Can you put new asphalt over old asphalt?

An overlay or resurface can be used on an asphalt driveway, parking lot, or road way. It consists of installing a new layer of asphalt over the existing asphalt and grinding at the transitions (i.e. sidewalks, garages, drains, curbs, or other asphalt points).

Is it better to remove old asphalt?

When your asphalt starts developing cracks, the foundation is no longer resilient and as thick as it should be; therefore, it needs to be completely taken out and replaced with a new base.

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. Again, this will vary with soil type.

Is it better to pave over an existing 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.

What is 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.

A-Pak Paving Resurfaces Our Asphalt Driveway

Can you lay asphalt yourself?

The process of paving with asphalt is not difficult, but proper asphalt installation requires heavy equipment that most homeowners do not possess. You might not be able to install asphalt by yourself, but understanding the operation will allow you to ensure that your hired contractor is doing it correctly.

Can you shave down asphalt?

A machine known as an asphaltic mill will “shave” the top of an asphalt surface down to enable the new asphalt to match existing asphalt, curb and gutter, sidewalks, or concrete pads. The mill most always shaves the existing asphalt down to the thickness that the overlaid surface receives.

How thick is a typical asphalt overlay?

A conventional overlay is at least 1.5 inches thick, while a thin overlay is less than 1.5 inches thick.

Is concrete driveway better than asphalt?

Concrete is more durable than asphalt. Because it is a less flexible material, it cracks in freezing temperatures, and many people turn to concrete patching products. Concrete offers 50+ years of use. The only maintenance required is occasional degreasing.

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.

Can you top coat asphalt?

Check the asphalt for signs it needs sealing, get your prep work done, apply the sealer, and don't forget to protect your pavement from traffic while it dries. You'll get years more life out of your driveway by maintaining it with asphalt top coat to protect it from the elements.

What can you put over asphalt?

How do you redo a driveway?

How do you fix uneven asphalt?

How do you restore an asphalt driveway?

Is blacktop the same as asphalt?

Asphalt generally refers to major highways and streets, whereas, blacktop is commonly used to refer to driveways and residential roads. As a matter of fact, blacktop is a type of asphalt. First let's consider how asphalt is made and what materials it uses.

How thick should a asphalt driveway be?

Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate.

What is the cheapest way to pave a driveway?

A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway's sub-base is sound. Some people dislike the noise gravel makes and the fact that some of the stones end up in the road.

What is Sealcoating asphalt?

Asphalt sealcoating involves sealing asphalt cracks to prevent ice and water from entering and disturbing the integrity of your driveway or parking lot. Over time, rain, oil and other chemicals degrade asphalt, creating a brittle surface that is both unsafe and unattractive.

What does mill and overlay mean?

One form of street maintenance is sometimes referred to as "mill and overlay". This process consists of two major steps: 1) milling the street and 2) laying the new asphalt (overlay). To mill the street, workers use heavy equipment to remove the surface of the street and place it into dump trucks.