What are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

Posted on March 25, 2014 by admin

Many homes are built on top of a concrete slab foundation. Beneath these concrete slabs, you will find a system of plumbing pipes that were installed before the home was constructed. A slab leak is simply a leak within this system of plumbing pipes, and whose indications are so subtle, they can go undetected for many months or even years. This is because they are located underneath a home and hidden from public view. In the plumbing industry, very little is known about slab leaks because of this very reason. Once detected, slab leaks are extremely troublesome to deal with and can lead to costly repair bills.

Continue reading to learn your options for repairing slab leaks in commercial pavements.

Slab Leak Repair

Slab leaks cause a plethora of problems for homeowners and even plumbing contractors as well, creating additional damages to your home or property. Repairs commonly involve tearing up flooring, rebuilding the foundation entirely, and more. If you suspect that you have slab leak within your home’s foundation, it is important to take immediate action before the implications become worse.

Here are the common signs that have been discovered over the years in the plumbing industry, and indicate your home or property may have slab leaks:

• Faint Sound of Running Water
• Increased Utility Bills
• Hot Spots or Cold Spots on the Floor
• Swampy Areas in the Lawn
• Wet or Moist Basement
• Other Wet Spots In or Around the Home
• And More

Slab leaks happen for various reasons. Lines can become kinked during installation, pipe corrosion, incorrectly wrapped pipes, friction, and more are all possible culprits behind slab leaks. When you have a slab leak, there are several options to choose from in order to fix the problem. The first step in discovering these options is to call a professional in the industry that can give you accurate and reliable information about concrete slabs and foundations, as well as, what to do when you have a slab leak.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Contractors

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial slab leak repair 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.

Affordable Pavement Repair Options

Posted on March 13, 2014 by admin

Asphalt is not full proof; this means that it’s prone to crack, crumble, deteriorate, atrophy, and be vulnerable to all other sorts of damages. Damages can be caused by people, automobiles, weather, and much more. When it comes to pavement repair, it isn’t always cheap. It can be hard to find local asphalt repair services that you can afford. Services that don’t require you to break your bank account. Fortunately, there are various affordable pavement repair options available for home and business owners that require asphalt repair services.

Continue reading to learn how to make asphalt repair more affordable through practiced methods and approaches that have proven to be cheaper than the standard pavement repair quotes people tend to receive.

Hire a Professional Pavement Contractor

The true and most realistic option when it comes to affordable pavement repair, is to hire a professional pavement repair contractor or company. They are the ones who retain the proper equipment, tools, training, and experience to facilitate proficient and guaranteed asphalt pavement repair services.

If you preferred the do-it-yourself method, you may be and for a tedious and frustrating trial. This is because asphalt repair it requires meticulous and acute attention to detail, as well as several other professional qualifications and knowledge. Not only does hiring a professional asphalt repair technician guarantee accurate and reliable work, it costs home and business owners much less in the long run.

As far as asphalt pavement repair is concerned, small cracks and crevices simply require resurfacing. This can take only a day or two with a professional pavement company. If the asphalt is in worse condition, the most likely approach would be to remove it and redo it from the start.

Once asphalt is repaired or service, it’s important for it has some sort of protection or insurance. In the case of hiring a professional asphalt repair contractor, they will retain the proper knowledge about the type of seal coating your asphalt pavement will require. Using the proper type of seal coating is the first step and properly protecting your asphalt pavement or surfaces.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair Services

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.

The Few Occasions When Mixing Concrete and Asphalt is Okay

Posted on March 1, 2014 by admin

Which material is better for building, concrete or asphalt? This is one of the most common and reoccurring arguments in the paving industry. Various debates, discussions, online forums, and lunchtime conversations have risen over and over again about this very topic. You can also endlessly debate whether or not concrete is better than asphalt or vice versa; or you can ask yourself how to get the best of both worlds. That’s right; there are times when it can be useful combining asphalt and concrete paving to get superior results.

Continue reading and catch up on three examples in which contractors can use both concrete and asphalt for paving construction.

Paving with Asphalt and Concrete

Paved asphalt for smaller cars and trucks can be damaged by larger vehicles and cargoes. Alligator cracking, large fissures, splintering, and crumbling can begin to appear once asphalt paving has become compromised by heavy vehicular traffic. It can be very expensive and time-consuming to repair or replace asphalt paving, so finding additional cost-effective alternatives can be helpful. One cost-effective solution to this problem is installing concrete reinforcement pads. They are installed on top of asphalt pavement. Their main purpose is to absorb the weight that leads to cracking and breakage. For commercial properties, they are generally placed in front of dumpster pads and loading docks where heavy vehicles frequently park or drive.

