Concrete Versus Asphalt: Which is Better for Paving?

Posted on December 23, 2022 by admin

When it comes to paving a driveway or parking lot, homeowners and businesses alike have an important decision to make: should they choose concrete or asphalt? Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option depends on a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll compare concrete versus asphalt in terms of cost, versatility, appearance, maintenance, and longevity. Continue below to review the facts.

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What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a common construction material composed of many different natural and aggregate components. It is most commonly used for paving roads and parking lots due to its durability and water resistance compared to other pavement materials. Asphalt is made up of bitumen, mineral filler, washed stone, gravel, and sand, with the exact composition depending on the project requirements. It is a popular choice for road projects because of its extensive security range, from extremes in hot temperatures to freezing temperatures in winter months. This kind of pavement also has a long lifetime when compared with other pavements, with maintenance than possible throughout its life span which adds to its cost effectiveness. Asphalt’s versatility has led it to become one of the most trusted materials for any residential or commercial construction project.

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a construction material that has been used for centuries to create incredibly durable structures. It is a composite of aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone that is bound together tightly with cement and water. Concrete can be used in many forms including blocks, slabs, molds, and even sprayed on surfaces. It offers many advantages due to its strength and resistance to weather damage. This makes it an ideal material for many types of construction projects in both residential and commercial buildings. Concrete also requires far less maintenance when compared to other building materials, making it an economical choice for most construction projects.

5-Point Comparison of Asphalt and Concrete

Cost: Asphalt is typically cheaper than concrete initially. However, asphalt wears away quickly and may need to be replaced within 10 years or less of installation. Concrete, on the other hand, can last up to 50 years with proper care and maintenance. Over the long term, concrete is often a more cost-effective option.

Versatility: Asphalt is particularly versatile in terms of form and design. For example, it can be easily manipulated to create curves or contours in the pavement. Concrete, while not as amenable to complex designs, can still be poured into a variety of forms and styles.

Appearance: Many people prefer the look of concrete over asphalt. Concrete can be poured in a variety of colors and textures, giving it more potential for customization. Asphalt is typically available only as black, though some companies offer decorative options such as stamped designs or colored asphalt.

Maintenance: Asphalt requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition, such as resurfacing or sealcoating every three to five years. Concrete is easier to maintain, but it can still benefit from occasional sealing and repair of any cracks that may form over time.

Longevity: Asphalt usually needs to be replaced every 10-15 years, depending on the climate and amount of use. On the other hand, concrete can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance.

Ultimately, the choice between asphalt and concrete depends on your individual needs and budget. Asphalt is often a better choice for shorter-term projects due to its lower upfront cost. However, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution that offers more design options, concrete may be the better choice. Be sure to consult with a professional Indianapolis paving contractor to determine which material is right for your project.

Ready to trust a commercial paving repair company? Search no more. ACI Asphalt & Concrete is the one for you! Contact us today at 317-549-1833 and discover our top-notch commercial pavement repair services in Indianapolis, as well as book a detailed consultation. Get your business’s pavement looking perfect with just one call!

4 Common Mistakes People Make When Pouring a Concrete Slab

Posted on September 30, 2022 by admin

There are several reasons why it is important to hire a professional paving contractor for any type of concrete slab work. In fact, the most common mistakes made by those who choose the “do-it-yourself” approach are the very reasons why qualified concrete service is so critical to the outcome of a paving project. So, if you are a property owner who is considering a DIY concrete slab pouring project, be sure you are fully informed before getting started.

Continue reading to learn the top four mistakes made when pouring concrete slab. These common errors might just change your mind about do-it-yourself concrete work and bring you to the conclusion that licensed and bonded concrete installation is the best route to take.

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DIY Concrete Slab Mistakes

Even the most experienced handyman or home improvement buff is better-off hiring a professional Indianapolis paving company for any type of slab work. Without the proper resources, a person can have a lot of trouble pouring concrete on their own, and a low chance at achieving quality results. This includes the proper tools and materials, specialized equipment, and a sufficient team of helpers. In addition to the proper tools and resources, adequate training and hands-on experience is essential to pouring concrete slabs skillfully.

Here are four common mistakes made when pouring concrete slab:

Site Preparation ▶ Pouring concrete is a complex job that requires a significant amount of preparation. Those without experience often overlook the importance of proper site preparation. For concrete can be poured, the site must be perfectly level and thoroughly compacted. In most cases, this requires preliminary site excavation work. Depending on the quality of your work site’s surface, various adjustments may be needed to achieve a good outcome.

