Asphalt resurfacing can be a cost-effective alternative to completely replacing an asphalt surface. If you notice grade depressions (standing water on the pavement) and/or large sections of alligator areas (interconnecting cracks forming a series of blocks resembling an alligator’s skin), it is a good idea to have your pavement resurfaced.
The asphalt structure’s base holds the key to whether resurfacing is possible. As long as the base is stable and the drainage is sufficient, asphalt resurfacing can be a viable option. One of our professional paving experts can help you understand your options when making the decision to repair or replace your existing surface.
Resurfacing FAQ’s
Resurfacing is the process of installing a new layer of asphalt (generally one and a half or two inches) over the existing pavement (also known as overlaying).
When should a parking lot be resurfaced? Resurfacing a lot is ideal when the surface has become heavily oxidized but the base is still stable. The pavement may have widespread alligator cracking.
How long should a newly resurfaced lot last? Dependent on: deflection of the original pavement (prior to resurfacing), how many trucks use the pavement and the thickness of the new asphalt layer. An Asphalt Maintenance Program is an important consideration in maintaining a long term pavement surface.
How long before traffic is permitted on a newly resurfaced lot? Rubber tire traffic will not damage the new asphalt but care should be taken to avoid sharp turns (especially power steering marks created by non-moving vehicles).
Why is edge milling prior to resurfacing important? A key consideration when resurfacing is drainage. How well does the lot drain prior to resurfacing and how will a new layer affect this? As a general rule an asphalt parking lot should have a minimum slope of 1% for water to flow properly over its service life. This translates to roughly 1″ of fall for every 10 feet. Without edge milling, the new layer of asphalt will sit one and half to two inches higher than the adjacent concrete.