Another instance where using both asphalt and concrete comes in handy has to do with asphalt protection. Curbs and edges are seen all over the state, but very few acknowledge their purpose. Concrete curbs are frequently installed at the edges of asphalt paved roads in order to protect their base. Concrete curbs and edges provide two types of protection; water protection and damage control.

As for water, it can seep into the base of asphalt pavements. This weakens the structure overtime, causing more damage and need for costly repair work. Curbs stop this water leakage from occurring, reducing the amount of deterioration in the base of the asphalt. Curbs also protect the edges of asphalt paving from overexposure to weight and traffic. Edges are more vulnerable to damage and crumbling. To eliminate this threat, curbs are installed to cover and protect these edges from parking and traffic alike.

Using concrete for the base of an asphalt lay has great advantages. Contractors can choose to use a pure concrete base, or a custom asphalt-concrete base mix. It provides additional support for heavy traffic and vehicles at an affordable cost.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete today at 317-549-1833 for information and estimates regarding industrial and 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, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Water Stops for Concrete Pavement

Posted on February 7, 2014 by admin

Novice pavement information seekers may not know what water stops are and what they are used for in the concrete paving industry. Simply put, they are intended to prohibit water and other fluids from seeping into existing cracks and joints within concrete pavement. For water stops to be truly effective, they must be able to provide a water-tight seal within these concrete joints.

Continue reading to learn about water stops and how they are used in the concrete paving industry.

Concrete Water Stops

There are two distinct categories of water stops that provide this water-tight seal: water stops for joints with movement (dilation joints), and ones for concrete joints without movement (cold construction joints). There are various materials being used to manufacture water stops for concrete on the market today, including the most popular, gasket hydrophilic water stops. Other water stops types and materials include extruded plastic devices, metal water stops, rubber, expansion joints, multipurpose water stops, customized water stops, and more.

Within the two primary categories of concrete water stops, there are several types specifically for concrete; all of which come with separate functions, features, and systems. The most widely bought and sold water stops for concrete paving use a delayed-timing process of swelling and expanding in order to obstruct water from seeping into concrete joints and crevices. When moisture is present, the water stops activate and swell, preventing fluid from permeating the concrete structure.

A concrete structure is only as water-tight as the water stops that bind them together. This delayed activation is helpful because it allows concrete structures to cure properly without any premature water stop swelling action. It is also helpful because it allows a concrete structure to reach its maximum stability and strength.

There are other considerations to think about for a concrete pavement project that concerns water stop installation and preparation. For example, it is important to determine if you are working with vertical or horizontal concrete joints, and the size of the concrete paving job overall. You must think about which features and systems for water stops is designed to do the job you need done for your concrete pavement project; as well as, which industrial products are best to use for long-lasting protection.

Do you require a delayed-reaction so that wet concrete can dry properly? There is more than you think when it comes to water stops for concrete. The best advice to take is to call a professional pavement repair and service technician for reliable guidance. They have the skill, knowledge, training, education, and experience to accurately answer any questions you have about concrete water stops, and more.

Indianapolis Concrete Pavers

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional advice regarding water drainage for commercial concrete pavements 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.

Tips for Preserving Asphalt Driveways

Posted on January 25, 2014 by admin

If you chose asphalt pavement for your driveway, you most likely made an excellent choice. There are several advantages to asphalt driveways that one can truly appreciate. This is especially true when it comes down to asphalt maintenance and repair. Asphalt paving is more economical that other alternatives, such as concrete; and typically costs less at local hardware and construction stores. Not only is it flexible and easy to maintain, it provides long-lasting beauty up to 15 or 20 years. These are maybe the reasons behind why asphalt driveways have become trendier in the past decade.

If you are an asphalt driveway owner, continue reading to learn a few helpful hints for safeguarding and preserving asphalt pavement.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

Common Contributors to Asphalt Damages

Asphalt is a great option for residential driveways and paving; however, there are several factors that can jeopardize the integrity of the pavement. It is important as a property owner to protect your driveway from harmful and destructive conditions. All it takes is a little effort and knowledge to preserve asphalt paving for up to fifteen years or more; only needing minor repairs and maintenance along the way.

Here is a list of damaging factors to look out for:

Professional pavers recommend various strategies that can protect asphalt driveways from extensive damages such as these. For example, it is highly suggested to place watering devices and sprinklers far from freshly paved asphalt. This will allow new asphalt to set, firm, and dry properly to avoid any marks, dents, uneven areas, or other flaws.

