Repaving and Resurfacing

No. Resurfacing renews one or more asphalt lifts while retaining serviceable portions of the pavement structure. Full replacement removes asphalt and failed granular or subgrade. Harrowgate uses cores, proof observations, drainage review, and distress mapping to separate surface deterioration from structural failure, then includes full-depth repairs only where the support system has failed.

Isolated thermal cracks can be routed or sealed and local fatigue areas can be repaired before resurfacing. Widespread alligator cracking, pumping, deep rutting, or settlement indicates base or subgrade failure and cannot be corrected by an overlay alone. Those zones are excavated and rebuilt, or the site is moved to a reconstruction scope.

An overlay places new asphalt over a prepared existing surface and raises finished grade. Mill-and-pave removes a controlled depth first, allowing oxidized material, ruts, and high points to be removed while preserving curb and structure elevations. Milling also creates sound tie-ins. The selected method depends on condition, drainage, clearances, and pavement thickness.

We divide the property into paver-sized phases, establish temporary routes, maintain emergency and loading access, and communicate closure and cure times. Milling, base repairs, structure adjustments, tack, paving, rolling, cooling, and marking are sequenced within each zone. Temporary transitions are built at safe locations and removed when the next phase begins.

The project specification governs. City of Toronto TS 310, for example, lists minimum pavement compaction of 91 percent of maximum relative density for SP 19.0 and SP 25.0 and 92 percent for other listed mixes. Harrowgate establishes a roller pattern and uses field testing or cores as specified to confirm each lot.

Tack coat bonds the new asphalt lift to the existing or milled surface so traffic shear is transferred through the pavement rather than sliding at the interface. The surface must be clean and dry, the emulsion must form a uniform film, and paving must wait until it has broken and reached the specified tack condition.

The mat must cool enough to resist scuffing, rutting, and steering damage, and all joints, structures, and temporary edges must be safe. Release time varies with lift thickness, air temperature, pavement temperature, mix, and vehicle loading. Harrowgate reopens each phase after cooling and acceptance, with heavy turning traffic controlled longer where needed.