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.

It’s a Brand New Year and the Perfect Time to Start Planning Needed Pavement Repairs!

Let ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. Repair Your Damaged Pavement!

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. wants to remind you that pavement repairs are an important part of protecting your investment! Overtime, asphalt and concrete pavements become exponentially vulnerable to natural wear and tear. This includes foot traffic, vehicle traffic, inclement weather, heat, freezing temperatures, contraction, expansion, and more. These damages lead to cracking, crumbling, fading, weakened reinforcement grids, foundation defects, and structural instability.

Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to protecting your pavement from such damages, including sealing and routine cleaning. However, there are natural forces that cannot be controlled, and most pavements are bound to sustain a certain degree of damages. It is only a matter of time; at which point professional intervention is necessary. And that’s where we come in!

Indianapolis Paving Contractors You Can Trust

Whether your pavements are old or have simply endured too much wear and tear, we can repair your pavements, and restore them back to new! We offer commercial, industrial, and municipal paving services that include everything from repair, repaving, replacement, excavating, and sealing. Our licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors have decades of experience in the industry, so they have the skills and training to deliver outstanding results in a convenient time frame. We are fully-equipped to take on any paving project, regardless of size or scope. Our company retains the latest advancements in technology and an elite team of contractors, setting us apart from our competitors within the industry.

Call 317-549-1833 Today to Get Started!

Asphalt Concrete Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

There is no need to put off your pavement repairs any longer. It’s a brand new year, so make it a productive one and get your pavement repair plan in place. And ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. can help you do just that! Owner Lindsey Lewis and his team are happy to get you started! Call us today at 317-549-1833 to learn more about pavement repair and schedule an in-person assessment in the near future. We look forward to hearing from you!

5 Types of Latex Additives Used in Asphalt Sealcoats

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

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Sealcoat Latex Additives

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

Acrylic polymers and Copolymer-Based Additives

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

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Polymer-Based Additives

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

Chloroprene (Neoprene) Polymer-Based Additives

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

Polyvinyl Acetate and Acrylic Copolymer-Based Additives

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

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

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

Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating

Asphalt Concrete Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

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

The Basic Differences between Conventional and Airless Asphalt Striping Machines

In the world of asphalt pavement, there are two primary types of striping machines used to create those white and yellow lines in the road we see and depend on every single day. These two striping machines are separated from one other based on the use of air. One option is called a conventional paint striping machine, and the other is called an airless paint striping machine. There are some basic, but notable, differences between the two most commonly used striping machines in the pavement industry.

Continue reading to learn these differences, and a little more about the devices behind the stripes, lines, and commands on the roads and parking lots in your town.

Indianapolis Road Striping and Paving
Indianapolis Road Striping and Paving 317-549-1833

Conventional Paint Striping

A conventional striping device uses air and comes equipped with a 7-gallon paint pot that seals and opens, as well as, a small engine and air compressor. The air compressor is an important component that plays a major role in the machines function. In fact, it feeds air to 4 different places: the sealed paint pot, the gun, a small can that holds a paint thinner, and 2 hoses that connect to the rear of the machine. Let’s take a closer look at these four areas.

When air is fed to the paint pot, it forces the paint to travel downward and out of the can, and then into a hose that leads to the primary spray gun. As air is fed into the primary gun, it transforms the paint into a spray, allowing large-scale, uniform application. If air is not introduced to the paint, it would simply drip or squirt out of the gun.

Air is also introduced to a small container that primarily holds paint thinner, but can also house water instead, depending on the type of paint (latex or oil-based) you are using. This is used to clean the gun tip during the application process. After spraying for an extended period of time, you can open the valve for a second or two to send the paint thinner (or water) through a separate hose and directly to the gun tip. This, of course, prevents build-up and blockages.

As mentioned before, the fourth area that air is fed to inside a pavement striping machine are the two hoses that attach to the back. One hose is for paint, while the other is for air. The hose that carries the paint does not supply the primary gun, but rather, a second gun used for stenciling and other paint applications. The air in the other hose allows the paint to spray properly. When it comes to conventional striping machines, it is important to know they require two separate spray guns: one for oil-based paint and one for latex paint.

