The Ultimate Paving Guide for You

3 Footpath Overlay Benefits

1 March 2021 by Jimmy Soto

While some worn footpaths need to be completely replaced, you can fix some surface wear and damage with an overlay. This process effectively adds new surfacing to the path. It makes the path safer and more cosmetically appealing again.

What are the benefits of using a footpath overlay fix?

1. Get a Quicker Repair

Digging up a footpath and replacing it can be a time-consuming job. You have to remove all the surface and check the underlying structure. You have to fix any faults and then rebuild the path.

While you might have to do this on badly damaged paths, you don't have to use such a comprehensive fix on all paving problems. If the footpath's problems are confined to the surface, then an overlay is a much quicker fix.

Here, you simply prepare the surface to repair any immediate defects. You then add a binding agent before repaving the path. This is a far quicker fix.

2. Reduce Disruption

If you're repairing a public footpath, then the fix can be disruptive. You might have to close some or all of the path down as you work on it. You might have to remove street furniture and fences to get full access to the surface.

Even if you can work in stages, the footpath might need to be out of commission for a while. This raises safety concerns if the path runs along a busy road and the work you do will affect pedestrian access.

If you use an overlay to fix the paving, then you can work around things like street furniture and fences. You don't need to remove them while you work.

Plus, the whole resurfacing process is a lot quicker, so you don't have to keep areas closed off for long. This reduces disruption to anyone who normally uses the footpath.

3. Save Money on Restoration Costs

The costs of digging up and relaying a footpath will be high compared to an overlay resurface. If you take out the path, you have to remove the surface. You might need to dig new pavement trenches if the current ones aren't fit for purpose. You then have to refill the layers and add a new final surface.

Plus, you'll have to get rid of the materials you remove. The more jobs you have to do, the more your materials and labour costs increase.

If you can use an overlay resurfacing, then you don't need that many materials. You won't have a lot of debris to remove and your labour time will be shorter. You'll pay less to restore the footpath.

To learn more about footpath overlay repairs, contact local paving contractors.

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