Deciding Between Resurfacing or Replacing a Track
As asphalt ages, it cracks. These cracks often start on the inside or outside edges, and bad structural cracks are found perpendicular to a track's lanes.
A track's life cycle usually includes at least one resurfacing before removing and replacing it completely. However, some factors can cause tracks to need resurfacing more than once during their life cycle.
Here is how to determine whether a track needs to be resurfaced or replaced:
The condition of the asphalt
The number one factor to consider is the condition of the asphalt beneath the track. Asphalt typically lasts 20 to 25 years, depending on the original installation's quality, the track's use, and the weather. All of these affect the asphalt's lifespan. If a track is under 20 years old, it may not necessarily be in great shape, but a track that's 30 years old might be. Therefore, the 20-year period is a mere benchmark to assess the condition of a track's asphalt.
Cracks in the asphalt
As asphalt ages, it cracks. These cracks often start on the inside or outside edges, and bad structural cracks are found perpendicular to a track's lanes. When one spots small cracks, it's guaranteed there are more. While it is possible to patch minor cracks and resurface a track, the full lifespan of a new surface before the cracks are not guaranteed. When checking a track, feel for loose spots. If bubbles have formed in the surfacing that crunches under pressure, it reveals the issue is not only in the track's surface, but the asphalt underneath is failing.
The condition of the tracks bonding to the asphalt
It's essential to check the state of the track's bond to the asphalt beneath. A track's surfacing can delaminate from the asphalt over time due to water and abuse. When vehicles drive and turn on a track, it can cause it to rip apart from its base. The damage compounds over time, and when a track starts to loosen, the problem gets worse.
What causes delamination?
Delamination on a track is easy to spot and noticeable on the edges. Often, delamination is the by-product of an exposed, damaged edge, which allows water to seep through the track. Freeze-thaw cycles lift a track from the asphalt base consistently over time. Occasionally, a track may loosen from its base away from the edges. This can be felt sometimes but most definitely heard when walking on the surface or scuffing a foot along a loose area.
Talk to a professional
Small areas of delamination, such as cracks, can be repaired, but more extensive areas would need to be removed and replaced. Consult qualified professionals to determine whether repairing or completely replacing a track's surface is financially beneficial.
