Can you use concrete to patch asphalt? The simple answer is yes. However, concrete is very
different from asphalt. They differ in look, texture and durability. Because of these things,
asphalt contractors in Palm Harbor FL and other locations use asphalt to repair asphalt parking
lots, roads and driveways.
Concrete vs. Asphalt
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and an aggregate such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone.
It has a lot more grit and is less slippery than asphalt. Concrete is typically used as pavement,
which is meant for foot traffic. Asphalt, on the other hand, is aggregate mixed with a binder,
which is a petroleum-based substance. It is made for vehicle traffic and is more durable than
concrete.
Patching Asphalt with Concrete
Technically, you can patch asphalt with concrete. It will work and shouldn’t cause any problems.
However, a hole in asphalt that is filled with concrete will stand out because the materials look
different. Therefore, this method is not recommended.
How to fill a pothole in asphalt
It takes a few steps to properly fill a pothole. The goal is to make it look as clean and
unnoticeable as possible. These are the steps that most asphalt contractors in Palm Harbor FL
would use to fill a pothole in asphalt:
1. Square up the area with a saw to make the hole that is being
filled look clean and uniform.
2. Remove any weeds, debris or old asphalt from the hole.
3. Lay down gravel and sand as a base.
4. Tamper the base down until you have about an inch and a half
of the hole left.
5. Fill the remainder of the hole with hot asphalt.
6. Use a plate compactor to tamper the asphalt down. This will
make it level with the rest of the parking lot, driveway or road.
If you wanted to patch the hole yourself, you could purchase cold patch asphalt. However, this
will not look as clean and will not last as long compared to a repair done by a professional. Using
this method is a quick fix that would work for small holes in areas that are not driven on much.
For bigger holes in areas that experience a lot of traffic, we recommend that you find a
professional that does asphalt repair in Palm Harbor FL to get the job done.
Asphalt Repair in Palm Harbor FL
Bay Area Asphalt Maintenance has been providing asphalt repair services in Palm Harbor FL
since 2003. If you have potholes you need patched in your asphalt parking lot or driveway, we
would be happy to help!