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

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.