Can you put black asphalt over concrete, or must the concrete come up first.?

Question

It is a big driveway, two really, a turn around and a long deep one on the side.

Answer 1

some will tell you no! but that will drive the price up by 50% or more. i did a drive 20 years ago at my farm house in upstate NY.and they applied a adhesive to the concrete first and added two inches of blacktop it is in perfect condition today. also they blacktop over concrete freeways in California all the time and it does last.

Answer 2

Yes you can. Be sure the concrete is clean of oil, dirt and grease. First you have to apply a layer of adhesive emulsion (often called "Tac") in a thin layer (no puddles or pooling) then immediately apply the asphalt (hot-mix asphalt is best), level the asphalt and then compact it with a motorized vibratory plate (you'll have to make several passes to insure good compaction) or if you can afford it a motorized roller and make several passes with it.

I have 22 years experience with the street division in a local municipality.

Answer 3

Yes you can, However if you live in a frost zone then the concrete will heave in the winter and cause cracking that will not look good in the spring. Black-top can handle some lifting without problem if it has the proper base. I would remove the concrete and any large rocks and apply a crushed stone base it will cost less in the long run to spend a little more up front.

Answer 4

Blacktop right over the concrete. State Highway Departments do this all the time. Makes a good base for the blacktop. You blacktopping contractor should already know this.

Good info above too.

Answer 5

My neighbors did it about 15-20 years ago and it has worked ok They seal the cracks when they appear in the asphalt and use a sealer.

Answer 6

Most just abrade the surface first with a grater to make sure it’s a clean and strong bond.

Answer 7

yes no problem but its got to be clean and free from rough sections