FAQS About Commercial Concrete Overlays

Posted on April 8, 2022 by admin

If you have old, existing concrete foundations on your commercial lot, it is likely that they are in need of a little restoration or repair. One of the most cost-effective and easy options for old, existing concrete improvement are overlays. Concrete overlays are installed directly on top of existing foundations, which means there is little to no demolition or excavation necessary. They are great options for parking lots, sidewalks, plazas, courtyards, patios, driveways, and many other areas of paved surfaces.

Continue reading to review the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about commercial concrete overlay application, performance, appearance, and maintenance.

Commercial Concrete Overlay Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Overlays

Where Can Concrete Overlays Be Applied?

Any existing concrete surface that is in sound condition is a good candidate for overlay installation. A few cracks here and there are not usually an issue, but if the foundation is heaving, crumbled, or full of crevices, it is not a good candidate. A licensed and insured Indianapolis commercial concrete contractor can provide an assessment to determine if your property is a good candidate for concrete overlays. Everything from commercial parking lots and sidewalks to athletic courts, pool decks, paved trails, and more can be overlain with a freshly-paved layer of concrete. Overlays are also a great option for stained or discolored surfaces.

Are Concrete Overlays Durable?

Commercial concrete can last a long time with good care. Plus, with proper installation and the use of concrete sealers, concrete overlays can withstand the elements and natural wear and tear for several years. They can also be polished to a smooth, even finish. This adds more protection, especially on high-traffic pavements. Concrete polishing is a great option for surfaces that are blemished, discolored, or stained.

What Does a Concrete Overlay Look Like?

For the most part, a concrete overlay will look much like a smooth, grayish-white surface. But the great thing about concrete is that it is a highly versatility paving material. It can be polished, stained, colored, stamped, decorated, molded, shaped, dyed, and much more. These paving options can give standard gray concrete a decorative appearance, and even mimic higher end materials like brick, tile, cobblestone, and marble. This makes it an extremely cost-effective alternative to these materials and more. Concrete is also easier to clean and care for, making it less labor-intensive for the property owner.

How Do I Maintain Commercial Concrete?

Although concrete is one of the most common paving materials used across the world, admired and sought-after for its various properties, it is also porous, which means it is susceptible to certain damages caused by natural elements, chemicals, and more. For this reason, concrete requires proper installation, routine maintenance, and sometimes, repaving, overtime. What kind of maintenance? Routine sweeping, power washing, debris removal, crack filling, and weather management are all important elements of a responsible and effective concrete maintenance plan. These routine tasks will allow paved concrete to maintain a fresh and smooth appearance.

Are you looking for a trusted Indiana commercial paving company to restore your concrete pavements? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to speak with a seasoned commercial paving contractor in Indianapolis, Indiana today. We specialize in both asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial clients.

Do I Need a Concrete Sealcoat for My Lot?

Posted on August 12, 2020 by admin

Concrete is a widely used pavement made from combining several natural materials, such as lime cement, gravel, sand, and water. It is a man-made, permeable material used in the construction industry all across the world. As a permeable pavement, concrete is vulnerable to cracking, weather damage, atrophy, and more. Because of its porous characteristics, concrete must be protected. This is where concrete sealers come in handy.

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits associated with using concrete sealers and seal coating.

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Concrete is a Porous Pavement Material

Concrete is porous, as mentioned before. It has several inner channels and tubes that allow water and moisture to pass through. When this liquid freezes and thaws, it creates large gaps and crevices in concrete pavement. Water flow within these inner channels can also cause concrete to deteriorate over time. In order to thwart water seepage in concrete, it is necessary to seal it properly. Concrete sealers do just that!

Seal coating is a process of pavement protection that can more than double the life of concrete. It drastically reduces salt damage, wear and tear caused from traffic, and protects against natural elements like harsh weather and wildlife. It can even prevent dingy smells and musty odors! They strengthen and reinforce pavement so it can last longer and require less maintenance. It reduces cracking, crumbling, breakage, splitting, dusting, fading, and more. The most common residential and commercial uses for paving sealants is for driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, basement floors, and other areas of exposed concrete.

Proper Concrete Protection is a Must

If you want concrete pavement to be impenetrable, a proper sealer must be applied. It is important to consult and outsource a professional paving contractor for accurate industry information and guidance. They retain the latest technologies, proper industry equipment, and extensive knowledge for professional concrete seal coating. Commercial properties commonly used urethane sealers, such as siloxane, siliconate, and silane. Residential properties tend to use epoxy sealers, like water-based epoxy or penetrating epoxy. These sealants provide a tougher, thicker, chemical-resistant film. Epoxy sealers are perfect for marine applications as well. No matter what sealcoating application you choose, always be sure it is safe to use and safe for the environment.

