Facts about Resurfacing Your Asphalt Driveway

Many homeowners and parking lot owners don’t realize there are good and bad times to resurface their driveway. Likewise, there are times you shouldn’t do it all. The following includes a few facts about resurfacing your driveway or parking lot that could save you money.

Good Times to Resurface with Asphalt

In the summer, when the weather reporters predict clear weather for the next three or four days is optimum for resurfacing. Despite asphalt typically drying somewhat quickly, it still needs 48 to 72 hours to cure.

When possible, resurfacing rather than demolishing the pavement can save you a lot of money. Although asphalt is generally recyclable, renting a dumpster and hauling away all that asphalt after demolition will still cost plenty of money.

Bad Times to Repair with Asphalt

Although the small amount of asphalt needed to do pothole or sinkhole repairs in your driveway or parking lot will dry rapidly, you should not schedule these repairs when heavy rains are predicted.

Likewise, when you expect heavy traffic, you should not schedule repairs. The blazing hot Florida sun will help cure the repaired asphalt, but it requires protection after fresh installation or repairs.

After the repairs, it is advisable to sealcoat the entire driveway or parking lot to protect the newly resurfaced area from fresh damage, harsh weather, the sun’s UV-rays, weather and chemicals. Therefore, it should be left unmolested for two days or more.

Sealcoating is different than resurfacing in that a resurface is an asphalt overlay and sealcoating seals the cracks and makes the entire surface look new.

When You Should Never Resurface Your Parking Lot or Driveway

When the asphalt’s foundation is unstable, you might be wasting your money by resurfacing your asphalt driveway or parking lot.

Many roadways have a strong foundation that is held in place by curbs. Normally, driveways and even some older parking lots do not have curbs to bolster the strength of the pavement and hold it in place. Plus, the base might not be thick enough to stabilize the driveway or parking lot pavement.

When you see waving in the pavement or large cracks, resurfacing might be a waste of time and money. It would be best if you didn’t resurface until you can stabilize the pavement base, and preferably add curbs or flowline gutters to keep the foundation from being pushed outward or washed away.

Contact U.S. Pave for more questions about asphalt repairs or installation throughout Florida.