Asphalt Resurfacing & Overlays in Palmdale, CA

Asphalt resurfacing and overlays put a new layer of hot-mix asphalt on top of pavement that is worn on the surface but still sound underneath. In Palmdale that describes a lot of driveways and parking lots: the surface has turned gray, small stones are coming loose and fine cracks have spread, but the pavement is not sinking, rutting or breaking into potholes. HomeGuide notes that an overlay on a driveway in reasonable condition can cost about 20 to 30 percent less than full replacement.

When it works and when it doesn't

An overlay only lasts as long as what is under it. If the old pavement has base failure, the new layer will crack in the same places within a few seasons, a problem called reflective cracking. A good overlay candidate has:

• Surface wear, raveling or fine cracking
• No widespread alligator cracking or soft spots
• Drainage that works, or can be fixed with the new grade
• Enough height at the garage, curb and doors to add 1.5 to 2 inches

Where a few areas have failed, we cut them out and rebuild them first, then overlay the whole surface.

Preparation is the job

The new layer has to bond to the old one. We clean the surface, removing blown sand and dust, which is a constant in the Antelope Valley. Cracks are filled, failed patches are cut out and replaced, and a tack coat is sprayed to glue the layers together. Where the new surface meets a garage slab, gutter or walkway, we mill or cut a key so the overlay does not end in a thin, feathered edge that will break off.

Milling and fill

On parking lots, the curb height often does not allow another layer on top. In that case we mill off the top of the old surface and replace it with new asphalt at the same height. This keeps drainage to the gutter and keeps doors and ramps at the right level.

Timing in the desert

Thin overlays lose heat quickly. A 1.5 inch layer cools much faster than a 3 inch lift, which matters on cold winter mornings and windy days. We schedule overlays when ground and air temperatures let the mix compact, and in summer we avoid opening a fresh surface to traffic before it has cooled.

What you get

A new, black surface with fresh grades and edges, at a lower cost than tear-out. It should then be sealcoated on the same schedule as new asphalt.