Some more important suggestions for newly paved asphalt and existing asphalt pavement entail removing old or large trees near driveways. This will prevent tree roots from sprouting and breaking the surface of your driveway. It is also highly encouraged to call a professional tree care technician if you notice cracks or holes in your asphalt. If these holes and cracks exist, they will only continue to grow larger; leading to more expensive and intrusive repairs. The sooner you take action the cheaper and easier the repair will end up.

Asphalt Paving in Indianapolis, Indiana

Winter Cold Patching and Pot Hole Repair

Posted on January 6, 2014 by admin

In the wintertime, roads and tarmacs are more vulnerable to damages and deterioration. It is during this time that we notice more and more pot holes in our way. Pot holes are a huge implication when it comes to driving and safe road conditions. They are detrimental to our vehicle’s well-being; but more importantly, our safety. Not only can pot holes damage our vehicles, they can cause us to lose control and drive off the road; or worse, wreck!

In the winter, the weather goes through various freeze and thaw cycles, making existing pot holes and chuck holes even larger! This makes driving more dangerous, as well as, creates more and more pot holes on the road. Pot hole repair and winter cold patching are the most effective and time-friendly solution to pot hole repair and road repair.

Continue reading to learn more about winter cold patching, pot hole repair, and additional preventative maintenance for concrete and asphalt roads.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair 317-549-1833

Road Patching

It is highly advised to have the roads within or on your property patched. It is an essential part of pavement maintenance and repair. Road patching prevents accidents from occurring, as well as, new pot holes from forming. Road patching is a fantastic opportunity to protect your property investment and drive hassle-free.

Common winter road patching services offered by asphalt and concrete repair companies include:

Winter Road Patching and Pot Hole Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial winter road patching and pot hole 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.

Asphalt versus Concrete Pavement

Posted on December 12, 2013 by admin

There are two main options for contractors and homeowners when it comes to choosing a type of pavement for their lot or driveway; asphalt and concrete. Although both pavements are wide-spread and common for parking lots, driveways, roads, and more; concrete is seeing less popularity in recent years due to the increase in asphalt construction.

Let’s take a look at the difference between asphalt paving and concrete paving so that you can decide on your own which pavement type is best for your commercial or residential needs.

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Concrete Pavement

Concrete is known best for its longevity. It can last up to fifty years without needing replaced. So why is concrete in less demand for public parking lots, new construction, and driveways? Concrete can have a tendency to crack in cold or freezing temperatures. Concrete repair is possible; however, it requires a lot of effort and preferably, some experience.

Other aspects of concrete are not very likable as well, including the fact that concrete can fade, discolor, or create pits from laying salt to melt snow and ice. Concrete can easily discolor from oil stains and other types of spills. These stains can be very difficult to remove. Because of the concrete color and look, stains and deterioration stand out more and are much more evident than in asphalt.

Here are some other facts about concrete pavement driveways, parking lots, and roads:

Pros:

• Concrete Lasts up to 50 Years
• Does Not Require Seal-coating
• Concrete Can Be Painted, Molded, and Carved with Design
• Comes in Multiple Finishes
• Very Durable

Cons:

• Concrete is More Expensive
• Concrete Cracks in Freezing Weather
• Difficult to Repair
• Requires Longer Drying Time
• More Prone to Cracks

Asphalt Pavement

In comparison to concrete, asphalt paving has many differences and even a few similarities. For example, asphalt is made from tar, not cement. It is used in parking lots, roads, walkways, and now driveways more than ever. It is more limited than concrete when talking aesthetics; however, there are many advantages to consider when it comes to asphalt pavement.

So why is asphalt becoming such a popular substitution for concrete paving? Let’s take a closer look:

Pros:

• Cheaper
• Easy to Repair
• Fast to Install
• Easy Maintenance
• Sleek Look

Cons:

• Less Color Options
• Less Durable than Concrete
• Requires Re-sealing Every Few Years
• Difficult to Repair
• Lasts up to 20 Years
• Become Softer in High Heat

Depending on where you live and what type of land you intend to pave, asphalt and concrete can both be good options. It is best to consult a professional paving company for information and advice about concrete and asphalt pavement. They can give you answers to the hard questions, and help you decide which pavement suits your needs best.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Contractors

Should Interlocking Pavement be Installed by a Professional?

Posted on December 6, 2013 by admin

It is advised to check out some vital information about DIY pavement repair and installation before deciding to install interlocking stone or pavement on your own. Even if you intend to hire a pavement contractor, it is important to review the step-by-step process to better understand what type of project you are outsourcing and what to expect.

Continue reading to learn exactly what you need to know about this type of pavement installation process.

