Cracks and holes may form in the top layers of an asphalt parking lot. Patching damaged surfaces can be expensive and may not always provide permanent results. A resurfacing project involves using a milling process to remove the damaged layers of asphalt. Afterward, a coal mixture and fresh asphalt are installed over the base layers.

Sealcoating Versus Resurfacing

Sealcoating involves adding a protective layer to the surface of the asphalt. A sealcoat product is a protectant that can greatly reduce the amount of damage that pavement undergoes. A resurfacing project uses a layer of a coal mixture and a layer of fresh asphalt. These two layers will resemble brand new pavement and will increase the number of years that a parking lot will remain intact.

A resurfacing project is performed to restore aesthetics and functionality standards. Resurfacing will eliminate the need to conduct multiple patching jobs. Resurfacing is an investment that will omit the need to purchase multiple repair products.

The Milling Process And The Resurfacing Application

Drainage, grading, and structural integrity are researched during the inspection of an existing paved parking lot. If a paving contractor discovers any variables that could compromise the use of a parking lot, these issues will be addressed after a milling process has been completed. All loose items will need to be removed from the pavement. A milling process involves removing the top layers of asphalt. A contractor will consider the depth of each crack and hole and then will determine how far to cut into the pavement.

Any problems that were discovered during the inspection will be addressed. A coal mixture will be applied over the existing base layers that comprise a parking lot to help the top layer of asphalt bond to the base layers. Fresh asphalt will be poured and spread across the surface of the lot. Once the asphalt has cured, a sealcoat product can be applied over the top layer of asphalt.

The resurfacing process will eliminate all of the former signs of damage. A parking lot may look brand new. Resurfacing costs less than having a brand new lot installed. This is due to the reduced amount of work that needs to be conducted and the limited amount of asphalt that is used as a topcoat. As long as a sealcoat product is reapplied every few years, cracks and holes may not form on the lot's surface again.