Getting a new asphalt driveway at your home in Milton, NY? You’ve made a good choice both in terms of the durability of your new driveway as well as its overall visual appeal. Asphalt driveways only look good if they’re installed the right way, though. If you have an existing concrete slab, it may be tempting to have an asphalt paving company in Milton, NY pour the asphalt directly on top of the slab. While you might save money on installation, it will cost you more in the end. Read on to learn why it’s better to remove a concrete driveway before laying asphalt.
Changes in the concrete underlayer can cause cracks in the asphalt
When you contact the professionals in asphalt paving in Milton, NY to install a new driveway, you want to make sure the site is fully prepared for the new material. Typically, a concrete driveway is installed without too much surface preparation—if there’s anything that goes wrong with the concrete, a new slab is usually applied right on top. The problem with putting asphalt on top of concrete is that the concrete can sink or shift, making the asphalt layer on top prone to instability. You’ll quickly see cracks in the asphalt, which is an extra expense that you’ll avoid if you remove the concrete underlayer first.
Keep in mind that concrete is not usually a compacted surface—it hardens no matter what you pour it over. If the concrete slab has been poured over an unstable base, it can cause major problems, especially at the expansion joints. When the asphalt is laid on top, it can cause bumps in the pavement. Not only is this visually unattractive, but it can also be very unpleasant to drive over. When you work with a professional asphalt paving company in Milton, NY, they’ll likely recommend removal of the concrete underlayer to eliminate the chance of these unsightly and annoying bumps in the driveway.
Asphalt driveways only last long if they’re built from the ground up
When installed correctly, an asphalt driveway can last as long as 25 to 30 years, but only if the driveway is made exclusively from asphalt. Asphalt is one of the most durable materials you can choose for a driveway, but if it’s laid right on top of concrete, it diminishes the lifespan of the driveway, requiring a sooner-than-expected replacement. Increase the overall lifespan of your driveway and reduce the need for expensive repairs by simply removing the concrete first.
Whenever you’re ready to install a new asphalt driveway on your property, consult the experts in asphalt paving in Milton, NY. If you’re starting with a concrete driveway, it needs to be removed before the asphalt is laid to achieve best results. By installing the driveway the right way, you can feel confident that you’ve made a smart investment. Get in touch with the team at Asphalt Industries, LLC to learn more about how to make your asphalt driveway last as long as possible.