Paving Tips for Commercial Concrete Curbs and Sidewalks

Commercial properties are generally subject to high levels of foot and vehicular traffic. Overtime, this traffic begins the natural process of wear and tear. Additional factors that increase the speed of concrete erosion include inclement weather, precipitation, freeze thaw cycles, and even sunlight. As a commercial property owner, it is vital to both the safety and aesthetics of your premises to properly maintain your concrete curbs and sidewalks.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about concrete curb and sidewalk maintenance, including what you can do as the owner to ensure they remain in top condition for years to come.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

The Importance of Concrete Repair

As a result of natural wear and tear, concrete curbs and sidewalks can begin to experience structural malformations, such as heaving, settling, cracking, crumbling, fading, and more. See our article about what causes potholes to form in pavement. If your concrete exhibits these signs, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible.

Failing to repair concrete deformities can cause you a lot of problems. Not only is surface damages a dangerous and costly liability for slip and fall accidents, they are also very unbecoming in appearance. Extensively damaged concrete curbs, ramps, and sidewalks may also lower property value. Furthermore, a poorly-kept premises sends a message to your guests that you do not care about them.

Concrete that performs well starts with proper installation. Concrete must be prepped, handled, mixed, poured, reinforced, finished, and seal coated, all according to industry best practices and standards for concrete installation. Improper planning and installation will cause your concrete pavement to deteriorate at a much faster rate than it should, costing you more and more money every year to repair. If concrete pavement is installed incorrectly, the best course of action would be to replace the concrete altogether, rather than just repair problem areas.

Building Codes for Concrete Curbs and Walkways

In Indiana, commercial concrete sidewalks and curbs must be repaired in accordance to state and local building code requirements for lines, grades, dimensions, materials, and finishing. Be sure to hire a team of licensed, bonded, and insured Indianapolis concrete pavers for professional workmanship you can trust. They have the experience, skills, and technology necessary to deliver quality results while keeping your premises accessible to staff and visitors.

Indianapolis 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 professional concrete pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Request a free estimate, today.

Do You Know What’s Deteriorating Your Asphalt?

As a business or property owner, it is important for your asphalt lot to look and perform at its best. A smooth, clean, and strong pavement is ideal, and achievable, but cannot last without proper care.

Commercial Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Commercial Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

If your asphalt lot looks like it’s getting worse, it could be time for some professional intervention. A licensed Indianapolis asphalt repair company can provide you with workable solutions to get your pavement back on track to performing well and looking good! In the meantime, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the causes of worn out asphalt pavement so that you can take the right steps to protect your lot with proper maintenance and care.

Expected Asphalt Wear and Tear

Asphalt is strong and resilient, but it does not last forever. It requires regular upkeep and maintenance, including minor repairs along the way, to ensure it reaches it maximum life expectancy. With proper installation and good care, an asphalt lot can last up to 10 to 20 years or more (depending on various factors like climate and usage).

The more traffic and contact a lot experiences, the faster it will depreciate. Vehicles, foot traffic, weather, climate, and more can all affect and expedite the deterioration rate of asphalt. Overtime, the binder loses its elasticity, thus causing the pavement to lose its resistance. With its guard down, asphalt is subject to moisture and water accumulation, which leads to expanding, contracting, cracking, and similar structural defects.

Eventually, as these defects worsen, they become apparent at the surface, leading to crumbling pavement, potholes, and more. This is a primary reason why it is vital to hire a professional paving company for asphalt installation. They use high quality binders that help pavement retain strength, longer.

More Factors That Cause Asphalt Damage

Aside from normal wear and tear, there are several other factors that can influence the overall condition and longevity of an asphalt lot. The most common is improper installation; just another reason why it is vital to hire a reputable paving company for the job. When asphalt is improper installed, various problems can occur. Common installation mistakes include too much or too little compaction, improper water drainage, improper base compaction, and improper asphalt mix temperatures.

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 professional asphalt paving and seal coating in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our teams of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Request a free estimate, today.

The Advantages of Thermoplastic Pavement Markings

In a basic sense, thermoplastics are polymers that convert into a liquid when heated, but return to a solid form when cooled. When it comes to roads and other types of paved surfaces, thermoplastic markings play an important role.

Continue reading to learn more about thermoplastic pavement markings, and why they are an essential part of road safety.

