In the early decades of the 20th century, many cities, states, and private property owners chose concrete paving for their streets, highways, and parking lots. Concrete has the potential to provide a durable pavement, but it has its drawbacks, including its cost and the time it takes to build and repair concrete pavement. As asphalt has grown in popularity, many people have wondered whether it is possible to pave over concrete with asphalt. It is often quite possible and quite economical to overlay a concrete pavement with asphalt.
Can You Overlay Asphalt Over Concrete? | Central Texas
What Is an Asphalt Overlay?
A paving overlay is installing an additional layer of material over the top of an existing pavement. In the case of an asphalt overlay, the paving material is hot mix asphalt. The depth of the new asphalt can vary, but it is typically between two and three inches.
Are All Concrete Pavements Suitable for an Overlay?
Some pavements are not ideal for an overlay. The concrete pavement needs to have a stable foundation. Since concrete can fill in any voids in the underlying terrain, it does not require compaction. Over time, the concrete slabs can shift, resulting in cracks as well as uplifts and subsidence. If an asphalt paving company overlays a pavement with these types of problems, the underlying damage will soon begin to appear in the overlay.
How Important Is the Contractor When Installing an Overlay?
Whether the job is a municipal paving project or a privately owned parking lot, the contractor’s skills and experience are critical. He will need to know how to evaluate the existing foundation and soil, address the issues posed by the expansion joints between concrete slabs, and know-how to ensure that the overlay adheres properly to the concrete. If you hire an inexperienced or unscrupulous contractor, your overlay could soon be on its way to an asphalt recycling plant instead of delivering an attractive, smooth, durable topping for your concrete pavement.
Do Overlays Need Routine Maintenance?
If you want your overlay to last as it should, you should plan to maintain it. You may need to have your contractor repair cracks, especially those that form at the expansion joints. If possible, you should sealcoat your new overlay as soon as it has had time to cure.
Does Alpha Paving Install Overlays?
Alpha Paving is a full-service asphalt paving and concrete company serving most locations in Central Texas. Our services include the installation of asphalt overlays, concrete, asphalt paving, speed bumps, parking lot signs, and car stops, and we also offer thermoplastic pavement markings, road construction, asphalt repairs, street maintenance, parking lot striping, concrete repairs, asphalt sealcoating, and asphalt milling. Our clients include apartment complexes, municipalities, office parks, educational facilities, religious institutions, airports, HOAs, shopping centers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, industrial facilities, subdivisions, and recreational facilities. We have an outstanding reputation for high-quality workmanship at affordable prices. If you would like to receive a free quote, you can call 512-677-9001 or submit the online form.
