Our team at Wolf Paving was invited back in the Mr. Fix-It studios to answer listeners' questions related to asphalt and concrete repair, repaving and driveway construction. This program gives weekly advice on home improvements, repairs and do-it-yourself projects.
Sean Wolf, Vice President of Wolf Paving, and Todd Morris, Sales Manager at Wolf Paving, answered questions about concrete joints, if it’s possible to cover a concrete driveway with asphalt and asphalt curing. You can listen to or read the interview below.
Trouble With Concrete Joints
"I have a concrete driveway and it’s cracking where the expansion joints come together in the four corners. I’ve used about every kind of patch I can find, and nothing seems to work. How do I fix this?"
I’m guessing you’ve got some water running down underneath your driveway and the freeze/thaw cycle is causing the water to expand and contract, which continues to pop that patch apart.
That section might have to be cut out, patched back in again and properly sealed up to keep the water from getting underneath it again. Sealcoating periodically will help keep water from getting under the base and causing damage. It’s important to not overseal, as that will shorten the life of the pavement. Sealcoating won’t cure existing issues, but it will help prevent such damage from forming in the first place. Sealcoating is also a good way to keep your paved surface looking new and attractive.
Can You Cover a Concrete Driveway With Asphalt?
"I have a concrete driveway. There is a lot of cracks and uneven areas and I was just wondering if there was a way somebody could grind that down a little bit and lay asphalt on top?"
Well, it’s something that could be done. But it’s really not suggested. There are some companies out there that will lay asphalt on top of concrete, but our company won’t do that. We’ve had too many problems over the years.
The problem is when you go over concrete, you’re going over a hard slab. Asphalt is flexible material, and as that concrete moves a little bit throughout the winter, you’ll get some heaving up and down. As a result,you’ll end up with the cracks in the exact same spots within the first year. It’s not the best way to spend your money.
Does Asphalt Cure Like Concrete Does?
"Concrete cures, and it’s a chemical reaction called hydration. Does asphalt cure? Or does it harden? What happens with asphalt?"
Asphalt does cure, but not in the same way that concrete cures. Asphalt takes time to cool down and then it takes time to oxidize after that. Asphalt will get harder throughout its lifespan and it will eventually turn brittle when it becomes fully oxidized. We always say to give asphalt a couple of days before you drive on it because it does need that little bit of cure time.
Interested in more more Wolf interviews with Mr. Fix-It?
- How To Fix Sinking Asphalt
- Tree Roots And How To Expand A Driveway
- Asphalt Recycling
- Damaged Asphalt Driveways To Recycling
- Water Pooling Near Culvert
- Driveways And Parking Lots
- How Do You Care For An Asphalt Driveway?
With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt and concrete paving needs. It’s never too early or too late to request a free paving estimate. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.
For more information on Wolf Paving visit our Why Wolf? page to see what we can offer you.
