Asphalt Paving Overlays
Can you “fix” your parking lot with an asphalt overlay? Maybe!
An asphalt overlay is a great option for pavement surfaces when there is a need to remove an area of unstable sub-grade or base course. This budget-friendly option saves time and is a convenient way to improve a parking lots appearance, longevity, and stability.
What are Asphalt Paving Overlays?
Asphalt paving overlays make up a large portion of paving done today. An asphalt overlay is a method in which an existing asphalt surface is paved over with a new asphalt cross section. Asphalt paving overlays consist of thin layers of pavement, generally between a half of an inch to an inch and a half thick.
An overlay can improve ride quality, correct minor surface defects, improve skid resistance, improve drainage, enhance appearance of a parking lot and reduce road-tire noise. An overlay can also slow down asphalt binder aging of the underlying pavement, prevent rutting and provide good friction.
In order to ensure an end result that everyone will be pleased with, the existing pavement should be structurally sound, level, clean and capable of bonding to the overlay.
How is An Asphalt Overlay Applied?
Depending on the condition and type of the existing pavement, the surface will be prepped before any new pavement is laid down. Usually, the first process involves milling. A machine, known as an asphalt mill will shave the top layers of the asphalt down so that new asphalt will be level with curbs, cutters, sidewalks or other joints.
Once the milling is complete, any weak areas that require replacement or patching will be repaired. A parking lot sweeper then removes any loose debris and a tack coat adhesive is applied.
Once the surface is coated with the binding agent, your paving contractor is ready to start the process of applying the asphalt paving overlay. The first layer of asphalt, called the leveling course, is applied. This layer helps re-grade areas that may have drainage issues, so it’s thickness can vary. Then, the surface layer of asphalt is applied.
For light volume traffic areas, such as a parking lot, the primary objective is to retard asphalt binder aging of the underlying pavement. Overlays applied for these projects will be less stiff and use smaller-sized aggregates. For high-speed and heavy traffic areas the primary object is to prevent rutting and provide good friction. On these jobs, paving contractors use large angular aggregate and more durable mixes to improve the pavement.
Why should you choose asphalt for your paving needs?
Asphalt pavement is utilized in a variety of applications because of its durability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity of construction, and strength. Not only that, the asphalt industry reclaims about 100 million tons of its own product every year. It reuses approximately 95 million tons, making it the number one recycler in the United States. How’s that for an added benefit?
About ABC Paving and Sealcoating
With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida’s leading paving contractor. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and pavement marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, site preparation and signs and safety devices. We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at https://pavingandsealcoating.com or call866-934-7623 for a free estimate.
