Stones are a popular paving option for patios and driveways, thanks to their durability and low maintenance. Stones are easy to repair and come in many colors, allowing you to combine different colors and styles. Can you put stone over asphalt/blacktop?
You can put stone over asphalt/blacktop to enhance the aesthetic of your driveway or patio. However, the process requires careful considerations, like ensuring the asphalt/blacktop base is strong enough to be overlaid. Also, the site should have proper drainage to prevent possible erosion.
Putting stone over asphalt or blacktop is sometimes a better option than removing the existing asphalt layer. The overlay is relatively cheaper and results in a more stable patio or driveways due to the combination of the two materials.
A professional should do the process to minimize mistakes and create a long-lasting solution.
If your asphalt/blacktop surface is old and you are considering stone overlay, read on to learn the available options and the entire process.
Should You Put Stone Over Asphalt/Blacktop?
Putting stone gravel is a great way to enhance the look of your driveways and make them stronger. However, this landscaping material can also cause inherent problems, due to poor installation.
Working with a skilled landscaper or craftsperson is advisable to minimize the issues. This section discusses the main problems you may encounter installing stone over asphalt.
Stone is prone to moisture. Trapped moisture may freeze underneath the stone and cause the cracking of the stone pavement. Stones may also sink if they are heavier than the asphalt/blacktop surface. Lastly, stones may not have well-done boundaries (at the edges).
Stone is a naturally strong construction material that you can use anywhere, whether on walls, patios, or driveways. However, it absorbs moisture quickly which may be hazardous after some time.
When too much moisture gets trapped underneath the stones, it exerts pressure on the stone, and you may start to notice cracks on the stone. Avoid the moisture issue by ensuring no joints/edges could trap in the water.
Sinking is another issue when the stone overlay is too heavy for the underneath asphalt or blacktop surface. Sinking not only affects the look of your stone pavement but also interferes with the movement of people.
Before installation, ensure the stone overlay is not more dense than the asphalt or blacktop surface. Repair any dent and confirm it’s strong enough to support the stone overlay.
Another possible issue with putting stone over asphalt/blacktop is the boundaries. Stones come in varying shapes and sizes, which may affect the look of the boundaries. The final look may be chaotic if you put any pieces of stone you get. Avoid this issue by carefully sizing your stones at the edges to create a uniform look.
Lastly, ensure perfect drainage on the site to prevent possible erosion. Rains and other liquids draining directly onto your stone surface may cause a flood or trap water because stone is highly porous. For the best results, engage a skilled landscaper.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Stone Over Asphalt/Blacktop?
Putting stone over asphalt/blacktop is a highly engaging process that requires multiple tools. Most tools are easy to access, and you probably have them in your toolbox. Nevertheless, you can buy or rent what you don’t have to make your project successful.
To put stone over asphalt/blacktop, you will require personal protective gear, tape measure, chalk, soft brush, trash disposal tool, spade, stone cutter and a builder’s mattock. All tools should be in perfect working condition to avoid accidents.
Personal protective equipment includes hand gloves, boots, ear protection and an apron. The clothing gear should protect you from minor accidents at the site.
A tape measure is for taking site measurements to get suitable materials. A chalk or pencil marks your asphalt /blacktop surface to avoid confusion when you start the overlaying process.
A trash disposal tool may be small or big, depending on the size of your project. The goal is to leave the area as clean as you found it. A wheelbarrow helps you transport the stones and sand, and you can also use it to mix sand and cement. You will use the spade for collecting/turning soil and edging.
A stone cutter is vital for sizing up your stones. The cutter is beneficial along the edges because you must cut a few stones to create uniformity on the surface. You will use the mattock for digging, prying, or chopping your stones before the installation.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 22, 2022.
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Stone Over Asphalt/Blacktop?
Putting stone over asphalt/blacktop is an excellent home improvement method that, when done well, can boost your home’s value. This section discusses the main preparations to keep in mind before starting the process.
Collect the tools you will require and ensure they are all clean. Inspect the current asphalt/blacktop surface and confirm it’s clean. Measure your workspace to know how many stones you need, gauge the slope, and prepare the site for the actual stone paving installation.
Collect all the tools you will need to avoid the final rush on the day of stone overlay installation. If you will be using old tools, clean them first to remove particles, sand, cement, or any other materials which might affect the results of your stone overlay process.
Next, inspect the asphalt/blacktop surface to confirm it can support the stone overlay. If the asphalt/blacktop is old, it will need repair first to cover the holes and cracks. Repair any damages, and use your brush to clean the surface. Your stone pavement will fit well when the asphalt base is strong and clean.
Measure the area to know how many stones you will need. You can also carry the stones you will use and store them around the working area to avoid excessive labor requirements on the day of installation.
It’s also worth noting that some states require licensing for home improvement projects. Check with your state if you need a work license, and acquire it early enough to avoid legal problems.
How To Put Stone Over Asphalt/Blacktop
Putting stone over asphalt/blacktop requires expertise, but you can do the work with the right tools. Here is a general process of how to put stone over asphalt/blacktop.
Clean your surface to remove weeds and dirt. Lay off sand and cement to the asphalt/blacktop surface, then lay off your stone. Add edge restraints to secure well-aligned edges, fill spaces between the stones with sand, and seal your stone pavers.
Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to accomplishing this process:
Step 1: Inspect and clean the surface once again before you start working on it. Ensure no moisture, dirt or weed would interfere with your work.
Step 2: Mix sand and cement and lay off the mixture on your surface. This mixture ensures your stone sticks well to avoid shifting.
Step 3: Carefully lay off the stone to your sand/cement mixture. If you want to create stone patterns, be keen on your arrangement to get your desired patterns.
Step 4: Add edge restraints to keep your edges uniform and improve the look of your new stone pavement.
Step 5: Fill the spaces between your stone using your sand/cement mixture. Don’t leave any room to increase the durability of your project.
Step 6: This is an optional step to seal your stone pavers. Remember to clean the surface when done.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 22, 2022.
Putting stone over asphalt/blacktop is straightforward if you have some skills and the right tools. Ensure the surface is clean. Gently lay off the stones on your surface and seal well when done.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 22, 2022.