Frequently Asked Questions About Common Pavement Problems

As a real estate owner, the aesthetics of your property remain important to you, which is why it can be a frustrating experience watching your paved surfaces deteriorate or decline right, year after year. If you have been dealing with pavement problems long enough, then it is time to starting searching for solutions. Fortunately, our paving experts have provided a list of the most common inquiries we get pertaining to pavement performance issues and repair.

Continue reading to review this list, and learn what your options are for turning the condition of your pavement around.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Pavement Repair 317-549-1833

Why is My Concrete Pavement Cracking?

Concrete is susceptible to a variety of elements and influences that can cause it to crack, buckle, crumble, and more. Most commonly, it is due to freeze thaw cycles and other harsh environmental conditions. Concrete also cracks when it is not properly mixed and cured.

Why Do I Have Potholes in My Parking Lot?

Potholes form as a result of annual freeze and thaw cycles. This cycle of freezing and thawing causes pavements to expand and contract, which results in deteriorated aggregate. As pavement aggregate worsens, it weakens, and begins to deteriorate further until a hole is formed on the surface. Foot and vehicular traffic are contributing factors to a growing pothole, as well as, inclement weather and other natural elements.

Why Do I Have So Many Puddles?

Parking lots can have a lot of puddles for a number of reasons, including sub-base issues and poor water drainage. But the most common culprit behind mass parking lot puddles is rutting and depressions. Poor compaction is generally the cause behind rutting and grade depression problems. During the pavement installation process, a roller is used to compact the asphalt. If improper technique, equipment, or roller size is used, poor compaction will result.

What Did the Sealcoat Peel Off My Asphalt?

The most common reason behind peeling sealcoat is a failure to bond. When asphalt surfaces contain oil spots, dirt, rust, and other contaminants, the sealcoat cannot properly bond to the asphalt. And when sealcoats are applied during seasons of cold weather, it can affect the outcome if the curing process takes place in freezing cold temperatures.

How Do I Remove Mold From Concrete?

Mold can be cleaned from concrete with a few simple steps. You can opt for an over-the-counter mold-killing detergent, or you can make your own solution with bleach and water. Either way, some thorough scrubbing action, followed by an extended soak-time and a rinse, can get the job done. Use a pressure washer to rinse the pavement clean for best results.

How Do I Remove Stains On My Pavement?

It depends on the type of stain. Rubber tire marks will come clean with a hard bristled broom and some rock salt. Grease stains will require some pressured water, dishwashing liquid, and a strong-bristled brush. For moss stains, combine distilled white vinegar and water, saturate the stains, allow everything to soak for 30 minutes, then scrub away with a hard bristled brush.

How Do I Make My Asphalt Look Better?

If your paved surface is old and faded, an overlay is a great investment. As long as the existing pavement is in good structural condition, a new layer of asphalt can be poured directly over it, rendering a fresh, brand-new paved surface. Not only are overlays efficient and cost-effective, they are long-lasting.

Who Can I Trust for Pavement 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 pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Request a free estimate, today.

Can You Apply Pavement Seal Coat in Hot Weather?

Pavements require a certain degree of maintenance and protection, and seal coating is one of the most fundamental steps you can take to prevent premature pavement damage and deterioration. But now that it is summer, many property owners are concerned about the extreme heat and how it might affect their seal coating application.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about seal coating pavements in the hot summer sun, and who you can trust for the best industry advice and service.

Commercial Seal Coating Contractors 317-549-1833

Commercial Seal Coating Contractors 317-549-1833

There are many challenges that can arise from seal coating in hot weather. However, this does not mean you have to wait until fall to have your lot seal coated. With a licensed and skilled Indianapolis paving company on your side, you should have no trouble with your seal coating project. They have the knowledge, experience, and state of the art resources to accurately apply seal coat for long-lasting performance and protection. You should never attempt seal coating or pavement work on your own in hot weather; not just for your own safety, but for the structural integrity of your lot too.

Here’s What They Know:

Safety and Protection

When outdoor temperatures are high, pavement surfaces can be as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more. For this reason, paving crews use a wide range of personal protection equipment (PPE), including full-coverage clothing, eye protection, particle masks, chemical resistant boots and gloves, sun screen, and more. This is just one reason why you should always entrust sealcoating and pavement services to a licensed professional who is well-equipped to perform the job safely and accurately.

Flash Curing and Track Marks

Aside from safety, a few of the main challenges presented with seal coating in extreme heat include flash surface curing, stickiness, tracking marks, power steering marks, and more. In terms of flash curing, if the pavement is too hot, seal coats will not fill in the pores of the pavement before it can dry, making the application moot. Although a thin film is applied, it dries so quickly that it cannot actually permeate the surface of the pavement and do its job. The very surface of the film will instantly cure, leaving a middle layer of damp sealcoat that leads to tracking and power steering markings.

Prevention Strategies

Professional use certain industry practices to prevent problems like flash curing, such as always applying two coats of sealer; one light fog coat as a primer and surface cooler, and a second coat for ultimate adherence and protection. For squeegee applications, pros might fog the pavement with a mist of water to cool the surface and optimize adherence, being very careful not to form puddles.

