

Paving concrete over asphalt is a technique usually done to save cash in the short term. If the asphalt has cracks and gaps that aren't correctly filled or cracks develop over time, the concrete on top may also crack. Poor LongevityĪ proper subbase is essential to prevent the concrete from sinking or cracking. On the other hand, asphalt has a greasy tar that doesn't provide a suitable base for concrete adherence. Usually, a concrete subbase is a layer of gravel that holds the concrete mud.

What are the Disadvantages of Paving Concrete Over Asphalt? Low AdherenceĪsphalt has a different composition from concrete. However, for commercial parking lots, 4 to 8 inches is sufficient. For example, for residential parking spaces for your properties, 2 to 4 inches of concrete is adequate. The thickness of the concrete layer depends on your needs. You can also scrape the top surface of the asphalt away to retain the height of the driveway and parking lot after pouring the concrete. Next, you need to pressure wash the surface to remove the debris and create a good bonding surface between the asphalt and the concrete.

If there are gaps of more than 2 inches, you have to fill them to ensure the concrete application goes on smoothly. The base should be approximately 2 to 3 inches.īefore pouring the concrete over the asphalt base, you have to inspect the asphalt for cracks and holes. In white topping, asphalt works as the parking lot base for the concrete. Paving concrete over asphalt may work in the short term, but it's not a good technique. This parking lot maintenance technique is called white topping. To save money, municipalities, commercial building owners, and homeowners often pave concrete over asphalt. (Industrial Building, Huntington Beach) What Happens When You Pour Concrete Over Asphalt? Unfortunately, taking shortcuts in parking lot maintenance costs you more in the long run.

To save money, you'll probably consider paving concrete over asphalt instead of repaving the entire driveway or parking lot. If you have a parking lot with gaping holes and rough surfaces, you're probably considering parking lot maintenance.
