Can Asphalt Be Installed Over Concrete

Concrete is poured with expansion joints that allow room for the pavement to expand in hot weather.

Can asphalt be installed over concrete.

It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. An asphalt overlay is cheaper to install than replacing concrete and can provide a smooth ride over deteriorating concrete. You can put asphalt over concrete but professionals don t advise it. In fact many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year.

While it is safe to pave asphalt over concrete there are several reasons why we do not recommend this method. 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. Concrete however typically needs to be replaced to restore its luster which is expensive and time consuming to do. It is possible as long as the added elevation won t pose a problem.

When concrete deteriorates it draws and holds moisture. During the winter that moisture freezes and continues to break the concrete down. If you have a deteriorating concrete driveway you may wonder if you could save a few bucks by having an asphalt driveway installed over it instead of having it demolished first. Holes and cracks can simply be filled with new asphalt or be tarred over for greater durability.

Yes you would save money and yes you can do it this way. Well the answer is yes. It will however require a little more maintenance than a typical asphalt overlay. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above.

Asphalt works as a driveway base under concrete only when it is strong stable and at least 2 to 3 inches thick. Asphalt driveways that are paved over an appropriately compacted subbase will always be superior to asphalt that is laid over an unstable base or concrete that is prone to shifting and expansion. Before concrete installation begins the asphalt is inspected and repaired as needed.