Key Takeaways:
- Asphalt overlay is a cost-effective solution to renew the surface of parking lots and roads.
- It involves placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface to enhance the property’s look, improve safety, and extend the life of the pavement.
- The benefits of overlay include improved safety, increased property value, easy maintenance, cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and a durable surface with improved longevity.
- To prepare for an overlay: the surface should be cleaned, large cracks should be sealed, primer coatings applied if needed, drains and gutters checked, subsurface conditions monitored, and quality overlay materials and tools used.
- Hiring a professional asphalt contractor is recommended to ensure the best results.
Asphalt is the most commonly used material for paving parking lots and roads. Its popularity can be attributed to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. However, even asphalt surfaces will eventually deteriorate despite its many benefits. It is where the concept of asphalt overlay comes into play.
It is a cost-effective solution to renew the surface of your parking lot without having to remove and replace it entirely. By placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface, you can instantly enhance the look of your property, improve safety, and extend the life of your pavement.
Atkins Paving will delve into the many benefits that overlaying can provide for your property. You will learn why the overlaying process is the smart choice for your commercial property, from increased property value to reduced maintenance costs.
Benefits of Asphalt Overlay Property Owners Should Know!
1. Improved Safety
As a commercial property owner, you want to ensure that your customers and employees feel safe when they come to your property. However, an uneven parking lot can create safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Forbes reports an annual $4 billion loss to U.S. drivers for vehicle damage due to potholes. These can lead to lawsuits and hefty fines that can put your business in distress. With an overlay, you can do just that! A new layer of asphalt installed on the surface will fill any cracks or crevices. It will create an even smooth pavement that is less likely to cause trips and falls.
2. Improved Property Value
Aesthetics are essential for businesses, particularly when they have a physical presence. If you’re looking to enhance the value of your property, then an overlay is just what you need! This effortless solution will create a captivating and appealing atmosphere that people can’t help but be drawn to. The sleek and even surface will give the lot a modern look, helping to make sure that potential customers or visitors are impressed when they first arrive. It also helps if you decide to put the property on the market, adding an extra layer of appeal for buyers.
3. Easy Maintenance
Once you have an asphalt overlay in place, maintenance becomes incredibly easy. The overlay seal prevents water, oil, and other liquids from making their way into the asphalt, adding years to its lifespan. Additionally, it creates a barrier from U.V. rays, so you don’t need to worry about fading over time. There’s no need to look for cracks or potholes constantly. Keep up with regular sweeping, and you’re good to go!
4. Cost-Effective Option
Asphalt overlay is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your commercial property. Since it provides long-term benefits and requires minimal maintenance, you will save money in the long run compared to constantly repairing cracks. Plus, since overlaying is relatively quick and easy to install, it requires fewer labor costs than other pavement methods.
5. Environmental Benefits
You can also save money on environmental costs with asphalt overlay. It requires fewer materials than other pavement options and uses no hazardous chemicals, so its carbon footprint is much lower.
6. Durable Surface and Improved Longevity
The overlay also creates a durable, weather-resistant surface that lasts longer than other pavement solutions. With it done, you can increase the asphalt surface longevity, lasting 15-30 years.
Preparing Your Asphalt Surface for Overlay
Now that you know the benefits of overlaying, here are a few tips for preparing your site for the process.
1. Clean the Surface
Before applying the overlay, cleaning your lot’s paved surface is essential. You should remove debris, weeds, and dirt from the area and fill in any pavement cracks or divots.
2. Seal Any Large Cracks
You should seal any large cracks on the pavement with a rubberized emulsion before overlaying to prevent water infiltration and damage down the line.
3. Apply Primer
Once you’ve prepared your surface, it’s time to apply primer to prepare the asphalt for the overlay. Primer coatings are essential as they bond the existing layer and the new one.
4. Check Drains and Gutters
Check the drains and gutters on your lot before overlaying, as these can add to any water build-up that might cause damage in the future. Make sure no blockage or clogging prevents drainage, so you don’t end up with problems down the line.
5. Monitor Subsurface Conditions
The subsurface of your asphalt should also be monitored regularly, especially in areas exposed to heavy traffic or weather conditions like rain or sunshine. Suppose there are any soft spots or weak areas on the subsurface. In that case, repair them before overlaying your asphalt to ensure long-lasting benefits.
6. Use Quality Overlay Materials and Tools
Finally, ensure you use quality materials and tools when overlaying your asphalt. Invest in higher-grade hot mix asphalt and reliable paving equipment such as a power roller or tamping machine so that the job is done right the first time. This way, you can be sure that your investment will last for years and bring more value to your business. Hire an asphalt contractor to get the best results.
Secrets to Asphalt Pavement Longevity: Maintenance and Upkeep
Asphalt surfaces endure a lot of wear and tear due to vehicle traffic, weathering, temperature fluctuations, U.V. light damage, and more. You can keep your asphalt looking its best for longer by implementing regular maintenance and upkeep. Here are some tips:
1. Sealcoat Your Asphalt
Sealing your asphalt pavement every three years helps protect against water infiltration, U.V. rays, oil spills, and other contaminants that can break down the surface over time.
2. Repair Cracks Promptly
Inspect the pavement regularly for cracks or potholes and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It’s best to hire a professional contractor to deal with asphalt repairs.
3. Regularly Re-Stripe Your Parking Lot
Resurfacing or re-striping your parking lot every few years is essential for maintaining visibility and preventing accidents in busy areas.
4. Fill Potholes Immediately
Filling potholes promptly helps preserve the integrity of the surface by keeping water from getting into underlying layers. Thus avoiding further deterioration due to shifting conditions beneath the asphalt over time.
5. Avoid Oil and Water Spills
Oil and water spills should be removed from your asphalt as soon as possible to prevent staining and deterioration of the surface. Regular maintenance can help keep your asphalt looking great.
Related: Is It Okay To Pave Over Existing Asphalt Pavement?
Final Thoughts
Asphalt overlays are a great way to ensure your pavement is safe, secure, and aesthetically pleasing. The process can be completed quickly and efficiently, providing an asphalt surface that looks as good as new.
Improve Your Property Paved Assets by Qualified Asphalt Contractors from Atkins Paving in Charleston, SC
Atkins Paving is dedicated to providing the best asphalt paving services throughout Charleston, SC, and its surrounding areas. Our experienced team can help you choose the right type of overlay for your property’s paved assets to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Get in touch with us and receive a free estimate.
