A common question that gets asked about the asphalt industry is if previous concrete driveways can be paved over with asphalt. There are many materials that are used for driveway construction, but can they be used together? The short answer is that you can use asphalt over concrete, but there are other factors to be considered before starting this project.
Precision Asphalt Maintenance offers asphalt paving for multiple different projects including roads, parking lots, and driveways. Asphalt is a durable and eco-friendly product that many people choose because of its benefits. This blog will discuss the aspects of concrete, how it works with asphalt, and if one will stick to the other.
Taking Different Concrete Consistencies Into Account
One consideration when deciding if asphalt can cover concrete is how the concrete was made. Some concrete consistencies are smooth because they are made with sand while others are made from rocks, gravel, and sand of all different sizes. This can change how asphalt lays on top of the concrete slab and how it lasts through different seasons.
If you want to have proper asphalt coverage, you need to start with an asphalt appropriate sub base. While both concrete and asphalt are poured in a more liquid state, you need to prepare the space so that cracking and bubbling doesn’t occur. Hiring a professional asphalt contractor will ensure that asphalt is applied correctly and environmentally conscious.
Preparing The Existing Concrete Surface
Proper cleaning is essential before putting asphalt over concrete. Maintenance and repair should also be done before any kind of coating or asphalt is applied. Removing any dirt and repairing large holes will ensure that asphalt adheres to the concrete.
Concrete Expansion Could Cause Cracking
Concrete and asphalt are prone to cracking or settling. When concrete or asphalt is prepped and poured properly, it is more durable. If there is something wrong within the layers of concrete and you put asphalt over the top, these flaws will become more prominent.
Expansion joints that are put into concrete when it is set also make putting asphalt on concrete more difficult. These expansion divots will cause the asphalt put on top to dip in these places as well as look very uneven and unstable. A crack could form along the entirety of the driveway when you put asphalt over concrete.
Consider The Slope And Drainage During Application And After
Your driveway slope can affect the thickness of your asphalt and how your driveway will look after it is applied. A sloped driveway helps to direct water away from the foundation of the home and prevents pooling around the driveway. Standing water can cause premature erosion of the asphalt which will lead to an unstable driveway.
Drainage helps prevent cracking and separating between the asphalt and the concrete. Ditches and gutters can help stormwater move away from the driveway and improve the longevity of your asphalt.
Choosing The Right Asphalt Thickness
If the underlying concrete is in poor condition, a thicker layer of asphalt will need to be applied. The thickness of asphalt coatings over concrete tends to range between 1.5 to 3 inches. The thicker the asphalt, the more traffic and wear your driveway will be able to withstand. This will give you peace of mind about how your home will look through all different weather situations no matter how many vehicles drive across it.
Asphalt Paving From Precision Asphalt Maintenance
Our team at Precision Asphalt Maintenance offers the highest quality asphalt paving for homes, businesses, and roads. Properly prepped and poured asphalt can last for many years and is more eco-friendly than other materials.
We serve the Salt Lake area and cities in Idaho and Wyoming. Through the last decade of business, we have learned how to determine challenges and remedy them before your project is complete. We also offer asphalt seal coating, pavement marking, and replacement for any space that may need some improvements. Get a bid for your project today!