Airless Striping Machines

Unlike the conventional machines, airless paint striping machines do not use air. Instead, they come equipped with openings in the gun tips that are specially-designed to promote a “spray-like” dispersion. You can get a better idea of this concept by thinking about a garden hose. When a hose is on, you can place your fingers on top of the opening to change the way the water comes out. By simply reducing the size of the hose’s opening, you can alter the speed, force, and spread of the water.

The same idea apples to the openings on airless striping machines. The holes, or openings, in the tip of the paint gun are designed to be very tiny and uniquely shaped in order to achieve spray-like paint dispersal and application. Since these machines do not come with a paint pot, they are much lighter in weight. Many people prefer the airless machines since they simply come with one hose, one motor, one engine, and one pump.

Indianapolis Line Striping Road Marking Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional line striping and road marking 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.

The Difference Between Hot Asphalt and Warm Asphalt Mix

Asphalt is a highly-beneficial paving material that can be used in various applications within the construction industry. There are several types of asphalt mixes, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), cold mix asphalt, cut-back asphalt concrete, mastic asphalt concrete, and variations of them all. By customizing aggregate material composition, binders, and more, contractors can achieve the proper asphalt pavement mix needed for the job. In this blog, we will discuss the principle differences between the two most popular forms of asphalt: HMA and WMA.

Continue reading to learn more about hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt, and what makes them so different.

Commercial & Industrial Paving Contractors
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is just that: hot. It is poured at a high temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and is only applied when outdoor temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit because it cools so rapidly. In the United States, it is the most common method of asphalt paving used for high-traffic pavements like highways, roads, interstates, and more. This is largely due to its advantageous qualities. Hot mix asphalt is water and weather resistant, flexible, and environmentally-friendly. Interesting uses for HMA includes environmental liners for places like reservoirs, landfills, and fish hatchery ponds.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is manufactured and shipped at lower temperatures, usually between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a slower cooling rate than HMA. This means it can be used in colder seasons or climates for road, highway, and interstate construction. For the same reason, it can be shipped long distances as well. WMA is used in roughly 30 percent of paving projects around the country because of its slow cooling rate, versatility, environmental benefits, and health benefits for workers. Since WMA is poured at lower temperatures, it reduces the amount of dust, smoke, and fumes created when applying HMA. This is safer for workers as well as the surrounding environment. It is also a wise choice for paving in tunnels, especially on a poor air quality day!

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving 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.

What are Recycled Asphalt Millings?

Recycled asphalt millings are essentially the product you get when old asphalt is ground up into gravel-sized pieces. You may also hear it be referred to as “crushed” or “recycled” asphalt. When a road needs repaired or replaced, a milling machine can be used to “mill” the existing asphalt pavement, and the gravel produced from the machine is saved for other purposes. Asphalt milling is an inexpensive, versatile, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional paving procedure and products, and can be a wonderful choice for asphalt repair or refurbishing.

Continue reading to learn more about asphalt millings and how they are beneficial for home and property owners.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled asphalt millings offer a wide variety of benefits and purposes for both commercial and residential property owners. They offer a long-term solution for roads, streets, driveways, paths, parking lots, bike trails, and more; all for a lower cost than laying new asphalt pavement. It is less susceptible to natural wear and tear, harsh weather, and changing climates; and it produces less mud, dirt, and dust. So not only is it affordable, it is long-lasting and durable as well!

A full truck-load of recycled asphalt millings will generally contain around 20 tons of material and cover nearly 1800 square feet in a three inch thick layer. Prices vary from company to company, but you always get the best deal for full truck loads or bulk orders.

Crushed asphalt is environmentally-friendly because it doesn’t require the use of new materials, and old materials are reused and re-purposed. The do not require refinishing, replacing, or resurfacing, and only strengthens over time. It is the perfect alternative to new asphalt pavement installation, and can dramatically transform the look of any property! Consult a professional asphalt paver for details about pricing, installation, design options, and more.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Repair Near You

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt 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.

Ditch the Gravel and Choose Asphalt for Driveway Installation!

