Do you have a concrete driveway or parking lot and want to upgrade to asphalt? If you’ve been considering replacing your driveway or parking lot, you may be wondering if asphalt can be laid directly over the concrete. The answer is a resounding yes!
Paving asphalt over concrete is a safe option for your home. Concrete is stable and allows for efficient compaction of the asphalt above, so it is an excellent base material. It should come as no surprise that many homeowners are switching to asphalt pavement in Edmonton.
When paving over concrete, it is critical to know and understand the potential adverse effects and things to watch out for. Read on to find out more about them.
Understanding the Process
For many reasons, a property owner may desire to put asphalt on top of a concrete area. Whether repaving a concrete driveway or rehabilitating an ancient parking lot, laying asphalt over concrete is usually a good solution. Paving over top of another surface, often known as an “overlay,” is a frequent procedure in the pavement construction industry.
Every year, miles of concrete highways and roads are resurfaced with asphalt. Asphalt paving over concrete is a safe and practical way of repaving that works well in various situations. Concrete is an excellent choice for a base or foundation. This is because it is firm and sturdy, allowing for excellent compaction of the asphalt that will be poured over it.
Asphalt overlays are popular because they are a more effective and straightforward way to repair aging or damaged pavement. After all, you’ll be able to avoid all of the demolition, clearing, and cleanup that you would otherwise require. This not only takes longer, but it also necessitates more work, which costs more money. While it’s a lot easier, there are still hazards you might encounter if you go this route.
Recognizing the Risks
When it comes to long-term pavement performance, proper installation is crucial. When a concrete base is not constructed correctly—such as by being poured over unstable soils—it might produce difficulties within the concrete that will eventually show up on the asphalt’s surface. Concrete poured atop unstable soils, for example, may crack and move at the expansion joints of its slabs. This causes the surface pavement to “pivot” with traffic, heaving and warping away from the initial pouring location.
Reflective cracking, which occurs due to continuous heat and cold expanding and contracting, is another concern associated with an asphalt overlay over concrete. Concrete, unlike asphalt, has expansion joints that are susceptible to movement. The concrete fractures as a result of this movement, and the asphalt surface cracks as well. Even using unique reinforcing fabric strips before overlaying cannot altogether avoid this.
Final Words
Homeowners looking to upgrade their driveways with asphalt paving often wonder whether it’s possible or cost-effective to do so when their current pavement is made of concrete. Fortunately, it is more than possible as long as the installation process is carried out by a skilled paving company.
For the most cost-effective pavement repair in Edmonton, trust WW Construction. Among the services we offer include pavement repair, seal coating, crack sealing, residential and commercial sandblasting. If you want to get started with your pavement project, today is the best time to contact our paving company in Edmonton. Call (587) 990-3447 to get a quote!
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