That is probably one of the most frequently asked questions concerning commercial paving. The answer is highly dependent on a lot of different factors and it isn’t always going to be one or the other. Sometimes, your aging concrete and asphalt paved surfaces will require both.

Patching blacktop can involve simply adding more asphalt to an area to fill in where it is needed, or it can require excavation of an area and then resurfacing with new material. Either way, the end result will surely leave an area of the surface that looks newer than the rest. Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing, but it will be noticeable.

Patching is often required when the asphalt is cracked or damaged in some way in localized areas. Consult a commercial paving contractor to get their opinion if a patch is required. Asphalt resurfacing is, simply put, covering the entire old blacktop surface with new material. There are several options when it comes to resurfacing. You can go with the smooth look of traditional blacktop or you can go for the chip seal coat with a rough and gritty look, that adds a great deal of durability and traction for vehicles. Asphalt resurfacing is just that, it adds another layer on top of the existing material. It provides a uniform look over the whole thing and adds durability. However, if the underlying material is compromised for any reason, adding a seal coat to the surface can’t fix that.

In that case, the proper solution can be patching and asphalt resurfacing. That way the compromised sections are repaired and then the entire surface is covered with a new blacktop and seal coat to give added durability and a uniform look. Consulting a commercial paving contractor is recommended to make sure that you’re not wasting time or money on misguided solutions. Most contractors provide free evaluations and quotes, so there is no reason for you to go it alone.