Is your asphalt parking lot or driveway looking worn, tired or downright dangerous? When your asphalt has more than one or two cracks you need more than a simple crack repair – you need resurfacing or replacement. But how do you know which is right for you?
This inevitable breakdown of materials can seldom be avoided. Often we neglect the parking lot or driveway because well, it’s simply always there; small cracks and start to show and before you know it the whole surface is littered with them. If your asphalt surface has a lot of cracks, dips, bumps and damage then a simple crack repair is probably out of the question.
What is Asphalt Resurfacing?
Asphalt resurfacing is used when there are several surface-level cracks, holes or crumbling and where the foundation is still sound – which in most cases it usually is. Resurfacing involves removing only the top layer of damaged asphalt and pouring a smooth new layer on top.
What is Asphalt Replacement?
Typically used as a last-resort, asphalt replacement literally means removing the old asphalt and starting again; it is used only in the most extreme cases, it’s more expensive than resurfacing and not always necessary. Be sure to select a reputable paving company with you best interests at heart so you know you’re getting the advice you need, not the advise that lines their pockets.
In many cases asphalt resurfacing can be used and replacement is only a last resort. Resurfacing costs considerably less and involves less disruption since your only pouring a new layer of asphalt, not removing a layer then pouring another.
Here’s a helpful table to summarize the typical situations you may need one over the other:
| Asphalt Resurfacing | Asphalt Replacement |
| The foundation is still good | The foundation is compromised |
| The asphalt is not older than 20 years | The asphalt over 20 years old |
| Cracks are no deeper than 2 inches | The asphalt has deep cracks over 2 inches |
| No more than 50% of the asphalt needs repairs | More than 50% of the surface needs repairs |
If you are still unsure a reputable asphalt paving company can advise you on the best cause of action. It’s always best to get advice from a professional to ensure the integrity of your driveway or parking lot. A paving company can test the integrity of your surface’s foundation to determine if it’s sound enough to pour a new layer of asphalt on-top, or requires total replacement.
Looking to schedule an inspection of your asphalt surface to determine exactly which is right for you? Resurfacing or replacement? For asphalt paving in New Jersey call the top-rated pavers – Paveway Asphalt and Sealcoating: (856) 535-6112.