Are you interested in switching from a concrete driveway or parking lot to asphalt pavement? You might wonder if asphalt can be poured directly over the top of the concrete if you’ve been considering renovating your driveway or parking lot.
Paving over an existing driveway, also known as an asphalt overlay, entails adding a fresh asphalt layer on top of the existing pavement surface. An asphalt driveway can benefit from this by looking better and lasting longer.
Additionally, overlays can patch small cracks and potholes and guard against moisture and weather-related damage. The cost of an asphalt overlay is typically substantially lower than the cost of totally repaving a surface.
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Asphalt Overlay Is An Ideal Consideration For Driveway Paving
The condition of your pavement can be improved with an asphalt overlay, which is both flexible and affordable. Since new pavement is often thinner than asphalt driveway overlays, it can be built faster and with less material.
They may also be positioned over various pre-existing paving, such as concrete and stone. An asphalt overlay can serve many years without needing additional maintenance or replacement if placed correctly.
Concrete Condition Matters A lot Before Paving
Because concrete hardens regardless of what it is poured over, it rarely has a compacted surface. For strength and durability, asphalt, on the other hand, needs to be compacted. On occasion, unstable soils are covered with concrete pavement since the concrete has the power to reinforce the instability.
The slabs may move somewhat with traffic if they fracture at the expansion joints and the concrete is poured on an unstable base. Those slabs have moved a little from where they were first poured.
Most likely, these slabs were shifted by frost heaving rather than being poured atop a shaky foundation.
Benefits Of Paving Existing Driveways
An Affordable Option
The cost of asphalt overlay is far lower than that of removing and installing a new driveway. An asphalt overlay job often has reduced material and labor costs, which makes it a practical option for many homes.
Increased Driveway Life Span
An asphalt overlay can extend the lifespan of your pavement by several years when properly placed. This is because a fresh coating of asphalt shields the subsurface from weather-related harm, seepage of water, and freeze-thaw cycles.
You may increase the lifespan of your pavement and avert more expensive future repairs or replacements by taking precautions to keep these elements from causing harm. A driveway overlay is a quick and simple solution to make your home’s driveway look better.
A fresh layer of asphalt can conceal stains and other flaws. Additionally, it can revitalize the appearance of a dated and worn-out driveway.
A great Protection Against Environmental Conditions
Damage from weather and moisture can be avoided using an asphalt overlay. An asphalt overlay can shield the pavement from the elements, preventing water seepage and other weather-related damage.
Potholes and small cracks can also be fixed using an asphalt overlay. An asphalt overlay can help stop these flaws from growing larger and costing more to fix by filling them in. Your pavement can be quickly and easily repaired by applying an asphalt overlay.
The task can often be performed in a day or less. Asphalt overlay is the best option for busy homeowners who wish to prevent disturbances to their routines. The condition of your pavement can be quickly and easily improved with an asphalt overlay.
The project can typically be finished in a day or less. Asphalt overlay is the perfect solution for busy homeowners who wish to prevent disruptions to their daily routines.
When Is Paving Not A Good Option?
The driveway should be completely removed and replaced if there are significant issues, such as potholes or poor drainage. Within a few years of installation, and probably during the first winter following the repair, an overlay placed over an unstable base will begin to crack.
Removing and replacing your aging driveway is your best option if you want to be 100% certain that you won’t need to fix it again in a year or two. It’s the finest method to eliminate the underlying problems that might have initially created the harm.
Even though asphalt is a relatively durable surface, use and time will ultimately wear it down, necessitating either a new surface or the installation of an overlay. Your budget, current driveway or parking lot conditions, and the best option for you will influence your decision. Maintaining your surface regularly is still important to do in the interim.
Conclusion
Because concrete hardens regardless of what it is poured over, it rarely has a compacted surface. For strength and durability, asphalt, on the other hand, needs to be compacted. On occasion, unstable soils are covered with concrete pavement since the concrete has the power to reinforce the instability.
The slabs may move somewhat with traffic if they fracture at the expansion joints and the concrete is poured on an unstable base. Those slabs have moved a little from where they were first poured. Most likely, these slabs were shifted by frost heaving rather than being poured atop a shaky foundation.
