10 Oct

Should I Resurface or Replace Asphalt

Resurface or Replace AsphaltShould I Resurface or Replace Asphalt

Cracking in your asphalt driveway, parking lot, or walkways is inevitable. Most small cracks can be easily repaired with asphalt filler available from a home improvement store. However, asphalt owners must be diligent about patching damaged asphalt as soon as cracks appear to avoid more expensive repairs. Sealcoating asphalt regularly is also a very important, but often overlooked maintenance task.

Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t have the time or expertise for even simple DIY jobs. Asphalt crack repair and sealcoating usually aren’t very high up on people’s priority list when compared to the many other things that need to be done every day. As life happens, those asphalt cracks grow, and pretty soon you’re in need of some more involved repair work.

Asphalt resurfacing is simply placing a new layer of asphalt on top of an existing asphalt surface. Resurfacing requires proper preparation of the underlying surfaces and should only be attempted by a qualified asphalt contractor. Resurfacing is not as involved or costly as a complete asphalt replacement, and it is also more attractive than DIY patches.

Resurfacing may be an option for your asphalt if:

  • Less than 30% of your asphalt is damaged/cracking
  • Cracks are thin and shallow
  • The base layer of the asphalt is still in good shape
  • The asphalt is less than 20 years old

If resurfacing is right for your asphalt, we will begin by cleaning up the existing surface. All holes and cracks will be repaired, the entire surface will be leveled, and any asphalt that is beyond repair will be completely removed. After prep work is finished, a new, slate black layer of asphalt will be poured using a self-leveling machine, then smoothed out and compacted by our team.

But, what if your asphalt is too old, or too far gone, for resurfacing to be effective? Then, you will need to look into a complete replacement.

Consider replacing your asphalt entirely if:

  • More than 30% of the surface is damaged
  • Cracks are wide (over ¼”) or deep (more than a couple of inches)
  • The asphalt is over 20 years old
  • The base layer is compromised or unstable

During a complete replacement, your entire existing asphalt structure, including the foundation, will be completely removed. The underlying soil will be compacted and leveled before a new foundation is poured. After the foundation is poured and leveled, brand new black asphalt will be evenly laid on top.

Whether you need to resurface or replace asphalt, trust the asphalt experts at Jireh Asphalt & Concrete to get the job done right. We will give you an honest assessment of your current asphalt and only recommend what is absolutely necessary to get your asphalt surface back to pristine condition. Contact us online for a free quote and/or more information about the decision to either resurface or replace asphalt!