After carefully considering their paving material options, many people choose asphalt for its speedy installation and price. An asphalt pavement can also have a lengthy service life if given sufficient maintenance and timely repairs. Unfortunately, the life of an asphalt pavement is not infinite, so it will begin to show signs of wear and damage sooner or later. If issues cannot be cost-effectively remedied by repairing, resurfacing, sealcoating, patching, or crack sealing, it may be time for a full-depth asphalt paving reconstruction.

What Is a Full-Depth Asphalt Paving Reconstruction?

When asphalt paving companies perform a full-depth reconstruction, they are essentially rebuilding the entire pavement.

1. The old asphalt and existing gravel base will be removed, which typically requires a total excavation of up to 16 inches.
2. If there is a problem with the subgrade, an Austin asphalt paving contractor may excavate some of the soil and replace it with a better type.
3. When installing asphalt paving in Austin TX, some contractors recommend the use of a ground stabilization fabric as it is a cost-effective way to increase strength and stability.
4. Subgrade moisture or drainage issues can be addressed if needed. For example, drain tiles may be installed to address subgrade moisture issues.
5. Austin asphalt paving companies then construct a new, compacted aggregate base to provide a stable, strong foundation to support the pavement.
6. The asphalt paving company then places and compacts the correct number of asphalt courses to achieve the desired depth.

Why Choose a Full-Depth Asphalt Reconstruction Instead of Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing is a valuable technique for renovating a pavement, but it is not an option in some cases.

1. When Austin asphalt paving contractors resurface a pavement, they only remove a portion of the asphalt. Most of the time, an asphalt paving company removes less than three inches of the existing pavement. If the damage goes deeper than this, an Austin asphalt paving company will need to make repairs before installing new courses of asphalt. Without the necessary repairs, the damage patterns will transfer to the replacement asphalt. This can substantially increase the cost, so it is sometimes more cost-effective to choose a full-depth asphalt paving reconstruction.
2. Asphalt paving services that do not require the removal of all tiers of the pavement do not permit contractors to work on the base. Although one or two small areas of foundation damage can be addressed by adding a full-depth repair to the job, it will increase the cost. Therefore, if the base needs to be strengthened or repaired under more than about 30% of the pavement, a full-depth asphalt paving reconstruction is usually more cost-effective.
3. Asphalt resurfacing does not allow contractors to correct significant drainage issues that lie deep underneath the pavement. It is not uncommon for an Austin asphalt paving company to discover subterranean drainage problems that were not detected by the original contractor.

RDC Paving is a well-respected Austin asphalt paving and concrete company with a stellar reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and service. Our asphalt paving services include asphalt milling, asphalt overlays, asphalt crack repairs, asphalt paving, asphalt driveway installation, asphalt repairs, and asphalt sealcoating. Our concrete services include concrete repairs and the installation of concrete sidewalks, parking lots, ramps, curbs, ADA-compliant features, and driveways. We also offer customized parking lot maintenance programs and parking lot striping. To request a free quote, call us at 512-920-9155, complete our online form, or email Ryan@RDCPaving.com.