Asphalt Resurfacing in Rochester Hills, MI

Asphalt resurfacing lays a new layer of hot mix over an existing asphalt surface. It costs less than a tear-out because the old pavement stays and becomes part of the structure, and HomeGuide estimates an overlay at roughly 20 to 30 percent below the price of full replacement on a driveway in reasonable condition. The deciding question is the base. Resurfacing a driveway that is cracked only on top works well. Resurfacing one that is failing underneath just puts new asphalt on a problem.

Quick self-check

Walk your driveway and ask:

• Is it under about 15 to 20 years old?
• Are cracks mostly single lines rather than webs?
• Does it feel solid everywhere, with no sinking or heaving?
• Does water run off rather than sit in puddles?

If the answer is mostly yes, resurfacing is likely an option. If you see widespread alligator cracking, ruts, or puddles that freeze every winter, the base needs attention first.

How we do it

We start by cutting out any truly failed areas and rebuilding them to the base, so they do not reflect through. Cracks get filled. Then we mill the old asphalt down along the garage, sidewalks and approach, or taper the new layer, so the finished surface stays flush. A tack coat bonds old to new, and a fresh layer of hot mix, usually around 1.5 to 2 inches compacted, is placed and rolled.

Watch the heights

Every overlay adds height. On a drive that meets a garage slab, a sidewalk and a curb or approach, a few inches can create lips that trap water or catch a snowblower. In Rochester Hills, the city's approach spec also limits the slope where a driveway crosses a sidewalk or pathway to 2 percent, so we check that the new grade still complies.

Parking lots

Resurfacing is common on commercial lots with sound bases. Failed areas are patched, catch basin rims are adjusted, edges are milled at curbs, and the new surface goes down in sections so the lot can stay partly open.

Aftercare

Treat resurfaced asphalt like new: a few days before driving, a careful first summer, and a sealcoat after it cures. Fall crack sealing keeps water out of the new layer's seams.

What resurfacing costs compared with the alternatives

Resurfacing sits between maintenance and replacement. Sealcoating and crack filling run a dollar or two per square foot and protect a sound surface but add no strength. Full replacement costs the most and fixes everything down to the subgrade. An overlay adds a new structural layer for less than replacement, which makes it a strong value when the base is good and a poor one when it is not. We price it both ways when a driveway is borderline, so you can see the difference.