Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Brooks, ME

You can pour concrete over asphalt if it’s in good condition, thick, stable, and well-compacted. Concrete is more durable than asphalt and can extend the lifetime of your driveway without having to pay frequent asphalt driveway repair costs or replace it completely. 

But this is best reserved as a temporary solution based on budget restraints, as asphalt requires more frequent repairs and assessments than concrete. Once that concrete top is poured, it’ll be harder to accurately understand what’s happening beneath that layer, which could lead to more issues.

There’s no legal requirement that states that you need rebar in a concrete driveway, but since the slab will be supporting heavy vehicle loads, it’s always a good idea to pay a bit more for rebar reinforcement. Your driveway will be much more likely to crack if you don’t reinforce it with rebar. Driveways that need to support commercial vehicles or provide parking for multiple vehicles at once should always include rebar reinforcement. If you’re pouring concrete over asphalt or pouring concrete over an existing slab, you may not have enough depth for rebar, meaning an increased risk of cracking.

Generally speaking, adding concrete landscaping features will cause your property taxes to increase. That’s because projects that involve a permanent concrete foundation require permits and permanently improve the land. Since taxes are based on improvements, your taxes will go up. Here are some projects that will likely have an impact on your taxes:

• Concrete pool decks

• Concrete patios

• Concrete walkways

• Concrete driveways

• Concrete steps

• Concrete foundations

Since most of these will only lead to a partial improvement, you can expect the bump in your taxes to be minimal, but this is still something to consider.

To determine the cost of your repair, calculate the square footage of the job and determine the extent of the damage to decide the best route for your project. Then, decide if you will be using standard concrete or an upgraded design. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to compare sidewalk repair cost estimates.