Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home. Knowing when to resurface can save you money, prevent safety hazards, and maintain your property's curb appeal.
What is Resurfacing?
Resurfacing involves removing the top layer of existing asphalt and replacing it with fresh material, typically 1.5 to 2 inches thick. It's less expensive than complete replacement and can add 8-15 years to your driveway's lifespan.
Average Driveway Lifespan
In Mahwah, NJ and Bergen County, well-maintained asphalt driveways last 15-20 years before needing resurfacing. New Jersey's freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on asphalt, making timely resurfacing crucial.
Key Signs You Need Resurfacing
Widespread Cracking: Alligator cracking or extensive spider-web patterns indicate structural weakness. Water infiltration through these cracks accelerates deterioration.
Multiple Potholes: Recurring potholes signal foundation problems. They damage vehicles and create tripping hazards.
Pooling Water: Water collecting after rain means uneven settling or degradation. This accelerates damage and can affect your home's foundation.
Severe Fading: Extensive oxidation that turns asphalt gray and brittle indicates the surface layer has deteriorated and needs replacement.
Age Over 20 Years: Even without obvious damage, driveways approaching or exceeding 20 years should be evaluated for resurfacing.
Visible Base Layer: If gravel shows through worn areas, your protective asphalt layer has eroded too far.
Edge Crumbling: Significant deterioration at the perimeter spreads inward over time.
Uneven Surface: Dips, depressions, or raised sections indicate base problems that worsen without intervention.
Why Waiting Costs More
Delaying resurfacing turns minor fixes into major expenses. Issues requiring resurfacing can escalate into complete replacement—costing 2-3 times more. Deteriorated driveways also reduce property value and create liability from safety hazards.
Resurfacing vs. Replacement
Resurfacing works when your base is sound and damage is surface-level. Complete replacement becomes necessary when the base has failed, over 30% shows severe damage, or significant settling has occurred.
Protecting Your Investment
After resurfacing, maximize your driveway's life by sealcoating every 2-3 years, addressing cracks immediately, keeping it clean, and maintaining proper drainage.
Climate Challenges in Mahwah
Mahwah experiences harsh winters with freeze-thaw cycles, hot humid summers, and extreme temperature swings—all accelerating asphalt aging. Homeowners here should be especially vigilant about maintenance.
Professional Assessment Matters
Driveway resurfacing requires specialized equipment and expertise. Look for contractors with local experience, proper licensing and insurance, written estimates, and strong references.
All Around Asphalt brings decades of experience serving Bergen County, understanding regional requirements and materials that withstand New Jersey's challenging climate.
Take Action Today
If you're seeing warning signs—cracking, potholes, drainage issues, or an aging driveway—don't wait. The longer you delay, the more expensive repairs become.
Contact All Around Asphalt:
600 Pulis Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430
862-283-9101
Website: aaasphalt.com
Don't let a deteriorating driveway damage your property value. Contact the experts for a professional assessment and discover how resurfacing can transform your driveway.