Should You Resurface or Replace Your Asphalt Parking Lot?

Parking Lot Paving Resurfacing Grand Rapids MI

Aren’t sure if you should resurface or replace your asphalt parking lot? You’ve come to the right place! A-1 Asphalt Inc. is proud to serve as an asphalt contractor in Greater Grand Rapids, MI. As such, we have the experience and training to know when a parking lot has reached the end of its natural lifespan.

Here’s what you need to know.

Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Replacement

Choose asphalt resurfacing if… 

Choose asphalt replacement if… 

Less than 25-30% of your parking lot needs repair

More than 25-30% of your parking lot needs repair

Foundation is strong and intact

Foundation has failed

Parking lot is less than 20 years old

Parking lot is 20-30 years old

Cracks in parking lot are NOT over ¼ inch wide and/or a few inches deep

Cracks in parking lot are over ¼ inch wide and/or a few inches deep

Before we can resurface your parking lot, we’ll need to determine the age and condition of the foundation. If the foundation is in good condition, we’ll recommend asphalt resurfacing. Otherwise, your asphalt parking lot will need to be replaced. There’s no point in replacing the surface if the foundation is damaged beyond repair.

What is Asphalt Resurfacing?

To resurface a parking lot, we must remove the topmost layers of your existing asphalt. Next, we’ll pave a new layer of asphalt while leaving the foundation of your parking lot intact. Depending on the condition of your parking lot’s surface, we may have to repair cracks and potholes before we can pave an asphalt overlay.

How Often Should You Repave a Parking Lot?

We recommend you replace your asphalt parking lotas soon as you notice signs that the foundation has failed, such as alligator cracking. In general, you should start thinking about replacement once the pavement reaches 20 to 30 years of age. However, the lifespan of your parking lot will vary based on maintenance received over the years, vehicle traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, and other conditions.

How Long Does a Parking Lot Last?

In general, your asphalt parking lot can last between 20 and 30 years with regular maintenance. If your parking lot has reached the end of its natural lifespan, call A-1 Asphalt Inc. to determine if replacement is necessary.

The lifespan of your asphalt parking lot may also be affected by freeze-thaw cycles, heavy non-pedestrian vehicles parking long-term, vehicle traffic, flooding, and other factors.

How Long Will an Asphalt Overlay Last?

In general, an asphalt overlay can last between 8 and 15 years. To help your asphalt parking lot overlay last as long as possible, you’ll want to invest in routine maintenance. We recommend taking advantage of our services for sealcoating, crack filling, and pothole repair.

Get a Quote for Parking Lot Paving

A-1 Asphalt Inc. is a parking lot paving contractor in Wayland, MI, that’s proud to serve Greater Grand Rapids. To schedule a free quote for parking lot paving, please call (800) 871-4401. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.