Asphalt Slab in Pole Barn

JimMorrissey · Dec 4, 2005

Does anybody use asphalt as a slab in a pole building? I was thinking it would be effective with some kind of coating like they use on tennis courts. Maybe in the end it sould just be better and about the same cost to just pour concrete. Asphalt seems so quick and easy.

Highbeam · Dec 4, 2005

There is no reason that a properly applied and compacted asphalt slab wouldn't be just as effective as concrete. The trick is properly applying and compacting it within a pole barn. Now if you can pave around the posts right after they're erected then you may have an idea. Lot of extra labor and a small job for a paver. Also consider that the spillage of certain petroleum products can burn holes through asphalt. Then you need more lights in there too.

JimMorrissey · Dec 4, 2005

What if you paved the "slab" prior to standing up the poles....I guess it wouldn't be a true pole barn at that point. You'd have to sink some kind of steel anchors in and stand the poles up in them. There's another post below this that references "lumber link" parts. That might work well.

If you coated/painted the pavement you could get a pretty chemical resistant surface I'd think.

AntrimMan · Dec 4, 2005

I would be afraid the asphalt would divit if you used a floor jack or jack stands. It sure do get soft in the summer. JMHO.
Would a creeper move about ok?
Why a hard floor in the pole barn anyway? Maybe I am not sure what a pole barn is used for. Splain please.

All the best,
Martin

rswyan · Dec 4, 2005

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( There is no reason that a properly applied and compacted asphalt slab wouldn't be just as effective as concrete. )</font>

..... until you spill gas, diesel, oil, or any type of a petroleum-based solvent on it. At that point, unless you clean it it up thoroughly and quickly, figure on having it disintegrate wherever the spill was.

.... doh ! ... shoulda kept reading before I replied <sheepish grin>

cmuncy · Dec 4, 2005

The only thing I would be concerned about would be the petroleum product gassing off and causing noxious fumes within the pole barn.

Other than that, I like the idea. Just remember, when you go to roll it smooth, you have enough clearances on your edges ( ie.. you dont hit a wall or poll when rolling)

Farmwithjunk · Dec 5, 2005

My take on this idea? My shop has a paved drive leading up to it. It's in pathetic shape already, from dragging equipment around on it, spilling oil/fuel, and using jacks outside the shop.

It would be better than a dirt floor, but far from being as good as a concrete floor (IMHO).

EddieWalker · Dec 5, 2005

How much of a savings can you get from paving over concrete?

If it was a huge savings, it might be alright, but I'd think if it was a money question and your a little short, wait until you have enough to do it right instead of doing someting that will only be marginal at best.

One of the advantages of a pole barn is that you can put money into it in stages. A concrete floor can go in at any time.

I wouldn't do it.

Eddie

Highbeam · Dec 5, 2005

It might not be fair to compare a driveway pavement to the kind of pavement you would use in a shop. Most driveways are put in by your fly-by-night type of paving company. The asphalt is thin and the base not sufficient. They refer to it as painting the driveway black.

At the end of the day, asphalt is a flexible pavement so if it gets hot and the point load is high, it can damage the surface. The normal guy parking cars, storing hay, or tractors won't do the damage but once you start using jackstands and spilling solvents then concrete looks more attractive.

I would rather have concrete in the shop.

rambler · Dec 6, 2005

My first choice would be concrete.

My second choice would be gravel.

My third choice would be dirt.

notice what doesn't even make my list of choices? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

--->Paul