All asphalt surfaces will be in need of repairs at one time or another. Asphalt parking lots typically will last 10 to 15 years before needing repairs, depending on the quality of the initial construction. In the early stages, repairs should be minor, such as minor patching, crack-filling and seal coating. Small problems start to get bigger and the remedies start to get more complex and more expensive. Budget constraints and other considerations will also weigh into the immediate and long-term solutions.
Repair or replacement can be tackled in two ways, resurfacing or complete replacement.
Resurfacing
Surface patching is an asphalt repair that is limited to the top 1 – 2 inches of the existing asphalt surface layer. It is a budget-friendly solution, but it’s often a temporary fix for a small surface area. Surface patching tends to only work on surface problems, as it requires a stable base to support any repairs. Adhesion issues that need addressing can also limit the effectiveness of any repair. Tack coating and (in some instances) grinding are two ways to improve adhesion to the existing surface before applying the new asphalt patch.
Complete Replacement
Complete replacement is repairs that utilize asphalt as a complete structural system. Generally, asphalt is combined with a course of stone in order to provide the strength required to form the structural matrix that makes up the permanent system. There are times that simply removing the asphalt down to the existing stone base is not sufficient to make a durable, long-lasting repair.
If the stone base below the asphalt yields to the weight and frequency of traffic, the asphalt will need to be thickened to make up for the deficient stone base. However, if you thicken the asphalt, you will have to remove more stone base – further weakening the system. Therefore, to compensate for this weakness, more asphalt must be added until the new full-depth system exceeds the original structural strength of the asphalt and stone system.
Prior to installation, Western will review the problem area and provide complete guidance in selecting the appropriate remedial process for your building or home. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.