Is it Possible to Lay Asphalt on Top of Concrete?

Concrete is economical and cost-effective choice for property owners. But over time, concrete damages can really reduce the overall curb appeal, and therefore value of a property. For this reason, it is very common for property owners to make the switch to asphalt pavement. Asphalt, like concrete, offers a wide range of benefits, such as cost efficiency, appeal, and long-lasting performance.

But how can you responsively make the switch from concrete to asphalt? You might be wondering if you can simply pave asphalt on top of concrete. Well, in most situations, you can. However, there are times when comprehensive demolition must take place before paving a new asphalt.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about paving asphalt over concrete, including which commercial paving company to trust in central Indiana for superior advice and craftsmanship.

Asphalt Overlays Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833
Commercial Industrial Asphalt Overlays Indianapolis Indiana 317-549-1833

Benefits of Asphalt Pavement

Although concrete is a wonderful and predominant paving material used all across the world in various industries and applications, asphalt is a wise choice for many types of paving projects. From driveways and parking lots to athletic courts, and more, asphalt is a good fit in a compatible option for paving.

Some of the most prominent benefits of asphalt include lustrous finishes, stunning curb appeal, low cost, low maintenance, and longevity. With good care and maintenance, asphalt lots can last anywhere between 10 and 30 years.

Additionally, many would think that concrete is cheaper than asphalt, but asphalt is more cost-effective in the long run. Concrete generally runs anywhere from 3 to 10 dollars per square foot, while asphalt runs an average of 1 to 3 dollars per square foot.

Paving Asphalt on Top of Concrete

It is possible to lay asphalt on top of concrete pavement, so long as you are using the proper techniques and industry best practices. This means hiring is skilled in seasoned Indianapolis Indiana commercial paving company for the job. Here’s what you need to know about paving asphalt over concrete:

Concrete makes an excellent base material for asphalt paving. This is mostly due to the fact that concrete allows better compaction of the asphalt, which is an important element of paving, but also because concrete has an innate ability to bridge any degree of soil or ground instability.

Concrete, when installed properly from the beginning, is constructed with good ground reinforcement and aggregate layering. This also contributes to its ability to make a good base for asphalt paving.

Just because concrete makes an excellent base material for asphalt paving does not mean that it is always in good enough condition for an asphalt paving project. It is imperative to address and resolve any concrete instability issues, including expansion joint movements or cracking, before laying asphalt on top of concrete.

If these types of damages are not repaired before paving asphalt over concrete, any type of expansion joint shifting or slab movements will present itself in the form of asphalt surface cracks and similar damages.

Are you searching for a qualified Indiana commercial paving company in your area? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to speak with a licensed contractor about commercial asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

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Commercial and Industrial Pavement Repair
Commercial and Industrial Pavement Repair

Facts About Commercial Asphalt Micro-Surfacing

Asphalt micro-surfacing is a cost-effective, long-term commercial pavement resurfacing solution that is commonly used for parking lots. It is a polymer-modified, cold-mix paving treatment that delivers a brand new surface for existing commercial pavements. Best of all, it contains chemicals that are fast setting, so it cures shortly after application, rendering a surface ready for traffic in as little as one or two hours! Compare that to other kinds of pavement overlays and applications, like slurry seal, which can take at least 24 hours to completely cure!

Continue reading to learn more facts about asphalt microsurfacing, including its composition, application process, benefits, and who to call for trusted Central Indiana asphalt construction and paving.

Indiana Asphalt Overlays and Sealcoating
Indiana Asphalt Overlays and Sealcoating 317-549-1833

Asphalt Micro-Surfacing Information for Commercial Properties

Composition

The most common mixture for micro-surfacing material is water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate (very finely crushed rock), and chemical additives. It comes in two primary grades, fine grade or heavy grade. Fine grade micro-seal is a mixture of finer aggregate material, as well as emulsified asphalt, mineral fillers and polymers. This makes it a suitable choice for smooth areas with lighter traffic levels. Heavy grade micro-seal is composed with the same materials, but using larger aggregate. The version chosen depends on the current condition and porosity of a paved surface.