Indianapolis Road Marking 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Road Marking 317-549-1833

Although thermoplastics are used widely applied in all sorts of trades, such as medical equipment, machine parts, and packaging, they are very important in the paving industry. In fact, they can even save lives. The process of applying thermoplastics for pavement markings involves heating a special type of road paint called “hot melt marking paint.” This specialized paint is heated to a temperature of 392 degrees Fahrenheit, melting it quickly into liquid that can then cool quickly once set. The result is a thick, bright, reflective, weather-resistant coating.

Road Templates

Pavement symbol and word templates, such as “FIRE LANE”, “NO PARKING”, handicap parking, interstate emblems, and more, make the use of thermoplastic hot melt marking paint much easier and much faster. These templates are filled in with thermoplastic hot melt marking paint to create these bright, reflective road markings we see in parking lots, streets, crosswalks, and highways. After just a few minutes, these markings are completely dried and finished.

Common Thermoplastic Road Markings:

Parking Spots
Reserved Parking
Stop Indicators
Handicap Spots
Fire Lanes
Emergency Vehicle Lanes
Taxi/Bus Lanes
No Parking Zones
Pedestrian Crosswalks
Traffic-Directing Arrows
Highway Divider Lines
Interstate Emblems
Registered Traffic Symbols

Road and Pedestrian Safety

Thermoplastic road markings play an important role in road and pedestrian safety. Their bright, reflective properties make them more visible, especially at night. They are highly reflective against the heads lights on vehicles, aiding pedestrians and cyclists alike. Thermoplastic road markings can also be manufactured in a wide variety of colors, and can last 6 to 8 times longer than standard road paint. They can even be designed with glass beads to create antiskid surfaces and improve traction.

Parking Lot Owners

If you have a commercial or public parking lot, it is wise to consider repainting all of the traffic signs, parking lines, pedestrian crossings, arrows, letters, numbers, and any officially-registered traffic symbols with thermoplastic technology. Many others have chosen thermoplastics, and have had great success. Talk to a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company for personalized answers and advice for your paved lot.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Contractors

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial 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, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

Can You Pave Asphalt Over Concrete?

When it comes to installing asphalt on top of concrete surfaces, many professionals will tell you that there are some known side effects that can occur. Continue reading to learn what’s really at stake regarding this type of pavement work before choosing to install asphalt over concrete on your property.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

A property owner may want to install asphalt on top of a concrete surface for many reasons. Whether repaving a concrete driveway or restoring an old parking lot, repaving over concrete with asphalt is usually an excellent choice. Also known as an “overlay”, paving on top of another surface is a common practice in the pavement construction industry.

In fact, miles of concrete highways and roads are repaved with asphalt, every year. Paving over concrete with asphalt is a safe and suitable method of repaving, and works well under many circumstances. Concrete is an effective material to use as a base or foundation. This is because it is solid and strong, and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt that will soon be laid above.

Asphalt overlays are popular since they are a more efficient and easier means to restoring old or defective pavement. After all, you get to skip over all the demolition, clearing, and cleanup that would be required otherwise. Not only does this take more time, it requires more labor, which costs more money. But even though it is a whole lot easier, there are some risks you might take on if you choose this route.

Risks to Consider

Installation is key when it comes to long-term performance of pavement. If a concrete base was not properly installed, such as being poured over unstable soils, it can cause problems within the concrete that will eventually show at the surface of the asphalt. For instance, concrete poured over unstable soils can experience cracking and moving at the expansion joints of its slabs. This causes the surface pavement to “pivot” with traffic, heaving and warping from where they were originally poured.

Another risk that can occur with an asphalt overlay over concrete is reflective cracking as a result of continuing heat and cold expanding and contracting. In contrast to asphalt, concrete contains expansion joints that are vulnerable to shifting. This movement causes the concrete to crack; and where the concrete cracks, so does the asphalt surface. Even applying special reinforcing fabric strips prior to overlay cannot entirely prevent this from occurring.

Who to Call for Certified Indianapolis Pavement Repair

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis pavement repair at the most competitive prices in town. Our licensed, bonded, and insured paving company offers a wide range of asphalt and concrete construction services for both commercial and industrial properties, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, and more. Request a free quote, today.

FAQS About Asphalt and Concrete

When deciding on pavement repair options for your property, it is important to do as much research as possible to ensure you make the right decision. It is strongly recommended to speak with a licensed and bonded Indianapolis paving company for professional guidance you can trust. In the meantime, a great place to start is by reviewing some frequently asked questions about asphalt and concrete.

Continue reading to learn about their differences, types, average costs, applications, and more!

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

What Makes Asphalt and Concrete Different?

