Although asphalt pavements are remarkably durable, there will come a time in every pavement’s life when a few crack repairs and a fresh coat of sealant are simply not enough. Perhaps the pavement has become an unsightly network of repairs, or the surface course has begun to show serious signs of deterioration. You realize that you must take action, but you are not confident whether you should ask your paving contractor to replace your pavement or install an asphalt overlay. Each method offers benefits and drawbacks.
Asphalt Overlay or Replacement: Which Is the Best Choice for You?
What Is an Asphalt Overlay?
An overlay, also known as asphalt resurfacing, involves using a milling machine to remove a precise, predetermined depth of existing asphalt pavement before placing new asphalt to restore the pavement. Typically, an overlay is less than two inches in depth.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Asphalt Overlay?
On the positive side, overlays are less expensive than total asphalt removal and replacement. Resurfacing is also faster, so you can have your pavement back in service sooner. To the untrained eye, an overlay will look virtually identical to new pavement.
On the negative side, an overlay is not usually a good idea if the pavement’s foundation is unstable or damaged. Most reputable asphalt companies will not suggest overlaying a pavement with an unsuitable foundation; the results will not have a long life, making a replacement more cost-effective. Furthermore, unless your asphalt contractor repairs any patches of alligator cracking, potholes, and significant cracks before installing an overlay, the damage patterns will eventually appear in the overlay. Therefore, if numerous, costly, or extensive repairs are necessary, asphalt removal and replacement may save you money in the long run.
What Is Asphalt Removal and Replacement?
Removal and replacement are essentially the reconstruction of your existing pavement. Austin paving companies typically use a milling machine to grind away the full depth of the pavement, occasionally including the base and subbase in the process. The crumbs of the old asphalt typically go to a Texas asphalt plant for recycling. Your asphalt contractor will then rebuild or repair the base layers before installing and compacting multiple layers of asphalt.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Asphalt Removal and Replacement?
A removal and replacement procedure is significantly more expensive than an overlay. It is also a more time-consuming process, so your pavement will be out of action a little longer.
However, when you ask an Austin paving company to reconstruct your asphalt pavement, you gain several benefits. Your asphalt contractor can address serious underground drainage problems that an overlay cannot resolve. If necessary, your contractor can strengthen the base or redesign the entire structure. This can be advantageous if your pavement is being subjected to heavier or more numerous vehicles than its original engineers anticipated. With proper maintenance, your rebuilt pavement could last up to 30 years, which is roughly twice as long as most overlays.
Trust Alpha for the Best Texas Asphalt Services
Alpha Paving offers a complete range of asphalt services in Austin and the Central Texas area. Our work includes paving, asphalt resurfacing, sealcoating, asphalt patching, crack repairs, and milling. We also offer concrete repairs and installation, parking lot striping, traffic sign installation, thermoplastic pavement markings, street maintenance, speed bump installation, wheel stops, and road construction. Our clients include cities and counties, hotels, restaurants, airports, health care facilities, religious institutions, educational facilities, apartment complexes, retailers, industrial facilities, HOAs, entertainment venues, condos, property management firms, subdivisions, and office parks. We have a reputation for delivering remarkable work and unmatched customer service with professionalism and integrity. Give us a call at 512-677-9001, complete our online form, or send an email to [email protected] to request a free quote.
