper experience, skills, equipment, and materials to perform
their work.
Aside from winter weather and poor craftsmanship, potholes
are also commonly caused by natural wear and tear. Pavements, although can be
made to last a long time, do not last forever. At some point, they will begin
to show signs of deterioration, and eventually develop potholes. For this
reason, it is important to address pavement defects and minor repair needs as
soon as possible, before it can turn into a larger, more invasive renovation.
Pothole Repair for Asphalt
Cold patch asphalt mix is mostly used to fill potholes on a year-round basis. There are various grades, all designed for specific climates. 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. When it comes to asphalt, the process of repairing potholes and related road damage is generally performed during spring and summer because a hot asphalt mix product is used. However, with winter cold patching, it is possible to make emergency asphalt repairs in the winter because the mix product is designed with special polymers that render it ready-to-use at all times.
City Potholes
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 for the city 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. As a result, potholes tend to come back, and worse
than before.
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.
The Mayor’s Action Center is an online portal that allows you
to get 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.
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 website, or you can contact them directly at 1-855-INDOT4U
(463-6848).
🔎 Indianapolis Pothole Locator: Use the Indy Pothole Viewer to find potholes near you!
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 paving company that has extensive local
experience. Furthermore, routine maintenance and cleaning are vital to pavement
durability, longevity, and performance.
Who to Trust for Commercial Pothole Repair in Central Indiana
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and winter cold patching service 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!
When it comes to laying asphalt pavement, whether to repair
potholes or build a brand new parking lot, the weather is just one variable
that influences the success of the project. However, it is still a very
important one, especially in terms of climate. So, is it too cold outside this
time of year to have any asphalt work performed? Continue reading to learn which
factors you might have to consider when determining whether or not it’s too
cold to lay asphalt pavement.
Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833
Paving Asphalt in Winter
Asphalt mix cools faster in colder temperatures than it does
in warmer ones. This is the main concern when performing asphalt work in the winter.
Paving contractors must be able to mix and pour the asphalt before it cools so they
can get it properly formed and compacted. Here are the top factors to consider
when deciding if its too cold to pave:
☑ Ground Temperature
One of the chief factors to determining whether or not its
too cold to pave is ground temperature. If the ground temperatures are too
cold, it is not compatible for asphalt work. The colder the ground temperatures
are, the quicker asphalt mix loses heat, thus presenting a challenging for
stabilization.
☑ Ambient Temperature
Along with ground temperatures, ambient temperatures play a
large role in the compatibility of asphalt work. The general rule of thumb is
50 degrees. But even if the ambient temperature is at least 50 degrees on the day
of the project, it is equally important to ensure it is not too windy.
☑ Thickness of Pavement
The thickness of the final asphalt surface will have a major
influence on whether or not it is too cold to pave. As mentioned, the colder
the temperatures are, the faster asphalt mix will cool, which creates problems
with compaction and stability. Well, if your final asphalt surface specifications
are intended to be a thin, the pavement will cool faster on a cold day, and therefore,
potentially pose some challenges.
☑ Sun Strength and Exposure
The term solar radiant flux is a common one in the
asphalt construction industry. You see, the sun has a great effect on the
process of asphalt paving. So, in winter, asphalt contractors prefer sunnier days
since the heat of the natural sun prevents asphalt from cooling too fast.
When to Have Commercial Asphalt Repaired or Paved
The best times of year to have commercial asphalt pavements
repaired or lain is between late spring and early fall. During these times,
precipitation levels are lower and climates are milder. The most compatible
temperatures for asphalt paving range between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Commercial Asphalt Paving Contractors in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.
