Can You Lay Asphalt Over Concrete

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.

Can you lay asphalt over concrete.

In fact concrete often provides an excellent base for new asphalt because it is a smooth and stable surface. In many instances a qualified asphalt paving contractor will be able to pave right over your existing concrete. When concrete deteriorates it draws and holds moisture. Well the answer is yes.

Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. One positive aspect of installing blacktop over concrete is the concrete provides a firm base for the flexible asphalt paving. Asphalt should never be laid if the ground is below 40 degrees as it will cool to fast and not seal down correctly. Experts who work each day in the blacktop industry refer to blacktop as flexible pavement.

Concrete is poured with expansion joints that allow room for the pavement to expand in hot weather. Unstable concrete base concrete is not a compacted surface because of how hard it is when dry. Paving over the surface of existing concrete with a new layer of fresh asphalt can save you both time and money. It doesn t have near the strength of concrete when you measure them inch for inch.

Can you put asphalt over concrete. Putting asphalt over concrete is done for several reasons but does have its drawbacks. Can you we learn pretty early on that can is a tricky word. The answer to the extremely common question can i lay new asphalt over old concrete is yes you can but we discourage it.

While it is safe to pave asphalt over concrete there are several reasons why we do not recommend this method. When you pave over concrete with asphalt these expansion joints will cause the asphalt surface to shift over time potentially creating cracks and bumps. The truth about asphalt over concrete. You can put asphalt over concrete but professionals don t advise it.

The asphalt cement that bonds the pieces of sand and gravel in the blacktop can and does move over time. When i m frequently asked can i put asphalt over concrete i always say that the simple answer is yes in fact miles and miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year and concrete can be an excellent stable base material for asphalt pavement. You would want a minimum of 2 thick asphalt over the concrete. Because concrete is a harder surface that does not have as much give as asphalt expansion joints are cut into the surface to help prevent cracking from seasonal expansion.

An asphalt overlay is cheaper to install than replacing concrete and can provide a smooth ride over deteriorating concrete. It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete.