Concrete Driveways vs. Asphalt: When (and How) to Make the Switch
If your asphalt driveway is cracking, rutting, or needs constant sealing, it may be time to upgrade. For many St. Louis and Metro East homeowners, replacing asphalt with a concrete driveway delivers better durability, cleaner curb appeal, and less maintenance over the long term. Here’s a practical guide from B&K Concrete on why concrete wins—and what the replacement process looks like.
Why Choose Concrete Over Asphalt?
1) Longevity & strength
Concrete handles heavy loads and Midwest freeze–thaw cycles far better than aging asphalt. With proper installation and care, a concrete driveway typically lasts decades longer.
2) Lower maintenance
No annual sealcoating. Routine cleaning and a quality sealer every few years are usually all you need.
3) Better curb appeal
Crisp edges, lighter color, and optional stamped borders, exposed aggregate, or integral color elevate the look of your home instantly.
4) Heat & stain resistance
Concrete doesn’t soften in summer heat and is less prone to tracking. Oil and leaf stains clean up easier on a properly sealed surface.
Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Is Ready for Replacement
Alligator cracking, rutting, or widespread potholes
Heaving or drainage problems after storms
Edges that crumble or sink near the apron
Repeated sealcoats that no longer hide defects
Sunken areas at the garage or sidewalk transitions
If you’re seeing multiple issues, resurfacing asphalt is usually a short-term patch. Full replacement with concrete delivers a long-term fix.
Our Asphalt-to-Concrete Replacement Process
1) Site assessment & permitting
We evaluate drainage, elevations, and local code requirements (setbacks, approach specs, right-of-way rules). If a permit is needed, we’ll help handle it.
2) Demo & haul-off
We remove the existing asphalt and any unstable base material, then haul everything off site for proper disposal.
3) Subgrade correction & base
We regrade for water flow (typically 1/8–1/4" per foot away from structures) and install a compacted aggregate base for uniform support.
4) Forms, layout & reinforcement
Forms define clean edges and accurate thickness.
Thickness: 4"–5" for most passenger vehicles; 6"+ where RVs, delivery trucks, or dumpsters load.
Reinforcement: Steel rebar, wire mesh, or fiber-reinforced concrete based on load requirements.
5) Pour & finish
Air-entrained concrete is placed, consolidated, and finished with a broom texture for traction. We edge the sides, cut clean transitions, and install an expansion joint at the garage.
6) Control joints
Strategically spaced joints manage natural movement and help prevent random cracking.
7) Cure & seal
Foot traffic is typically fine within 24–48 hours; keep vehicles off for about a week. After the initial cure, we return to apply a penetrating sealer for protection.
8) Clean-up & walk-through
We leave the site tidy and review care instructions so your driveway performs for the long haul.
Design Options That Elevate Curb Appeal
Stamped borders or bands that mimic brick or stone
Exposed aggregate for texture and traction
Integral or stained color in earth-tone palettes
Radius aprons, widened parking pads, or walk-off slabs
Conduit for low-voltage lighting before the pour
Care & Maintenance Tips
Avoid de-icing salts the first winter; use sand or kitty litter for traction.
Rinse off oil or leaf stains promptly.
Reseal every 2–3 years (exposure and traffic dependent).
Keep downspouts and grading directing water away from slabs.
FAQs
Can you pour concrete over existing asphalt?
We don’t recommend it. Overlays mirror whatever movement is in the asphalt. Removing asphalt and rebuilding the base delivers a driveway that lasts.
Will concrete crack?
All concrete moves. Proper base prep, reinforcement, control joints, and curing greatly reduce random cracking and keep hairlines cosmetic—not structural.
How long will a concrete driveway last?
With proper installation and maintenance, several decades is common in our climate.
Ready to Replace Asphalt with Concrete?
B&K Concrete designs and installs concrete driveways built for St. Louis and the Metro East—clean lines, correct drainage, and finishes that look great for years. Whether you want a classic broom finish or a decorative stamped border, we’ll help you choose the right specs for your home and budget.
