Most people love asphalt pavements because of their durability. However, this doesn’t mean that asphalt pavements are immune to damage. It comes a time when your asphalt pavement will develop cracks and potholes, meaning you will need something else other than applying a fresh coat sealant.
Maybe your pavement has lost its appearance because of the ugly repair patches, and the surface has some serious signs of deterioration. If that’s the case, you might need to consider asphalt overlay or to resurface. This is one of the common ‘remedies’ for such surfaces, and your contractor might recommend it if your asphalt pavement isn’t beyond repair.
An asphalt overlay involves removing a precise and predetermined depth of an existing asphalt surface before installing a new asphalt layer to restore the surface. A milling machine is used to remove the asphalt, and the new overlay shouldn’t exceed two inches in depth.
While this is one of the best ways to restore your asphalt pavement, it does come with numerous pros and cons. In this post, we shall discuss the top pros and cons of asphalt overlay. Read on for more information.
The pros of asphalt overlay
Improves the longevity of your asphalt pavement
When done correctly, an asphalt overlay can improve the longevity of your asphalt pavement. It will fill in any cracks and potholes on the surface and restore the surface to its original condition. This means that you won’t have to worry about the damages caused by weather conditions and vehicular traffic.
In addition, an asphalt overlay will add some extra years to the life of your pavement. It’s a cost-effective way to extend the life of your asphalt surface, and it’s also less disruptive than complete reconstruction.
Enhances the appearance of your asphalt pavement
An asphalt overlay can also enhance the appearance of your asphalt pavement. If your pavement is in bad shape, an asphalt overlay will cover all the cracks, potholes, and repair patches. This will give your pavement a new and improved look. In addition, an asphalt overlay can also improve the skid resistance of your pavement. This is essential to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers.
It’s a cost-effective solution
Asphalt overlays are a cost-effective solution when compared to complete reconstruction. They are less disruptive and can be completed in a shorter time frame. In addition, asphalt overlays can be done in multiple phases, which means you won’t have to close down your business or disrupt your daily activities.
The cons of asphalt overlay
While asphalt overlays have numerous pros, they also come with a few cons. Here are the top three cons of asphalt overlay:
It’s a short-term solution
An asphalt overlay is a short-term solution, and it should only be used as a temporary fix. If you don’t take care of the underlying problems, the overlay will only last for a few years.
It can be expensive
According to the experts from CSG Sealcoating, Orlando, an asphalt overlay can be expensive, especially if you have a large surface area to be covered. The cost will also depend on the depth and materials used in the overlay.
It can damage your driveway or parking lot
If the overlay is done incorrectly, it can damage your driveway or parking lot. For example, if the new asphalt is too thick, it can crack and crumble under the weight of vehicles.
It can conceal problems with your pavement
While an asphalt overlay can cover up cracks and potholes, it can also conceal problems with your pavement. This means that you might not be able to identify underlying issues until it’s too late.
Asphalt overlays are a popular solution for restoring damaged asphalt pavements. However, before you decide to go ahead with an overlay, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the most important considerations to make before choosing an asphalt overlay.
- The extent of the existing damage – One of the most important considerations is the extent of the existing damage. If the damage is minor, an asphalt overlay might be all you need. However, if the damage is extensive, you might need to opt for a complete reconstruction.
- The condition of the subgrade – Another important consideration is the condition of the subgrade. If the subgrade is in good condition, an asphalt overlay might be all you need. However, if the subgrade is in poor condition, you might need to opt for a complete reconstruction.
- The traffic volume – The traffic volume is another important consideration. If your property sees a high traffic volume, an asphalt overlay might not be enough. In this case, you might need to opt for a complete reconstruction.
- The climate – The climate is another important consideration. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, an asphalt overlay might not be enough. In this case, you might need to opt for a complete reconstruction.
- Size of your pavement – The size of your pavement is another important consideration. An asphalt overlay might be expensive if you have a large surface area. In this case, you might need to opt for a complete reconstruction.
