Resurfacing vs Replacement: Which Do You Need?
When your driveway shows wear, the decision to resurface or replace affects your budget and long-term satisfaction. Learn when each option is right.
Resurfacing vs Replacement
When your driveway shows signs of age and wear, you're faced with a critical decision: resurface or replace? Resurfacing adds a new layer over existing surface; replacement removes everything and starts fresh.
Resurfacing is cheaper upfront (50-75% of replacement cost) and faster (1-3 days). Replacement addresses base problems and provides full lifespan but costs more and takes 3-7 days.
Get professional assessments from multiple contractors. The condition of your base is the key factor—if base has failed, resurfacing won't last.
When to Resurface
Ideal conditions: Surface cracks only (no structural damage), stable base, driveway under 20 years old, less than 25% of surface needs repair, no significant settlement or heaving.
Asphalt: Faded but not crumbling; minor cracks under 1/4 inch; no potholes.
Concrete: Surface scaling but sound structure; minor cracking without displacement; no settlement.
Expected lifespan after resurfacing: Asphalt overlay 10-15 years; concrete overlay 10-15 years; paver reset 15-20 years.
When to Replace
Base failure requires replacement: Sinking, heaving, potholes, extensive cracking with displacement, age exceeding lifespan, drainage problems, more than 25% surface damaged.
Asphalt: Alligator cracking, multiple deep potholes, edge deterioration, age over 20 years.
Concrete: Major settlement/heaving, structural cracks with lifting, spalling over 25%, age over 25-30 years.
Cost Comparison
Resurfacing: Asphalt overlay $2-4/sq ft; concrete overlay $5-10/sq ft; paver reset $4-8/sq ft.
Replacement: Asphalt $3-7/sq ft; concrete $4-15/sq ft; pavers $10-30/sq ft.
Resurfacing is 50-75% of replacement cost upfront. Replacement often provides better long-term value if structural issues exist.
Process
Resurfacing: Clean/repair surface, apply new layer (1.5-2 in asphalt or 1-2 in concrete overlay), compact and finish. Timeline: 1-3 days.
Replacement: Remove existing, excavate base, prepare subgrade, install new base, place new surface. Timeline: 3-7 days.
Decision Checklist
Consider resurfacing if: Cracks under 1/4 inch, no base failure, age under 75% of expected lifespan, repairs under 50% of replacement cost.
Choose replacement if: Base has failed, age exceeds 75% of lifespan, damage over 25% of surface, drainage problems, long-term residency planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resurfacing is cheaper upfront (50-75% of replacement cost). However, replacement often provides better long-term value if your driveway has structural issues or is near the end of its lifespan.
Asphalt overlay: 10-15 years. Concrete overlay: 10-15 years. Paver reset: 15-20 years. Resurfacing typically provides 50-75% of a new driveway's lifespan.
Surface cracks (under 1/4 inch): Yes, can be filled and overlaid. Structural cracks: No—indicates base problems requiring replacement. Alligator cracking requires replacement.
Replace when base has failed, age exceeds 75% of expected lifespan, damage affects more than 25% of surface, drainage problems exist, or you plan to stay in home long-term.
Interconnected crack pattern resembling alligator skin. Indicates base failure. Requires replacement—resurfacing won't fix underlying problem.
Signs: sinking or depression areas, heaving, water pooling in specific spots, potholes that return after repair, edge breakup. Test: push screwdriver into cracks—if it sinks into base easily, base failure likely.
Resurfacing keeps same material (asphalt over asphalt, etc.). To change materials (e.g., asphalt to concrete), replacement is typically required.
What is the condition of my base? Can you guarantee an overlay will last? What caused the current damage? Will problems recur with overlay? What is the cost difference long-term?