Cracks and potholes are signs that your parking lot or driveway is starting to wear out. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs. By being aware of them, you can fix the problem with proper solutions or by having professional crack sealing services in Winnipeg before it’s too late. It might leave you wondering if you can pave over cracked asphalt.
Can you pave over cracked asphalt? The answer comes down to a few factors. Here is everything you need to know before paving over cracked asphalt.
What Happens When You Pave Over Cracked Asphalt?
You can lay asphalt over an existing surface. However, it’s not always the best solution. That’s why you should know about the risks before coming to a decision and get professional asphalt services. Check out how it can affect your property:
- Crack Issues: Asphalt with major cracks, potholes and uneven areas cannot be fixed by simply putting a new layer over top. This not only damages your driveway but also accelerates the need for parking lot maintenance to keep surfaces safe and long-lasting.
- Foundation Integrity: Asphalt needs a solid base. If the base is weak or unstable, an overlay won’t provide the necessary support. Old asphalt has to be in good condition and have a strong foundation to effectively bond with the new layer.
- Moisture Concerns: Water can be a huge issue when paving over cracked asphalt. If cracks let water seep beneath the surface, it can damage all the layers of asphalt. Ignoring these issues can cause your new asphalt to suffer from cracks and holes.
When to Consider Full Replacement
An asphalt overlay isn’t a universal solution. In some cases, a full replacement makes more sense. Consider this option in some of the following scenarios:
- Extensive Damage: If the asphalt has deep cracks, large potholes, or harsh wear, you likely need a complete resurfacing. An overlay won’t address the root of the problem and will degrade quickly since the underlying surface is already compromised.
- Poor Drainage: If you want your asphalt to last, you need proper drainage. Pooling water or improperly graded surfaces are huge problems. If you leave them unaddressed, the new layer will suffer from the same problems as its counterpart.
- Heavy Traffic Areas: If your parking lot or driveway is subjected to heavy traffic, especially from large vehicles, asphalt replacement is worth the investment. Overlaying will not provide the structural integrity required to withstand long-term wear and tear.
- Long-Term Investment: Looking to keep your parking lot in top shape for years to come? Full asphalt replacement offers a better return on investment. It has higher upfront costs, but offers long-term durability, better performance, and fewer asphalt repairs in Winnipeg.
The Price of Overlaying vs. Full Replacement
Should you overlay new asphalt or replace your existing surface? If you’re on the fence, the costs make a difference. Take the following financial considerations into account:
- Overlaying Costs Less Initially: Putting new asphalt over old asphalt has lower upfront costs. If the foundation is solid and only surface-level repairs are required, an asphalt overlay is more affordable. However, it’s only a quick fix, and you might need additional repairs down the road.
- Full Replacement Offers Better Longevity: Asphalt replacement costs more upfront, but offers better value over time. A full replacement addresses underlying issues and helps the new surface last longer and perform better. It cuts the costs of repairs and patching.
Know When to Overlay and When to Replace Your Asphalt
Can you pave cracked asphalt? You can, but whether it’s the right choice depends on the situation. When it’s not, a full asphalt replacement is a great alternative. As the most reliable Commercial & Municipal Property Maintenance service provider in Winnipeg, the Whiteout Group is honest with Winnipeggers and will let you know when a full replacement is warranted.
Do you have cracked asphalt? Contact us today!
