4 Signs That Your Asphalt Overlay Is Overdue
When you maintain it properly, your asphalt driveway will serve you for years. However, a time will come when it will break down due to weather and other conditions, and you will have to repair or replace it. That said, replacing an asphalt driveway can be expensive, and most people would rather avoid the investment if possible. If facing such a case, you should know an overlay is an excellent way to resurface asphalt without going through the extra cost of replacing everything. Here are some signs that it is time for this repair method.
You Have Had the Pavement for a While
The first sign that it is time for an overlay is if you've had your asphalt for a long time. You should know that when your pavement is a few decades old, it will have some damages that you cannot patch up anymore. More so, if you have neglected your pavement, you might need the overlay after a few years. Note that the most crucial thing is to get a professional opinion from a contractor on whether an overlay will do the trick.
Your Pavement Has Visible Damage
Visible damage is another telltale sign that it's time to resurface your asphalt pavement. Note that cracks, fissures, and potholes indicate the structure is stressed on several levels. In such cases, surface damage could result from factors like moisture, or you could be dealing with deeper damage due to freeze and thaw cycles. As such, if the damage is minimal, you can use fillers and seal the pavement. However, if it's too extensive and covers large patches of asphalt, it's best to resurface it.
The Pavement Traction Has Gone Down
You can tell when the traction on your asphalt goes down by its appearance. In most cases, if the gravel looks smooth, the traction may have gone down. In such a case, additional traction from an overlay will help improve safety and minimize slip and fall accidents on your pavement.
The Surface Is No Longer Even
Consider resurfacing the driveway if it is no longer even. Note that depressions happen in parts of the surface that have seen more usage than others. More importantly, this unevenness is a safety hazard for pedestrians and vehicles using it. In addition, it is simpler to resurface the entire area than to make patchy repairs. This way, you can minimize your liability in case of accidents.
These are the common signs that it is time to call a contractor and discuss the possibility of resurfacing your driveway. Talk to an asphalt paving company and get their opinion on the age and status of your asphalt before deciding whether it's time to restore it.