Asphalt and concrete are made from different materials, giving them separate sets of qualities, both positive and negative. Asphalt is generally a bitumen and tar-based material that is primarily used for coatings, sealing road joints, and blacktops or roads. Concrete is mostly comprised of cement and other aggregates, like sand, pebbles, or crushed rock. Because of its high compressible strength and versatility, it is commonly used in the building and construction industry.

Is Concrete Cheaper Than Asphalt?

When it comes to installation, asphalt is not only cheaper, but easier as well. It is also easier to repair compared to concrete pavements. However, asphalt does requires more routine maintenance. Per square foot, the average cost of asphalt ranges between $2 and $4, depending on crude oil prices and other economic factors. Concrete is more expensive, averaging between $3 and $10, depending on various factors. However, it is easier to care for and lasts a lot longer than asphalt pavements. When you add in maintenance costs for asphalt, the overall price nearly balances out to the same as concrete.

Which Pavements are Best for Asphalt? For Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are suitable materials for roads, highways, sidewalks, tarmacs, landing strips, and much more. They are both used in the road construction industry, as well as the building and property construction industry. When choosing between the two, you want to consider the unique variables of your property to determine the best option. Talk to your licensed paver for professional advice.

Can Asphalt Be Installed Over Concrete?

Concrete is strong and allows for excellent compaction, making it a suitable base for an asphalt overlay. In fact, several of the roads you drive on have concrete foundations deep underneath them! However, if you wish to overlay a concrete surface with asphalt, you must understand that there can be factors that can generate negative side effects. Consult a professional paver for advice that is unique to your particular property.

Where Can I Find Trusted Indianapolis Paving Near Me?

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis paving and installation you can trust. Our paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have decades of combined hands-on experience in the road construction and design industry. Request a free estimate, today.

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week!

“Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility”

The 2018 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is Between April 9th and April 13th. We should all take this time to appreciate roadside construction work and safe driving, and do what is necessary to adopt and educate others on safer driving habits. This is the best way to honor this important and meaning initiative.

Learn more about The 2018 National Work Zone Awareness Week below!

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2018

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2018

Every year in the spring, the National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held to bring countrywide awareness to both driver and road worker safety, as well as, movement problems in work zones. Their official 2018 motto is, “Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility,” which says it all. It is our personal responsibility to pay close attention to the road when driving, especially in or around work construction zones.

For the past 19 years, the NWZAW works alongside the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Together, they collaborate, create, and sponsor the entire event. Since then, more and more transportation-oriented state and federal organizations have partnered up and joined in to support the NWZAW’s cause. This year, it is being hosted by the state of Illinois. The national kickoff event ensued without a hitch yesterday, and more events are soon to come and hopefully inspire more partners to get involved!

We encourage you to also visit the U.S Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration website, here, for more links and resources you can share with your loved ones.

Commercial and Industrial Paving in Indianapolis

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 paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide a wide range of pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Report a Pothole in Indianapolis

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?

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

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.

The Benefits of Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

There are numerous types of paving services a commercial property owner can outsource for their business. Asphalt and concrete paving involves a lot more than just building roads and sidewalks. Paving contractors are proficient in many other areas of commercial pavement work. These areas include seal coating, road striping, demolition services, road milling, excavating, overlaying, repairs, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some of the more popular and commonly subcontracted asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial properties and complexes in your town.

Commercial Paving Contractors 317-549-1833

Commercial Paving Contractors 317-549-1833

Commercial Paving Service

A reputable and well-equipped paving company can offer an endless list of asphalt and concrete services. Sidewalks, walkways, staircases, outdoor plazas, curbs, speed bumps, ADA ramps, dumpster pads, Ballard posts, storm drains, handrails, parking blocks, and more are common services offered by most paving companies. Also, general paving services frequently include asphalt repair and replacement; including pot holes, cracks, and resurfacing.

Commercial asphalt and concrete paving contractors provide services for schools, hospitals, zoos, industrial plants, public parks, car lots, office complexes, strip malls, apartment complexes, and other commercial and industrial properties. Paving services that do not include demolition or excavation are also common jobs for asphalt and concrete companies. These companies also provide road painting services; such as road striping, markings, handicap spaces, tow-away zones, fire lanes, parking areas, parking lots, traffic controls, and much more.

On top of all the above mentioned paving services, practiced and licensed asphalt and concrete contractors offer even more types of road work. Sealcoating, grading, freeze thaw operations, warped pavement repair, low spots and puddle prevention, fabric overlays, and more are all additional services commonly offered through professional and well-established paving companies.

Commercial Paving Contractors

Asphalt Concrete Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial 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, and more. Request a free estimate, today!