Asphalt Overlay

Asphalt overlay is a process for resurfacing older pavement. Rather than tearing up the existing asphalt structures and fully repaving by adding a new layer atop the existing pavement structure using it as a tried and true foundation. Typically, when the damage to the asphalt is superficial an overlay is all that is necessary to bring it back to life, no excavation required. 

When to Install Asphalt Overlay

• The pavement must be structurally intact.
• It must be able to withstand repairs, crack filling and smoothing, and cleaning prior to having a fresh layer of asphalt applied.
• There must be a minimum thickness of existing asphalt.

The Asphalt Overlay Process

There are four steps to installing an asphalt overlay: inspection, milling, repair, and paving.

Inspection

Before anything else can happen, a thorough assessment of the asphalt surface is necessary. Not all asphalt is suitable for an overlay, especially those that have extensive damage! If the asphalt has large potholes, ruts deep in the surface, or root damage that is a no go. Another indicator of asphalt that isn’t ready for an overlay is if it isn’t draining water like it should. That points to a problem below the surface that may require more extensive work like regrading to handle water correctly.

Once the inspection is handled and the overlay is okayed the next step is asphalt milling.

Asphalt Milling

Asphalt milling is when we remove the top most layer of the asphalt, the portion that has cracked, begun ravelling, or other damage. Removing the old, damaged layer ensures that the new asphalt is able to bond correctly and keep a level surface. Typical milling will go down an inch to three inches of asphalt, depending on the damage.

Don’t worry, this old asphalt won’t go to waste! The milled material can be taken to an asphalt recycling plant to be repurposed and used in future asphalt mixes. Now that the surface has been removed, it’s time to take a look at the base.

Repair the Base

Once the damaged top layer has been removed it may be necessary to repair some of the base. In instances where potholes or rutting had begun to form, the base may need to be rebuilt to create a better surface for the new asphalt to bind to.  This may mean reworking the foundation, getting more aggregate or a few other things, but so long as the base is tended to work can continue. With the base repaired the asphalt can now be overlaid.

Apply the Overlay

The overlay of fresh asphalt can now be paved! Paving overlays is no different from paving most asphalt. Depending on the thickness of the remaining pavement surface the asphalt layer may be thicker or thinner, whatever it takes to adequately repair the surface! Using an asphalt paver like our LeeBoy 8500, we spread a fresh top layer of asphalt over the existing structure and bingo! You have a great looking stretch of asphalt for much less work!

Benefit of an Overlay

Asphalt overlays are a great asphalt rejuvenating option when the damage from wear and tear is at a superficial stage. It allows for a fast fix, a fraction of the cost.

The Benefits of Asphalt

An asphalt overlay is made up of the same materials as asphalt, meaning they’re durable, weather resistant, affordable, and recyclable! 

Life Expectancy of Your Asphalt Overlay

While an overlay won’t last as long as brand new asphalt, with proper maintenance it can last plenty long.

FAQs About Asphalt Overlays

How thick is an asphalt overlay?

Standard overlays are around 1.5 inches thick.

Can Asphalt Overlay Be Applied To Concrete?

They can but we wouldn’t recommend it. Asphalt and concrete are two different materials and the way they respond to outside forces, including weather differs making them not the most effective, long lasting pair. 

Should I Repair or Replace My Asphalt Driveway?

This is entirely dependent on age and conditions of the current driveway.  If your driveway is around 15 years old, or if close to ⅓ of it is covered in cracks, it’s a better idea to replace the asphalt entirely.