Concrete Mixing ▶ Another common mistake made by novice concrete installers is improperly mixing the concrete or using the wrong type altogether. Even the mix is only slightly off balance, it is worthless and shouldn’t be used. Also, not all concrete projects call for the same type of concrete mix, so it is important to differentiate products from one another. Using the wrong concrete would be disastrous to your project, not to mention a huge waste of your money and effort.

The Weather ▶ Very few people consider the weather before starting a concrete installation job, which is highly influential to the overall project. If weather is hot, cold, or wet, certain precautions and adjustments must be made in order to achieve the proper results. So failing to check the weather report before scheduling a concrete slab work day can be a huge setback.

Finish Work ▶ It is very common to forget the finish work required for pouring concrete slab. Before it’s finished, it needs to be screeded, edged, and floated. Failing to do so will result in a bubbly, uneven surface. If this is not completed, then the entire project is essentially a waste of time, money, and effort. This goes for any project that is only done halfway.

Do you have questions about your commercial concrete paving plans? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional commercial and industrial concrete paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also serve municipal clients.

Will I Pay More For Asphalt or Concrete?

Posted on June 7, 2022 by admin

Cost comparisons play a vital role in all business-related expenditures, large or small. So, when it comes to paving new surfaces for your company, you will naturally want to know which pavement material is more cost-effective. Basically, you want to know if asphalt will cost you more than concrete, or vice versa. Scroll down to learn some facts about the cost of asphalt and concrete paving materials that will help you make the best spending decision for your business.

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The Price of Asphalt Versus the Price of Concrete

Asphalt and concrete are two entirely different paving materials used to render the same types of paved structures. From roads and parking lots to courts, plazas, sidewalks, curbs, bollards, and more, both asphalt and concrete have proven to be tried and true paving products. But which one will cost you more, upfront and in the long run? The answer is complicated and more importantly, will vary depending on the unique details and specifications of your paving project. For this reason, lean on the facts about asphalt and concrete prices to help you get started in the right direction.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of both paving materials in terms of price and maintenance.

Average Prices

Asphalt is generally cheaper than concrete. That is why it is so widely used to pave roads, highways, and interstate systems. Oppositely, concrete tends to come with a high price tag. On average, asphalt can be procured between $1 and $5 per square foot (installed), while average concrete prices range between $3 and $10 per square foot installed.

Routine Maintenance

Although asphalt is the cheaper paving option upfront, it generates additional costs every 3 to 5 years when it needs resealing. A single bucket of asphalt sealant can cost upwards of $20, so you can imagine the total cost to reseal a multi-level parking lot or business front driveway. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt will incur more damage, which can lead to premature repairs and overlays.

Concrete does not require much maintenance other than routine cleaning, pressure washing, and if applicable, fresh paint application. However, concrete cracks tend to be a challenging repair, and therefore, pricey. That is something to think about when deciding on a paving material.

Square Footage

Because asphalt and concrete are typically priced by the square foot, installed, the size of your project will largely impact the total cost of paving. The more surface area, the higher the cost, both upfront and in the long run.

Lifespan

Concrete pavements can last between 20 and 60 years with good care. Asphalt pavements can last between 10 and 30 years with regular sealcoating and good care.

Are you looking for qualified road construction and commercial paving in Central Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed and insured paving services for asphalt and concrete pavements in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients all throughout such parts of the state.

ACI Asphalt & Concrete Offers Workable Solutions for Your Commercial Paving Problems!

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

ACI Asphalt & Concrete is the number one choice for commercial pavers in Indianapolis, Indiana! This is largely due to the fact that our professional road construction specialists are highly trained and extensively experienced in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. Furthermore, in combination with an immense staff of licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors, we retain the latest technologies, innovative materials, and state of the art tools, allowing us to achieve the highest standards of excellence on every job.

These reasons and more are why our team of expert pavers are successfully completing asphalt and concrete projects for commercial and industrial properties, every day!

Our Company Offers the Most Competitive Rates for Asphalt and Concrete Paving Work!

ACI Asphalt & Concrete offers a wide range of professional-grade paving services, including asphalt and concrete work, curb repair, sidewalk repair, block paving, road striping, milling and overlaying, seal coating, removal and replacements, and much more. Take a closer look at some of the top paving services we offer for Indiana commercial and industrial properties:

⇒ Asphalt Repair

⇒ Asphalt Repaving

⇒ Sealcoating

⇒ Parking Lots

⇒ Potholes / Chuck Holes

⇒ Speed Bumps

⇒ Crack Repair

⇒ Striping

⇒ Walking Paths

⇒ Asphalt Milling

⇒ Excavation

⇒ Demolition

⇒ Parking Blocks

⇒ Concrete Repair

⇒ Concrete Replacement

⇒ Sidewalks

⇒ Curbs

⇒ Steps

⇒ Concrete Grinding

⇒ ADA Ramps

⇒ Storm Drains

⇒ Dumpster Pads

⇒ Ballard Post

⇒ Demolition / Removal

⇒ Drainage Pipes

⇒ Hand Rails

Why Choose Us?

