Can You Put A New Layer Of Asphalt Over An Existing Driveway To Restore Its Appearance?

If your home has an aging driveway that's cracked and pitted, you may have wondered if it's possible to put another layer of asphalt over it to renew its appearance. In general, it's possible to add a new layer of asphalt to an existing asphalt driveway, and it's also possible to put asphalt over a concrete driveway in order to give it an asphalt surface.

Unfortunately, this may not always be your best option, as the new layer of asphalt doesn't correct structural problems with the driveway's gravel base, and it may not last long. To learn more about the problems with adding another layer of asphalt to your driveway and to learn what you should do instead, read on.

What Are the Problems With Adding Another Layer of Asphalt to Your Driveway?

The main problem with adding another layer of asphalt to an existing driveway is that it's more likely to fail if the driveway has problems with its gravel base. Asphalt and concrete driveways are both constructed over a base of crushed gravel that provides support for the driveway above it. If that gravel starts shifting due to soil movement, the driveway will start to crack. Open spaces in the gravel base will cause the driveway to sink, making it flex and break apart.

If you have a new layer of asphalt put over a driveway that has open spaces in its gravel base, the new layer will start to crack as well. It will still slowly start to sink and break apart because it's not supported properly by the gravel base. While putting a new layer of asphalt on your driveway is less expensive than having it entirely removed and replaced, it's not a good solution if the new asphalt will quickly degrade.

What Should You Do to Renew an Aging Driveway?

If the surface of your driveway has numerous holes and cracks, have it inspected by a residential asphalt paving service. Cracks and holes in an asphalt driveway can often be patched in order to restore its appearance.

In addition, a residential asphalt paving service can sometimes determine what's causing your asphalt driveway to break apart. Alligator cracks, for example, are very commonly caused by shifts in the gravel base underneath the asphalt. If you don't have extensive alligator cracking in your driveway, then it may be a good candidate for a new layer of asphalt. If the gravel base is determined to be in structurally sound condition, then a new layer of asphalt will restore the appearance of your driveway without cracking quickly.

Overall, putting a new layer of asphalt on an existing driveway is only a good idea if the gravel base is in good condition. Depending on the type of cracking in your driveway, residential asphalt paving services may be able to gauge the condition of the gravel base. If it's sound, then adding an extra layer of asphalt is an inexpensive way to make it look new again. If the gravel base is in poor condition, however, then the driveway will need to be removed completely so that the gravel base can be fixed to support a new driveway.

To learn more, contact a residential asphalt paving service in your area.