You’ve got a concrete driveway that’s seen better days, and now you’re wondering if it’s possible to pave right over it with asphalt. Maybe you’re looking for a cleaner look, better performance, or a more affordable option than tearing everything out and starting from scratch. The short answer? Yes, you can pave over concrete with asphalt—but only if the conditions are right. Let’s break it down.
It All Comes Down to the Base
The most essential part of any driveway isn’t what’s on the surface—it’s what’s underneath. Asphalt needs a stable, well-drained base to perform correctly. If your concrete driveway sits on solid, compacted ground and hasn’t moved or shifted over time, it may be a good candidate for an asphalt overlay.
But if the concrete is cracked, crumbling, or settling unevenly, those problems won’t just disappear under a new layer of asphalt. They’ll come right back—and possibly worse. The asphalt will follow the shape of whatever’s beneath it, so paving over a damaged or unstable base is just throwing money at a short-term fix.
Joints and Cracks Are Troublespots
When concrete is paved, it is poured in slabs, which means it has joints. These joints are weak points that can transfer to the asphalt above them, creating cracks known as “reflective cracking.” To minimize this, a paving contractor may install a special fabric layer or apply a thicker asphalt coat to help absorb movement. Still, it’s something to be aware of—especially if you want a surface that looks flawless for years to come.
Benefits of an Asphalt Overlay
If your concrete is in decent shape and the base is sound, paving it with asphalt can save time and money. You avoid the cost of tearing out the old driveway, and the installation process is faster. Asphalt also delivers a smooth, uniform finish that looks sharp and performs well under daily use.
At Walt’s Paving, we assess each concrete driveway carefully before recommending an asphalt overlay. Our goal is to ensure the job lasts—not just looks good for a season. We’ll check the drainage, look for hidden issues, and help you decide if an overlay is the right call or if a full replacement is the smarter move.
Know When Replacement Is the Better Option
In some cases, tearing out the concrete and starting fresh with a new asphalt base is the best option. An overlay won’t hold up if the existing surface is heaving, cracking badly, or sinking in areas. Rebuilding the base from the ground up ensures a smooth surface, proper drainage, and long-term durability.
Choosing between an overlay and a full replacement depends on what’s happening beneath the surface. That’s why working with experienced professionals makes all the difference.
If you’re considering giving your concrete driveway a new lease on life, let Walt’s Paving guide you. We’ll take a close look, explain your options, and deliver a surface that’s built to last.
How can Walt’s Paving help?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project efficiently and timely. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and sealcoating asphalt. We are located in Osceola, IN, and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart, IN. Call us today.
