The right repair starts with understanding why the pavement failed.
Cracking, settlement, potholes and ponding do not all require the same solution. Some parking lots remain structurally sound and can benefit from milling and resurfacing. Others have widespread subbase, drainage or pavement failures that make reconstruction the more responsible long-term investment.
HMA Contracting helps commercial, institutional and municipal clients evaluate and execute resurfacing and reconstruction projects throughout Albany and New York’s Capital District. Our excavation, drainage, milling and paving capabilities allow the work to address both the visible pavement and the underlying causes of failure.
Resurfacing versus reconstruction
Resurfacing generally involves preparing the existing pavement and installing a new asphalt surface. Milling may be used to remove deteriorated asphalt, restore elevations, improve transitions and create a consistent surface for the overlay. Resurfacing is most effective when the remaining pavement structure and subbase are stable.
Reconstruction removes the failed pavement and, where required, unstable underlying material. Drainage, grades and subbase can then be corrected before new asphalt is installed. Reconstruction requires a larger initial investment but may provide better value when the existing system has widespread structural problems.
Conditions HMA considers
- Type, location and pattern of cracking
- Potholes, rutting, settlement and repeated patch failures
- Evidence of soft or unstable subbase
- Ponding and drainage performance
- Available elevations at doors, curbs, walks and structures
- Traffic type and loading demands
- Owner budget and intended service life
- Ability to phase the work around property operations
Milling and selective repairs
Many successful resurfacing projects combine several treatments. Full-width milling may remove the existing surface, while isolated failed areas receive deeper repair. Drainage structures and transitions can be adjusted before the new asphalt is placed.
The purpose is to match the repair depth to the actual condition. Simply placing new asphalt over unstable pavement may improve appearance temporarily without resolving the failure beneath it.
Keeping facilities operational
Parking-lot work affects employees, customers, students, buses, deliveries and emergency access. HMA coordinates phasing, barricades, temporary routes, notifications and reopening so the facility understands what will be available during each stage.
Scheduling also accounts for asphalt production, weather and the time required for pavement to cool before traffic returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every parking lot be resurfaced?
No. Resurfacing is not a substitute for correcting widespread base failure, poor drainage or major settlement. The existing pavement system must be suitable for an overlay.
What is full-depth reconstruction?
Full-depth reconstruction removes the existing asphalt and rebuilds failed portions of the pavement structure as required before new asphalt is installed.
Why is milling used before resurfacing?
Milling can remove deteriorated material, improve tie-ins, preserve curb reveal, correct localized grades and provide a prepared surface for new asphalt.
Can HMA correct drainage during reconstruction?
Yes. Depending on the project scope, HMA can adjust grades, structures, piping and underlying conditions as part of the reconstruction work.
Not sure whether your lot needs resurfacing or reconstruction?
Invite HMA to discuss the pavement condition, operating constraints and long-term objectives for your property.