Laying Down the Pavement

5 Signs That Your Parking Lot Needs Resurfaced

16 July 2021 by Clifton Sullivan

Asphalt resurfacing is a good solution when the base of your parking lot is still in good condition but the top layer of asphalt needs to be replaced. Resurfacing saves time and money compared to a full parking lot replacement. 

1. Multiple Cracks

A few cracks aren't usually a major concern as they can simply be patched. Resurfacing is needed when there are multiple cracks or they are spreading across the paving. The overlaying asphalt layer can begin to fail due to age and weathering, so extensive cracking occurs. As long as the base is still in good condition, though, resurfacing instead of full replacement is an option. 

2. Recurring Potholes

Potholes form when moisture inside the asphalt freezes and expands, which breaks apart the asphalt and causes the hole to form. A single pothole can be patched, but frequent pothole formation means the surface of the asphalt has weathered and become overly porous. Grinding down the old worn surface and applying a fresh surface layer of asphalt solves the issue.

3. Surface Ripples

A rippling, warped surface is usually the result of heavy vehicles or lots of traffic traveling over aging asphalt. The result is a washboarded surface that is bumpy and more prone to damages. The rippled surface can be ground down nearly to the asphalt base. New, smooth asphalt is then installed over the top. As long as the heavy traffic hasn't damaged the base material, resurfacing will provide a permanent repair for rippling.

4. Low Spots

One or two low spots can be fixed with drain installation, but if there are several low spots, it makes more sense to build up and level the asphalt surface. The key is to make sure the low spots aren't a result of base damages. If the base is washing out, then a full lot replacement is necessary. If it has simply settled but the base is still intact, then resurfacing can level it out. 

5. Graveling Surface

Graveling is the term used to describe an aging asphalt surface that is releasing its aggregate and thus developing loose gravel on the surface. Moisture, age, and sun exposure are the main causes of graveling. Resurfacing is the preferred method to fix this problem since this provides a fresh layer of asphalt that isn't suffering from any age or weather-related damages. 

Contact a commercial paving service to see if resurfacing is a good option for your parking lot. 

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