Asphalt Overlay & Resurfacing in Eagan, MN

An asphalt overlay, also called resurfacing, adds a new layer of hot-mix blacktop over existing pavement. It suits driveways and lots that have faded, raveled or developed scattered cracks but still have a firm, well-drained base. HomeGuide estimates an overlay saves roughly 20 to 30 percent compared with full replacement, because the old pavement stays in place as part of the structure. Done on the wrong driveway, though, it is money spent twice.

Good candidates

• Surface is gray, rough or losing small stones, but not sinking
• Cracks are mostly individual lines rather than a web pattern
• No frost heaves or soft spots that move under a car
• Water drains off rather than pooling
• The garage slab and street approach leave room for added height

Poor candidates

If the driveway has wide alligator cracking, sunken ruts or areas that heave each winter, the problem is below the surface. A new layer on top bridges the damage for a while, then the old cracks reflect through, often within a year or two. In those cases we recommend removing the failed sections and rebuilding the base, or replacing the driveway.

Eagan streets show how this works

Eagan has used the same approach on its own streets for decades. When the city described its program in 2012, it rated every street on a 0 to 100 scale on a three-year cycle and treated roads in the 35 to 55 range as good candidates for a mill and overlay, typically 20 to 25 years after construction and again at 40 to 45 years. Driveways follow a similar logic: catch the surface while the base is still sound, and the pavement can last far longer than its first-life span.

How a driveway overlay is done

We start by fixing what is broken. Failed patches are cut out and rebuilt, cracks are cleaned and filled, and low spots may get a leveling course. Where the new surface meets the garage slab, walk or street, we usually mill or grind a strip so the new layer can feather in without a lip. The surface is then cleaned and coated with tack, a thin asphalt emulsion that bonds new to old, and the overlay is placed and rolled.

Height and drainage

An overlay raises the surface. On most driveways that is no issue, but it can affect the step into the garage, the transition at the street, and how water flows along the edges. We check those points at the estimate and plan grinding or tapering where needed.

Permits

Some cities treat overlays like any other driveway work. Bloomington, for example, lists overlays among the driveway jobs that need a permit. Others do not. We check the current rule for your city before scheduling.