Asphalt Parking Lot Crack Repair Resurfacing, Sealcoating,
Potholes and Cost Services in
New Brunswick, Trenton and Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Repair of Parking Lot Cracks
- Distressed asphalt pavement cracks in several different types of patterns which can indicate the cause of failure.
- Alligator cracking is a field of cracking that looks like alligator skin (small oblong boxes connected). It is caused by a failure of the subbase because of water infiltration, pavement that is old and worn out by the oxidation of the asphalt glue or cement that hold the aggregate together or pavement loads that were too heavy for the pavement design (delivery trucks driving in the parking lot outside of the truck lane designed for them). Alligator cracking repair requires removal of cracked pavement, subbase inspection and repair, application of tack coat and re-pavement with layers of asphalt pavement.
- Crack repairs: preparation of the crack before repair is important for good adhesion or bonding. If the cracks are small they can be blown out to remove all loose material using high pressure air, sandblasting, wire brushing, or high-pressure water. Then the crack should be filled with sealant carefully from the bottom of the crack to the top of the crack to prevent air bubbles. Air bubbles create weak spaces in the asphalt which will cave in with time. Crack sealing will last three to eight years depend on condition of pavement, climate, materials used, and technique. For information on asphalt paving services offered in New Brunswick click here!
Cost of Parking Lot Crack Repair
- Some general cost factors for parking lot crack repair depend on the parking lot's location, type of crack filler used for the repair and how many cracks. If there are a lot of cracks to repair at the same location you will pay a lower discounted price per crack. Other cost factors occur when cracks are inspected individually to provide an estimate. Typical individual cost factors are: how big the cracks are, how dirty the cracks are, whether they have grass growing in them, and how much work will it take to clean them.
- When you request a complimentary on-site-estimate, our response is rapid and, at your convenience, a time to look at the property will be scheduled. Call or text (609) 337-4944 and we'll soon be able to provide you with a firm quote.
Alligator Cracking
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Pothole
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Ponding in Parking Lot
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Repair of Parking Lot Potholes
- Potholes begin with slight cracking caused by the expansion and contraction of the ground during winter (freeze and thaw cycles) or stresses put on the pavement by heavy traffic. These slight cracks allow penetration through the pavement layer in to the subbase support structure weakening it into collapsed pothole. They can also be the result of missing chunks of alligator pavement. Pothole repair will require the removal of the defective asphalt down to a stable base, the hole squared off to straight vertical sides, tack coat applied, hole filled with asphalt mix and finally compaction of the asphalt fill.
- Ponding or basin depressions (sometimes called birdbaths) are slightly lower areas that become more noticeable after a rainfall. Causes could be the bearing of traffic loads heavier than what the pavement was designed for, unchecked water runoff that has invaded the pavement, subbase or poor compaction of pavement layers during construction. A slight depression fix requires only a surface patch. A deep depression may require the removal of affected pavement, repair of the subbase, finally patching with asphalt and compaction.
- Upheaval is an upward movement in asphalt because contamination of the subbase with vegetation growth or subbase swelling due to moisture that has penetrated the pavement and then turned to ice which expands the soil upwards through the pavement. Upheaval repair requires removal of broken pavement, repair of the drainage issue, or laying down vegetation inhibitor. Finally, repair of the subbase and reconstruction of the damaged pavement with new asphalt. For information on asphalt paving repair services offered in Trenton click here!
Cost to Repair Parking Lot Potholes
The cost to repair a pothole in a parking lot depends on how wide and deep the hole is, how much subgrade needs to be removed to reach firm support and what type of asphalt mix will be used for patching. Parking lots with several potholes may need more advanced repair of the gravel subbase to solve the problems long-term. The best way to figure repair costs would be to contact Jersey Strong Paving professionals to request a free repair estimate. Call or text (609) 337-4944 we will respond immediately and schedule an on-site inspection at your convenience.
Upheaval
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Edge Cracks
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Parking Lot Consultation
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- Keep in mind it takes far less money to fix a good parking lot in need of some maintenance than reconstructing a bad parking lot in need of much maintenance.
- Most asphalt pavement decay can be traced back to water infiltration into the pavement structure. Good drainage design along with crack sealing is the single most important maintenance activity that can be performed regularly to stop or delay pavement decay. However, sometimes resurfacing or replacement of the troubled parking lot is the only way forward because repairs over a compromised foundation will not last long. What’s underneath the pavement will always reflect through.
Asphalt Parking Lot Resurfacing
Milling A Parking Lot For a Resurfacing
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Butting 2 Surfaces in a Parking Lot Resurface
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Compacting Parking Lot Resurfacing
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- When your failing parking lot needs patches and crack repairs too numerous to be attempted, a great option would be a process called resurfacing or an overlay. Resurfacing a parking lot costs a fraction of total replacement obviously attracting consideration from property owners/managers. Since the resulting parking lot looks completely new and the cracks that were covered up won’t return for a long time (estimated lifespan is 8 to 15 years) it seems to be a winning situation. However, areas that now puddle because of subbase or foundation problems will again puddle unless the foundation is repaired. For information on asphalt paving resurfacing services offered in Hunterdon County click here!