Where to Get Licensed Concrete Pavement Work in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial concrete repair and paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified contractors provide several paving services for both asphalt and concrete, 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 Importance of Concrete Stability When Paving Over It With Asphalt

Posted on May 8, 2020 by admin

If your commercial lot looks like it has seen better days, it could very-well be time for an upgrade. Pavement upgrades can come in all different forms, depending on unique factors surrounding your lot’s condition. In some cases, concrete lots are well-suited for an asphalt overlay. But many property owners wonder if you can, in fact, pave over old concrete pavement with asphalt. The answer is, yes. However, it takes supreme skill and paving knowledge to get it done correctly. If the concrete foundation is not stable enough, an asphalt overlay will suffer the consequences.

Continue reading to learn why concrete stability is so important to an asphalt overlay project, and who to trust for premium advice regarding your pavement renovation needs.

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Stable Concrete Foundations are a Must

Although it is perfectly safe to add asphalt on top of concrete, it must be done properly to get good compaction and lasting results. Not only should it last a long time, it should look good. This is where concrete stability comes into play. Concrete is often used a base material because of its stability benefits, but this does not mean that it is always stable enough for an overlay project. If it is not, there can be a lot of negative and costly side effects.

Poor Concrete Stability

In contrast to asphalt concrete is not compacted, nor does it have to be. That is because it will harden over any surface, naturally. In fact, it is a common industry practice to lay concrete directly over unstable soil because it can bridge the stability imbalance. But overtime, if concrete is laid over an unstable base, its slabs will eventually begin to move and crack at the expansion joints. Ultimately, what you get is a very unsightly surface filled with cracks, crevices, depressions, and heaves.

Fortunately, a professional paving company can ensure that your concrete base is stable for an asphalt overly, and that the expansion joints will not shift after installation. They accomplish this by making sure the base has an even thickness, and that the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion. They also properly install paving fabrics, mill portions of the concrete when necessary, and use an industry-specific adhesive material that is extra strong, and will bond the asphalt to the concrete. Lastly, a pro always uses hot-mix asphalt for overlays to get the best results.

Who to Trust for Commercial Pavement Work in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 when you need commercial pavement repair for asphalt and concrete. Our licensed and bonded paving contractors provide pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and much more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Culvert Pavement Repair

Posted on March 9, 2020 by admin

Culverts are trenches or sewer conduits that cross beneath paved groundwork, such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and railroads. They are designed to divert water runoff below paved surfaces, and transport it to a local reservoir or basin. In addition to water runoff diversion and architectural land planning, culverts serve the important purpose of providing bridge-like support for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Because culverts serve an array of important purposes, both functionally and environmentally, it is important to keep them in optimal condition. As a commercial property owner, it is encouraged to have culvert damage repaired in a timely manner as to avoid larger, more invasive and expensive pavement work down the line.

Continue reading to learn more about culvert pavement repair, as well as, how to obtain a free bid for commercial pavement work near you.

Culvert Pavement Repair

Frequency and intensity of both car and foot traffic, combined with the overall condition and installation of pavement, will determine how soon culvert repair should be addressed. These types of wear and tear can weaken the pavement above a culvert, making it even more important to implement comprehensive repairs to avoid additional or exponential damage; and culvert damage left unaddressed can lead to larger, costly, and more time-consuming repair work. Be sure to choose a licensed and experienced Indianapolis asphalt and concrete repair company for the most accurate and reliable culvert construction and pavement repair services.

The Process of Repairing Culvert Damage

To begin a culvert repair job, certified pavement contractors will use saw to cut the apron approach area, and then peel away the old asphalt using a skid steer. Once the asphalt and removed and the gravel is pushed to the side, the culvert pipe will most likely be exposed. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the old asphalt is raised, lifted, or bumpy, then the pipe will most likely be damaged as well and need replaced. As a side note, the old asphalt and culvert pipe can be recycled and reused!

At this point, the base is ready to be set. Most contractors use a bed of crushed stone. Next, the culvert is positioned on top of the crushed stone, and the sides are packed in with this crushed material as well. This guarantees proper placement. When culverts are installed in dirt or poor-quality gravel-like material, it can cause future complications and needed repairs.

Once the stone bed is set and the culvert is situated and packed in, flares are installed to open up the ends of the piping. These flares permit paving contractors to pack-in the gravel and asphalt by hand, in order to taper it to the ditch line properly. They also promote better durability against weed over-growth and storm wash-outs.

When the pipe is replaced and the culvert is set up, the rest of the pavement project can continue as normal. The stone base and layers of asphalt can be applied as usual. When this kind of pavement repair job is done incorrectly, heaving and large bumps will appear. If there were complications with the initial culvert construction, the new pavement repair job should not be affected in any way, so long as the company uses the proper equipment, tools, and procedures.

Who to Trust for Commercial Culvert Repair in Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for culvert paving repair and installation 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 quote, today.

