The Importance of Concrete Stability When Paving Over It With Asphalt

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.

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

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.