Another method involves thinning out a seal coat product with a 50/50 water sealer mixture that does not contain aggregates. This approach is only used for the first coat of sealer, allowing it to soak through the pavement surface and into its pores, thus increasing adherence for the second coat of sealer. To prevent stickiness, professional know to never seal at dusk or night when dew levels are at a certain degree of the low temperature, and to always consider humidity levels when premeditating curing times.

Commercial Sealcoating 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 sealcoating services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate or information, today.

What is Geo-Grid Ground Reinforcement?

Soil can come part and separate under any sort of tension. When pavement contractors need to install a structure or roadway above soil grounds, they need a solution for this problem since their project involves placing excessive amounts of tension atop soil. In order to strengthen and support sub-bases and sub-soils in the case of pavement installation, contractors often use a synthetic material is used called a Geo-grid. These grids are commonly manufactured from polymers like polyproylene, polyethylene, and even polyester.

Continue reading to learn more about Geo-grid ground reinforcement technology and how it’s used in the pavement repair industry.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Types of Ground Reinforcement Geo-Grids

Geo-grids are used for foundation soil, roadways bases, steep slopes, and more. And their main purpose is to provide ample reinforcement and stability for pavement and construction projects. There are numerous types ground reinforcement grids on the market today, ranging in everything from size to material. The parts of a Geo-grid include the apertures, or “ribs”, which are the horizontal and vertical beams; also referred to as longitude and transverse ribs. The point at which the apertures meets are called the junctions.

There are three kinds of Geo-grids. The original versions, introduced to the market back in 1982, are called “punched and drawn” Geo-grids. The second type is made from polyethylene-coated polyester fibers and called yarn-type Geo-grids. These grids are textile-like and flexible in comparison to punched and drawn Geo-grids. This makes them perfect for unleveled grounds like slopes and hills. The third type of Geo-grid is made from polyproylene or polyester rods that are bonded together using ultrasonic laser technology.

Pavement Repair Indianapolis Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional commercial pavement 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!

Repairing Asphalt Over a Culvert

A culvert is a sewer conduit, drain, trench, or channel that crosses under a road, bridge, sidewalk, or other paved groundwork. It is a structure that allows water to pass below and through the foundation or paved surface. These surfaces can be a street, railroad, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, and more. They are erected to provide bridge-like support for vehicular and foot traffic. From time to time, asphalt pavement above a culvert will need repaired or replaced, in both residential and commercial projects.

Continue reading to learn more about how pavement is repaired above a culvert, and who to call for more information about culverts and paving services in your town.

Drainage Culvert Paving 317-549-1833
Drainage Culvert Paving 317-549-1833

Culvert Pavement Repair

Culverts come in various shapes and sizes, such as elliptical, pear-shaped, flat-bottomed, rounded, and even box-like. Therefore, many factors will determine how soon a culvert repair job will be needed. For instance, natural wear and tear can weaken pavement located above a culvert. It is important to implement comprehensive repairs to pavement located above culverts, as to not damage the culvert in any way. This can lead to even more damage and costly repairs. 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 Culvert Repair

To begin a job like this, pavement contractors will first use saw 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.

Indianapolis Culvert Paving and Repair Services

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

What to Look for in a Professional Asphalt Paver

Parking lots and commercial driveways are first impression-makers. It is one of the first qualities of a building or company that is noticed by visitors. This is why it is encouraged to maintain a healthy-looking and highly operational parking lot and commercial pavement. It is universally agreed upon that professional appearance of parking lots contribute greatly to business sales and team morale. Curb appeal adds value to and protects a business owner’s investment.

So, when hiring a general contractors to perform pavement repair and replacement services for your commercial or industrial property, it is vital to outsource a professional with specific qualities and credentials. Friendliness, punctuality, and proficiency are just the foundation of a professional paving company.

There is much more to look for when it comes to hiring an asphalt and concrete paving company or contractor. Continue below to get started!

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Characteristics of a Professional Paving Contractor

One important quality every professional paving contractor should have is dependable communication. Consistency on all professional jobs is crucial, but consistent communications between contractor and property owner is critical. Project managers and contractors should always be able to offer real-time updates and announcements to proprietors. If a paving contractor cannot offer this type of unfailing communication, then they are not likely a good candidate for the work you need accomplished.

Not many pavement companies have immediate access to paving materials; especially special mixes and products. Instead, paving companies have to order these materials and have them shipped out. It is helpful to hire a pavement service that can obtain these materials in a timely manner for your needed pavement repair or installation. Choose a company with reliable resources and extensive industry experience. They will be most efficient and not waste anytime ordering and receiving building materials and pavement products.

Also, pavers should be licensed and highly proficient in pavement installation and repair services. Quality craftsmanship, expertise, and artistry is crucial in the pavement industry. The more capable the contractor, the more beautiful and reliable the project results. When making a significant investment like new parking lots or walkways, hiring a paving contractor with vast skill and aptitude is the key to a success outcome.

Professional Indianapolis Paving Contractors

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

Should Interlocking Pavement be Installed by a Professional?

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

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

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

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

Interlocking Stone Installation

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

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

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

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

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

Interlocking Pavement Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Don’t choose a rookie concrete company! Instead, trust our licensed commercial pavers to meet all your pavement needs. Request a free estimate, today!

Why Does Concrete Crack?

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

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

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Cracked Concrete

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

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

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

Indianapolis Concrete Repair

If you are bothered by excessive concrete cracks and deterioration, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial concrete pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.