Can You Pave Over Cracked Asphalt?

As asphalt ages, it can become dull, cracked, and difficult to navigate. While asphalt in this condition can be paved over, the technique used and the amount of work required depend on the asphalt’s level of damage. Here’s how to tell if your asphalt can be paved over and what you should do for the best results.

Can You Pave Over Cracks in Asphalt? Short Answer: Yes!

When asphalt pavement is cracking, it’s important to pave over it to prevent the damage from getting worse. However, the kind of paving you need depends on how serious the damage is. You may only need a new top layer of asphalt, or you may need your existing pavement to be dug up and repaved. When deciding to pave over asphalt, it’s helpful to know what to look for so you choose the right solution.

Determine the Severity of Damage

Before you schedule repair services for your blacktop, look at the types of damage you have. Are the dents only surface level, or do they extend down to the base of the pavement? Do you have potholes? What about uneven surfaces? Take note of the different types of damage and how severe they are. The best repair options will be different for light damage versus severe damage. Deep cracks are more severe than surface-level ones, shallow potholes, and an uneven surface.

If you aren’t sure about the severity of damage to your asphalt, contact professional pavers like those at Tolliver & Curl. Our team has years of experience in asphalt installation and repair and can help you determine the types of damage to your asphalt and the best solutions for a quality paving job.

Problem: Minor Damage

Shallow cracks on the surface of the pavement are typically considered minor damage. Surface-level potholes and dents are also usually minor. However, if ignored, asphalt damage can get worse and lead to bigger issues. When water fills a crack, for example, and then expands when it freezes, it can force the crack to get bigger and even lead to large potholes. When weakened asphalt crumbles, it can lead to large potholes as well. The best way to deal with minor damage is asphalt resurfacing.

Solution: Asphalt Resurfacing

Asphalt resurfacing is the process of adding a new layer of asphalt to a blacktop surface. When possible, it’s best to keep the existing asphalt in place and top it with an overlay of new asphalt rather than dig up the underlying material. This helps keep the thickness of the asphalt and improve its strength. During parking lot resurfacing, driveway resurfacing, and other resurfacing projects, we pour hot asphalt into the damaged area, where it compacts into the shape of the hole or crack. We can resurface the entire stretch of asphalt or focus on specific areas. In addition to improving thickness and strength, resurfacing gives your asphalt a smooth surface and nicer appearance.

Problem: Severe Damage

Severe damage to asphalt requires a more complex solution than simple resurfacing. A new top layer of asphalt won’t fix a parking lot or other paved surface when the base layers of asphalt are failing. Deep cracks, large potholes, and other damage that reaches below the surface are considered severe. When this is the case, the best solution is asphalt milling and paving.

Solution: Asphalt Milling and Paving

Asphalt milling and paving is the process of digging up and removing the damaged layer of asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt. The depth of asphalt removed depends on the extent of the damage. Milling and repaving is a great way to remove damage, help prevent further issues, and ensure the asphalt of the paved area is all at the same elevation. Like resurfacing, it also gives the asphalt a smooth surface and improved look.

Concrete vs. Asphalt

Asphalt isn’t the only material that can be used when a paved area is in need of repair. Concrete can be poured on top of asphalt as well, as the asphalt makes a sturdy base for it. However, there are pros and cons to using concrete over an asphalt base. While applying concrete on top of asphalt can be less expensive than applying more asphalt on top of asphalt, the asphalt base must be in good condition. Minor scrapes are fine, but deep damage must receive repair work before concrete can be added on top.

Driveway, Parking Lot, and Other Projects

Different materials are best for different applications. Concrete is rigid, making it a good option for areas that must support heavy equipment, like loading docks and dumpster pads. It’s also customizable, making it an ideal option when you want to add a stamp design or color. Asphalt, on the other hand, is flexible, making it a great option for roadways, carparks, paths, and other areas with high levels of traffic. Because it is less rigid, asphalt does not require the use of rebar, while concrete does. Both materials are sturdy and can last for years.

The experts at Tolliver & Curl can help you decide which material is best for your project. We have years of experience in the installation and repair of asphalt and concrete roads, lots, driveways, and more for commercial properties. We can help ensure your paved surface has structural integrity and a great appearance.

Hire a Professional for Asphalt Paving and Repair

The best way to get the best results when you need to repair asphalt is to hire professional pavers like Tolliver & Curl. Our company will evaluate your existing asphalt, determine the level of damage, and recommend the right solution to make your paved surface look its best. We have served the Columbus community and central Ohio area for years in asphalt paving sealcoating and resurfacing, and look forward to serving you, too.

Contact Tolliver & Curl

Contact us at 614-272-7770 or click here to learn more about our asphalt services.