Atlanta Asphalt Resurfacing or Asphalt Repair?

Are you dealing with frequent cracks and damage on your asphalt? You’re not alone. Asphalt is tough, but like any other construction material, it will experience wear and tear over time. Fortunately, services like Atlanta asphalt resurfacing and standard patch repairs can address those unsightly and worrying issues.

Both resurfacing and standard asphalt repairs can transform your pavement, but which option should you consider?

What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing is a service that can help address surface damage while keeping lower foundation layers intact. Asphalt resurfacing contractors are selective about performing this service. Not all pavement is a good candidate for it. But if yours is, asphalt resurfacing can help you save money, rejuvenate your pavement and add up to 15 years of longevity.

If your pavement can benefit from this type of repair, asphalt resurfacing companies begin by pulverizing the upper layers of material. They use specialized milling machines that can remove asphalt to a specific depth.

After milling, your asphalt resurfacing company may apply a primer before laying a new asphalt overlay with fresh material.

When Is Asphalt Resurfacing Appropriate?

Before you eagerly start contacting asphalt resurfacing companies, you must examine your pavement. This service won’t benefit all paving. There are many specific conditions that your surfaces must meet. Asphalt resurfacing contractors will assess the existing damage to determine if your surfaces pass the test.

Generally, asphalt resurfacing is only viable when the foundation is structurally sound. If your pavement’s deeper sub-base layers suffer from erosion or any other problem that lowers its structural integrity, resurfacing will do nothing but temporarily mask the problem.

Asphalt resurfacing companies will also assess the extent of the damage, consider your pavement’s age and closely examine the size of cracks. Cracks are common, and resurfacing could benefit pavement with shallow cracks no more than a quarter inch wide. Anything bigger, and you could have bigger problems on your plate that your asphalt resurfacing company can’t solve.

When Should I Choose Standard Asphalt Repair?

Despite how beautiful new asphalt overlay might seem, you often don’t have to resort to resurfacing to improve your pavement’s look, safety and durability. Standard asphalt repair services like crack-filling and patching go a long way.

Typically, an asphalt overlay company will recommend smaller-scale repairs if your pavement is relatively new and is only experiencing minor issues. Even if you have several cracks, simple repairs are often an easier and more economical choice for newer surfaces that aren’t severely damaged by the elements.

Shallow cracks and the occasional pothole don’t warrant resurfacing until your pavement ages to the point where those asphalt repair issues reoccur frequently.

When Is Pavement Too Damaged for An Asphalt Overlay?

Asphalt resurfacing in Atlanta is a great choice if your pavement is less than 20 years old and frequently suffers from new cracks and unsightly damage. However, there are instances where asphalt resurfacing contractors may recommend you opt for full asphalt reconstruction instead.

If your pavement is over 20 years old, it’s already approaching the end of its life. Resurfacing might buy you some extra time, but there’s a higher chance that the foundation is approaching a point of failure. In that case, it’d be more economical to replace the asphalt.

Your asphalt resurfacing contractor may also recommend reconstruction if the damage covers more than 30 percent of the pavement’s surface area. Widespread damage indicates more severe underlying issues, and resurfacing won’t benefit your pavement.

Finally, resurfacing with a new asphalt overlay isn’t viable if your cracks are several inches deep and more than a quarter-inch wide. If that’s the case, your asphalt is too far gone for resurfacing.

If you’re unsure whether your pavement can benefit from typical repairs, replacement or asphalt resurfacing in Atlanta, contact The Surface Masters. We can assess your paving and recommend solutions that deliver results. We’re an award-winning asphalt resurfacing company proudly serving property owners in Atlanta and the surrounding communities.

Your satisfaction is paramount, and we strive to be transparent while developing strategies that help restore your pavement to its former glory. We offer many services that help our clients construct, maintain and repair their paving. These include new paving, asphalt resurfacing, milling and reclamation, crack sealing, concrete curbing, sealcoating and more.

Let us show you why we’re the best. Call The Surface Masters at (770)250-6392 for a free project quote. You can also reach out by email at Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or use our online contact form to get in touch.