It’s inevitable: asphalt pavement becomes too worn-out for common maintenance and may require a partial removal, or even a complete reconstruction.
A common question we get from prospective clients who are considering doing pavement maintenance is regarding asphalt resurfacing work. They want to know what it entails, how much it costs, and how long the new surface will last.
With all those questions in mind, we’ve broken the asphalt resurfacing process down for you into two very manageable steps.
1. Milling Existing Pavement
A milling machine starts the process by milling “1-2” off the top of the existing pavement. Depth milled depends on both the condition and depth of the existing pavement surface. The “millings” are then hauled off the job and back to the asphalt plant where they will be recycled back into new asphalt.
Once the grinding and milling are completed, any extra particles remaining on the milled surface are swept way, the remaining surface is then primed – leaving a fresh surface ready for paving.
2. Filling With Hot Mix Asphalt
The contractor then uses a paver to place hot mix in the milled location. A leveling course may be applied prior to the final riding surface to resolve rutting, pavement depressions, or other roadway profile issues.
Benefits of Asphalt Resurfacing
The benefits of resurfacing include strengthening the pavement’s surface layer by restoring the pavement to a “like new” condition. The life expectancy of a resurfacing pavement job can be from 12-15+ years!
Pavement Conditions That Require Resurfacing Work
The ideal pavement to be considered for resurfacing is one that will be placed over sound structural pavement with a good profile.
Furthermore, pavements that exhibit only minor to moderate surface distress (cracking, raveling, oxidation, and bleeding) are great resurfacing candidates.
As can be expected, resurfacing is typically advised when the pavement has deteriorated to the point where maintenance and preservation treatments (like seal coating or crack-filling) no longer provide long-term improvements — making structural reconstruction a requirement.
Additionally, many seek milling as an option when their pavement has been re-paved over the years — adding an increasing amount of pavement depth (while decreasing curb height). The potential hazards for adding another layer of pavement versus resurfacing include water drainage problems as well as tripping/falling hazards for clients, customers, or HOA members.
Choosing a Resurfacing Paving Contractor
When it comes to costs for asphalt resurfacing, each project comes with different circumstances. Due to the versatility of resurfacing however, many consider it to be a budget-friendly option that provides long-lasting pavement benefits.
If you’re considering resurfacing your pavement and desire a paving partner that listens to your needs, provides sound solutions and communicates throughout the entire Pavement Management Project, then give us a call today! We’ve been proudly serving the Chicagoland area for 60 years!
