Asphalt Overlays in Waterbury, CT

Asphalt overlays add a new layer of hot mix on top of an existing driveway or lot. When the old surface is weathered, rough or lightly cracked but the base under it is still firm, an overlay gives you a new-looking driveway for less than a full replacement. HomeGuide estimates an overlay typically saves 20 to 30 percent compared with replacing the driveway, and lists resurfacing at $3 to $7 per square foot.

Good candidates

• Surface gray, rough or shedding stone
• Cracks that are separate lines, not a web
• Few or no potholes
• Edges still intact
• Water drains off without ponding

Poor candidates

A driveway with widespread alligator cracking, sunken wheel paths, soft areas that move under a car or edges washing out has a base problem. An overlay on top will crack in the same places, sometimes within one winter. Those driveways need excavation and a new base. We check by looking at the cracking pattern and probing suspect areas before recommending either.

Height and transitions

Every overlay raises the surface. On older Waterbury properties, where driveways may already have been topped once or twice, another layer can leave a lip at the garage, cover the bottom of a door, or block the drainage path at the street. We mill or cut back the old asphalt at those joints so the new surface ends flush. On steep driveways, we pay close attention to the apron so the new layer does not create a hump.

How it is done

Failed areas are cut out and patched to full depth. Cracks are cleaned and sealed. Joints are milled. The surface is swept clean and sprayed with a tack coat, a thin emulsion that bonds new asphalt to old. Then a new top course, commonly 1.5 to 2 inches, is placed and rolled.

Overlays on lots

Commercial lots are often overlaid in sections, with the worst drive aisles milled and repaved first. HomeGuide lists overlays on larger areas at $1 to $3 per square foot. We schedule around business hours.

Making it last

Seal the overlay after it cures, seal cracks every fall, and keep water moving off the surface. An overlay on a good base with regular care can last many years.

Overlays and winter

In a climate with long freezing winters, the joint between the new layer and the old surface is a weak point if water gets in. A proper tack coat, compaction while the mix is hot and sealing the edges help the overlay act as one with the old asphalt. Cracks that do reflect through later should be sealed every fall.