Can You Resurface a Concrete Driveway With Asphalt?

If your concrete driveway is showing signs of its age, or you think a different driveway surface may improve kerb appeal, you may be wondering if you can resurface it with asphalt instead. In short, you can resurface a concrete driveway with asphalt, but only if the concrete is in good condition and properly prepared. Without this, the asphalt will fail to bond and could cause you problems.

What happens when you put asphalt over concrete?

When you apply asphalt over concrete, you are laying what is known as an asphalt overlay. Rather than remove your original concrete surface, you are adding a new layer of asphalt on top of it.

It can be a quick fix that won’t cost as much as a complete driveway overhaul, but it isn’t always the easiest method to improve your driveway's performance or appearance.

This is because concrete is a rigid material, whereas asphalt is flexible. This means that any cracks in the concrete below, or any movement from it, can eventually show through to the asphalt. This is known as reflective cracking and is perhaps one of the biggest issues you may face. In less than a year, the poor condition of the concrete surface can be reflected in your newer asphalt, meaning it is no longer the suitable driveway surface you had hoped for.

When should you resurface a concrete drive with asphalt?

Despite the risks of reflective cracking, there are times when resurfacing asphalt with concrete is a good idea. In situations like those shown below, an asphalt overlay can prove to be a worthwhile investment. It can extend the lifespan of your drive whilst also improving the aesthetic appeal of your home.

• If the concrete is structurally sound: If the driveway is in good condition, shows no signs of sinking and no movement. Resurfacing it with asphalt can be a good idea.
• Any signs of damage are minor: If small surface cracks can be repaired before the asphalt is applied, your resurfacing is likely to be much easier and last much longer.
• If the correct layer of asphalt is used: When the asphalt is 1.5-3 inches thick, you’ll benefit from improved durability.
• When there is good drainage: If water can’t pool beneath or on the driveway surface, you could lay asphalt without fear of it being slowly eroded.

When shouldn’t you use an asphalt overlay on a concrete drive?

Most of the time, an asphalt overlay is a temporary fix before a larger resurfacing job takes place. Most professional surfacing contractors would advise against laying asphalt over a concrete driveway if any of the following apply:

• The concrete has multiple signs of cracking
• The surface is sinking or uneven
• There are drainage issues
• There are large expansion joints

If any of these issues are present, it is often more cost-effective to remove the existing driveway and opt for a new surfacing solution altogether. At Tidey & Webb, for example, we lay resin-bound driveways, concrete driveways and block paving driveways, among many other long-lasting, permeable options.

How long will an asphalt overlay last?

If applying asphalt over a concrete driveway, and the original surface is in good enough condition, you could see your upgraded driveway surface last as long as 15 years. Various factors could cause a significant reduction in lifespan, though. For example,

• The condition of the concrete
• How well the asphalt has been laid
• How often the driveway is used
• Whether sufficient drainage has been implemented
• The weather conditions

All could significantly affect how long your improved surface lasts.

What are the advantages of resurfacing concrete with asphalt?

If you have been toying with the idea of a new driveway but are unsure about costs, materials, or whether you need a complete overhaul, an overlay is often a more suitable quick-fix.

• It’s cheaper than a full replacement
• It can be installed much quicker
• Kerb appeal improves quickly and cheaply, potentially helping your house increase in value

What are the disadvantages of resurfacing concrete with asphalt?

As with anything, pros can often be met with cons, and in the case of an asphalt overlay, there are a few to be aware of.

• Cracks may reappear over time
• The driveway will have a shorter lifespan than if it were completely reinstalled
• Not all driveways are suitable
• You may need to conduct additional driveway maintenance than normal to maintain its appearance/quality

Could I apply an asphalt overlay to concrete myself?

You can, and it isn’t necessarily a complex job. However, you significantly increase the chances of early failure if you don’t hire some professionals. This is because surfacing specialists can identify issues that may remain hidden to those less experienced and use suitable methods to repair any problems that may prevent the overlay from maximising its potential.

A team of surfacing experts will:

1. Inspect the existing concrete
2. Clean the surface thoroughly
3. Repair cracks and other signs of damage
4. Apply a tack coat to assist with bonding
5. Lay and compact the asphalt

By missing just one of these steps, the integrity of the asphalt can be compromised.

Asphalt over concrete driveway problems

If you do decide to apply asphalt over your concrete driveway, there are several issues to be aware of. Most will only become apparent if you decide to do the job yourself, but may also become noticeable if the surfacing company you choose lays the asphalt badly or doesn’t rectify issues with the concrete first.

Reflective cracking

Cracks and joints in the concrete may eventually appear in the asphalt, weakening it, possibly leading to structural issues or injury.

Shorter lifespan

As mentioned previously, an overlay will naturally not last as long as a new driveway installed from scratch.

Drainage problems

If the overlay has been installed without considering drainage, the asphalt and the concrete can become weaker.

Uneven appearance

Over time, expansion joints and imperfections may become visible.

Alternative options to laying asphalt over concrete

Depending on your budget, the condition of your existing driveway and style choices, you have a range of options to consider.

• Concrete resurfacing – A resurfacing option specifically made for concrete driveways
• Full driveway replacement – Best option for a long-term solution, more cost but added lifespan and durability.
  • Resin-bound – low maintenance, slip-resistant, easy to install, permeable.
  • Block paving – Attractive, long-lasting, customisable, easy to clean
  • Tarmac – Low maintenance, lower cost than many other surface materials, durable

As you can see, it is possible to resurface a concrete driveway with asphalt, but it is definitely more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution. It can be a budget-friendly way to give your driveway an upgrade, but it should only be an option when the concrete below is in good enough condition. If you’d like to know more about driveway surfacing solutions, contact the Tidey & Webb team. With more than 40 years of experience across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire, we help homeowners and business owners improve their properties with new or improved surfacing solutions.