Explore your options for your degrading asphalt pavement.

Asphalt has a relatively long lifespan, and it can be extended by timely maintenance like sealcoating. However, what do you do if cracks or potholes appear? With our 30 years in the asphalt paving industry, we can tell you that you have three options, patching, resurfacing, or replacement, and the option that is best for your asphalt pavement will depend on the severity of your asphalt’s damage.

When Asphalt Patching Is Enough

Asphalt patching is an appropriate fix for small cracks or depressions only. Essentially, a patch can fix surface-level cracks and holes; this is because a deeper type of damage denotes a deeper problem. Cracks can either be filled with compound, or the top layers can be removed, or milled, to make room for the patch.

The benefits of asphalt patching are that it is the easiest and most economical of the options. The drawbacks of patching are that it will ruin your pavement’s smooth surface and uniform coloration. However, you can always sealcoat the asphalt after patching for a uniform coloration.

When Asphalt Resurfacing Is Enough

Asphalt resurfacing is a great option for when you have more extensive damage to your asphalt, but it’s not so severe that the asphalt needs to be completely replaced.  For asphalt resurfacing to be an option, the foundation must be in good condition, the damage cannot be severe, it cannot be too old, and less than a quarter of the surface should be in need of repairs. 

With asphalt resurfacing, the top layers of the asphalt are milled, any damage that is occurring at the bottom layers is fixed, and all new asphalt is laid down; sometimes the old asphalt layers that were milled off can be reused in the mix for the new asphalt surface.

While resurfacing is a more expensive option than patching, it is less expensive than replacing your entire asphalt pavement. Since the entire top layer of the pavement will have been replaced, the entire surface of the asphalt pavement will have uniform smoothness and color for optimal curb appeal. It will also last longer than simply patching the problem.

When Asphalt Replacement Is Necessary

Sometimes it is necessary to completely replace asphalt pavement; this is usually when it is in such bad shape that patching or resurfacing will only be a temporary bandage. This is generally when the asphalt is over 20 years old, if there are drainage issues, if more than one-fourth of the surface needs repair, if the foundation is bad, if there is severe damage, or if you have already made repair efforts in the past.

With a replacement, the old asphalt pavement is broken up and completely removed. Any drainage or grading issues are corrected, a new foundation is laid down, and new layers of asphalt are installed. While this is the option that costs the most, it is also the option that will last the longest. It also has uniformity in shape and color for optimum curb appeal.

The best way to determine which repair option is the smartest for your asphalt pavement is to hire a knowledgeable and reputable asphalt paving company! 

At Tucker Paving, we have three decades in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or use our contact form online, to inquire about your next project!