Resurfacing, also called an overlay, puts a fresh layer of hot-mix asphalt over your existing driveway. It works well when the surface is worn, faded, or cracked but the base underneath is still solid. You get a smooth, new-looking driveway without the cost and disruption of a full tear-out, as long as the problems being covered are only skin deep.
The prep decides how long an overlay lasts. Failed areas are cut out and patched first, cracks are cleaned and filled, and the edges at the garage and street are usually milled down so the new layer doesn't leave a lip. A tack coat helps the new asphalt bond to the old. If the base is failing in many places, an overlay will crack again, and a new driveway is the better use of your money.
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Resurfacing is a good fit if your driveway is generally firm, drains reasonably well, and mostly shows surface wear, loose stone, or scattered cracks. It's not a fit if there are widespread soft spots, deep potholes, or heavy spiderweb cracking, or if earlier overlays have already raised the drive too high at the garage.
Every project is quoted on its own details. These are the things that move the number most, and we walk through each one with you on the estimate.
The area being covered sets how much asphalt and labor the job needs.
Every failed section that has to be cut out and rebuilt adds time and material.
Grinding edges at the garage, walks, and street keeps heights right but adds a step.
A thicker layer uses more asphalt and can be needed where the old surface is rough or uneven.
Fixing low spots or redirecting water before paving adds work but protects the new surface.
Tight or sloped drives may need smaller machines and more hand work.
A short call is the quickest way to get going. Tell us about your asphalt project, and we’ll talk through options, what affects the cost, and next steps. Free, with no obligation.
Call now (614) 555-0105There's no fixed number, but each overlay raises the surface. Over time that can leave a lip at the garage, cover drainage paths, or push water toward the house. Milling the edges helps, and sometimes the old layers need to come off entirely. A pro can look at the existing thickness and transitions during an estimate.
It covers them, but cracks caused by a weak base or water underneath tend to show back through the new layer, sometimes within a few winters. That's called reflective cracking. Repairing failed areas and filling cracks before the overlay reduces it. If the cracks are everywhere, asphalt repair or replacement may be needed first.
It's sometimes done, but joints and cracks in the concrete often reflect up through the asphalt as the slabs move with temperature changes. Height at the garage and walkways can also become a problem. In many cases, removing the concrete and building a proper base is the more durable option. Your pro can explain the trade-offs for your driveway.
For most home driveways, prep and paving can often be done in a day or two, depending on the patching needed and the weather. You'll typically need to stay off the new surface for a few days while it firms up. Hot-mix asphalt needs suitable temperatures, so resurfacing is scheduled during the paving season.
Available across the Columbus area. Homeowners ask about it often in Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Powell, New Albany and Gahanna. Pick your town for local details, or see all service areas.
Full tear-out and replacement or a brand-new driveway, built on a graded, compacted stone base.
See details →A protective coat that shields asphalt from sun, water, and oil, applied after cleaning and crack filling.
See details →Cracks cleaned out and filled with flexible, hot-applied filler to keep water out of the base.
See details →Potholes, sunken spots, broken edges, and failed sections cut out and rebuilt on a solid base.
See details →Parking lots and private drives for businesses, churches, and HOAs, from new paving to upkeep plans.
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