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Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing in Montgomery, AL
If your driveway is old and ugly but still solid, a new layer of asphalt on top can give it a second life. The catch is knowing whether yours qualifies.
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What Resurfacing Is
Resurfacing, also called an overlay, places a new layer of hot mix asphalt over the existing driveway after repairs and cleaning. Instead of tearing out and rebuilding the entire driveway, the old pavement serves as the base. It can restore the look, smooth minor roughness and add structure to a driveway that is sound underneath.
The key phrase is sound underneath. A new layer can only be as good as the pavement and base beneath it. Cracks, movement and soft spots in the old driveway tend to reflect upward through the overlay in a few seasons if they have not been addressed.
Good Candidates for an Overlay
- The driveway is faded, gray, rough or oxidized but the surface is mostly intact
- Cracks are limited, narrow and not part of an alligator pattern
- There are no deep ruts or sunken areas
- Water drains off properly and does not pool
- The base feels firm underfoot, with no soft or spongy spots
- There is enough height to add a layer without causing problems at the garage, the street or the walkway
Poor Candidates for an Overlay
- Widespread alligator cracking, which points to a failed base
- Large potholes, deep ruts or areas that have sunk
- Standing water that the overlay would not fix
- A driveway that sits so high that another layer would create a problem at the garage door, the apron or drainage
- Heavy tree-root heave that will continue to push the new layer up
In those cases, replacement is typically the better path. A reputable company will tell you if an overlay is the wrong tool.
How Resurfacing Is Done
- Inspection. The company checks the driveway for base problems and decides which areas need repair first.
- Repair. Failed sections are cut out and patched with new base and asphalt. Cracks are cleaned and filled.
- Cleaning. The surface is cleaned of dirt and debris, and weeds and vegetation are removed.
- Tack coat. A thin bonding layer of liquid asphalt is applied so the new layer sticks to the old surface.
- Overlay. Hot mix is spread and rolled to a planned compacted thickness, with tapered edges where the driveway meets the garage, street and walkways.
- Edge work. Edges are supported and the site is cleaned.
Heat and Timing
Montgomery averages roughly 78 days a year at 90 degrees or higher on the long-term normal, and recent years have been hotter. Hot mix asphalt has to be placed and rolled while it is still hot, and very hot or very cool weather can both complicate the work. A company with a good plant relationship, a well-timed crew and a plan for your site can usually avoid trouble. Ask when the work will be scheduled and how the company handles weather.
After resurfacing, follow your company's instructions about staying off the new surface. It will be soft in hot weather for some time, so avoid parking in one spot, turning the wheels while stopped and dragging heavy objects across it.
Questions to Ask
- Is my driveway a good candidate, and what did you find?
- What repairs are included before the overlay?
- What will the compacted thickness of the overlay be?
- Will the overlay cause drainage or height problems?
- What will you do about cracks so they do not reflect through?
- What does the warranty cover and exclude?
See our cost factors guide for what changes the scope of a resurfacing job, and request a quote to be routed to a local company.
Common Questions
Can you pave right over an old asphalt driveway?
Often, if the base and surface are sound. Cracks and soft spots must be repaired first. If the base has failed, the new layer will usually crack in the same places.
How is resurfacing different from sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a thin protective coating over the existing surface. Resurfacing adds a new layer of asphalt, which adds structure as well as appearance.
Will the overlay make my driveway too high?
It can if there is no room at the garage, the apron or the walkway. A company should check the heights and taper the edges.
Nearby Communities
We route requests from Montgomery and the surrounding area. Pick your town, or see the full service area list.
Ready for a Driveway You Will Like Coming Home To?
Call or send a request. We will route it to an independent, insured local company that paves driveways in the Montgomery area.