Short answer: If your asphalt is faded and has surface cracks but the base underneath is still solid, an overlay of fresh hot-mix asphalt gives you a like-new driveway for less. If it's sinking, breaking into chunks, full of potholes or holding water, the base has failed and the driveway needs to come out and be replaced.
Signs an overlay will work
- The surface is gray, faded and rough, but flat.
- Cracks are thin and on the surface, not wide and deep.
- No big dips, ruts or soft spots when you drive on it.
- Water runs off instead of sitting in puddles.
Signs you need a new driveway
- Alligator cracking: a web of cracks that breaks the surface into small pieces.
- Chunks coming loose, potholes or crumbling edges.
- Sunken areas, ruts from tires, or spots that move under weight.
- Puddles that stay after rain, which means the grade or the base has failed.
Why the base decides it
An overlay bonds fresh asphalt to the old surface. If the old surface is moving or breaking up, the cracks come right back through the new layer. Fixing the base first is what makes a driveway last.
Sometimes it's both
Plenty of driveways are mostly solid with one or two bad areas. Those spots can be cut out and patched before the overlay goes down.
Get it checked for free
Justin will look at your driveway and tell you straight whether an overlay is enough. Call or text (480) 307-3961.