Many homeowners go back and forth between the pros and cons of gravel driveways. In this blog, you will learn why you should just ditch the idea of gravel driveways, and choose asphalt pavement instead! Continue reading to review some facts about gravel driveways and roads that will paint an unappealing picture compared to the benefits of asphalt driveways.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

Gravel Driveways

Let’s talk gravel for a moment. It is, after all, the most widely-used material for residential driveways in the country! But this doesn’t mean it is the best option for driveway installation. You see, gravel is cheap. In fact, it is the cheapest and easiest option for driveways. This is why many homeowners with second homes or homes with extremely long driveways have opted for gravel. It is an instant “face-lift” for a property with a dirt driveway. And it can be used almost immediately after installation. Yes, these are a few advantages of gravel, but again, these advantages do not make gravel a good choice for driveways.

Here’s why gravel is not so great for residential driveway installation:

Snow and Ice Cause Problems. Removing snow and ice from gravel driveways is not an easy, or even 100% possible, task. Not only does the act of physically removing snow from gravel disturb the placement and elevation of the rock, it is back-breaking work. It can cause sinkholes and more in certain areas of the driveway that are equally as hazardous as potholes in the street. Sand and salt are the only practical options for snow and ice removal on gravel, and this could be an environmental concern for some.

Elevation Issues and Sinkholes. Sinkholes and dips in gravel form overtime from standard wear and tear. Not only does this require routine gravel re-fills and raking, it means that there is an increased chance of tire and vehicular damage, as well as, pedestrian injuries. Gravel is not always a safe walking platform. If not properly raked and filled, loose gravel can cause cosmetic damages to vehicles, like dents, scratches, nicks, and more. And it can also clog certain areas of a vehicle’s undercarriage.

Dust and Dirt. Especially in the warmer months when the ground tends to be drier, gravel driveways can lead to an abundance of dust, dirt, and debris in the surrounding air. This dander is spread and lifted even more when vehicles drive on the gravel. You can expect the exterior of your home to be dusty, as well as, all exterior commodities, like porch swings, furniture, lawn décor, and more. This certainly increases your personal power washing duties each year!

Poor Appearance. Gravel, if not artistically raked everyday, will retain tire marks and more. This doesn’t look pretty. And even with a grid installed beneath, weeds and grass can eventually grow upwards and through the gravel if the grid cracks; also not very pretty. It can make a home or property appear less refined and modern, thus reducing the property’s perceived value.

Learn why asphalt is a good choice for driveways, and decide for yourself which is a better fit for your home and property. Contact a local pavement contractor for answers to your driveway installation questions and more.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt paving 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 bids and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

Infrared Pothole Repair

A popular and effective method for road patching and pothole repair is a process that uses infrared heating technology. This method of asphalt patching has several benefits, making it a top choice for pavement repair companies across the country. Not only does the infrared asphalt repair technology allow for faster repair times and better results, it also reduces environmental impacts, noise pollution, labor costs, and the amount of equipment needed for the job. And perhaps best of all, it’s cheaper than the older methods of asphalt road repair!

Continue reading to learn more about infrared asphalt and pothole repair, and all the wonderful benefits it offers.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

Infrared Asphalt Road Patching

Potholes are trouble. And no one likes them. And no one sees them. Which is why they are such trouble! The new infrared asphalt road patching technology eliminates this frustrating dilemma by allowing faster repair rates and simpler repair procedures. Here’s how it works: An infrared heating unit heats up asphalt on roads, melting it in its place and changing it into a workable and alterable state of composition. From here, pavement repair contractors add new asphalt that melds perfectly with the old asphalt. Then they use specialized equipment to smooth out and re-pave the soft asphalt until it’s entirely level and feathered into the surrounding pavement. This eliminates seams and lines, reducing water infiltration and future freeze/thaw damages.

Environmental Benefits

There are several industry, commercial, and societal benefits to the infrared asphalt repair process; however, there are several environmental benefits too! Just another great reason why this new technology is a wonderful addition to the pavement repair industry. Environmental benefits start with the simple fact that reusing existing asphalt tarmac is less environmentally wasteful than removing old asphalt and replacing it with new material. All of the existing tarmac is 100% recycled and reused! Also, since the technology has become popular, materials sent to landfills have reduced as much as 90 percent, as well as, the use of new asphalt materials!

Commercial Paving Services in Indianapolis

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

Eco-Friendly Facts about Asphalt!