Interlocking stones or pavement is like a jig-saw puzzle; they all start as pieces that ultimately fit together just right. It is different than laying tile because tile jobs require a non-flexible surface and mortar for application. In contrast, interlocking pavement uses special sand as a bonding component and an interconnecting process that creates strong friction between the stones to thwart slipping or movement.

Interlocking Stone Installation

The time, effort, and industry knowledge it takes to achieve a proficient interlocking pavement job is extensive. This is the main reason why it should always be done by a professional paving company, or a person that is experienced in concrete, stone, and asphalt paving.

Many problems can arise during interlocking stone installation that cannot be predicted or foreseen in any way. A professional retains the training, knowledge, and tools to handle any dilemma or obstacle that may arise during installation. They also are likely to offer protection packages, warranties, and satisfaction guarantees on their work.

For newcomers to interlocking pavement world, check out this quick guide to interlocking stone and pavement installation:

• Current Surface Material is Excavated and Removed
• Ground or Soil Underneath is Dug Down to the Required Depth
• A Woven Geotextile Fabric is Fitted and Installed
• A Layered Base Rock and Sand Bedding Foundation is Built on Top
• Stones are Cut and Fitted
• Interlocking Process Takes Place
• Drying Time

A motif of designs and carvings can be implemented in the stone laying and fitting; or a standard look can be done as well. On the topic of designing and fitting the interlocking stone, a professional can be helpful because they are experienced in stone laying and retain tools and equipment to assist them. To get the finish you have in mind, be sure to ask a professional for advice and information that can help you make the best and most cost-effective choices for interlocking pavement installation.

Interlocking Pavement Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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!

Why Does Concrete Crack?

Posted on November 22, 2013 by admin

You would think something as hard and solid as concrete wouldn’t crack so easily. The truth is that concrete pavement is susceptible to a variety of elements and influences that can cause it to crack, buckle, crumble, and more. Although faulty concrete installation jobs can sometimes also be a reason behind crumbling or cracked concrete (i.e. no wire mesh installed, too much sand in the mix, watered-down mix, etc.), in most cases, the reasons are natural.

Continue reading to learn what makes concrete crack and what to do if you want them fixed in your driveway, parking lot, or street.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Cracked Concrete

Concrete commonly cracks in harsh environmental conditions. For example, concrete often cracks during freeze and thaw cycles; mostly in the northern climates of course. Freezing weather can freeze an underground water supply solid, and solid ice expands and requires more space than water. This is where the concrete is inflicted. The water-turned-ice expands underground, creating rifts and lifts in the above-ground concrete. It can cause the concrete to raise as much as two to three inches or more in most cases.

In the spring time, this cycle is reversed, causing even more concrete cracks and fractures. This is because as the ice melts in spring, causing the solid ice foundations beneath the concrete to disappear. This results in crumbling or caving concrete because there is no longer string ice beneath it for support. Once the summer time comes, even more damage is possible.

In the late spring and summer months, concrete pavement can suffer from cracking and fading from extensive sun exposure. This type of heat exposure can cause the concrete to warp and move even more so than it would in its freeze/thaw state. Once the sun goes down, the concrete will retract and settle in its original position. The problem is that the frequent instability and movement of concrete in hot weather can eventually weaken and crack the foundation altogether.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair

If you are bothered by excessive concrete cracks and deterioration, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial concrete 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.

Why is Asphalt a Popular Paving Material?

Posted on November 8, 2013 by admin

Everywhere you look, you see asphalt paving; from roads, to walkways, interstates, and more. For decades, asphalt paving has been a useful and beneficial commodity that has improved the way cities, towns, people, and industries operate. So why is asphalt such a popular amenity and material in the paving construction industry? The answer is extensive, and can take all day! However, below is a short introduction that explains why asphalt among one of the top choices in the world of paving and construction today.

The Advantages of Asphalt

Asphalt is a composite material that is combined with mineral aggregates and used in various construction developments and industries around the world. Year after year, asphalt is becoming the more popular choice of paving for things like driveways, parking lots, interstates, walk ways, and more. There are so many benefits to asphalt and asphalt pavement. For example, asphalt paving is:

• Very Strong and Flexible
• Lifespan of Up to 20 or 30 Years
• Suitable for Both Hot and Cold Climates
• Can Be Handled Easily
• Less Likely to Crack and Fracture
• Cheaper than Alternative Materials
• Weather Resistant
• Water Resistant
• Chemical Resistance
• Requires Less Maintenance
• Faster to Lay and Install
• And More!

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

If you are interested in Indianapolis asphalt paving services in for your commercial or industrial property, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-849-1833 today. 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.