Ever wondered what actually happens when a road gets resurfaced? To most people, it just looks like a few big machines and a lot of noise. But in reality, every resurfacing project — from a quiet residential street to a busy commercial access road — is a carefully coordinated process that combines planning, engineering, and precision.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a typical UK road surfacing project, step by step.

1. Site Inspection and Planning

Every successful resurfacing job begins long before the first machine arrives.

• Initial survey: Specialists inspect the existing surface to assess its condition, measuring cracks, rutting, and water drainage issues.
• Core sampling: In some cases, small samples are taken to check the condition of the layers below.
• Planning and scheduling: Based on the findings, a detailed plan is drawn up — outlining materials, thickness, machinery required, and traffic management strategies.

Proper planning ensures minimal disruption to traffic and residents, and guarantees the surface will perform well for years to come.

2. Preparing the Site

Before any new material is laid, the area needs thorough preparation.

• Milling or planing: Old asphalt is removed using a machine that grinds the surface to the desired depth. The removed material (called milled asphalt) is often recycled.
• Cleaning and sweeping: Dust, loose debris, and oil residues are cleared away to ensure proper bonding of the new layer.
• Edge cutting and tack coating: The edges of the area are cut cleanly, and a tack coat (a thin layer of bitumen emulsion) is sprayed to create a strong bond between the old and new surfaces.

This preparation stage is crucial for durability — skipping it could cause premature cracking or delamination.

3. Laying the New Surface

Now comes the part everyone sees — laying the asphalt.

• Delivery and spreading: Hot asphalt mix arrives from the plant and is spread evenly by a paving machine.
• Levelling: The paver ensures the right thickness and gradient for smooth water drainage.
• Compaction: Heavy rollers compact the asphalt while it’s still hot, locking aggregates together for strength and a perfect finish.

Timing is critical here — the surface must be compacted before it cools too much to avoid weak spots or uneven texture.

4. Finishing Touches and Quality Checks

Once the asphalt layer is complete, the team performs finishing works:

• Joints and edges: These are sealed to prevent water ingress.
• Surface inspection: Engineers test the texture, thickness, and evenness.
• Clean-up: All debris and traffic management barriers are removed once it’s safe.

Every project ends with a final quality assurance check — ensuring the surface meets design and safety standards.

5. Aftercare and Maintenance

Even a perfectly resurfaced road benefits from regular maintenance.

Simple actions like cleaning drains, sweeping debris, and sealing early cracks can dramatically extend its lifespan. Many property owners schedule periodic inspections to keep their surfaces performing like new.

If you’re planning a resurfacing project for your driveway, car park, or private road, working with an experienced contractor ensures the process runs smoothly from start to finish — with durable results that last for decades.

Ready to Start Your Own Surfacing Project?

At East Herts Surfacing, we handle every stage — from inspection and preparation to final finish — with precision, professionalism, and care.

Whether it’s a small private lane or a large commercial area, our experienced team guarantees quality, efficiency, and safety at every step.

👉 Get in touch today to discuss your project: Contact us here