close-up, Road construction works with roller compactor machine and asphalt finisher. Road roller laying fresh asphalt pavement on top of the gravel base during road construction. High quality photo

Precision Overlay Installation That Restores and Extends Pavement Life

When an existing commercial surface is structurally sound but showing surface wear, oxidation, or shallow cracking, asphalt overlay delivers a new driving surface at a fraction of full replacement cost. Cardinal Asphalt Company, Inc. has been installing commercial asphalt overlays throughout Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and the greater Akron area since 1994 — using properly prepared surfaces, quality hot mix materials, and careful attention to grades and drainage so the overlay performs the way it should.

Since 1994, Cardinal has applied the same standard to every overlay project: accurate base preparation, correct thickness, and a result that extends pavement life by 10–15 years. Two full years of warranty protection come standard on every overlay we install.

What an Asphalt Overlay Is

An asphalt overlay involves installing a new layer of hot mix asphalt directly over an existing pavement surface. The existing pavement acts as the base, which means the structural integrity of the underlying material must be evaluated before overlay is recommended. Cardinal performs that evaluation honestly — we don’t recommend overlay on failed base structures because it won’t last and it wastes your money.

When the existing base is in good condition, overlay is an efficient and cost-effective solution that:

  • Restores a smooth, even driving surface
  • Seals minor surface cracking and oxidation
  • Corrects minor grade irregularities
  • Extends pavement life by 10–15 years
  • Costs significantly less than full removal and replacement

Types of Overlay Applications

  • Standard Surface Overlay — 1.5–2 inch layer of hot mix asphalt over a prepared existing surface for routine pavement rehabilitation
  • Mill and Overlay — Existing surface is milled to a specified depth before the new layer is installed, maintaining finished grade and curb height while addressing more significant surface deterioration
  • Leveling and Overlay — Leveling course is applied to address depressions and irregularities before the top overlay layer is installed

Our Asphalt Overlay Process

  • Pavement Evaluation — We assess the existing surface for cracks, drainage, load-bearing capacity, and base integrity before recommending overlay
  • Surface Preparation — Existing cracks are addressed, edge repairs are made, and the surface is cleaned before paving begins
  • Milling (if required) — Mill and overlay applications include surface milling to specified depth before new material is installed
  • Tack Coat Application — Bonding agent is applied to ensure strong adhesion between the existing surface and new overlay layer
  • Hot Mix Installation — Overlay is installed to specified depth using commercial paving equipment calibrated for the application
  • Compaction and Grade Verification — The finished surface is compacted to design density and grades are verified for proper drainage

Benefits of Asphalt Overlay in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

  • Cost Savings — Overlay costs significantly less than full rip out and replace while delivering a fresh, durable surface
  • Speed — Most commercial overlay projects are completed in one to two days, minimizing business disruption
  • Extended Pavement Life — A quality overlay adds 10–15 years of service life to a structurally sound lot
  • Improved Appearance — A fresh overlay surface immediately improves the look and professionalism of any commercial property
  • Northeast Ohio Performance — Properly installed overlays tolerate the freeze-thaw cycles and salt exposure common in the Akron region

Why Choose Cardinal Asphalt Company

  • Since 1994, Cardinal Has Paved Northeast Ohio — Decades of overlay installations on commercial lots across Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, and the surrounding region
  • Honest Assessment Process — We evaluate your lot and only recommend overlay when the base justifies it
  • Complete Mill and Overlay Capability — In-house milling equipment handles all mill and overlay applications without subcontracting
  • A+ BBB Rating — Trusted by commercial property managers throughout Northeast Ohio
  • Two Full Years of Warranty Protection — Every overlay project is covered by our standard workmanship warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my lot is a good candidate for overlay?

The key factor is base integrity. If the existing pavement has widespread structural cracking, base failure, or significant drainage problems, overlay is not appropriate. We evaluate your lot and give you a straight answer about which solution is right.

Does an overlay require milling first?

Not always. Standard overlays can go directly over a prepared surface. Mill and overlay is recommended when maintaining finished curb height is critical or when the surface has more significant deterioration. We’ll specify the right approach in your estimate.

How thick should a commercial overlay be?

Most commercial overlays are installed at 1.5–2 inches of compacted hot mix asphalt. Thickness is specified based on existing pavement condition and expected traffic loads.

How long before we can use the lot after overlay?

Most commercial overlay projects are open to traffic within 24 hours. We’ll provide a specific timeline based on temperature and conditions on your project.

self-propelled tracked road milling cutter for removing old asphalt pavement during road repairs. Large Road cold milling machine removes the old asphalt and loading into a dump truck.

Related Services

Get the most from your overlay investment with these complementary services:

  • Asphalt Paving — Full-service commercial paving as an alternative when base replacement is required
  • Asphalt Milling — Professional surface milling when a mill-and-overlay approach is the right choice
  • Sealcoating — Apply protective sealcoating after overlay installation to extend the surface life further
  • Rip Out and Replace — Full-depth replacement when base conditions won’t support an overlay

Get a Free Overlay Estimate in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Cardinal Asphalt Company, Inc. provides asphalt overlay services for commercial properties throughout Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Stow, Hudson, Bath, Fairlawn, Canton, Kent, Aurora, Medina, Solon, Beachwood, Wadsworth, Brecksville, North Canton, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities. Contact us today to schedule your free on-site evaluation.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

Real testimonials from satisfied customers across Ohio

Request Estimate