Tag Archives: paving repair Indianapolis

Which Paving Material Performs Better in Winter?

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In most cases of developing or restoring a property, pavement is going to be an important factor. From sidewalks and driveways, to patios, parking lots, ADA ramps, and more, paving generally plays a large role in real estate construction and renovation. This time of year, proprietors are asking questions about pavement installation, including which paving material is a better choice for winter weather conditions.

Continue reading to find out what you need to know about choosing a paving material for your construction project this season.

Indiana Commercial Paving
Indiana Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt or Concrete?

The two primary categories of pavement are asphalt and concrete, both of which retain separate qualities and properties, as well as, contain a list of sub-categories of paving materials. It is important to understand the differences and similarities among the paving options available to choose the best material for your property.

Asphalt Options

There are three main types of asphalt materials to choose from. These include hot-mix asphalt, cold-mix asphalt, and UPM asphalt. There is also warm asphalt mix.

Hot mix asphalt 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.

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. 

Cold patch asphalt is emulsified in water using soap, and then mixed with an aggregate, usually concrete, to render a stronger, more durable paving material. It is mostly used to fill potholes on a year-round basis. There are various grades, all designed for specific climates. There is a specially-formulated winter grade for temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, a spring and fall grade for temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and a summer mix for temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

UPM® permanent patching material is manufactured by the company, Unique Paving Materials, hence the acronym “UPM.” Although one of the most popular products, there are various brands offered on the market aside from UPM® permanent patching material, such as EZ Street® and Aquaphalt®.

Concrete Options

There are several different types and grades of concrete available. The type chosen depends on the application and similar factors. Common concrete options include normal strength concrete, plain or ordinary concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, precast concrete, light-weight concrete, high-density concrete, and air-entrained concrete. Grade options range in ratios of cement, sand, and aggregates, from M5 to M70.

Talk to a Paving Professional in Indianapolis

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Pavement Problems

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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.

What Causes Fatigued Cracking in Asphalt?

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A scattered series of interconnected crack lines in pavement is called fatigued cracking. The structural failure of an HMA (hot asphalt mix) surface or stabilized base is generally caused by repetitive loading and heavy traffic. There are several reasons why asphalt pavement can be affected and damaged in this way, all of which involving inadequate structural support.

Continue reading to learn more about fatigue cracking in pavement, and who to call for professional paving repair service you can trust.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair 317-549-1833

Thin Pavements

In thinner pavement, the bottom of an HMA layer is where the flexible stress is the highest. Fracturing begins here, and then spreads to the surface in the form of longitudinal cracks. This type of cracking is also known as “classical” or “bottom-up” fatigue cracking.

Thick Pavements

In thicker pavements, the top layers have the highest tensile stress levels due to tire activity, asphalt-binder aging, and other types of wear and tear. For this reason, fatigued cracking usually begins at the top. This form of fatigued cracking is called “top-down” cracking.

Causes

As mentioned, inadequate structural support is the umbrella cause for fatigued asphalt cracking. Inadequate construction, structural design, compaction, drainage, and more are just a few common examples that lead to the formation of fatigue cracks. Other possible causes include a decrease in sub-grade support or base stability from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. It can also occur from improper stripping on the bottom HMA layers.

Solutions

The formation of fatigued cracking is unique and easily distinguishable. Many agree it somewhat takes on the appearance of alligator skin or distressed leather. To be sure, it is important to have a professional paver assess the cracking in your asphalt pavement to accurately diagnose the damage, identify the cause, and implement safe and effective solutions. This process involves digging a hole or pit to evaluate the structural makeup of the pavement. This method also helps determine if subsurface moisture is contributing issue. Fatigued cracks cannot simply be sealed as a means of repair. Instead, they must be patched or overlaid, depending on their size.

Commercial Asphalt Maintenance and Repair in Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations. 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.

Repairing Asphalt Over a Culvert

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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.