What is Best for Your Parking Lot?

Asphalt is the most used material to build and maintain parking lots. It is affordable, durable, requires little downtime, and offers a smooth surface for vehicles to move through easily. In addition, with proper parking lot maintenance and asphalt repair, you can expect your asphalt paving to stay attractive and last up to 30 years.

That said, asphalt is not indestructible. Over time, you will notice signs of aging or wear. When this happens, you might think about asphalt resurfacing or sealcoating.

These two procedures are surface treatments that can help restore your lot’s appearance, but how do you choose between them? Check out the guide below to learn more about the process and determine what is most suitable to repair and maintain your parking lot.

Asphalt Resurfacing

The asphalt resurfacing process involves installing a new layer of asphalt over your parking lot. It allows you to freshen up the pavement surface while still using the existing foundation. It is usually done when your pavement starts showing signs of wear and tear since it is more cost-effective than a replacement.

However, it is worth noting that resurfacing only yields aesthetic benefits. The resurfacing process does not address deeper issues, such as cracks, potholes, sunken asphalt, fading lines, or other similar issues.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating refers to applying a protective layer of sealant on an asphalt surface to protect it from elements like UV rays, oil, water, gas, and salt. As strong as your asphalt parking lot may be, it is constantly subject to these harsh conditions. Investing in sealcoating allows you to keep your pavement strong and maximize its lifespan.

Overall, sealcoating is an integral part of your parking lot maintenance. After the initial installation, sealcoating should be scheduled every three to five years. This depends on your area or how much traffic your parking lot receives. It would be best to consult with professionals to work out a regular sealing plan.

Deciding Between Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Sealcoating

Now that you know what asphalt resurfacing and sealcoating are, how do you decide which will be best for your parking lot?

First, resurfacing your asphalt is a form of structural rehabilitation that allows you to make your pavement look brand new without breaking the bank. You should resurface your parking lot if you notice eroding edges and spider web cracks or if you notice the asphalt crumbling. However, if your parking lot was not installed correctly and structural issues are starting to show, no amount of resurfacing can fix this and you likely need a replacement.

Second, resealing your parking lot is more of a preventive maintenance procedure. Where resurfacing is only done on a case-to-case basis, sealcoating should be done to keep your pavement strong and durable. Fortunately, this procedure is less expensive than resurfacing.

In short, asphalt resurfacing is a temporary fix for parking lots with constant patching and small cracks. Your asphalt foundation should still be intact for this to be possible. Sealcoating should be part of your regular parking lot maintenance. In some cases, you may not even need to resurface your parking lot until after ten years if you maintain it well.

Get Professional Asphalt Resurfacing or Sealcoating Today

If you are unsure whether your lot needs asphalt resurfacing or resealing, ACPLM can help. Allow our team to inspect your lot to determine the right solutions. With over 50 years of experience, we will assist you with all types of asphalt paving work. You can rest assured that we will recommend the best services to maximize your investment. Contact us today at 888-959-9637 to get started with a free consultation.