Replacing your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot is expensive, very expensive! It is our goal to provide you with some basic knowledge of different asphalt replacement techniques. Choosing the method that is best tailored for your specific needs is the second most important component of the decision-making process. The most important decision is choosing a trustworthy paving contractor with a proven track record. Jet-Seal has been earning customer trust since 1958. One of our customer’s is Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9. The local police place their trust in Jet-Seal, you can too!
The construction of the asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot is the most important component that will determine the longevity of the asphalt. Asphalt paving techniques can vary greatly and will directly impact the cost of installation. Choosing a knowledgeable contractor to guide you through the process is paramount to getting the most value for your money. There are several installation processes to choose from. Each process has pro’s and con’s that need to be considered for your specific application. Contact Jet-Seal today for a no obligation consultation.
1.) Overlay The least expensive method of construction, an overlay may save you thousands of dollars. An overlay is a process where new asphalt is installed over the existing. If certain conditions exist such as a faulty stone base, the asphalt will fail prematurely, and overlaying will end up costing you much more in the long run. Other factors when considering an overlay are; how will the additional height of the asphalt effect the grade and therefore, drainage. How will it affect transition areas? Areas where the asphalt meets the concrete apron, the sidewalk or the entrance to the garage. If your existing driveway has cracks, will those cracks show up in the new asphalt? The rule of thumb is that it will take one year per inch of new asphalt for cracks to reappear. For a two inch overlay you can expect reflective cracking to appear in two years.
2.) Mill and Pave The contractor will grind down existing asphalt and install that same amount of new asphalt. This method uses a machine to mill the existing asphalt and eliminates the worry of creating drainage issues. This process is a good choice if there are no integrity issues with the stone base, the foundation of the asphalt structure. This is a good, “middle of the road” method that is often cost effective and provides good longevity. Mill & pave is especially appealing for large parking lots with a solid stone base. Commercial parking lots typically have at least 3 – 4 inches of compacted asphalt. A two inch mill and pave will provide a new looking surface that will last 10 years or more and potentially save the property owner tens of thousands of dollars. Jet-Seal can help you make the right choice for your asphalt pavement.
3.) Remove and Replace The most comprehensive paving method is total removal and replacement. This type of construction is usually chosen when there is a large percentage of base failure. Removing the asphalt down to the stone allows the contractor to address base failures by identifying soft areas in the stone and adding and compacting new stone prior to paving. This method is the most expensive but can also save the property owner money because there is less room for error when diagnosing the condition of the stone base, leading to a longer lasting structure. Commencing any paving project with certainty that the stone base is solid is always a best-case scenario. Starting from scratch while using the correct amount of asphalt with the proper amount of lifts (layers) and proper compaction will result in a longer lasting asphalt pavement.
For more information regarding asphalt pavement construction visit the Asphalt Institute at http://www.asphaltinstitute.org.
In the next article we’ll show you how proper maintenance will further stretch your budget while adding curb appeal to your property. We’ll illustrate why the Jet-Seal process is considered “the best in the business”. Our proven methods will extend the life span of your asphalt up to three times that of a non-maintained or poorly maintained asphalt pavement and save you money in the process. Contact us at Jet Seal.