10 Common Asphalt Pavement Reconstruction Dilemmas & Their Solutions

asphalt pavement reconstruction dilemma answers e1477846792903 - 10 Common  Asphalt Pavement Reconstruction Dilemmas & Their Solutions

Dealing with pavement reconstruction dilemmas? Well, you are not alone, and we have the answers that you are looking for. Let’s check out 10 common asphalt pavement reconstruction dilemmas and the solutions.

  1. When Should You Resurface/Reconstruct your Parking Lot or Driveway?

This should be done when the surface of your asphalt has become heavily oxidized, but the pavement base remains in good stable condition. The condition of the subgrade can be checked through core-testing when there is any question of what shape it’s in.

  1. How Long can you Expect Your Newly Resurfaced & Completely Reconstructed Pavement to Last?

There are various factors that will determine the lifespan of your pavement such as the weather patterns, the harshness of the winter (freeze-thaw cycles), how many heavy trucks use the pavement, the thickness of the new asphalt layer, the exact condition of the subgrade before it was resurfaced and how well the surface has been taken care of. The average lifespan of pavement can range from 8-15 years; this may vary due to the above factors.

This also tends to depend on the above factors. On an average, however, a newly reconstructed parking lot or road can last in the range of 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance.

  1. How Long Before Traffic Should be Allowed on a Newly Resurfaced Lot?

You should wait a minimum of at least a day. Rubber tire traffic does not damage the new asphalt, but you should take care and avoid sharp turns, like turning the wheels on an unmoving vehicle.

  1. Why You Shouldn’t Resurface/Reconstruct your Parking Lot or Driveway During the Winter?

Attempting to resurface your pavement in cold weather leads to the formation of cold “seams” which in turn lead to premature deterioration and failure. The general rule you should follow is to pave only when the temperatures are 50 degrees and rising.

  1. What Can You Do to Maintain Your New Pavement Asphalt After Completion?

It is advisable to make a pavement maintenance plan and start budgeting as soon as your new pavement is completed. Due to weather conditions and various freeze thaw cycles which may cause cracks to appear after each winter. Annual filling of cracks and routine sealcoating beginning after the 2nd year of construction will keep your pavement in the best possible condition.

  1. Can You Resurface Over Cracked Pavement?

It is possible to resurface over cracked pavement at times. Any linear cracks (cracks that form nearly straight lines) can be filled with a hot rubberized sealant. You can also use paving fabric over the cracks before resurfacing them. Alligator cracks need a lot more extensive work to fix, if a small area has alligator cracking, then it can be fixed prior to resurfacing. If the whole parking lot is riddled with alligator cracks then it requires complete pavement reconstruction.

  1. What Should My Annual Maintenance Plan be?

Avoid unnecessary expenses in the long term by having your catch basins, retention basins and drains inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. Have your cracks filled annually. Just these two simple hacks can extend the lifespan of your pavement by a lot.

  1. We Call Multiple Contractors for Estimates and All the Estimates are Different: Why is This?

It is very important to have the specifications drawn up from either a reputable engineering firm or a reputable paving contractor. Quotes tend to vary a lot if your contractors are not bidding on the same work specifications. Understand the process and carefully weigh your options before taking your decision.

  1. What should I Expect to Pay for My Paving Project?

This can vary from individual to individual as each project’s needs are made up of different sizes and different scopes of work.

  1. When is the Best Time to Perform Patchwork Repairs?

The spring and the summer months of the year are the best times to make patchwork repairs. This gives the asphalt a lot of time to cure over the winter and be ready for sealant the following year.

Employing an asphalt paving company like Jackson Asphalt is the best way to ensure that your asphalt always remains in great condition. Call us to discuss your question and dilemmas!

When you hire the trained and experienced professionals at Jackson Asphalt for the job, your pavement will soon return to looking as good as new!

 

Image credit: sun-sentinel.com