Asphalt Overlaying in Houston, TX
Asphalt overlaying in Houston is recommended when a property’s pavement has deteriorated to the extent that its surface texture, performance and durability have been compromised. This process is usually required every 5-10 years and can extend the pavement’s life and value considerably.
An asphalt overlay can be placed on asphalt or concrete, but additional consideration must be given when overlaying concrete paving in Houston. Asphalt overlays on concrete are challenging projects that call for a proven pavement contractor with extensive overlaying experience. An experienced paving contractor will also have better insight into what’s causing your pavement issues and will also provide a longer-lasting asphalt overlay.
When is Asphalt Overlaying Recommended in Houston?
An asphalt overlay is a surface-level solution that can solve a variety of issues at a lower cost compared to total repaving. Some of the scenarios in which a paving contractor will recommend an asphalt overlay include:
- The pavement surface is worn or has sustained minor surface damage – Over time, your road, parking lot or other piece of pavement will endure a lot of wear and damage, including cracks, popouts, small potholes and the like. If the damage is generally minor and isolated to the pavement’s surface layers, an asphalt overlay can restore surface durability.
- The pavement has lost surface texture or aggregates – The pavement’s performance will drop as it sheds aggregates and loses its original smooth texture. An asphalt overlay will restore the paving’s surface characteristics, its smooth texture, and its performance.
- The pavement is slightly warped or uneven – The combination of thermal stresses and traffic in Houston will warp asphalt at times, resulting in surface imperfections that can lead to more extensive forms of damage. An asphalt overlay can correct minor warping and depressions, as long as the underlying pavement layers are still in good condition.
- The pavement is old and discolored, but otherwise in good condition – If your asphalt or concrete has provided decades of reliable service, it may still be a reliable, stable piece of pavement that’s only showing its age through discoloration and gentle wear. To ensure the pavement lasts even longer, an asphalt overlay can restore a parking lot or road’s appearance, making it look brand new.
Three Benefits of an Asphalt Overlay in Houston
If it’s time to overhaul your property’s pavement, an asphalt overlay may be the proper solution. If so, there are several advantages associated with an asphalt overlay. They include:
- Extended durability and lifespan – The primary reason for installing an asphalt overlay is for better longevity. On average, an asphalt overlay will extend the pavement’s life by another decade or more, which means Houston property owners get more value from their asphalt or concrete paving.
- Improve driving and surface performance – Severe cracks, fractures, potholes and warping will compromise the pavement’s ability to withstand vehicle traffic – which could accelerate the onset of further damage and lead to early pavement failure. Further, damaged or overly worn pavement is more difficult to drive on and may be more likely to cause accidents. Asphalt overlaying resolves this issue and makes your pavement safer for motorists and pedestrians.
- Improved pavement aesthetics – An asphalt overlay project will also restore the paving’s appearance, whether it’s installed on concrete or asphalt. A fresh surface course of asphalt provides the fresh black color that people instantly recognize as new. The resulting curb appeal boost will make a better impression on visitors and potential customers.
How the Experts Perform Asphalt Overlay Installation Services in Houston
In Houston, commercial asphalt overlay jobs consist of many steps, each of which must be expertly handled to ensure a quality overlay project. This is generally what the process consists of:
- A thorough pavement inspection – First, your paving contractor will closely inspect the existing pavement to determine the underlying causes of any damage. If the contractor notices deeper problems with the pavement, additional maintenance and repairs may be necessary before asphalt overlaying begins.
- Asphalt milling – During the milling process, the top 2-3 inches of asphalt or concrete will be milled (pulverized) and removed from the job site. In most cases, the milled asphalt will be transported to an asphalt plant to recycle the material. Milling ensures all surface-level issues (raveling, cracks) are removed prior to overlaying.
- Base corrections – Once the surface pavement layers have been removed, any deeper issues with the paving can be corrected before asphalt overlay installation. An unstable base will threaten the longevity of any installed pavement or overlay.
A common example is pothole-related base repairs. During these repairs, the failed pavement is removed, the base is stabilized with chemical and mechanical action, and new pavement is placed on the now-stabilized base. - Asphalt paving – Now that the site has been thoroughly prepared, the pavement contractor will apply a tack coat to the existing pavement’s surface. Tack coat acts like glue, improving adhesion between the overlay and deeper pavement layers. Then, the pavement team will precisely install a layer of asphalt that meets the project’s tolerances.
Asphalt Overlay FAQs
What is an asphalt overlay?
An asphalt overlay is a new layer of asphalt placed over your existing asphalt or concrete pavement after the surface has been prepared. It restores a smooth, durable driving surface and a fresh black appearance without removing the full pavement section, as long as the layers underneath are still in good condition.
How do I know if my parking lot needs an overlay or full repaving?
An overlay is a good fit when the damage is minor to moderate and limited to the surface: worn or faded pavement, lost aggregate, surface cracks, small potholes or slight warping. If an inspection finds widespread base failure, those areas need base corrections first, and badly failed pavement may need to be fully rebuilt. Every overlay project should start with a thorough pavement inspection. For isolated problems, parking lot repair may be enough.
Is an asphalt overlay less expensive than repaving?
Yes. Because an overlay reuses the existing pavement structure, it typically costs less than tearing out and rebuilding the entire parking lot or road. The final cost of your project depends on the size of the area, the condition of the existing pavement and how much base correction is needed, which is why an on-site inspection comes before a quote.
How long does an asphalt overlay last in Houston?
On average, an asphalt overlay extends the life of your pavement by a decade or more. Houston heat, heavy rain and commercial traffic all take a toll, so routine crack repair and sealcoating help you get the most life out of the new surface.
Can asphalt be overlaid on concrete pavement?
Yes, an asphalt overlay can be placed on concrete, but it takes additional planning compared with overlaying asphalt. Overlays on concrete are challenging projects, so work with a paving contractor that has extensive experience overlaying concrete in Houston.
Is the old pavement milled before the overlay goes down?
In most cases, yes. Asphalt milling removes the top 2 to 3 inches of the existing surface, along with surface cracks and raveling, and the milled asphalt is usually hauled to an asphalt plant for recycling. After any base corrections, a tack coat is applied so the new asphalt bonds to the pavement below.
Asphalt Overlay Can Improve the Pavement’s Durability and Longevity
An asphalt overlay is a cost-effective alternative to full pavement replacement and is recommended for a variety of minor to moderate types of pavement damage. A reputable pavement contractor in Houston can help property owners determine if an asphalt overlay is appropriate for their pavement and plan the project out to ensure a quality asphalt overlay.