Laying Down the Pavement

5 Reasons To Resurface Your Asphalt Driveway

31 August 2021 by Clifton Sullivan

When properly installed, the base of an asphalt driveway can survive for decades. It will often outlast the paving itself, which can be a time and money saver. When the base is still good, you may be able to opt for driveway resurfacing as opposed to a costly tear-out and replacement of the old driveway. 

1. Surface Erosion

Surface erosion occurs from weathering, such as from rain, snow, sandblasting, or driving on the asphalt. An eroded surface becomes rough, and there may be loose pebbles as the aggregate inside the asphalt begins to break loose. If the base shows no signs of damage or erosion, then your contractor can grind down the top eroded surface of the driveway. They will then install a new layer of asphalt over this, which will bond in place securely. 

2. Stains and Discoloration

A lot of different things can cause stains and discoloration on an asphalt driveway. Oil and paint spills are common culprits, for example. Sometimes the stains are only on the surface and can be removed, but often the stains penetrate deeply into the asphalt and effectively become permanent. One way to remedy this is to have the asphalt resurfaced so that the stains are no longer on the surface and visible.

3. Updated Appearance

Perhaps you are tired of the look of the old asphalt. There are many options to update and give the driveway a facelift. Asphalt can be tinted in a variety of colors, so you don't have to live with a black or gray driveway. Another option is to resurface with a decorative aggregate inlay. Pretty gravel or stones, mixed with a clear epoxy, are inlaid on top of the resurfaced asphalt driveway.

4. Minor Cracks

Certain types of asphalt cracks are indicative of base problems, namely deep cracks or those that create a rough grid with the appearance of alligator skin. A few minor cracks that don't penetrate deeply into the surface don't indicate base issues, but they can lead to potholes and larger cracks if they aren't addressed. Resurfacing the drive fills in the cracks and ensures there are no ugly patches showing. 

5. Light Leveling

Over time the driveway may settle. When this happens, there may be some low sunken areas that tend to collect water. As long as the settling isn't severe enough to damage the base, a contractor can install a fresh layer of asphalt and level it so that the sunken areas are no more. 

Contact an asphalt paving contractor if you think it may be time to resurface the driveway.

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