Key takeaways
- Overlays work on a sound base with surface-level damage.
- Alligator cracking, ruts and soft spots point to base failure.
- Milling keeps grades correct for curbs and drains.
- Repairing the worst areas and overlaying the rest is often the best value.
When an overlay works
If the pavement is mostly stable and the problems are fading, light raveling and cracks that can be sealed, a new layer of asphalt over a cleaned and repaired surface can look and perform like new. It costs far less than replacement and avoids tear-out and hauling.
When it will not last
Laying new asphalt over web-like alligator cracking, deep wheel-path ruts or a soft base only hides the problem. The failures reflect through within a season or two. In those cases remove the failed areas and rebuild the base before paving.
The middle path
Many projects combine both: full-depth repair of the failed areas, milling where heights matter and an overlay over the whole surface. That fixes the real problems and gives a uniform, fresh finish, usually for much less than replacing everything.
Related services
Quick answers
How do I tell if the base is bad?
Look for web-like cracking, sinking, soft spots and water that ponds. We probe and map the pavement on a site visit and tell you which areas need what.
What does milling add?
Milling removes the worn top layer so the new surface keeps the existing height, which matters at curbs, gutters and doors.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-209-7643.