Asphalt pavement resurfacing, also known as an overlay installation, is a cost-effective way to renovate an aging or damaged pavement. An overlay is faster and less expensive than tearing out and rebuilding an existing pavement. Still, there is typically little or no difference between the two in terms of appearance, functionality, and durability. However, a successful asphalt resurfacing project requires a skilled, experienced contractor who understands how to evaluate an existing pavement’s suitability for resurfacing and correctly execute every part of the process.
What Is an Asphalt Pavement Overlay?
An overlay is an application of new asphalt on top of an existing pavement. Local asphalt paving companies can apply overlays to many concrete pavements as well as asphalt pavements. However, not every pavement is suitable for a pavement overlay.
How Do You Determine Whether Pavements Are Suitable for Asphalt Overlays?
Just to be clear, it is conceivably possible for a paving company to slap another layer or two of asphalt on top of virtually any pavement. However, if the existing pavement is unsuitable for overlaying, the results will usually not be worth the procedure’s cost. The foundation of the existing pavement needs to be relatively stable to prevent the overlay’s premature failure. If the contractor does not repair significant breaks in the pavement before applying the overlay, the damage patterns will quickly appear in the overlay. The contractor can typically repair every instance of pavement or foundation damage, but this could be more costly than removing and replacing the entire pavement if there are many damaged areas. Every pavement is different, but the general rule is that rebuilding the pavement will be more cost-effective than resurfacing if the areas needing repairs total more than about one-third of the pavement’s total square footage. Once contractors decide that the pavement is suitable for resurfacing, they can complete the four-step procedure that consists of preparing, milling, repairing, and resurfacing the pavement.
How Do Contractors Prepare to Install Asphalt Resurfacing?
Depending on the project, contractors prepare for an overlay installation by communicating details about the project to those it might affect. For example, if the pavement is a parking lot, the contractor will work with the property manager to determine a suitable location for vehicles to park. If the project requires the demolition and reconstruction of handicapped ramps, contractors will include that information. Communications can also have the work schedule, information about the need to relocate utility lines, and the contractor’s contact information.
What Is Asphalt Milling?
Milling is a procedure that uses a machine with a cutting cylinder to grind away as much or as little of existing asphalt pavement as necessary. Milling allows the retention of curb reveals, utility hole covers, and other features at their proper elevations. The contractor will usually complete any necessary utility adjustments as part of the milling process. Milling is a fast, economical process that produces granules that asphalt recycling plants can manufacture additional asphalt paving material.
What Repairs Do Contractors Make Before Applying Asphalt Overlays?
If potholes, cracks, or other breaks are so deep that the initial milling did not remove them, the contractor may remove and replace rectangles or squares of pavement. This is also the typical method to repair isolated areas of foundation damage. The contractor will compact the new asphalt, and he will perform additional milling to ensure that the area is at the same level as the surrounding pavement. If necessary, he may apply additional asphalt to seal and smooth the seams around the repair.
How Do Contractors Complete a Paving Overlay Project?
The fourth step in the process is to install the asphalt. Typically, the contractor will apply a tack coat to enhance bonding. He then installs and compacts the first layer of asphalt. Most overlays will require multiple layers of asphalt, so the contractor will install and compact each course until the overlay reaches the proper thickness.
For Expert Asphalt Resurfacing, Contact Alpha Paving
Alpha Paving is a leading full-service paving company serving clients throughout Austin and the rest of Central Texas. In addition to asphalt resurfacing and asphalt paving, we offer road construction, asphalt seal coating, concrete curbing, concrete parking lots, asphalt milling, parking lot and street maintenance, asphalt crack repairs, parking lot striping, speed bumps, traffic signage, pavement markings, asphalt patching thermoplastic markings, and car stops. We built our extraordinary reputation by consistently delivering superior customer service and exemplary craftsmanship at competitive rates. Our clients include property management firms, municipalities, retailers, hotels, educational institutions, churches, healthcare facilities, apartment complexes, and manufacturing facilities. For a free quote, submit the handy online form. If you want to speak with one of our representatives at our office in Round Rock, you can call 512-677-9001.
