When To Replace Old Concrete With Asphalt
Your concrete paving has survived decades of rain, snow, and heat and is now beginning to look drab. It probably has cracks and spaces, and the aggregate is beginning to show. It's about time to replace it. Should you use concrete or asphalt?
Asphalt is cheaper than concrete but less durable. It can last 10 years, compared to 40 years for concrete. Concrete paving is almost maintenance free but can be costly if damaged. Asphalt, on the other hand, will require inexpensive maintenance every 2 to 3 years.
Having said that, should you use asphalt over concrete? If so, under what circumstances?
You can replace your worn concrete with an asphalt layer. However, the success of the job will depend on the condition of the concrete beneath.
When not to use asphalt
Most paving contractors will not recommend replacing concrete paving with asphalt for the reasons below:
Weak Base
Asphalt needs a stable base and concrete bases don't typically require compacting. A concrete base does not offer the stability needed by asphalt. As a result, the ground beneath may begin to shift or sink, damaging the asphalt overlay.
Cracked Surface
When the concrete base is cracked, water and snow will find their way through the crack. When this is followed by hot and cold cycles, the gap will widen and cause the asphalt above to crack.
Budget
If the concrete base is cracked, you may have to dig it up to replace with asphalt. Digging up concrete is expensive as it requires special machinery, which will cost more, so you may as well repair the concrete with concrete.
Excess Weight
A layer of asphalt will add more weight on the concrete, making the paving too heavy. Add to that the weight of a heavy vehicle and you have serious damage to the paving.
When to Use Asphalt
Asphalt is fine on concrete when the concrete surface is free from cracks.
Also, you most likely have expansion joints on your concrete paving every 10-15 feet. These can also cause the asphalt to crack. To avoid this some paving contractors may go ahead and lay the asphalt paving, then cut through them and finally fill the crack with epoxy filler.
While it is possible to replace concrete with asphalt, most paving contractors do not recommend it. However, you may still do it if your concrete paving is not seriously cracked, if you have a solid compacted base, and if you do not have enough budget to dig through the concrete. Contact a paving company like Imperial Paving if you are in any way unhappy with your paving and they likely can help you find the best solution.