Asphalt Overlay & Resurfacing in Corpus Christi, TX

An asphalt overlay and resurfacing job puts a new layer of hot-mix, typically 1.5 to 2 inches, over existing pavement. It is a good fit for driveways and lots that have gone gray, rough or lightly cracked but still have a firm base and decent drainage. HomeGuide prices overlays at about $1 to $3 per square foot and notes that resurfacing a sound surface saves roughly 20 to 30 percent compared with full replacement.

When it works and when it does not

HomeGuide's guidance lines up with what we see in the field. Resurfacing makes sense when less than about 25 to 30 percent of the surface is damaged, cracks are shallow, and the base and drainage are sound. Replacement is the better choice when cracking covers 60 to 70 percent or more, there are several potholes, or the pavement has buckled. Put new asphalt over a failing base and the old cracks reflect through within a season or two.

Fixing low spots before the overlay

On flat coastal properties, an overlay is also a chance to correct drainage. A leveling course fills dips and bird baths before the final layer goes down, and edges can be built up so water runs off instead of pooling. We put a level on the surface at the estimate and show you where water sits now.

Milling at doors, garages and curbs

Every overlay raises the surface. Next to a garage slab, a door threshold, a curb line or a gutter, that extra height can create a lip or send water the wrong way. We mill (grind) the existing asphalt along those edges so the new surface ties in flush. Where an overlay meets the driveway approach in the city right-of-way, we keep the work on your side of the line unless the approach is part of a permitted job.

Preparing the old surface

Before the new layer goes on, failed areas are cut out and patched full depth, large cracks are cleaned and filled, the surface is swept, and a tack coat is sprayed so the new asphalt bonds to the old. Skipping the tack coat is one of the main reasons overlays peel or slide.

After the overlay

Treat the surface like new asphalt: keep heavy vehicles off for a few days, avoid turning the wheels while parked during the first hot season, and wait 3 to 6 months before the first sealcoat.