People who make asphalt their paving choice are often seeking to obtain the best return on their investment. Compared to other paving materials, asphalt paving is significantly less expensive and faster to install. Routine maintenance and repairs are also fast and economical. However, time and wear will eventually take a toll on even a well-constructed, immaculately maintained Atlanta pavement. If you are unhappy with your existing pavement, you might want to contact a reputable paving contractor about asphalt reconstruction.
What Is Asphalt Reconstruction?
Basically, asphalt reconstruction in Atlanta involves the removal of all layers of an existing pavement; the existing foundation may be removed as well. Your Atlanta asphalt reconstruction contractor will then rebuild the pavement. You might think that an asphalt reconstruction company will need to demolish and rebuild your entire parking lot or other pavement, but that is not always the case. For example, asphalt reconstruction companies can sometimes remove and rebuild just the area of a parking lot that has suffered severe damage.
What Is Full-Depth Asphalt Reconstruction?
In the asphalt industry, full depth refers to all courses of an asphalt pavement, with or without the removal of the foundation. For example, contractors sometimes repair alligatored asphalt by installing a full-depth patch because the method allows them to foundation damage that may have caused or contributed to the alligator cracking. Full depth asphalt reconstruction is almost identical to full-depth patching, but it normally involves a much larger area. In addition, full depth asphalt reconstruction typically involves the removal and reconstruction of the foundation as well as the pavement.
When Is Asphalt Reconstruction an Appropriate Solution?
Although asphalt reconstruction in Atlanta is sometimes chosen to replace a pavement that is simply too old or weary to make repairs economically feasible, it is more often chosen for other reasons. Typically, these other reasons involve issues with the pavement’s structural integrity. Here are some types of damage for which an Atlanta asphalt reconstruction might be an appropriate solution.
1. Rutting: Rutting is a type of pavement distress in which an asphalt pavement deforms or develops depressions along the travel path of vehicles. Rutting is often the result of improper compaction during construction, but it can also be caused by problems with the foundation or the underlying soil.
2. Alligator Cracking: Alligatored asphalt refers to a network of interconnected cracks that resemble a reptile’s scales. Typically, alligator cracking is a sign of an unstable, weak foundation, often as a result of erosion caused by water infiltration.
3. Potholes: Potholes are usually the result of water that has damaged the foundation. The weakened foundation cannot support the weight of traffic, so the pavement above the compromised foundation collapses. If you have just a handful of potholes, full-depth patching may be a solution. However, full depth asphalt paving is usually more cost-effective if the potholes are numerous.
4. Raveling: Asphalt paving contains a binder that holds the pavement together. If there is loose gravel on your pavement’s surface, the pavement has likely begun to disintegrate due to a loss of bonding between the aggregates and the binder. Although there can be other causes, raveling is usually the result of the aging process.
The Surface Masters can help you decide whether an Atlanta asphalt reconstruction is the best option for your unique pavement. We offer many asphalt paving services, including asphalt paving, crack sealing, asphalt repairs, milling and reclamation, sealcoating, concrete repairs, pavement markings, and concrete flatwork. We are a highly experienced, well-respected company with a reputation for exemplary service and exceptional craftsmanship. We offer free job quotes, so submit your request by completing our online form, emailing Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com, or calling our Marietta office at 770-250-6392.
