Asphalt Sealcoat, Overlay or Reconstruction – Which one do you need?

You’ve been patching and repairing your asphalt for the last few years and it’s finally got to the point that even the patches are failing. Asphalt reaches the end of its life span by the time it approaches the 20 year mark. The elements oxidize the asphalt and years of heavy metal vehicles driving over it have done their damage. The asphalt begins to fail. So now the big decision needs to be made. Do you sealcoat, resurface or reconstruct?

Sealcoating

When an asphalt surface is sealed, a thin coating is laid over the top of the asphalt to protect it from the elements and spills. It slows down the oxidization process and general wearing.

A sealcoat should be done every 3-5 years to maintain the driveway and extend its life span. Any very shallow cracks and damage may be filled with the sealcoat alone but for longevity, it’s best to properly repair cracks before the sealcoat is laid to avoid water getting in and making the damage worse.

Resurfacing

Asphalt resurfacing is the process of leveling and repairing the top layers of old asphalt and installing a new 1.5 – 2 inch layer over the existing foundation. An application of primer is laid between the two surfaces to bond the new asphalt to the old surface.

Resurfacing can extend the lifespan of an asphalt surface. This is a good option when the surface has been damaged beyond repair but the subgrade is still in good condition.

Things to consider when resurfacing:

• If there are concerns about the subgrade it will require a core-test to confirm it’s stability.
• What repairs need to be made prior to the new asphalt being laid? Any existing cracks that go un-repaired will reflect through the new layer of asphalt, cause reflective cracking and drainage issues. AC Paving can tell you what repairs are essential before resurfacing.
• An overlay requires less materials and less work and is quicker to do than a reconstruction, meaning it is usually significantly cheaper unless extensive repairs need to take place.

Reconstruction

When the damage to your asphalt is extensive and the subgrade is unstable, you will need to do a full reconstruction. This would involve completely removing the old asphalt (which is recycled) and starting again.

A reconstruction is done when 25 to 35% of the total surface area has had major damage. In this case, the cost of a reconstruction is more economical and effective than it would be to resurface.

If you’re unsure about how much work is needed on your asphalt surface, contact AC Paving. We can meet with you and decide a plan of action that suits your needs and budget.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of asphalt paving, request an estimate or call (410) 923-6100 TODAY!