Does Your Asphalt Need Resurfacing or Replacing?

When cracks, potholes, and other blemishes start to appear in your asphalt, what should you do?

If your pavement has crossed over from needing routine asphalt repairs and maintenance to needing a more drastic solution, resurfacing and replacing your pavement are two of your best options.

With that said, asphalt resurfacing and replacement have distinct applications, and they also have different price points. Let’s look at the differences between these two solutions and the scenarios in which they might be needed.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing is the process of removing the top layer of asphalt and replacing it with a new layer. This is considered a viable solution when there is no significant damage to the pavement’s foundation.

To start, your asphalt paving contractor will use a milling machine to grind up the first layer of asphalt and recycle those materials to be reused. Once the top layer has been removed, your contractor will then perform any minor repairs to the pavement’s foundation before applying the new layer of hot mix asphalt.

After the asphalt has fully cured, your paving company will repaint any lines or road markings that may be needed. Finally, they will sealcoat the asphalt at a later date and your pavement will look as good as new!

Resurfacing is both faster and more affordable than a full replacement but it doesn’t offer the same longevity. Your pavement might be a candidate for resurfacing if it meets the following criteria:

• Your asphalt is less than 15 – 20 years old.
• Less than 25 – 30% of your asphalt surface needs to be repaired.
• The cracks in your asphalt are relatively thin and shallow.
• Your asphalt’s foundation remains stable and in good condition.

Replacement

Replacement is the process of removing all existing pavement and replacing it with a brand new foundation and asphalt surface. This is the preferred solution when there is significant damage to your pavement—including its foundation.

With replacement, your asphalt contractor will start by removing all existing asphalt materials. They will then grade and slope the surface for proper drainage before installing and compacting the new sub-base layer, providing a stable foundation for your asphalt.

After applying a binding layer to the sub-base, your contractor will pour the new layer of hot mix asphalt. As is the case with resurfacing, line striping and seal coating will take place once the surface has fully cured.

While an asphalt replacement project takes a little longer than resurfacing and is typically more expensive, it’s also a more permanent solution. Your pavement might be a good candidate for replacement if it meets the following criteria:

• Your asphalt is more than 15 – 20 years old.
• More than 25 – 30% of your asphalt surface needs to be repaired.
• The cracks in your asphalt are relatively large and deep.
• Your asphalt’s foundation is unstable and in poor condition.

Do you need a paving contractor in Toronto that can resurface or replace your parking lot, roadway, or commercial driveway? Contact Empire Paving today. Our experts will assess the state of your asphalt and help you restore your pavement!