How to Clean Moldy Concrete

Posted on December 27, 2018 by admin

Many people do not think about mold and mildew growing on foundations made from concrete or cement; however, if the conditions are just right, this type of growth can occur. Not only can mold, mildew, and fungus grow within the pores and on the surfaces of concrete foundations, staining is a probable result as well.

Mold and mildew can cause health problems, respiratory complications, and slippery surfaces. This can be dangerous to residents, guests, customers, visitors, and all other persons inhabiting the infected area. These reasons and more are why mold removal for concrete is so vital. Getting rid of mold growth encourages a healthier environment and a more durable foundation.

Continue reading to learn more about mold growth, including how to effectively eliminate it from concrete sidewalks, driveways, and more!

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What Causes Mold?

Mold, mildew, and fungus grow in the presence of two principle variables: moisture and a food source. In most cases, these food sources are dirt and dust. Concrete is not capable of fungal growth on its own, but in the perfect conditions of humidity, moisture, and a present food source, mold can quickly grow and thrive for quite some time.

Prolonged weather conditions, water leaks, flooding, and poor insulation can create an environment for concrete mold growth. The combination of moisture and humidity, along with a viable food source, is the perfect formula to house mold and mildew.

Also, concrete is a porous pavement, meaning it has several pores and channels running within it. These pores and microscopic crevices are perfect incubators for fungal growth too. So as mentioned before, given the right conditions, mold can easily grow within and on concrete.

Some conditions are created on a temporary basis, like humid and wet weather mixed with dirt and dust, while others may be an interior issue that requires some extensive renovation or repair.

Cleaning Moldy Concrete

Finding the root of mold growth is the first step in removing it. If the fungus is a result of a larger underlying problem like interior water leaks, then it is vital to correct this issue first, in order to acquire long term mold removal and control. Since concrete is very durable, removing mold is fairly simple and the process is quite easy. Once the mold is removed, it is helpful to keep concrete surfaces that are more susceptible to fungal growth, clean and dust-free.

Here’s how to combat mold and mildew on concrete foundations:

⇒ Purchase an OTC Fungicide or Mold-Killing Detergent

✢ These products can be purchased at any local hardware or home improvement center. You may even find them at your local grocer or superstore. Be sure to choose a higher-end product for optimal results. For a homemade solution, simply mix household bleach and water together, using equal parts.

⇒ Allow the Solution to Set in For Some Time

✢ Apply the solution liberally to the infected areas and allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of fungal growth. The next step involves scrubbing, but should then be followed with a second application, setting, and scrubbing once again.

⇒ Use Elbow-Grease to Scrub the Fungus Away

✢ It really takes a lot of scrubbing and elbow grease to scrub the mold away. This job is great for the man of the house. Once the solution is applied liberally to the infected areas, use abundant force to scrub and rub away the fungal growth and stains. Rinse the area thoroughly, and repeat the last two steps until you achieve desirable results.

When You Need Concrete Replacement

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

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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.

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.

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

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.

Choosing Between Concrete Repair or Concrete Resurfacing

Posted on October 26, 2013 by admin

There are several factors to consider before determining whether or not your pavement requires concrete repair or resurfacing. When concrete begins to crack and deteriorate, it is time to think about your replacement or repair options. Years of harsh weather, wear and tear, and overuse causes concrete to buckle and crack; however, these disruptions are easily refuted with concrete services. Your job is to choose between concrete resurfacing and a full-on concrete repair job.

Continue reading to catch up on a few concepts to consider before ultimately deciding on concrete repair or concrete resurfacing services for your residential or commercial property.

Structural Integrity of Concrete Paving

Take a look at your concrete and the cracks. If cracks are smaller than a quarter of an inch and the slabs haven’t lifted or moved vertically, then there shouldn’t be a need for all-out concrete repair. These small cracks are easier to repair at this size; so the concrete pavement can be resurfaced rather than replaced. If the structural integrity of the concrete slabs are lifted and moved, and cracks are becoming crevices, then concrete repair is most likely needed.

Sinking or Eroding Concrete Pavement

Minimal to moderate concrete sinking and heaving can sometimes be combated with a hydraulic leveler; eliminating the need for extensive concrete repair. On the other hand, if more than half of the existing pavement contains cracks, deterioration, sinking, or heaving, then it may need a professional concrete repair job. Also, if concrete paving is eroded more than a third of the way, then concrete repair is highly recommended for proper restoration and results.

Concrete Discoloration, Fading, and Wear

If the concrete pavement is free of large cracks and crevices, but appears worn and faded, then restoration and resurfacing is the best option. This option reduces the concrete service costs nearly in half! Discoloration, weathering, and aging can all be turned around with an effective concrete resurfacing and restoration job.

Indianapolis Concrete Resurfacing Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving and concrete work in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. Our licensed and bonded paving contractors provide pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and much more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.