Concrete actually makes a great base for asphalt pavement. Asphalt needs a strong foundation so that it can be compressed properly and to give it the support necessary for a long life. Because an asphalt overlay atop a concrete base offers a great combination of durability, troche economy and smoothness, more about there are thousands of miles of roads in the United States that use this method. An asphalt overlay is often the most cost-effective way to improve the appearance of a concrete surface.
An asphalt overlay is not an ideal solution for all concrete surfaces, however. The concrete must be in relatively good shape if the asphalt is to last. Here are three indications that an asphalt overlay may be unwise without first remedying the issues.
1. There cannot be any large, unrepaired cracks in the concrete, including oversized gaps at the expansion joints. Cracks in the concrete almost always mean cracks in the asphalt. The larger the crack, the sooner a crack will appear in the asphalt. Although it is possible to fill small gaps, the potential exists for the asphalt to eventually crack in the same area. This is very normal and easily fixed. However, large gaps will cause cracks in the asphalt in a very short time.
2. The concrete blocks should be relatively even. Because concrete surfaces consist of many blocks rather than one continuous surface, each block can move independently. Some blocks may be tilted at one edge, or entire blocks may be higher or lower than their neighbors. This is usually due to the movement of the ground beneath the concrete. If there has been substantial ground movement, it is almost certain that the movement will continue. When this happens, the movement will cause the asphalt to crack.
3. The concrete surface needs to have been properly constructed and made from materials of sufficient quality. Like any occupation, concrete paving contractors vary in expertise and commitment to quality. If the original contractor tried to cut corners, the concrete may have already begun to deteriorate or crumble. This deterioration will not be halted by an asphalt overlay, and you will not get the maximize return on your investment.
MH Greeson Paving is a professional paving company in the Atlanta area, and over the years, we have seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to concrete quality and asphalt overlays. We can evaluate your concrete surface to determine whether an asphalt overlay will give you the results you want. We also provide a full range of asphalt repair and maintenance services, including asphalt sealcoating, the installation of parking lot wheel stops, signage and markings. We serve the greater Atlanta area as well as many parts of the Southeast United States. To obtain a free quote, you can submit our online form, or you can give us a call at 770-335-2983.
MH Greeson Paving, the premier asphalt paving and asphalt maintenance experts in Atlanta!
