By Tri Valley Paving | Proudly Serving Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton & the Entire Tri-Valley
If your parking lot, private road, or driveway is starting to show wear, you might be wondering:
Do I need to replace the asphalt entirely, or can I just resurface it?
It’s a smart question — and one we get all the time at Tri Valley Paving. The right choice depends on your pavement’s age, condition, and what’s happening beneath the surface.
Here’s how we help you decide.
🛠️ What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?
Resurfacing (also called an “overlay”) involves adding a new layer of asphalt — typically 1.5 to 2 inches thick — directly over your existing pavement. It gives your lot or road a fresh, smooth, like-new finish without the cost of tearing everything out.
✅ More affordable than full replacement
✅ Adds 10–15 years of life
✅ Ideal for surfaces with minor surface wear or shallow cracking
🧱 What Is Asphalt Replacement?
Full asphalt replacement means removing the entire asphalt layer (and sometimes the base beneath) and rebuilding it from the ground up.
It’s necessary when the pavement is too far gone to fix with a surface layer.
✅ Best for severe cracking, base failure, or drainage problems
✅ Increases structural integrity
✅ Longest-lasting solution (15–25+ years with proper care)
🔍 So… Which One Does Your Property Need?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Condition | Resurface ✅ | Replace 🔁 |
|---|---|---|
| Minor cracks/surface wear | ✅ | ❌ |
| Alligator cracking / potholes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Uneven surface / sinking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Drainage issues | ❌ | ✅ |
| Budget-conscious project | ✅ | ❌ |
| Looking for quick turnaround | ✅ | ❌ |
If the base is still in good shape and the surface issues are manageable, resurfacing is often your best move.
But if your pavement has deep cracks, potholes, or drainage problems — it’s time to rebuild from the ground up.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long
The best time to resurface is before damage gets too deep. If you wait until your lot is crumbling, resurfacing is no longer an option — and you’ll be stuck paying for a full replacement.
At Tri Valley Paving, we do a full site evaluation to determine which option makes the most sense — no guesswork, no upsell.
📞 Let’s Give Your Pavement a Fresh Start
Whether you’re managing a commercial property, HOA, or private lot, we’ll help you make the smartest decision for your budget and long-term needs.
👉 Contact Tri Valley Paving today for a FREE resurfacing vs. replacement evaluation.
📍 Serving Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, and surrounding areas.
