Can you blacktop over blacktop?

Once the asphalt surface has reached the end of its lifespan, many wonder if it's time for a new surface entirely or if the old surface can be paved over. Both are options. The layer of asphalt over the original is called an overlay and can offer an additional 10-15 years to the life of the surface.

Can you blacktop over an old blacktop driveway?

If you put a new layer of asphalt over the existing driveway it will get the same rut very quickly. Asphalt is highly flexible and once the ground under asphalt sags asphalt sags too. The real solution would be to tear the driveway up and put proper ballast.

Can you blacktop on top of blacktop?

Asphalt overlay is an asphalt repair method in which a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing pavement. Generally, the new layer is at least 1.5 inches in thickness. It's also known as resurfacing. The existing layers are used as a base and a new layer of asphalt is applied to the surface.

How long will an asphalt overlay last?

If an overlay is desired, there has to be an expectation of the customer that this method is not as long-lasting as a full removal and replacement. A 15-20 year life on a removal and replacement is common, whereas an overlay may last a shorter time, about 10-15 years.

Is asphalt overlay a good idea?

An asphalt overlay is a great alternative to full reconstruction for a few reasons. For one, it may be considerably less expensive than a full reconstruction, depending on the existing site conditions. Further, there are very few unknowns associated with undercuts, which could be stressful and very costly.

A-Pak Paving Resurfaces Our Asphalt Driveway

Should I resurface or replace my asphalt driveway?

Resurface for Short-Term

It can increase the lifespan of the existing pavement and give it a new look. Resurfacing is a good option if your driveway is not heavily damaged and was installed within the last 15 years.

What can you put over asphalt?

What is a asphalt overlay?

An asphalt overlay is, essentially, a patch job done on a stretch of asphalt. This is the usual method when asphalt is showing some cracking or potholing, while still not being damaged enough to need replacement.

How often should you resurface asphalt?

The short answer is that you should reseal your driveway every 3-5 years. After that many years, your driveway starts to show significant cracks that will fill with water and destroy the driveway over time. Resealing the driveway adds a thin layer of asphalt onto the topmost layer, sealing any cracks beneath it.

How do you fix crumbling asphalt driveway?

Use asphalt paste patch that contains fine aggregate to fill small holes and gaps along curbing. Mound the repair above the surface the way crews do on roads. They let car tires reduce the speed bumps and gradually compact the mix. You can use a heavy metal tamper, or the end of a 2-by-4 to pound the patch nearly flat.

What is capping a driveway?

Driveway overlays, or capping as it's sometimes called, is a great way to save money vs removing and replacing your existing driveway.

How thick is an asphalt overlay?

A conventional asphalt overlay is at least 2 inches thick. This will vary based on the damage to the existing asphalt surface, however. The more damage there is to the existing asphalt, the thicker the overlay will need to be. The thickest overlays are referred to as structural overlays.

Why does asphalt have two layers?

This twin layer method retains heat more effectively than a single layer and as a result, helps extend the paving season through the year (as paving operations can be carried out in temperatures down to 0°C), while also providing a much better interlock between the two asphalt courses.

What is the difference between resurfacing and overlay?

Generally “overlay” is defined as the placement of a surface course on top of the existing pavement at an exact depth (without any wedging). “Resurfacing” is also an overlay process, but may include additional variable depth(s) of pavement wedging layers.

What is a Petromat overlay?

Petromat overlays extend the life of new asphalt concrete pavements and overlays. The petromat system consists of a non—woven polypropylene fabric which is field saturated with asphalt cement tack coat.

How do you remove asphalt?

Asphalt driveway removal can be accomplished using a jackhammer to break up the asphalt or even a circular saw to cut the driveway into small pieces. The best way to remove asphalt, however, is with a larger piece of equipment, such as a Caterpillar 303 excavator from a rental center.

Can you put a concrete driveway over asphalt?

Yes, you can pour concrete over an asphalt driveway. While asphalt provides a poor bond with concrete, it does serve as an excellent base as it is solid, stable, and very strong. Provided the asphalt is in decent condition, there is no reason you can't pour concrete over the top.

Is concrete cheaper than asphalt?

Because the substance used to create asphalt is less expensive than cement, asphalt driveways are usually 30% to 45% less expensive than concrete. Curing Time - Asphalt driveways can be completed faster than concrete driveways, which is the reason it is used almost exclusively for road construction.

Is resurfacing a driveway a good idea?

Resurfacing is best for driveways that are aging or have more than 25% of the surface covered in light to moderate damage. If you resurface the entire driveway, it will look brand new. Replacing the driveway is necessary if your driveway has large potholes or several cracks wider than 1/4-inch.

What happens to asphalt when it is replaced?

Reclaimed asphalt generally improves pavement mixtures so that the new construction material lasts longer. In fact, reclaimed material is a big part of green technology, which attempts to inject a degree of sustainability into the world.

How often should an asphalt driveway be sealed?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEAL YOUR DRIVEWAY? Asphalt sealcoating is every two to three years depending on how much traffic your driveway gets or how constantly it is being exposed to the elements such as UV rays, snow and other chemicals.

How long does it take for asphalt overlay to dry?

Asphalt takes six to twelve months to fully cure, and remains a little more susceptible to damage for that time. However, it takes 48 to 72 hours to "dry" enough for foot and vehicle traffic.