Although a well-built, well-maintained asphalt pavement can provide many years of service, there will eventually come a time in the life of every pavement when it needs a bit more help than minor repairs, and preventive maintenance can deliver. In many cases, the best solution is not to rebuild the pavement if it is possible to overlay it. Asphalt overlays are new layers of asphalt that are applied and compacted on top of existing pavements. There are five important facts about overlays. They are related to the suitability of the pavement, the cost of the overlay, the benefits of overlaying a pavement, the installation procedure, and the maintenance that the overlay should receive.
Five Important Facts About Asphalt Overlays
How Do Asphalt Contractors Determine Whether a Pavement Is Suitable for an Overlay?
When a reputable Houston paving company sends representatives to evaluate a pavement, they are looking for certain issues that may affect the desirability, cost, or performance of an overlay. If the pavement suffered premature deterioration, it is necessary to determine the cause of the problem so that it can be rectified to prevent the early failure of the overlay. If the problem cannot be addressed without widespread removal of the existing pavement, an overlay may not be cost-effective. The second thing that an asphalt paving company will look for is any sign of a destabilized pavement foundation. Foundation repairs cannot be made without removing the pavement over the damaged area, so if the foundation damage extends to more than about a quarter of the entire pavement, a reconstruction may be a better option. The third thing that asphalt paving companies look for is the extent of the repairs that will need to be made to the existing pavement before an overlay can be installed. If more than about 35% of the pavement displays alligator cracking, extremely deep or wide cracks, large potholes, or other severe damage, an overlay might not be the best solution.
How Much Do Asphalt Overlays Cost?
Whether the job is new asphalt paving or an overlay, the cost will depend on numerous factors that vary by job. Therefore, it is impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate. However, in most cases, paving overlays are between 35% and 50% of the cost of removing and replacing the existing pavements.
What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Overlays?
As stated above, the cost is one benefit of choosing an overlay instead of a reconstruction. However, there are other benefits.
1. Overlays are typically fast to install, so your parking lot or roadway can start bearing traffic again much sooner than it could if you opted for a reconstruction.
2. Existing transitions, curb reveals, and pavement penetrations can be retained at their original elevations.
3. If correctly installed, an overlay will be virtually identical to a new pavement in appearance and ride.
4. As long as the pavement and its foundation remain in acceptable condition, the same pavement can usually receive repeated overlays over the course of many decades.
How Does a Houston Paving Company Install an Asphalt Overlay?
If repairs are needed to ensure the quality of the overlay, those will be made first. The next step is typically to mill the pavement to remove a precise depth of the existing asphalt. Milling machines can remove just an inch or two, or they can remove the full depth of the pavement. The pavement is then swept and cleaned. Layer by layer, new asphalt paving is installed and compacted.
Does an Asphalt Overlay Require Maintenance?
You should maintain your overlay the same way that a new pavement should be maintained. Within the overlay’s first year of life, you should have your contractor apply sealcoating. Sealcoating should be reapplied per the schedule that your contractor recommends. Just like a new pavement, an overlay can benefit from routine cleaning, including the removal of automotive fluids, trash, and dead leaves. If a crack should appear in the overlay, you should contact your contractor to determine whether it needs to be repaired immediately.
For More Information, Contact Marathon Solutions Group
Marathon Solutions is a well-respected company providing a full range of concrete and asphalt paving services, including overlay installations, asphalt paving, parking lot striping, marking removal, asphalt sealcoating, concrete installation, thermoplastic markings, ADA compliance, bollards, concrete repairs, concrete installation, asphalt milling, drainage improvements, and asphalt repairs. Our clients include industrial facilities, municipalities, commercial property managers and owners, and retailers. We have a reputation for providing superior work and outstanding customer service at reasonable prices. If you would like to request a free quote, you can fill out the online form, or you can call 800-879-1147.
