Overlaying

Asphalt Overlay

An asphalt overlay is simply the process of installing a new layer of hot mix asphalt directly over existing asphalt on either parking lots or roads. In order to be a candidate for overlay, a pavement should be relatively sound without large areas of base failure. Prior to overlay, pavement repairs and transitions must be made. Cracks should be filled with rubberized crack sealer, and a tack coat applied over the entire surface. A new layer of asphalt is then placed.

An asphalt overlay is the least costly of the reconstruction techniques, but it has definite drawbacks. These include a limited service life, elevation considerations, inability to make drainage corrections, and a tendency to show reflective cracking in a relatively short period of time