Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?

Rain affects the process and outcome of a lot of outdoor activities and projects; from picnics and exercise, to gardening, construction, and more, anything done outdoors will be either delayed or made more challenging by the weather. But what about new asphalt pavements? We know that rain has an impact on dry asphalt; but does it affect asphalt during the curing phase?

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about post-installation pavement care, as well as, how you can expect rainfall to affect your curing asphalt.

Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair 317-549-1833

Rain and Asphalt Installation

There is no way around it; asphalt cannot be installed when it is raining outside. Furthermore, asphalt installation projects must be postponed if it has rained recently and the ground is still wet. Why? Asphalt mixtures contain oil, and we all know how oil and water react when they come into contact: oil repels water. So when rain comes into contact with fresh asphalt, it causes the oil to rise to the surface. This affects the asphalt curing process and the finished result in a number of ways.

First, the overall quality of the project will be jeopardized, and likely reduced. This includes structural reinforcement and stability, as well as, aesthetics, performance, and longevity. In the case that newly-laid asphalt is subjected to rainfall or water, holes and cracks can form, eventually leading to a crumbling mess of potholes and other major pavement damages. Cracks and severe damage can also occur as a result of installing asphalt when the ground is still wet from a recently rainfall.

How to Prevent Asphalt Pavement Damage

High quality asphalt pavements that perform well and last for a long time all start with proper installation. Proper installation is the most critical factor. This means that the most important job for you as a commercial or industrial property owner is to hire a skilled and reputable paving company to get the job done right. Look for experience, licensing, insurance, and client testimonials to confirm you are choosing a qualified crew. Or skip the hassle and call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for all your commercial paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas!

Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair

Here at ACI, we are truly dedicated to proving superior asphalt paving services for the surrounding Central Indiana municipalities. In fact, we are truly honored to be members of the local community, and strive to be your affordable solution for professional, high-quality municipal pavement repair and service. Contact us at 317-549-1833 to learn more about our asphalt and concrete paving services, today.

Why is My Asphalt Deteriorating?

Have you taken a close look at your asphalt pavement lately? If it is beginning to show signs of deterioration, there is usually a good reason why. Fortunately, asphalt is a material that is easy to work with and repair. So if your asphalt lot has seen better days, a quick makeover is no problem.

Continue reading to learn your options for asphalt repair, as well as, some common reasons why asphalt deteriorates.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Learning what causes asphalt to deteriorate is important so that you can better protect your newly-restored pavement and increase its lifespan. Although some things cannot be controlled or avoided, there are many others that can. Here are the primary reasons why asphalt pavement will breakdown:

Poor Quality Installation

The most common reason why a relatively new asphalt paved surface begins to deteriorate is due to poor installation. Inexperienced or unethical contractors may render a poor quality job as a result of cutting corners, old equipment, a lack of resources, poor quality materials, and shoddy workmanship. For this reason, the best decision you can make for your premises is hiring an experienced and licensed Indianapolis asphalt paving company that can provide professional repairs and services that stand the test of time. When asphalt is laid properly, it can last decades.

Poor Water Drainage

Another reason why asphalt will begin to corrode sooner than it should is poor water drainage. This is usually a result of poor quality work, as mentioned above. When a lot cannot sufficiently drain standing water from its surface, the water will penetrate the asphalt and cause the liquid asphalt binder to lose its resistance to water, which can lead to compaction problems and more. Once colder temperatures come around, the freeze-thaw cycles will begin, causing the water to expand cracks and produce pot holes.

Foot and Vehicle Traffic

If your lot experiences a lot of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, it is more likely to show signs of deterioration soon than a vacant lot would. The impact and weight of cars, trucks, vans, and more, will cause the pavement surface to form cracks that will eventually expand and crumble overtime. Stains from chemicals, grease, and dirt will also impact asphalt. Discoloration and fading may occur from sunlight exposure, which can dry out liquid binders, allowing for water penetration.

Natural Elements

As mentioned, some things are out of your control, for the most part. Overtime, natural elements like wind, rain, snow, and ice, will cause pavement to deteriorate. This is what we call “natural wear and tear.” And although these elements are not controllable, you can protect your asphalt and extend its life with a quality sealcoat. Just be sure it is applied by a licensed and insured asphalt paver.

Who to Call For Experienced Asphalt 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 team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.

True and False Facts About Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt and concrete are two of the most common and popular paving materials used in the industry. Both retain a separate set of wonderful qualities and offer a wide range of benefits for both property owners and the environment. Making the decision between the two can be quite daunting, especially if your property is well-suited for either type.

Asphalt is generally top choice in the paving industry for commercial and industrial properties, and is often recommended by most pavement specialists. If asphalt pavement is currently the option you’re leaning toward, but you are still undecided about a paving material for your new lot, it helps to clear up any misconceptions you may have heard about it before moving forward.

Continue reading to learn some true and false facts about asphalt pavement, as well as, who to speak to for help making this important decision for your property.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Performs Better in Colder Temperatures

TRUE!

Concrete is a porous paving material, which means that water and moisture can enter inside. When the climate changes in the cold seasons, any moisture inside concrete can freeze and thaw. This causes expansion, contraction, and heaving. In contrast, asphalt is not generally affect the colder temperatures, and performs well throughout the year.

