Asphalt Resurfacing in Portland, OR

Asphalt resurfacing, also called an overlay, puts a new layer of hot-mix asphalt on top of an existing driveway or parking lot. It works when the pavement is tired on the surface, with faded, raveling or lightly cracked asphalt, but the base underneath is still firm and draining. In Portland, where many driveways have spent decades soaking through wet winters, the key question is whether that base is still sound. If it is, resurfacing can buy many more years for a fraction of a full rebuild; HomeGuide estimates an overlay on a driveway in reasonable condition can save 20 to 30 percent compared with replacement.

When resurfacing makes sense

HomeGuide lists the conditions: the asphalt is under about 15 to 20 years old, less than 25 to 30 percent of the surface is damaged, cracks are less than 2 inches deep, the base is stable and level, and drainage is not a problem. A driveway with scattered cracks, worn texture and a few small failed spots fits. A driveway with ruts, sunken areas or alligator cracking across most of it does not, because those cracks will come right back through the new layer.

Preparing the old surface

An overlay is only as good as what it sits on. Before paving, we cut out and rebuild any failed spots, fill cracks, and clean the surface. A tack coat goes down so the new asphalt bonds to the old instead of sliding on it. Where the overlay meets the garage floor, walks or the street apron, we cut back or grind the edge so the new surface ties in flush rather than leaving a lip that water and tires catch on.

Height, drainage and doors

An overlay raises the surface. On many Portland driveways that matters at the garage, at sidewalks and at the apron where the driveway meets the City right-of-way. We check those transitions at the estimate and plan for grinding or tapers where needed, and we make sure the new surface still sheds water away from the house.

Overlays on parking lots

Commercial lots with a sound base can be resurfaced in sections to keep the business open, then sealed and restriped. Restriping a lot brings the accessible-parking requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards into play, so we plan the layout along with the overlay.

Timing

Overlays need the same dry, warm conditions as new paving, so we schedule them in Portland's dry season, roughly mid-June to early September, and on dry spring and fall days.