Did you know that asphalt paving has Eco-friendly qualities? It’s true! Asphalt pavement retains certain characteristics and properties that makes it a perfect choice for those who are considering pavement installation and prefer a “greener” option for this kind of addition to their property. Asphalt provides several benefits for the surrounding Eco-system and environment, including the local water table and more.

To learn what makes asphalt pavement so Eco-friendly, continue reading and broaden your perception of modern construction!

Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt is Recyclable

One of the greatest Eco-friendly advantages to installing asphalt pavement is that it is entirely 100 percent recyclable. In fact, it is among the top recycled products in the country, having more than 100 million tons reclaimed each year. Asphalt is an aggregate material that can be melted down and reused over and over again, just like gold or other precious metals. This is why it is totally recyclable.

Underground Water Tables

Another environmentally friendly characteristic of asphalt pavement is that it supports the local water table. It does this by retaining porous and permeable qualities. This means water can run right through it, stopping water runoff and returning water back to the water table. And asphalt pavement helps to filter rainfall, so the water is cleaner when it enters our rivers and streams.

Longevity

Because perpetual asphalt pavement can last up to 20 years, even in high traffic areas, local wildlife, landscaping, and traffic are not interrupted for long periods of time with pavement installations and repairs. Once it’s down it’s done, and there’s very little maintenance required.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

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

Cost-Effective Pothole Repair Tips for Asphalt Pavements

There are several variables that cause asphalt pavements to deteriorate and breakdown. Harsh elements like wind, rain, snow and ice are some of the more common sources behind worn out asphalt; while everyday traffic and exemplary “wear and tear” are also to blame. With these year-round threats in play, potholes, chuckholes, and kettle-holes are bound to appear.

For commercial properties and complexes, potholes can significantly affect business and drastically reduce customer appeal and convenience. As for residential properties, poor asphalt pavement can significantly reduce a home’s value and threaten the strength of a homeowner’s investment. These reasons, and more, are why routine asphalt pavement repair and maintenance are so vital. If you have troublesome or unsightly potholes in your asphalt foundations, it is time to take control.

Continue reading to learn the most cost-effective method to repairing potholes.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

Asphalt Pot Hole Repair

You see, pavement is under constant pressure; and after some time, hairline cracks turn into alligator cracks, crevices, and eventually, holes. This happens as a result of steady water and tire pressure, which pulls loose pieces out from cracks, and leaving behind gaping holes. If potholes are not fixed in a timely manner, they will quickly collect rain water, grease, and oil which will cause the pothole to grow larger and larger. This is especially important in cold weather or freezing climates because water within these holes can freeze up, expanding the hole even further. Even in milder weather, a pothole will remain an issue until repaired completely.

But who has time and money to fix all the chuckholes on their premises? The answer is you! Commercial asphalt repair is more affordable than most people believe, and you can find reputable Indianapolis commercial paving company in a matter of minutes. Just be sure to choose a company that is licensed and insured, with years of experience and training. They can offer competitive rates and free estimates; saving you hundreds of dollars along the way.

Hot and Cold Mix Asphalt Info

For the DIY enthusiast, there are additional cost-effective methods to repairing asphalt potholes. First, be aware that there are three principle types of cost-effective pothole repair products; cold, hot, and polyurethane asphalt. Hot asphalt is mixed at a shocking, 350 degrees; but it lasts much longer than most other pothole repair products in the market.

It is not recommended to use hot asphalt for small repair projects because it is typically not available in these amounts. The compaction and repair process must be facilitated while the asphalt is still hot; another reason it is not recommended for smaller repairs. Simply fill the hole, making sure all areas and crevices are filled. Then use a roller to flatten and smooth the surface. Allow it to dry completely. This can take one to two days.

Cold asphalt is great for smaller repairs and projects, but does not last as long nor offer the same level of durability as hot asphalt. It is, however, very easy to work with and simply requires mixing, filling, and compacting. Polyurethane asphalt pothole repair products are slightly different. Although they can be applied in any climate or season, they are more costly than the other products available. The upside is that it lasts a long time so you make back on your initial investment by avoiding needed repairs down the road.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional Indianapolis pothole repair you can trust. 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.