QA

Question: How Much Does It Cost To Resurface Asphalt Driveway

Cost to Resurface Asphalt Driveways The cost to resurface an asphalt driveway is a fraction of the price it costs to install a new driveway. Resurfacing costs approximately $2.25 per square foot. Patterns and colors cost more—around $4 to $8 per square foot.

Should I resurface or replace my asphalt driveway?

While resurfacing is a great option for your driveway, it’s not always the best measure. After about 15 years your driveway will naturally lose its structural value. If your driveway is this old, our experts recommend completely replacing the asphalt.

How often should you resurface an asphalt driveway?

For this reason, it is generally a good idea to have your driveway resealed every two to three years. Although some homeowners insist on sealing their driveway every single year, this can potentially cause the sealcoat to crack and peel more so its best avoided.

How long does it take to resurface an asphalt driveway?

Step 4: Asphalt Resurfacing Milling, repairs and sealing may take anywhere from a day to a week. Once the surface is ready, the asphalt is applied. This involves multiple layers. The first layer is called a tack coat and is sticky.

What is the difference between repaving and resurfacing?

Resurfacing is a faster and simpler process than repaving. Essentially, you’re just putting a new asphalt driveway over the old one. The first step in resurfacing is filling any existing cracks to create an even base. Then, a new layer of asphalt is applied, ranging in thickness from 1 1/2 inches to 3 inches.

Is it OK to put new asphalt over old asphalt?

A paving surface can be deteriorated but still maintain structural integrity in which an asphalt overlay is the proper solution. An existing asphalt surface is the best base for new asphalt. A tack coat is normally applied on the existing asphalt surface to help the new asphalt adhere to the existing surface.

How do you fix crumbling asphalt driveway?

Use asphalt paste patch that contains fine aggregate to fill small holes and gaps along curbing. Mound the repair above the surface the way crews do on roads. They let car tires reduce the speed bumps and gradually compact the mix. You can use a heavy metal tamper, or the end of a 2-by-4 to pound the patch nearly flat.

What is the cheapest way to surface a driveway?

Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you’re installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

Which is more expensive asphalt or concrete driveway?

The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation. Finishes, details and stains can increase the price tag to as much as $15.00 per square foot.

What is the lifespan of asphalt?

Asphalt roads are likely to last approximately 18 years. Actual outcomes, however, depend on more than performance characteristics of concrete vs. asphalt. When estimating road life, we need to consider additional factors.

Should you seal an asphalt driveway?

Asphalt driveways should be resealed about once every three years to maintain their appearance and protect them from cracks and oil damage. As with concrete, finish the repairs, allow time for curing and clean before sealing. Asphalt sealer comes in 5-gallon drums that sell from about $8 to $20.

What does resealing a driveway mean?

Sealcoating Your Asphalt Driveway Sealcoating involves applying a liquid sealant over your existing asphalt pavement to seal the surface and fill cracks. The process protects the sublayers and foundation from the elements and delays driveway replacement.

Can you pave over cracked asphalt?

An overlay can be appropriate if there are small issues like minor surface cracks, minor water damage, or if it’s uneven. The choice depends on the condition of the existing pavement. Making the wrong choice could lead to more costly repairs.

What is an asphalt overlay?

An asphalt overlay is, essentially, a patch job done on a stretch of asphalt. This is the usual method when asphalt is showing some cracking or potholing, while still not being damaged enough to need replacement.

How thick is an asphalt overlay?

A conventional asphalt overlay is at least 2 inches thick. This will vary based on the damage to the existing asphalt surface, however. The more damage there is to the existing asphalt, the thicker the overlay will need to be. The thickest overlays are referred to as structural overlays.

How thick should asphalt overlay be?

A conventional overlay is at least 1.5 inches thick, while a thin overlay is less than 1.5 inches thick.

Why is my asphalt driveway still soft?

Since asphalt needs time to harden and cure, usually 6-12 months, your parking lot or driveway will remain soft and pliable until then. You may walk on the new pavement immediately, but keep automobile traffic off of it for at least 3 full days and longer in hotter temperatures.

How do you restore an eroding asphalt driveway?

Typically, soil erodes where water concentrates in small channels. With this in mind, make a hardscape feature in the channel. The rock will stop the erosion. Fill the channel or rut in the yard with larger angular stone and line the feature with much larger rocks as you might see in a local stream.

What causes asphalt to deteriorate?

Some of the typical causes of pavement deterioration include: traffic loading; environment or climate influences; drainage deficiencies; materials quality problems; construction deficiencies; and external contributors, such as utility cuts.