The surface around my in-ground swimming pool was always slippery when it was wet. I decided last year after watching my three year old son slip and fall for the last time that I was going to have a contractor come out and resurface the area around the pool. I have spent the last several months looking into the different concrete finishing techniques that will not only provide a safe, non-slip surface, but that would also look really nice around the pool. To find out what options you have to create a non-slip beautiful surface around your pool, visit my site.
Are you thinking about laying asphalt over your old concrete driveway? This installation technique is affordable as it does not involve excavating the existing concrete driveway. However, it can hurt the performance and longevity of your new asphalt driveway. Since concrete is a reusable material, you should remove it before laying the asphalt. Below are three problems that may arise if you pour asphalt over an old concrete driveway.
Unstable Base for the Asphalt Driveway
A sturdy, good-quality base is essential to a long-lasting driveway. Concrete and asphalt have different base requirements. A concrete driveway relies on a thick slab to last longer. Therefore, even with an inferior base, a thick concrete slab can hold up well to extreme weather and heavy vehicle traffic. Conversely, asphalt relies on a good-quality base to achieve superior strength and resilience against severe weather.
Therefore, if the old driveway has an inferior base, the new asphalt driveway will fail. The asphalt won't be able to withstand heavy machinery traffic; thus, it will crack and develop potholes. Excavating the existing concrete slab allows you to lay a new base for your asphalt driveway. A quality base made of well-compacted crushed gravel will provide firm support for the asphalt and extend its lifespan.
Cracks Due to Concrete Expansion
Concrete expands and contracts with changes in temperature, and this can cause cracks on the surface. For this reason, concrete driveways have expansion joints that sit between two layers of concrete. They allow the material to expand and contract without buckling or cracking. Unfortunately, expansion joints shift over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations, weakening the concrete. Consequently, cracks may occur on the concrete surface.
If you lay asphalt over an old concrete slab, cracks in the concrete can extend to the asphalt. If your old driveway is worn because of damage by the elements, it will weaken the new asphalt surface. Removing the old concrete materials paves the way for a new driveway. Furthermore, asphalt is a flexible material that can expand and contract without cracking. Therefore, it can withstand temperature fluctuations without the need for expansion joints.
Diminished Curb Appeal
Laying asphalt over concrete may diminish your driveway's visual appeal. If the old driveway isn't graded correctly, you will transfer the grading issues to your new asphalt driveway. Also, the multiple layers of material can elevate your driveway unpleasantly. Excavating the old concrete slab allows you to create a level surface for your new driveway. You can also correct existing grading issues to increase the driveway's curb appeal and prevent water from pooling on the surface.
Excavate your old concrete driveway and lay a sturdy base to provide adequate support for your new asphalt driveway. For professional installation services, contact asphalt paving contractors.
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