Asphalt Resurfacing in Homestead, FL

Asphalt resurfacing is the middle ground between sealing and full replacement. A new layer of hot-mix asphalt, usually 1.5 to 2 inches thick, goes over the old pavement after it is cleaned, repaired and tacked so the layers bond. On pavement that qualifies, you end up with a fresh black surface and skip the tear-out; HomeGuide figures the savings at 20 to 30 percent versus a full replacement.

When resurfacing makes sense

The question is always what is under the surface. Resurfacing works when:

• The pavement is gray, rough or losing fine stone, but not sinking
• Cracks are mostly narrow and spread out rather than in a tight web
• Water drains off instead of sitting in low spots
• The edges are intact and not breaking into the grass

It does not work when the base has failed. Alligator cracking, ruts, potholes that keep coming back and areas that flex underfoot all mean the problem is below. An overlay over a failed base will crack in the same pattern within a season or two.

Sun damage is the usual reason in Homestead

In South Florida, the most common candidate for resurfacing is a driveway or lot that has simply worn out on top. Years of strong sun dry out the binder that holds the stone together, and heavy summer rain washes the loose fines away. The surface becomes coarse and porous, which lets more water in. If the base under it is still firm, a new layer restores the surface and seals it again.

Height matters

Every overlay raises the surface. On a driveway, that can create a lip at the garage, a step at the sidewalk or a change in how water drains. On a lot, it can bury inlets and curbs. We handle that by milling, which grinds off the top layer of old asphalt at the edges, joints and drains so the new surface ties in at the right height. Sometimes the whole area is milled before the overlay.

Our resurfacing steps

1. Clean the surface and remove vegetation from cracks and edges. 2. Cut out and rebuild any small failed areas down to the base. 3. Fill cracks so they do not reflect through the new layer. 4. Mill edges, joints and around drains to control the finished height. 5. Spray a tack coat to glue the layers together. 6. Place and roll the new surface course.

Resurfacing vs. sealcoating

Sealcoating is a thin liquid coating that protects a surface that is still in good shape. It does not fill ruts or smooth a rough surface. Resurfacing is new pavement. If your driveway is still smooth but fading, sealing is the cheaper and better choice. If it is rough, raveling or uneven, resurfacing is the step that actually fixes it.