Contrary to popular belief, asphalt’s lifespan is not infinite. Even with top-notch maintenance, all commercial and asphalt surfaces will degrade with time. Eventually, your pavement will reach an age when standard repairs no longer keep it safe, beautiful, and reliable. Before you consider repaving, turn to E. Wells Paving. We provide asphalt overlay services in Buffalo Junction and other communities in Southside Virginia and North Carolina. We can determine if your pavement is a candidate for this service and execute all work to deliver results that count.

What Is an Asphalt Overlay?

A Southern Virginia asphalt overlay is a thin layer of fresh asphalt applied to an existing surface or foundation. Project specifics vary, but most overlays are between 1.5 and 3 inches thick.

When done correctly, an overlay transforms old, deteriorated paving. It gives surfaces a brand-new look and many years of additional longevity. Best of all, it’s cost-effective, helping you avoid the high upfront expense, downtime, and complex logistics of reconstruction.

How Long Does an Asphalt Paving Overlay Last?

When applied by the best asphalt overlay companies available, the results of your project can last 10 to 15 years. However, many factors will impact longevity. Like any other type of asphalt paving, overlays require ongoing maintenance and care. That includes sealcoating, crack sealing, and timely repairs.

The good news is that a properly applied Southern Virginia asphalt overlay can extend your existing pavement’s lifespan by well over a decade. Most surfaces will require an overlay to achieve a total lifespan of 30 years or more.

What Types of Projects Can Asphalt Overlay Contractors Help Complete?

Many types of projects involve applying an asphalt paving overlay. The most common is resurfacing.

Asphalt resurfacing involves removing a few inches of damaged pavement. Then, asphalt resurfacing companies apply a fresh overlay, maintaining the same elevation as the old surface.

Asphalt overlay companies can also work to address drainage concerns, elevation issues, and rough transitions. Because overlays sit atop existing foundations, contractors can use the new material to modify the pavement’s elevation to meet your needs.

How Do Asphalt Resurfacing Companies Transform Old, Damaged Pavement?

Asphalt resurfacing companies start by milling several inches of asphalt. To do this, they use milling machines equipped with rotating drums and cutting teeth. The equipment effectively pulverizes material inch by inch, offering precise control to remove unwanted asphalt while preserving the pavement foundation.

Once the milled asphalt is gone, asphalt overlay contractors will apply a tack coat. The tack coat is a sticky asphalt emulsion that acts like a glue between the existing material and the Southern Virginia asphalt overlay.

Next comes the new overlay. Asphalt overlay companies lay fresh material, spreading and compacting it just as they would with new paving projects. After the new overlay cures, your renewed pavement is ready for traffic.

Are All Paved Surfaces Good Candidates for Asphalt Resurfacing and Overlaying?

Before you start planning your asphalt resurfacing and overlay project, there are a few things to consider. Not all residential or commercial paved surfaces will benefit from an overlay. Asphalt overlay contractors assess several factors to determine the best way to proceed with your project. Here are a few qualifiers they consider.

  • Pavement Age: Asphalt resurfacing is best suited for pavement that’s 15 to 20 years old. Anything older, and the existing structure is already approaching the end of its lifespan. As a result, it may be better to hold off and plan for reconstruction.
  • Foundation Integrity: Asphalt paving contractors reuse your pavement’s existing foundation. Thus, extensive, deep-rooted damage will disqualify surfaces from receiving an overlay. Contractors can correct mild foundation damage, including potholes and alligator cracking. However, issues affecting the foundation’s overall structural integrity aren’t acceptable.
  • Damage Extent: An asphalt paving overlay is transformative, addressing deterioration and correcting recurring damage once and for all. However, it’s not suitable when more than roughly 25 to 30 percent of the surface suffers distress. In those cases, repaving may be a more viable option.

Why Turn to E. Wells Paving for Professional Asphalt Overlay Service?

Ready to see if an asphalt overlay is right for your residential or commercial pavement? E. Wells Paving is a trusted asphalt overlay contractor with years of experience completing projects of all sizes and scopes. Based in Buffalo Junction, we serve clients throughout Southside VA, the Lake Gaston area, and several communities in North Carolina. With a commitment to quality, transparency, and reliability, you can trust us to deliver the results you deserve.

E. Wells Paving is available for all your asphalt paving needs, offering services like new asphalt paving, commercial paving, overlays, asphalt driveways, sealcoating, residential sealcoating, repairs, parking lot maintenance, and more. Get your free quote today by calling E. Wells Paving at (434) 443-5902. You can also email the team at ewellspaving98@gmail.com or use our online form to get in touch.