Asphalt Resurfacing in West Des Moines, IA

Asphalt resurfacing lays a new surface course, usually 1.5 to 2 inches of hot-mix asphalt, over an existing driveway or lot. Angi lists resurfacing at about $1 to $4 per square foot, and HomeGuide notes that an overlay typically saves 20 to 30 percent compared with replacement. The catch is that an overlay copies whatever is underneath it. Over a solid base it can perform like new asphalt. Over a failed one, the old cracks show through within a season or two.

Good candidates

• A faded, rough or raveling surface that is still flat
• Straight, separate cracks rather than a web
• No soft spots, rutting or heave
• Enough room at the garage and sidewalk for another layer

Poor candidates

• Widespread alligator cracking
• Settled areas or frost heaves
• Edges that have crumbled away
• A driveway already raised by earlier overlays

The prep is the job

Before the new layer goes down, we cut out and rebuild any spots where the base has failed, fill cracks, sweep and blow the surface clean, and apply a tack coat so the new asphalt bonds. At the garage, sidewalk and street, we mill or saw a notch so the overlay ends flush instead of leaving a lip that catches snow shovels.

Height and drainage

A lot of older West Des Moines and Clive driveways have already been overlaid once. Another layer can push the surface above the garage floor or tilt water toward the door. We measure before quoting, and if the heights will not work, we tell you and price a removal.

Lots and shared drives

Resurfacing works well for commercial lots and HOA private drives that are worn but structurally sound. The worn surface is milled off, failed patches are rebuilt, and a new course is placed. Phasing keeps entrances open.

Timing

Thin lifts lose heat quickly, so resurfacing needs warm ground and calm weather. In the metro that means late spring through early fall. The new surface should cure a few months before its first sealcoat.

A quick self-check

Walk your driveway after a rain. If water runs off and the surface feels solid underfoot everywhere, you are probably looking at a resurfacing candidate. If you find puddles in the same places, edges that crumble when you step on them, or areas that flex when a car rolls over, the base needs attention first. Bring those observations to the estimate; they help us confirm what we see.