Your commercial parking lot is the first impression customers and clients experience when they visit your business. Cracks, potholes, faded striping, or surface wear can impact not just appearance but safety and liability. But how do you know when your parking lot needs a simple resurface—or a full replacement?
At Reid Paving, Inc., we help commercial property owners throughout Atlanta and West Georgia make informed, budget-smart decisions about their asphalt. Here’s how to determine if it’s time to resurface or replace.
Understanding the Difference
- Resurfacing (Overlay): Involves applying a new layer of asphalt (usually 1.5″ to 2″) over the existing surface. It’s ideal for minor to moderate surface damage when the sub-base is still stable.
- Replacement: A complete removal of the old asphalt, repair or reconstruction of the base layer, and installation of a new asphalt surface. This is necessary when structural damage has occurred.
When to Resurface
- Surface is mostly intact with minor cracks
- Fading or minor raveling is visible
- No serious drainage issues
- Base layer is still strong and intact
When to Replace
- Deep potholes and extensive cracking
- Drainage issues with pooling water
- Sub-base shifting or instability
- Asphalt is over 20–25 years old
Signs Your Parking Lot Needs Attention
- Alligator cracking (interconnected cracks resembling a reptile’s skin)
- Potholes forming in multiple locations
- Surface fading to gray instead of black
- Uneven or sunken areas, especially around drains
Evaluating Cost and ROI Resurfacing is generally less expensive—costing roughly 30–50% of a full replacement. However, if your parking lot has deep foundational issues, resurfacing could be a temporary fix that ends up costing more in the long run.
Commercial Advantages of Resurfacing:
- Fast turnaround (often within 1–2 days)
- Less disruption to operations
- Improved curb appeal
- Can extend pavement life by 8–15 years
When Replacement is Worth It:
- Long-term durability and structural integrity
- Eliminates repeated patching costs
- Ensures ADA compliance and proper drainage
How Reid Paving Can Help We provide a detailed on-site assessment, including:
- Core testing if needed
- Drainage and slope evaluation
- Budget-conscious estimates
- Timeline planning to minimize business disruption
The Role of Striping and Sealing After either resurfacing or replacement, fresh line striping is crucial for directing traffic flow and maintaining safety. Sealing helps protect your investment from UV damage and water penetration.
Timing Considerations for Commercial Work Late spring and early summer are perfect for commercial paving projects due to favorable weather conditions and reduced rain interference. With proper scheduling, we ensure minimal downtime for your operation.
Conclusion Choosing between resurfacing and replacement doesn’t have to be guesswork. With the help of Reid Paving, Inc., you’ll get honest advice, professional service, and long-lasting results. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation inspection of your parking lot.
