Can You Put Asphalt Over Concrete
An asphalt overlay is cheaper to install than replacing concrete and can provide a smooth ride over deteriorating concrete.
Can you put asphalt over concrete. Concrete paved surfaces are not compressed and compacted like asphalt is rather the concrete adheres and fills voids and irregularities with the soil and subgrade beneath it. You can put concrete over asphalt and it is a great choice as a driveway base for residential homes. In fact many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year. One positive aspect of installing blacktop over concrete is the concrete provides a firm base for the flexible asphalt paving.
Asphalt works as a driveway base under concrete only when it is strong stable and at least 2 to 3 inches thick. I have a long concrete driveway and parking pad that is cracking. The asphalt cement that bonds the pieces of sand and gravel in the blacktop can and does move over time. Concrete however typically needs to be replaced to restore its luster which is expensive and time consuming to do.
When concrete deteriorates it draws and holds moisture. Asphalt is far easier to maintain than concrete. I want to repair it but that would entail ripping out all the concrete and pouring an all new slab. Asphalt can be successfully installed over concrete but due to the characteristics of each material you may not be happy with the long term results as the asphalt will ultimately crack in the same manner that concrete does.
Before concrete installation begins the asphalt is inspected and repaired as needed. Disadvantages of putting asphalt over concrete. Can asphalt be used over the concrete and how long should it last. The truth about asphalt over concrete.
Unstable concrete base concrete is not a compacted surface because of how hard it is when dry. If you ve been thinking about updating your driveway or parking lot you might be wondering if asphalt can be paved right over the top of the concrete. The answer to the extremely common question can i lay new asphalt over old concrete is yes you can but we discourage it. It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete.
It doesn t have near the strength of concrete when you measure them inch for inch. Also how does asphalt hold up to salt and ice from cold weather conditions. Can you asphalt over a concrete driveway. While it is safe to pave asphalt over concrete there are several reasons why we do not recommend this method.
Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. Asphalt is only suitable as a driveway base if it is at least between 2 and 4 thick for residences. It will however require a little more maintenance than a typical asphalt overlay. Holes and cracks can simply be filled with new asphalt or be tarred over for greater durability.
Well the answer is yes. You can put asphalt over concrete but professionals don t advise it. Putting asphalt over concrete is done for several reasons but does have its drawbacks. Experts who work each day in the blacktop industry refer to blacktop as flexible pavement.