Whether an asphalt driveway, parking lot, or road needs work, you must decide between reconstruction and overlay services. Learn about each option here, including the pros and cons, to determine what’s best for your paving project. Both services fix issues such as cracks, potholes, and faded areas.

Asphalt Reconstruction

Reconstruction services remove damaged asphalt to its base layer. The petroleum product is either torn out in sections or removed with a milling machine, also known as a pavement planer, pavement recycler, or cold planer. Asphalt replacement services cost more than overlays; however, they are ideal if most or all of the material has sustained severe damage. Driveways and other paved surfaces with cracks over a quarter-inch wide, potholes, depressions, or unstable foundations require complete replacement, especially if they are 20 years old or more.

In addition to the cost, asphalt reconstruction services require more time that can cause inconveniences such as road closures and limited parking spaces. However, replacement also provides a long-term solution to asphalt problems.

Asphalt Overlay

Overlay services involve installing new asphalt over an old asphalt driveway, road, or parking lot. The paved surface undergoes thorough cleaning to remove leaf matter, rocks, and other debris before cutting out major damages, such as potholes. Contractors complete the job by adding several inches of fresh asphalt and compacting it with a rubber tire roller.

Also known as resurfacing, overlay services provide affordable solutions for minor asphalt problems. If less than 30% of the surface is damaged, cracks are less than one-quarter inch wide, the foundation is stable, and the asphalt is under 20 years old, overlay offers a cost-effective fix. It is not recommended for severely-damaged asphalt reaching the end of the material’s working life. Overlay services end up adding to replacement expenses if the surface is beyond repair, such as large cracks that can show through the new asphalt layer.
 

Whether you require overlay or reconstruction services for a driveway, parking lot, or road, contact Carl Burns-Hotshot Asphalt based in Union, MO. The paving company serves residential and commercial clients throughout Ballwin, Bridgeton, Chesterfield, Clayton, Crestwood, Earth City, Maryland Heights, and the surrounding areas, providing paving and seal coating services with one-year warranties. Call (636) 584-7283 today to request a quote or learn more about services online.