Resurfacing Guide
When Should an Asphalt Driveway Be Resurfaced?
A worn surface may be a resurfacing candidate; widespread movement below it calls for a different answer.
Resurfacing can renew a driveway without removing the entire pavement structure, but only when the material below the new layer is stable enough to support it.
Look beyond fading and surface wear
Gray color, oxidation, and general wear can make a driveway look old without proving that its base has failed. Resurfacing decisions depend more on movement, cracking patterns, settlement, drainage, and the condition of repaired areas.
Repair isolated failures before the overlay
Potholes, soft spots, broken edges, and localized settlement should not simply be covered. Removing failed material and correcting the cause first gives the new surface a sounder foundation.
Check elevations and transitions
A new asphalt layer changes the finished height. Garage floors, sidewalks, aprons, drains, curbs, and adjoining pavement all need workable transitions. Milling may be used where space must be created for the overlay.
Know when replacement is the better fit
Broad interconnected cracking, repeated settlement, widespread base failure, or a grade that sends water into the pavement can make replacement more appropriate. Replacement allows deeper problems to be exposed and corrected.
Good to Know
Common questions
Can a cracked driveway be resurfaced?
Some isolated cracks and failed areas can be repaired before resurfacing. Widespread movement or interconnected cracking may point to deeper failure that an overlay will not solve.
Is resurfacing the same as sealcoating?
No. Resurfacing installs a new asphalt layer. Sealcoating is a protective surface treatment for pavement that is already structurally sound.
How do I know whether I need replacement?
The grade, drainage, base stability, movement, and extent of damage need an on-site assessment. Driveway Pros provides free estimates and explains the practical options.