Resurfacing is the process of installing a new layer of asphalt on an existing pavement surface. This layer is typically 25mm-40mm thick. Asphalt resurfacing is also commonly known as an asphalt overlay.

The four main advantages of asphalt paving are that its economical to install and maintain, its durable, its safe and reliable and is highly recyclable.

Usually the driveway can be used in 24-72 hours unless rare circumstances occur.

Some colour additives are available for asphalt, but they are usually expensive, hard to add to or repair in the future, and are usually not recommended for driveways.

Asphalt gets its black colour from the adhesive, asphaltic tar used in the manufacturing process. As the tar degrades the surface of the driveway will revert to the natural colour of the stone in the mix, which is usually grey.

Asphalt is quite often more cost-effective than concrete and is generally less expensive to repair. It will generally provide better ‘grip’ and unlike concrete, we’re also able to resurface it as long as the subgrade is stable.

Your driveway or carpark may last between 20 and 30 years with proper maintenance.

Factors that can affect a parking lot’s life include:

• Weather conditions
• Quality of installation
• Stability of the subgrade
• Drainage plan
• Usage and traffic

The words asphalt and bitumen are often mistakenly used to define the same thing. Asphalt is made up from aggregates, sand and bitumen; where bitumen acts as a liquid binding material that holds asphalt together. To make things simple, we can relatively say asphalt is concrete (mixture asphaltic concrete) while bitumen is cement (binder) for pavements. A pavement surface can also be sealed only with bitumen which is done by setting up a layer of bitumen and topping it with aggregates (spray seal). This process can then be repeated to create what’s commonly known as a two coat seal.

Generally speaking asphalt, whilst more expensive initially, will last much longer, be less noisy, have better skid resistance and provide a much smoother surface to drive on.