Q: What is the best grade of asphalt?

• <div><p>There&rsquo;s no single best asphalt grade&mdash;it all comes down to where and how it&rsquo;s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional&rsquo;s input is always a smart move before making a decision.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to Pour Concrete Over Asphalt?

• <div><p>You can pour concrete over asphalt if it&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/asphalt-driveway-repair-cost.htm">asphalt driveway repair costs</a> or replace it completely. </p><p>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&rsquo;ll be harder to accurately understand what&rsquo;s happening beneath that layer, which could lead to more issues.</p></div>

Question 1

What is a driveway apron called?

Accepted Answer

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The driveway apron is a technical term referring to where a private driveway meets the public street. If there is a sidewalk in front of the house, the driveway apron is typically on the opposite side of the public sidewalk from the driveway itself.

Question 2

What is the best grade of asphalt?

Accepted Answer

•

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.

Question 3

Is it OK to Pour Concrete Over Asphalt?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 4

What is the difference between travertine tiles and travertine pavers?

Accepted Answer

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Generally speaking, tiles are for indoor use, while pavers are for outdoor use. The main difference between travertine tiles and pavers is their thickness. Tiles are around 1/2 inch thick, and pavers are 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches thick.

Pavers are more rugged and can handle different weather. The extra thickness on pavers also makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Question 5

How do you adhere pavers to concrete?

Accepted Answer

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To adhere pavers to concrete, you can use either mortar or a concrete-specific adhesive. For border pavers, a polyurethane-based adhesive is a good choice as it expands and contracts with temperature changes, keeping them firmly in place. For the non-border pavers, polymeric sand is used between the joints to prevent shifting. In most cases, it is also recommended to lay a permeable sand layer below the pavers to ensure proper stability and drainage. Before starting, always take the proper preparatory steps for a professional result.