Although a well-maintained asphalt pavement can have a useful life that spans several decades, time can have a devastating effect on its appearance. If your pavement has become so bedraggled that you cringe every time you see it, others are likely just as unimpressed. The only thing that makes you cringe more is the thought of the inconvenience and cost of reconstructing your pavement. Fortunately, asphalt contractors can renovate many tired and battered pavements with an asphalt overlay.
What Is an Asphalt Overlay?
Asphalt overlays consist of multiple courses of fresh asphalt that an asphalt paving company installs on top of an existing pavement. Some contractors refer to the asphalt overlay process as asphalt resurfacing. To achieve the best results when overlaying asphalt, most contractors will mill the existing pavement first.
What Is a Milling Machine?
When resurfacing pavement, most contractors will use a milling machine to remove some of the existing asphalt paving. Milling machines have rotating drums with cutters that make short work of the removal process. Depending on the specific machine and the skill of its operator, a milling machine can take off just a few millimeters or the entire pavement.
What Are the Advantages of Milling a Pavement Before Installing an Asphalt Overlay?
When installing new paving Atlanta contractors almost always install catch basins or gutters to channel water to storm drains. They may also install curb ramps or other ADA features. Drain covers and similar penetrations should be flush with the surface to ensure a smooth ride. Without milling, asphalt overlays will change the elevation of the pavement’s features by the depth of the overlay. Thus, a manhole cover, for example, could be as much as three inches below the surface. This makes for a bumpy ride, but it also poses a potential tripping hazard to pedestrians. If there are connecting pavements or driveways, the transitions will be bumpy as well. Curb ramps will not be at the ADA-specified height, and the curbs that direct water to the gutters will also have a reduction in height. The aesthetics of the resurfaced pavement can suffer as well. Flaws in the existing pavement, including cracks, will quickly begin to transfer their patterns to the overlay.
What Are the Advantages of Overlaying Asphalt Instead of Rebuilding the Pavement?
The two primary advantages of asphalt resurfacing relate to the difference in cost and time.
1. Paving Atlanta properties takes longer than resurfacing an existing pavement. This is especially true if the contractor must first demolish and haul away the existing pavement. Therefore, you will not have the use of your pavement for a longer period if you reconstruct it.
2. Resurfacing pavement is considerably less expensive than rebuilding it. Your savings will depend on various factors, including the current price of asphalt. However, a reconstruction typically costs at least 33% more than an overlay, and it could be as much as twice as expensive.
The Surface Masters installs asphalt overlays, concrete flatwork, and asphalt paving throughout greater Atlanta. We also offer parking lot striping, sealcoating, asphalt crack repairs, pavement markings, asphalt repairs, concrete repairs, and asphalt milling. We have an exceptional reputation for exemplary service and extraordinary craftsmanship. To request a free quote, you can complete the online form, call 770-250-6392, or email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com.