ACI Asphalt & Concrete is licensed, bonded, and insured, with more than three decades of hands-on experience in the paving industry. We are also active members of the Better Business Bureau, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association, Community Association Institute, and the Apartment Association of Indiana. As a locally owned and operated company here in Indianapolis, we are dedicated to supporting our communities with reputable and friendly paving service at economy-based prices.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL!

Request More Information Today!

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833 — ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Here at ACI, we are truly dedicated to proving superior paving services for the local municipalities in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. 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.

How to Care for Polished Concrete

Posted on February 11, 2016 by admin

Whether indoors or outdoors, polished concrete has become a fantastic substitute for expensive, hard-to-maintain flooring. It has a beautiful finish that is easy to create. Not only is polished concrete cheap, easy to implement, and stunningly beautiful; it is simple to maintain and clean. To polish concrete flooring, a polishing machine that uses discs made of shattered diamonds is swiped along a floor, similar to sanding wood. It is a fantastic and easy way to make the best of concrete flooring. It is also a cheap alternative to carpeting, tile, linoleum, and hardwood.

Continue reading to learn how to care for polished concrete flooring and who to call for professional advice or assistance in your town.

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Regular Maintenance for Polished Concrete

To simply clean and maintenance polished concrete on a daily basis, a few strategies need to be carried out every day. These strategies first start with mats, runners, and additional types of floor coverings. In high traffic areas, such as entry ways or hallways that lead to communal areas (i.e. restrooms, kitchens, etc.), floor mats are helpful. They reduce the negative effects of repeated foot-traffic by collecting dirt, moisture, and mud in its fibers rather than letting these permeate the floor. They also reduce color fading, stains, and general wear and tear.

Another daily method to maintaining polished concrete includes light sweeping with a soft-bristled broom. Using an industrial-strength or heavy-duty broom can cause scratches on the surface of your flooring. Be sure to use a soft broom for delicate sweeping and dusting. Also, it is important to clean spills immediately. Never allow anything sticky or stain-able to sit on polished concrete. This can jeopardize the aesthetic qualities of the floor. Another recommendation is to dry mop every day or to purchase an auto-floor machine that dusts on the hour, every hour.

These routine maintenance strategies serve as an excellent guide to caring for polished concrete. On the other hand, this type of flooring requires more than just cleaning; they require the use of application-specific tools and effective chemistry for a longer lasting shine and stronger durability. This means mastering mechanical and chemical maintenance as well. Using diamond-plated pads to buff the surface of polished concrete floors is the mechanical aspect; while using industry-appropriate cleaners and conditioners to sanitize. It is highly recommended to consult a professional and licensed commercial concrete company for more specific instructions regarding polished concrete care.

Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Contractors

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for concrete repair and maintenance 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.

Concrete Repair for Pop Outs and Cracks

Posted on January 13, 2016 by admin

Concrete patios are known to experience a strange, distinctive type of damage in the wintertime; a kind of damage that leave property owners completely puzzled. Although there is no technical name to describe this unique concrete damage that shows up every winter, many people describe the effect as “pop outs” or popped cracks. These areas of damaged concrete are about the size of a quarter, and appear as if they have risen or been pushed up from underneath, separating the concrete from its original surface level.

These pop outs can be very frustrating for property owners being that they are just as unsightly as they are costly to repair. Fortunately there are ways to prevent such damage to concrete patios and foundations, however, they do require a bit of time and money. The best way to prevent concrete damage is to provide regular maintenance and ensure the installation process is done correctly.

Continue reading to learn the causes behind concrete pop outs and how to manage them.

Concrete Damage and Repair

Concrete pop outs occur on driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and more, generally as a result of freezing temperatures and winter precipitation, like snow, ice and rain. When concrete freezes, water inside the pores freezes and thaws, expanding the aggregate material and popping it out through the surface of the concrete. This is caused by snow and ice, and the melting of both. When pavers use moderately porous aggregate material to make concrete, this kind of damage is more likely to occur. The most porous the concrete, the more vulnerable it will be to water freeze and thaw cycles.

Although pop out damage doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the concrete foundation, it is unsightly in an aesthetic sense, which is very important for commercial properties; especially those that provide a service. For this reason, it is common for property owners to outsource concrete repair services. Concrete repair companies are a fast and cost-effective approach to patch up concrete pop outs or repave concrete foundations. They retain the proper tools, training, and equipment to accurately repair concrete in a time frame that is convenient for everyone.

Commercial Concrete Paving Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete pavement 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.

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