Asphalt Overlays & Resurfacing in Perris, CA

Asphalt overlays and resurfacing answer one of the most common questions we hear: can you pave over existing asphalt? Often you can. An overlay is a new layer of hot asphalt, usually 1.5 to 2 inches, placed over pavement that is worn on the surface but still supported underneath. HomeGuide notes an overlay on a driveway in reasonable condition can cost about 20 to 30 percent less than full replacement.

Good candidates

• Gray, oxidized surface with loose stones
• Fine cracking but no widespread alligator cracking
• No sinking, rutting or repeated potholes
• Enough height at garage, doors and curbs to add a layer

If a few areas have failed, we cut them out and rebuild them before the overlay. If most of the surface has failed, replacement is the better value.

Preparation

The overlay is only as good as the prep. We clean the surface, fill cracks, rebuild failed patches and spray a tack coat so the new layer bonds. At garage slabs, gutters and walks, we cut or mill a key so the new asphalt meets them flush instead of tapering to a thin edge that breaks off.

Mill and fill

Where curb height, doorways or drainage do not allow another layer, we mill off the top of the old asphalt and replace it at the same height. This is common on commercial lots and HOA streets.

Reflective cracking

Cracks in the old pavement can work their way up through a new overlay over time. Filling cracks and rebuilding failed areas first slows that down a great deal.

Heat and timing

Thin overlays cool quickly in winter and stay soft in summer heat. We schedule around both, with early starts in July and August.

Aftercare

Treat an overlay like new asphalt: wait 3 to 6 months, then seal it, and reseal every few years.

HOA streets

Private streets in Perris-area HOAs are often good overlay candidates once they reach 15 to 20 years: worn and cracked on top, but still supported. Mill and fill keeps gutters and driveway lips at the right height. We phase streets so every home keeps access, post notices ahead of time and finish each section the same day where we can.

Commercial lots

On commercial lots, an overlay usually goes with new striping. We plan the phases so stores keep parking and entrances open, then restripe once the new surface has cooled.

Cost compared with replacement

HomeGuide's repair guide puts resurfacing at about $1 to $3 per square foot and full replacement at about $4 to $10. When the base is sound, that difference is why an overlay is often the better choice.