Asphalt paving is a popular choice for parking lots, streets, and other Chicagoland pavements. In addition to being economical and attractive, asphalt pavements that receive proper maintenance can have surprisingly long lives. However, even routine maintenance cannot make an asphalt pavement last forever. Eventually, your pavement will begin to show its age, and you may think that this reflects poorly on you. Although you do not look forward to the expense and inconvenience of a complete pavement reconstruction, you see no other alternative. Before you make any paving commitments, ask a reputable contractor whether your pavement is suitable for an asphalt overlay.
What Is an Asphalt Overlay?
Basically, asphalt overlays are courses of new asphalt that contractors apply on top of existing pavements. Some Chicago asphalt paving contractors refer to the procedure as asphalt resurfacing.
How Do Contractors Install Asphalt Overlays?
Typically, a paving contractor in Chicago begins by milling the existing pavement to grind away two or three inches. This will typically remove any damage to the surface of the pavement. If the milling exposes deeper damage, the contractor will repair the damage before overlaying the pavement. When overlaying pavements, some contractors apply a tack coat to the existing pavement. Next, they place and compact a sufficient number of asphalt courses to return the pavement to its original depth.
What Is the Life Expectancy of an Asphalt Overlay?
Experienced contractors know that there are many factors that can impact the longevity of an overlay on asphalt pavements. Factors include the number of freeze-thaw cycles annually, the quality of the underlying soil, and the traffic the pavement supports. Longevity also depends on the quality of the routine maintenance that the property owner or manager provides. Overlays need the same care as new pavements. You should have your contractor sealcoat your new overlay within a few months. If cracks or other breaks develop, you want to repair them as soon as possible. After taking into account all the various factors, Chicago asphalt paving contractors estimate that an overlay can last up to 15 years. However, a life of eight years is also possible. Due to the range of possibilities, most contractors estimate that an average overlay will last between 10 and 12 years.
What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Overlaying?
There are several good reasons to overlay asphalt pavements rather than reconstruct them. Here are four of the most important benefits.
1. It is significantly less expensive to overlay an asphalt pavement than to remove and rebuild it.
2. Asphalt overlaying is also faster, so there will be less inconvenience and disruption to traffic.
3. Milling before they overlay asphalt pavements allows contractors to retain manhole covers and other features at their correct elevations.
4. In terms of appearance and ride quality, there is virtually no difference between an overlay and a new pavement.
Black Hawk Paving is an asphalt paving company serving commercial clients throughout the Chicagoland area with an extensive selection of services. These services include asphalt overlaying and paving, concrete installation, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, traffic signs, excavations, car stops, sewer repairs, and site grading. We have the experience, tools, and staffing to complete jobs of all sizes on time, in a professional manner, and within budget. For a free quote, complete the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.
