Resurfacing is a crucial aspect of Road maintenance. Instead of replacing the existing road, a thinner layer of new material might get placed down as a maintenance solution known as resurfacing. It enhances the longevity of roads and reduces the time spent on minor repairs like pothole filling.

In essence, road resurfacing enhances the stability, weatherproofing, and strength of the road surface. As resurfacing roads is such a major undertaking, we'll cover some of the factors to consider.

Road Resurfacing Methods

There is more than one way to repair worn pavement. Nonetheless, the goal of all of these treatments is the same: to repair and enhance the road's texture or profile.

Bituminous

The world's busiest roads are those made of bitumen. It is a binder combined with aggregate particles to make asphalt concrete. But while asphalt uses bitumen as an ingredient, they are still different. You can read more about the difference between bitumen and asphalt here.

These roads are passable for driving in most weather. However, the thickness of the bituminous layer varies from region to region due to the different subgrade soil conditions.

Concrete

Concrete resurfacing materials are pretty long-lasting, and some may even be stain-resistant. The current surface is coated with concrete, which can be customized in color, texture, and design. Driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and even interior flooring can all benefit from concrete restoration.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a popular material for resurfacing roads. Asphalt's adaptability, longevity, minimal maintenance, smoothness, and quick construction are just a few reasons for its extensive use. Combinations of aggregate, filler, and bitumen are used in this construction process. After spreading a thick layer of gravel, this material is spread on top.

Composite

Technically speaking, the composite process might be considered environmentally beneficial because it uses recycled resources. Instead of building new roads, this technique is typically used to repair damaged or worn-down existing ones.

Signs That a Road Requires Resurfacing

Roads are high-use facilities that may deteriorate with time. How can you tell if the road needs maintenance or resurfacing or if it is still safe to drive on? Here are several warning signals that you should file a report about the condition of the road near you.

Potholes

As the road surface gets broken up by the weight of traffic, a pothole forms, and the hole is worsened by the wear and tear of motorists. In addition to possibly causing traffic accidents, potholes are eyesores.

More than that, the holes left by potholes gather water, seeping into the road and weakening its base, resulting in even more fissures and damage. When a pothole is inspected and found to need repair, it is added to a maintenance schedule.

Moisture Seepage

Vehicles may float or be swept off the road by water rushing over the road. It's because debris has accumulated in the culverts and drainage systems beneath the road or has been damaged.

Consequently, certain roads may be inaccessible to heavy-mass vehicles until they are rebuilt, depending on the nature of the damage. When left unattended, damage to a road's structure from water seepage becomes cumulative once it has begun.

Warped Portions

An insufficient or damaged base, usually brought on by extensive vehicle use, is a typical cause of warped roads. Car accidents are more likely to occur on or after lane changes or when driving on an uneven surface. An unexpected reversal in tire direction, damaged tires, a blowout, or even a broken axle are all possible outcomes of a change in surface height. Nonetheless, resurfacing warped roads could prevent further damage and potential traffic accidents.

Loose Edges

Without concrete gutters or curbs, the edges of any road will quickly begin to crumble. These ragged corners are prone to shattering and causing road accidents. In this case, the contractor would remove the damaged sections and fill in a new surface.

Cracks

Road surface cracks are an early warning sign of more road damage. Contractors can patch these cracks with crack-filling solutions, but larger ones need skilled, full-depth resurfacing. These "alligator cracks" because they cover a wide area, much like a web or an alligator's skin.

Will There Be Road Closures During Resurfacing?

After resurfacing materials have been laid, they need time to dry, which can take three to twenty-four hours, depending on the humidity and temperature. Extreme heat or cold, as well as precipitation, can all lengthen the drying process. A detour will be in place during this period so that maintenance can be performed.

Conclusion

Roads need to be safe, but if they are not well maintained, road issues like those mentioned here can pose risks to motorists. Road resurfacing is one option among many for keeping roads in good condition. Roads and other high-traffic areas can be preserved for more extended and kept in driving condition for more years if they are resurfaced as soon as damage is noticed.