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Asphalt layover and resurfacing

A layover is a new layer of asphalt placed over the existing surface rather than replacing it. It costs considerably less than full replacement and works well — but only where the base underneath is sound. Laying over a failed base buys a season or two and wastes the money.

The season is closing. Book before the surface drops below about 50°F.

What the job includes

  • Honest assessment of whether the existing base will carry a layover at all
  • Cleaning, and milling at the garage and apron so the new surface meets them at the right height
  • Repair of failed areas before the overlay goes on
  • Tack coat so the new layer bonds to the old
  • New asphalt placed and compacted over the top

When you need it

  • The surface is worn and cracked but the driveway is not moving or sinking
  • You want a new surface without the cost of full excavation and replacement
  • Isolated failures that can be cut out and repaired before the overlay goes on

How it runs

  1. Step 1

    Assess the base

    The one question that matters. Alligator cracking, sinking or standing water means the base has failed and a layover is the wrong answer.

  2. Step 2

    Repair first

    Failed sections are sawcut and replaced before anything is laid over them.

  3. Step 3

    Mill the transitions

    At the garage and the street, so the raised surface still meets them cleanly.

  4. Step 4

    Tack and overlay

    Tack coat, then new asphalt placed and compacted.

Specifications

Typical thickness
1.5–2 inches
Season
Warm months
Requires
A sound, stable base
First sealcoat
Wait 6–12 months, as with new asphalt
Height
Raises the surface — transitions have to be planned

Where

Delaware County, Pennsylvania — Brookhaven, Aston, Media, Springfield, Ridley Park, Swarthmore, Wallingford, Nether Providence and the surrounding townships. Chester County by arrangement.

Owner-operated by Sean McCullough, serving Delaware County since 2016 — 10 years.

Questions about layover & resurfacing

Can I pave over my existing asphalt driveway?

Usually yes, if the base underneath is sound and the driveway is not sinking or holding water. That is a layover, and it costs considerably less than full replacement. If the surface shows alligator cracking across large areas, the base has failed and a layover will fail with it.

Layover or full replacement — which do I need?

It comes down to the base, not the surface. Surface cracking with a stable base is a layover. Sinking, standing water, alligator cracking across most of the driveway, or repeated patches that keep failing mean the base is gone and replacement is the honest answer.

Does a layover raise the height of the driveway?

Yes, typically by an inch and a half to two inches. That has to be planned for at the garage door, the apron and the street so the new surface still meets them cleanly. Milling those transitions is part of the job.

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