Asphalt Resurfacing in West Chester, PA
Resurfacing is the middle option between sealcoating and full driveway replacement. The existing asphalt stays in place as the base, and a fresh 1.5- to 2-inch wearing course is laid over the top. The driveway looks like a brand-new pour, costs about half the price of a remove-and-replace, and lasts 12 to 18 years if the underlying base is sound.
When resurfacing is the right call
- The existing surface is oxidized, cracked, and rough — but the base is still firm
- Drainage is correct and water is not pooling on the surface
- Cracks are hairline to medium — not full alligator failure
- The driveway is at least 8–10 years old and sealcoating will no longer hide the wear
When resurfacing is the WRONG call
- The base is soft — it flexes underfoot or under tire
- Multiple birdbaths or standing water spots after a rain
- Alligator cracking over a third of the surface
- Heaving or settling that has changed the grade noticeably
In those cases the asphalt is failing structurally, and an overlay placed on top will mirror the damage within a season or two. Full driveway replacement is the right answer.
What the work looks like
The existing surface is swept clean and any potholes or open cracks are patched. A tack coat is sprayed to bond the new asphalt to the old. A binder course may go down first on rough surfaces; otherwise the wearing course is placed directly. The new asphalt is rolled and the edges are hand-worked. Total time is typically half a day for a residential driveway, a full day for a commercial lot.
Pricing
Asphalt resurfacing in Chester County typically runs $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on driveway size, prep work needed, and whether a binder course is required. A standard 2-car driveway usually falls between $2,500 and $4,500.
Get a resurfacing quote
A technician will check whether the underlying base will support a resurface, or whether replacement is the better path. Honest answer either way.