Asphalt Resurfacing in Jackson, MS

Asphalt resurfacing, also called an overlay, puts a new layer of hot-mix asphalt over the existing pavement. It suits driveways and lots that are faded, rough and covered in surface cracks but still firm underfoot. HomeGuide estimates an overlay saves about 20 to 30 percent compared with full replacement. The catch is that an overlay only lasts as long as the base beneath it. Lay new asphalt over failed ground and the old cracks come right back through.

Good candidates and poor ones

Good: oxidized grey surfaces, scattered hairline and block cracks, minor raveling, and pavement that still drains. Poor: widespread alligator cracking, heaves and dips from clay movement, ruts in the wheel paths and areas that hold water. On Yazoo clay, the poor candidates are common, so we walk the whole surface before recommending an overlay. Often the right answer is a mix: cut out and rebuild the failed areas, then overlay the whole thing.

Prep is the job

Before the new layer goes down, failed spots are saw-cut and patched on a rebuilt base, cracks are cleaned and sealed, and the surface is swept and coated with a tack coat so the new asphalt bonds to the old. At garage slabs, sidewalks and the street, we mill down the edges so the new surface ties in flush instead of leaving a lip. Milling is also used where an overlay would raise the pavement too close to a door threshold or block drainage.

How thick?

Thickness affects how long an overlay lasts. When Jackson resurfaced Robinson Road, 1.5 inches were milled off and 1.5 inches put back; the Mississippi Asphalt Pavement Association's spokesman said 2 to 3 inches would have been better, but funding was limited. For driveways and lots we quote the compacted overlay thickness in writing so you can compare bids on the same terms.

Drainage check

An overlay raises the surface. We check that water will still flow toward drains and away from buildings, and adjust the edges and transitions so the new pavement does not create new puddles.

Cost and life

HomeGuide lists driveway resurfacing at $3 to $7 per square foot. HomeAdvisor says parking lots typically need resurfacing every 15 to 20 years. Sealcoating a few months after the overlay cures helps it reach the long end of that range.