Micro-Seal Application

Initially, the paving crew will inspect and address any surface issues with the pavement. This includes implementing any minor repairs such as crack filling and pothole repair. Once all surface blemishes and problems are managed, a comprehensive sweep for debris removal will take place. It is important for the surface of the pavement to be clear of any solid debris, including trash, leaves, twigs, dirt, and more. This ensures proper adherence and overall bondage. Once the surface is ready, a special paving truck pours the material on while a ground crew smooths it into place using special paving rakes and equipment. Once the micro-seal has finished curing, the pavement is ready to be repainted. This includes parking lot lines, reserved spots, handicap symbols, and more.

Top Advantages of Asphalt Resurfacing Service

There are many advantages of parking lot micro-surfacing. Not only is it cost-effective compared to a new asphalt overlay, but it is also easy to apply, cures quickly, provides UV protection from intense sun exposure, adds 5 to 7 years of life to existing pavement, and most importantly, creates a stable, durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing surface.

Are you interested in enhancing the value, performance, and safety of your commercial asphalt with micro-surfacing? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional commercial asphalt milling and overlays in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also provide asphalt sealcoating services.

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

4 Common Asphalt Problems and How to Prevent Them

The Mid-West is known for its weather changes. From winter to spring, and from summer to fall, the evolving seasons tend to bring on a whole list of structural maintenance needs for property owners, including pavement repair. If you are the owner of an asphalt lot, it is important to implement the proper seasonal, routine maintenance services to ensure it remains durable and safe all year long. Right now, between the transition of winter to spring, is the perfect time to inspect your asphalt lot and look for any seasonal damage that may have taken place since your last pavement inspections.

Get started by scrolling down and learning about the 4 most common types of asphalt damages and what you can do to prevent them year to year.

Indiana Commercial Asphalt Paving
Indiana Commercial Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Problems and Needed Repairs to Watch Out For

Asphalt defects are something to take seriously, and to act on fast. Problems like cracking, heaves, potholes, depressions, raveling, and rutting can all pose safety threats and hazards to both staff and guests, but they can also be the catalyst to more major or extensive asphalt and foundation damage. When such problems are not addressed and corrected on time, they will allow moisture to get below the surfaces and lead to more pavement structure and stability damages.

Most Prevalent Damages Seen in Asphalt Pavements:

► Potholes – Almost all potholes start off as small cracks or holes. Overtime, they degrade further, causing them to grow in size and depth, and therefore, in danger. Freezing and thawing of snow and rain are the most common causes of pothole development, but traffic wear and tear and improper installation can also cause potholes to form.

Cracking – Alligator cracking, interlocked cracking, fissures, edge cracks, block cracks, transverse cracks, moving cracks, and more are all common asphalt damages seen during every season. They are also important to repair and seal to prevent further and future damage.

Raveling – When asphalt is installed in weather that is still too cold, sometimes pieces of asphalt slabs will separate from the surface. This results in a pavement degradation known as raveling. It causes dents and sizable indentations on the surface of asphalt, which can pose several safety threats and water runoff issues.

Rutting – Just like your car tires can make paved ruts in the wet mud, natural wear and tear can cause the same type of surface depressions in asphalt pavements. This is known as rutting, and will usually develop as a result of poor or improper installation, or due to asphalt being laid to thin.

How to Repair and Prevent Asphalt Damages

The most common methods to repair the above-mentioned asphalt damages are overlays and routine sealcoating. As for year-round maintenance and care, be sure to keep your asphalt clean, and properly seal-coated every season. The best asphalt pavements are those that are properly poured and installed by professional pavement contractors. If you want great pavements all year long, be sure you choose a certified pro to install, repair, and protect your asphalt.

Do you need asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and asphalt paving services at the best rates in town.

You Should Also Read:

Do You Know What’s Deteriorating Your Asphalt?
Why Are There So Many Potholes Right Now?
Comparing Asphalt Crack Sealer to Crack Filler

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