Everything You Need To Know About Asphalt Paving Overlays

Asphalt is a tough, sustainable material used in everything from heavily trafficked roads to home driveways. While its use is widespread, asphalt doesn't last forever. Like any other construction material, it deteriorates over time. Eventually, property owners will need to take action to prolong the life of their pavement. Asphalt paving overlays are a fantastic alternative to reconstruction, saving time and money while helping you get the most out of your paved surfaces.

What are Asphalt Paving Overlays?

An overlay is a new layer of asphalt that goes over an existing foundation. Overlays are part of asphalt resurfacing projects. A local asphalt paving company might recommend resurfacing over reconstruction to save time and money. While not appropriate for all damaged surfaces, overlays can dramatically improve looks, durability and longevity.

How Does Asphalt Resurfacing Work?

Companies that do local asphalt paving may offer resurfacing and overlay services. The process is simple, but it requires specialty equipment to complete. Contractors will examine asphalt paving to determine if resurfacing is a good solution. If it is, they'll also develop a plan of attack that includes figuring out how much surface asphalt to remove. Once the planning phase is over, contractors will bring in heavy-duty milling machines. These machines grind away several inches of asphalt paving. Contractors may do several passes to remove as much material as necessary. The old grinded-up asphalt gets transported to a recycling plant, and teams typically apply a primer to the newly unveiled foundational layers. After the primer cures, teams can bring in the new asphalt overlay. Skilled contractors spread and compact the asphalt, perfect the elevation for drainage and allow the new layer to cure. The result is a like-new surface.

When Do Asphalt Paving Companies Recommend Resurfacing and Overlays?

An asphalt company and companies that do repairs typically recommend overlays whenever pavement has significant damage. Minor issues like cracking and the occasional pothole are normal. However, over time, local asphalt paving can degrade so much that property owners must frequently invest in repair services. Milling damaged material and installing a new asphalt overlay is a great way to address frequent repair issues. Asphalt paving overlays can make frequent damage a thing of the past while giving existing surfaces more strength, durability and longevity.

When Isn't an Asphalt Overlay a Good Solution?

Overlays are game-changers, but they're not the end-all-be-all solution to every pavement issue. An asphalt company and companies specializing in pavement maintenance will look at the extent of the damage to determine if your property will benefit from an asphalt overlay. If the damage runs deep into the foundation or sub-base, resurfacing won't do much to correct issues. The same goes for damage that exceeds 35 percent of the pavement surface area. In those cases, full reconstruction will provide better results for your investment.

Is Asphalt Resurfacing More Cost-Effective Than Reconstruction?

If an asphalt paving company recommends resurfacing and overlays, it's worth considering. Asphalt paving overlays are significantly more affordable than full-blown reconstruction because you're reusing all but a few inches of the surface. Reconstruction requires full demolition and excavation. You're rebuilding the pavement from the ground up, including the sub-base foundation. Furthermore, overlays are quicker to complete. There's still some curing time involved, but the disruption to your property is minimal compared to full reconstruction.

How Long Do New Asphalt Paving Overlays Last?

An asphalt company and companies that specialize in resurfacing can give you several more years of life. A properly installed overlay can last an additional 12 to 15 years. That's more than enough time to budget for eventual reconstruction. In the meantime, you get to enjoy a beautiful, problem-free surface! Let E. Wells Paving handle all your paving, maintenance and resurfacing needs. We're an asphalt paving company proudly serving commercial and residential property owners in Buffalo Junction, South Boston, Danville and the surrounding communities. We're the go-to local asphalt paving experts, providing services like new paving, sealcoating and repairs. We have over two decades of experience handling projects of all sizes and scopes. We bring high-quality products, years of expertise and reliable equipment to every job. You'll also get peace of mind with our standard one-year warranty. Call the E. Wells Paving team today at (434)443-5721 for a free project quote. You can also reach us at ewellspaving98@gmail.com or use our online contact form to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!