Asphalt is Eco-Friendly

TRUE!

Asphalt is made up of various aggregates and binders, all of which are 100% environmentally friendly and recyclable. In fact, asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the United States of America. According to NHTSA, more than 100 million tons of recycled asphalt is used to repave roads and highways all across country. Porous asphalt is even more eco-friendly because it allows water to penetrate through its pores, reducing erosion, supporting water retention for plant life, and even reverting rainwater to the natural water table.

Asphalt Can Last Up to 20 Years With Proper Maintenance

TRUE!

With the routine care like seal coating, and periodic minor repairs, asphalt pavements can last 15 years or more. Seal coating is important because it provides an impenetrable surface against chemicals, oils, oxidation, water penetration, and more, all of which reduces the development of potholes, depressions, and other surface blemishes. It can also accelerate the rate at which ice and snow melts.

Not only does asphalt pavement require routine seal coating and other maintenance services, it also needs to be installed properly for long-term performance and durability. Be sure to hire a licensed and qualified in the Indianapolis asphalt paving company for professional results that last.

Smooth Asphalt Does Not Affect Fuel Consumption

FALSE!

The smoother the asphalt, the better the drive. This not only saves fuel because driving is smoother, it also reduces the amount of wear and tear on tires, engines, and the vehicle as a whole. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration conducted a study that proved driving on smoother pavements can reduce fuel consumption around 4.5% to 5% compared to driving on rougher roads.

Indianapolis Asphalt Installation and Repair

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 repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete repair services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free quote, today.

Can Hot or Cold Weather Affect the Asphalt Paving Process?

Various technicalities are involved in the asphalt paving process, all of which require meticulous attention to detail. In order to get the best results, asphalt paving requires skill, training, knowledge, specialized equipment, high-quality base materials, and most importantly, satisfactory working conditions. This includes good sub-grade, drainage, base, and even climate. That’s right; if environmental conditions are not favorable, the overall quality of an asphalt paving project is at risk. Continue reading to learn how outdoor temperatures affect asphalt paving, and the best time of year to have your asphalt pavement installed.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Ambient Air and Base Temperatures

In order to get the best results for asphalt pavement installation, outdoor temperatures must be warm enough. And not just the temperature of the air, but of the base too. The base includes the lower aggregate, soil, and existing asphalt material. Both cold air and cold ground can deliver inferior asphalt paving results, and for many reasons. If the air or base is too cold, the asphalt will dry too quickly, which reduces compaction, density, and longevity of the pavement. Cooling too quickly causes it to unravel and fall apart, which leaves behind rough and rocky surfaces. An asphalt pavement in this condition cannot thrive long, as it will retain water and continue to atrophy at a rapid pace.

Another reason why cold temperatures can deliver poor paving results are sealcoats. Asphalt requires sealcoating as an added preventative maintenance against wear and tear and to retain its strength and durability over time. And in order for sealcoat to cure properly, it requires both sun and warmth. Base and air temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit are risky conditions for asphalt installation.

For these reasons and more, it is recommended for the outdoor air temperatures to be at least 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and ground temperatures to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, for the best asphalt paving results. Be sure to hire an experienced pavement contractor for reliable asphalt paving services you can trust. They have the resources, training, and experience to deliver quality results in a convenient time-frame.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt Concrete Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed pavement contractors, are happy to answer your questions about asphalt paving installation and repair. We offer a wide range of commercial and industrial paving services, including sealcoating, winter cold patching, pothole repair, and more.

What Makes Asphalt a Good Paving Material?

Asphalt is a popular paving material because it is a good paving material. Its various attributes make it effective, and its quality makes it a first-choice for many building and construction applications. Asphalt delivers several benefits in terms of function, longevity, durability, maintenance, and cost-savings, which is why it is the most commonly-used material for paving roads, streets, interstates, highways, parking lots, driveways, and much more. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of asphalt and why it’s used in so many industries.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Performance and Longevity

Asphalt is a composite material made up of a combination of aggregates, binders, and other additives. It is strong and durable, so it can withstand inclement weather, harsh chemicals, and heavy traffic. It is also water-resistant, which reduces cracking and other freeze-thaw related surface damages. Because asphalt is strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, it lasts for years. Not only does this reduce the need for repairs and replacements, it makes the maintenance load much lighter.

Installation and Maintenance

Asphalt is flexible, making it easy to work with. And since it is strong and durable, very little maintenance is needed to keep it in good condition. A quality seal coat, routine sweeping, and prompt crack repairs are the most important parts of asphalt maintenance. Also, the groundwork and foundation preparation work for asphalt is much easier than its outdated alternatives. This reduces labor time, thus reducing installation costs.

Cost

The attributes of asphalt make it a cost-effective material for various paving projects. Although a notable upfront cost, asphalt saves money in the long run. Reduced repairs and installation times combined with all the added conveniences of asphalt make up for the initial investment. Just keep in mind that it will likely need re-seal-coating every 3 to 5 years. This will also keep maintenance low, repairs at bay, and protect your investment.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for asphalt repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of professional pavers, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have more than 30 years of experience in the paving industry. We offer commercial, industrial, and municipal asphalt paving services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request an estimate for Indianapolis asphalt paving, today.