Asphalt Overlay or Asphalt Paving Replacement?
Asphalt pavement can stand up to many years of heavy traffic and exposure to the weather with proper care. Yet, there eventually comes a time when your general crack fill service just doesn’t cut it for creating a safe surface. Once you notice a network of deep cracks or major potholes and raveling, you may begin to wonder whether it’s best to do an asphalt overlay or complete asphalt paving replacement. Each option has its benefits along with potential drawbacks, and knowing about each one helps you make the right decision for your property.
What Is an Asphalt Overlay?
An asphalt paving overlay, which is sometimes referred to as resurfacing, is a shallow replacement of the upper surface of the pavement. Typically, an asphalt pavement overlay doesn’t extend more than a couple of inches of the pavement’s depth. Instead, a Treasure Coast paving contractor will use a milling machine to remove the entire portion of the upper surface area before installing new asphalt paving.
How Does Paving Replacement Differ From an Asphalt Overlay?
A complete paving replacement involves removing all of the layers of pavement. In some cases, the asphalt paving contractor may recommend removing the base and sublayers as well. This provides the contractor with the ability to repair or strengthen the lower levels of the pavement to prevent certain types of damage from occurring again.
What Are the Benefits of an Asphalt Paving Overlay?
Since asphalt resurfacing only requires removing and replacing the upper layers of pavement, it is usually less costly compared to doing a full replacement. People with small areas of pavement often prefer this option for the cost-effectiveness and faster timeline. For instance, you may prefer to do an asphalt driveway overlay rather than a full replacement for a residential project.
How Do You Know When Rebuilding the Pavement Is Necessary?
The average property owner often finds it hard to know just how deep damage goes in a paved surface. A professional Treasure Coast asphalt company can conduct an inspection to see how far the damage goes, and they’ll usually offer you the most cost-effective option.
Both replacements and overlays can provide you with years of solid asphalt surfacing, but you might need a full paving installation when the problems stem from the lowest levels of the pavement. Choosing to correct subterranean issues during a full replacement project can help you avoid having to go through this process all over again within just a few years.
Get a Professional’s Recommendation for Major Paving Repairs
Asphalt Care Services, LLC provides a full range of asphalt repair and paving services that are cost-effective and long lasting. With both overlays and full paving replacements, you’ll also need to consider working with our team to add parking lot striping, including thermoplastic line striping or concrete bumpers, speed bumps and traffic signs. To preserve the new surface, we also recommend regular sealcoating and parking lot maintenance services. When you know it’s time for serious asphalt repairs, give us a call at 772-888-5648, email us at [email protected] or opt to fill out our online form to get a free, comprehensive quote that helps you start planning the project today.
