Commercial Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Full Depth Reclamation
When managing commercial plazas, industrial parks, or multi-family housing complexes in the Greater Toronto Area, maintaining safe, attractive parking surfaces is essential. However, when pavement begins showing age, property managers face an important capital decision: choose budget-friendly asphalt resurfacing (overlay) or execute full-depth reclamation and reconstruction.
Option 1: Commercial Asphalt Resurfacing (Overlay)
Asphalt resurfacing involves milling off the top 1.5 to 2 inches of aged asphalt surface, repairing localized defects, and applying a fresh hot-mix asphalt wearing layer directly over the existing foundation.
Best For: Parking lots with sound structural foundations, minor surface cracking, and no widespread drainage issues.
Key Benefits: Lower cost, rapid turnaround, minimal operational disruption for tenants and customers, restores dark black appearance immediately.
Limitations: If underlying base issues are present, cracks will reflect back up through the new surface within a few seasons.
Option 2: Full Depth Reclamation & Reconstruction
Full-depth reclamation involves completely excavating aged asphalt and aggregate base materials down to the sub-grade soil. The foundation is re-engineered, regraded for optimal drainage, and laid with new heavy-duty binder and surface asphalt courses.
Best For: Severe alligator cracking, widespread rutting, catch basin failures, or parking lots over 20–25 years old.
Key Benefits: Completely resolves sub-surface structural defects, guarantees long-term durability (20+ year lifespan), corrects slope and drainage flaws permanently.
Limitations: Higher upfront investment and longer construction timelines.
Unsure which approach offers the best return on investment for your commercial facility? Metro Wide Paving provides detailed commercial site assessments to help you choose the right paving solution. Schedule a consultation with our team today!