In time, even the best asphalt surfaces will show signs of age and disrepair and require asphalt resurfacing. Whether it’s a large asphalt driveway, a car park, hardstand, or industrial property, they’ll all experience one of the following issues after many years of hard work.
Why asphalt resurfacing?
The useful life of a quality asphalt surface is anywhere between 15 and 30 years depending on its level of use and maintenance along the way. Through that time, you may need the odd asphalt repair, but most of the surface should remain steadfast. However, if asphalt repairs are required more frequently, and in the same places, you may be facing a bigger problem that only asphalt resurfacing can fix.
Asphalt resurfacing will provide you with an asphalt surface that provides a long-term solution, rather than ongoing maintenance costs.
Tell-tale signs you need asphalt resurfacing
The below issues are the common problems faced by Perth properties, and all are signs you may need a resurfacing project.
Surface is constantly cracking
If minor cracks in the asphalt surface are repaired promptly and grass or weeds ingress is treated, they shouldn’t cause any major damage in the near future. On the other hand, if you leave cracks to widen, they’ll be harder to patch and lead to failure of the old surface. If after repairing a crack, it reappears a short while after, it may be a sign of issues with the foundation of the surface, tree roots or subgrade movement. In this scenario, asphalt resurfacing is the best solution.
The types of cracks that appear may also be a sign of a flaw in the foundation of the surface. If you need help identifying the cracks on your asphalt surface, view our guide to repairing asphalt damage.
Old asphalt surface with potholes and puddles needs resurfacing.
Surface is stained or becoming slippery
If oil or other unwanted substances are left on the asphalt surface for too long, they can damage the underlying asphalt. An oily, slippery asphalt surface can lead to potholes forming, only exacerbating its condition. Rather than attempting to clean the entire surface and patch the various defects, it’s often more efficient to remove and replace the oily material, then carry out asphalt resurfacing.
Additionally, these unwanted substances will leave stains and other unsightly marks which detract from the value of the property.
Potholes begin forming
Small potholes may appear for a few reasons, but the main cause is a thin, worn out surface when water penetrates the surface of the asphalt. If you repair the pothole early, you may get away with minor asphalt repairs which can give temporary relief, but more often than not, another pothole will return nearby. If this is the case, we recommend asphalt resurfacing to prevent future potholes forming and save you money in the long run.
For large potholes, these are a clear sign that you’re in dire need of asphalt resurfacing. If too many temporary pothole repairs are done, it can lead to water ponding and an uneven surface which will need to be removed at added unnecessary cost.
Uneven areas causing dips and puddles
Aside from the discomfort caused by driving over uneven areas of a driveway or car park, these may be a sign of a bigger problem. Though an uneven surface is sometimes caused by heavy use, a foundational issue could end up causing further damage. A sunken area will leave puddles after rain and this water pooling can cause cracks and potholes that require expensive repairs.
A professional asphalt contractor will be able to identify if the dips are caused by an issue in a surface’s foundations. Depending on the outcome, they will recommend full asphalt resurfacing or just a minor asphalt repair as a temporary solution (until a budget is made for a full resurface).
A dip inbetween the drains causes a puddle and indicates fresh surfacing is required.
Drainage issues
As mentioned above, water pooling on an asphalt surface can cause major issues, so an efficient drainage system is required combined with checking that gradients are sufficient to provide adequate run-off.
If you’ve noticed water pooling at the base of a hill, or water flowing to other areas it shouldn’t, you have a drainage issue. Such an issue can be difficult to repair and a full asphalt resurface is often required, sometimes with surface removal and basework reconstruction being required.
Overgrown Vegetation and Weeds
Vegetation growth can cause damage to asphalt surfaces if unmanaged. Grass and weeds may begin sprouting through cracks and potholes, making future repairs more extensive. Instead of wasting time with the weedkiller and patching potholes, it may be worthwhile to have a full asphalt resurface.
If the asphalt area is alongside a large tree, in time, the roots may lift and crack the asphalt, causing inconsistencies in its surface. To let the tree continue its growth, a new asphalt surface can be laid at a greater distance around the trees base and smaller surface roots removed, without major damage to the tree root system.
Whilst pothole repair patching of damaged, old surfaces can delay the need for a full resurface, it can be counter -productive as the repairs give only temporary relief and, if too extensive, may lead to needing removal of the surface and patches and basework reworked at significantly greater cost and inconvenience compared to resurfacing.
Free measure and quote for professional asphalt resurfacing in Perth
If your asphalt driveway, car park, hardstand, or industrial property are experiencing any of the issues above, you should be looking for a professional asphalt contractor.
Save the hassle of frequent asphalt repairs and plan an asphalt resurfacing project for your property. If your job is 150m2 to 50,000m2 + in size, and located in Perth or a surrounding area up to 100km from Perth, contact us for a free measure and quote.