- Resurfacing a pavement will shave off the top layer of old asphalt till it becomes an even surface, remove all debris, lay down an adhesive coat, and then apply the new asphalt in compacted layers. Potholes or severe depressions, indicating problems with the subbase, will be evacuated and repaired, to the same level of its surroundings, then the new asphalt layer can be applied.
- There are certain preparations for constructing an overlay and, as with any project, the amount of time and effort spent in preparation will be the basis for how well the finished parking will look and how long it will last.
- Resurfacing is a great economical repair solution for a parking lot that is heavily oxidized but still has some remaining flexibility atop a strong and solid subbase. The best way to understand if a resurfacing will be adequate for your troubled parking lot is to seek advise from Jersey Strong Paving. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, contact us at (609) 337-4944 or fill out our online form. A detailed written estimate will be provided shortly after inspection.
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Asphalt Parking Lot Resurfacing Steps
- Sections of the existing parking lot, that have alligator cracking, deep fissures and pot holes should be removed down to the subbase and then repaired.
- Milling or shaving will be done to remove the old crumbling asphalt and to even out the original surface.
- Milling is accomplished by a large road machine using a rotation drum with cutters set to the desired depth, usually 2 inches. The asphalt that is scraped off is transferred through the machine’s long conveyor belt to waiting asphalt dump trucks. The dump trucks then take the millings to the asphalt plant where they are recycled into new asphalt mixes.
- Shaving is accomplished with a large road machine using a diamond blade set at a certain depth (usually 2 inches) and will scrape off the top layer of old asphalt. The old asphalt is transferred to dump trucks and taken to the asphalt plant to be recycled.
- Butt joints will be installed where the asphalt surface butts up to other existing surfaces, such as aprons and sidewalks. The joint will be set up such that when the new asphalt is laid down it meets the other surface at the same levels to avoid uneven walking hazards or water flow issues.
- A street sweeper generally will be used to thoroughly clean the leveled parking lot surface to prepare for a clean bond with the new asphalt layer.
- A tack coat adhesive is applied to ensure bonding of existing pavement to the new overlay.
- The new layer of hot asphalt will be laid on top of the original parking lot pavement, that has been leveled with bad sections repaired, and then compacted to a height of 2 inches.
- Line striping, signs and safety devices will be reapplied or replaced.
Parking Lot Sealcoating
Unsealed Pavement Versus Sealcoated Pavement
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Example of Flexible Asphalt Pavement Versus Oxidized Pavement
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- Though Asphalt pavement is a durable material for parking lots and roads it doesn’t last forever. As soon as asphalt pavement is laid, it is exposed to the outdoor environment and begins to decay or oxidize. This is caused by exposure to UV- Rays and all types of weather (rain, sleet and snow) which causes the pavement to lose flexibility, become stiffer and the once deep black color turns grey as the binder (black glue) wears away.
- Benefits of sealcoating include: resistance to UV- Rays, oil and gas spills, slowing oxidation to a crawl, and slower water penetration. Plus, sealcoating will make the surface look new again be easier to clean. If the parking lot is maintained by sealcoating periodically and repairing any cracks, its lifespan can more than double. Note! Once asphalt pavement has totally oxidized (lost its flexibility) it can’t be restored by sealcoating. Most paver contractors suggest sealcoating the pavement every 2 to 3 years- this will depend on how rough the climate has been and the amount of traffic born by the lot.
Types of Sealcoating
- There are 3 basic types of Sealants available to protect parking lots:
- Coal Tar Sealer is the traditional sealer made from petroleum by products. Its fumes have a strong smell that can also cause skin irritation (worse when applying in direct sunlight) until cured so rarely will it be applied by non-professionals. Coal Tar sealcoat is well known for its affordability, tough coat, deep black color and increased chemical resistance.
- Acrylic Sealcoats do not contain petroleum by products so they are considered more environmentally friendly. They are derived from polymers and acrylic which increases their price by quite a lot, however they provide years longer periods of protection. They are also available in many colors, such as green for tennis courts. Finally, acrylic sealcoats are UV resistant, and durable under harsh weather conditions.
- Asphalt Emulsions: Asphalt cement is a solid substance at temperatures under 150 degrees but it can be milled while warm into small droplets and mixed into water treated with an emulsifying agent that will keep the droplets separated within the water. When the emulsified mixture is sprayed or rolled at colder temperatures onto the asphalt parking lot, the water separates from the asphalt cement and evaporates leaving behind a protective deep black coat of asphalt cement. The Asphalt Emulsions sealers are not as strong smelling as the coal tar sealers which is easier on all life close by.
Cost to Sealcoat a Parking Lot
The cost to sealcoat a parking lot depends on how large the lot is, how much damage has to be repaired, and the type of sealant used. Acrylic sealants are the most expensive but last longer that other sealants. There are several types of sealants to choose from that are designed for particular situations. Which sealant will work best for the condition of the targeted parking lot can be advised by an experienced local asphalt contractor. Call or text (609) 337-4944 and request Jersey Strong Paving provide a free quote for sealing your parking lot with the most appropriate sealer.