What is Resurfacing?
Resurfacing is the process of installing a new layer of asphalt (generally one and a half to two inches) over the existing pavement (also known as paving, overlaying).

Resurfacing Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should a parking lot be resurfaced? Resurfacing a lot is ideal when the surface has become heavily oxidized but the base is still stable. The pavement may have widespread alligator cracking.
    

2. How long should a newly resurfaced lot last? Dependent on: deflection of the original pavement (prior to resurfacing), how many trucks use the pavement and the thickness of the new asphalt layer. You can expect to get 8-15 years out of an overlay.
    

3. How long before traffic is permitted on a newly resurfaced lot? Rubber tire traffic will not damage the new asphalt but care should be taken to avoid sharp turns (especially power steering marks created by non-moving vehicles).
    

4. Why is edge milling prior to resurfacing important? A key consideration when resurfacing is drainage. How well does the lot drain prior to resurfacing and how will a new layer affect this? As a general rule an asphalt parking lot should have a minimum slope of 1% for water to flow properly over its service life. This translates to roughly 1" of fall for every 10 feet. Anything less will not work! This is why edge milling is important, by milling the edges of the existing asphalt down below the level of adjacent concrete the new asphalt can be installed at the same level as the concrete thus preventing water from becoming trapped between the asphalt and concrete and preventing trip hazards. Without edge milling, the new layer of asphalt will sit one and half to two inches higher than the adjacent concrete.
    

5. Why can't a parking lot be resurfaced during the winter months? Resurfacing in cold weather leads to cold "seams" which can contribute to premature failure. The general rule of thumb is to pave when temperatures are 50° F and rising.
    

6. What can we do to maintain our new asphalt after completion? It is important to implement a pavement maintenance plan and start budgeting as soon as new pavement is completed. Understand due to New Jerseys freeze and thaw cycles some cracks may appear after each winter. Crack filling is a yearly maintenance procedure. Sealcoat after the 2nd year and every 3-4 years after.
    

7. Can you resurface over cracked pavement? Linear cracks (Straight cracks) need to be filled with hot rubber and a geo textile crack fabric to be installed over cracks. Alligator cracks need to be removed and replaced and 4” in depth and I-2 stabilized base to be installed even with existing.
    

8. What happens to utility valves (Manholes, Water and Gas boxes)? We install 2” cast iron risers to make sure utility valves are even with new overlay.
    

9. How thick is an overlay (Resurface)? Many engineers specify between 1-1/2” thick to 2”. I feel 1-1/2” of pavement is too thin. I suggest to install pavement 2-1/2” thick compacted to 2” for best results.
    

10. We called 3 contractors for estimates and all estimates are different? When a community is ready for pavement work it is important to have specifications drawn up from either an Engineering firm or a reputable paving contractor. Have all contractors bid apples to apples. Understand some communities do not have a lot of parking and additional days may be needed to complete project.
     

11. Do I really need to completely reconstruct my parking lot…or can I just overlay it? A resurface will only be as good as the underlying surface. If 25-35 % or more of the total parking lot area is in need of substantial removal due to sub grade or other problems, it is generally more economical to completely reconstruct the parking lot.
     

12. Is there anything else we should look at yearly? Look into catch basins for any damage. Cracks are a yearly maintenance procedure.
     

13. How would you go about paving our community. There is not a lot of parking? Eosso Brothers Paving, Inc. creates a detailed color mapping system that explains work being completed daily and where cars need to park. It is important for the manager to have a notice distributed to the community, 1 month prior to start of work explaining tentative work dates. Contractor to furnish a notice, 3 days prior to starting project and daily notices throughout work days.
     

14. Our reserve study is not in line with our estimates, why is that? Since September 11, 2001 petroleum prices has increased substantially. Petroleum is in Asphalt, Diesel is used in all the trucks. Have your engineer keep an eye on yearly costs and revise as needed.

Remember: The lowest price does not mean you are getting a good job!