Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing in Arlington, VA

Hot-Mix Overlay · Mill-and-Pave · Free Estimates

Arlington Elite Asphalt resurfaces asphalt driveways throughout Arlington County using Superpave hot-mix overlay — a 1.5–2 inch surface course paved over the existing base when the underlying structure is still sound. Resurfacing extends driveway life by 12–20 years at 40–60% of the cost of full replacement.

Driveway resurfacing runs $3–$6 per sq ft, or $1,800–$4,200 for a standard 600 sq ft driveway. Full replacement costs $7–$15/sq ft for comparison. We assess every driveway before recommending resurfacing vs. replacement — we never sell you the expensive option when the cheaper one will work.

Call 571-427-0191

Get a Free On-Site Estimate

Why Arlington Elite Asphalt for Driveway Resurfacing

Arlington Elite Asphalt installs resurfacing overlays using the same Superpave hot-mix asphalt as new installations — the difference is that we're adding 1.5–2 inches over the existing base rather than rebuilding from scratch.

Honest assessment — we tell you when resurfacing will work vs. when you need full replacement
Superpave 9.5mm surface mix — same spec as new driveway installations
1.5–2 inch overlay thickness depending on existing surface condition and load requirements
Edge milling available where driveway meets garage or apron to prevent lip formation
Arlington County ROW permit coordination included when apron work is required
Most resurfacing jobs completed in a single day — no extended disruption
5.0 star Google rating from Arlington and Northern Virginia homeowners

Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing in Arlington VA

By The Numbers

Arlington Elite Asphalt — Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing

12–20

Years Added by Overlay

$3–$6

Per Sq Ft Cost

1 Day

Typical Job Time

50%

Cost vs Full Replacement

Driveway Resurfacing Cost Guide — Arlington, VA

Resurfacing costs by driveway size. Base must be structurally sound — we assess before quoting.

Driveway Size	Resurfacing Cost	vs. Full Replacement
Small (300–400 sq ft)	$900–$2,000	Full replace: $2,100–$4,800
Standard (500–650 sq ft)	$1,500–$3,500	Full replace: $3,500–$7,800
Large (700–1,000 sq ft)	$2,100–$5,500	Full replace: $4,900–$12,000
Estate (1,000+ sq ft)	$3,000–$8,000	Full replace: $7,000–$18,000+
Edge milling (per LF)	$2–$4/LF	Eliminates lip at garage or apron
Crack filling before overlay	Included	Required for proper bond

How It Works

Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing — Our Process

Free On-Site Estimate

We visit your property within 24–48 hours of your call. We assess existing conditions, measure the scope, and give you a written, itemized quote. No phone ballparks — we need to see the site to quote accurately.

Scheduling

Once you approve the quote, we schedule your job. Most jobs are scheduled within 1–2 weeks. We handle any permit coordination required — you don't file paperwork. Commercial jobs can often be scheduled for overnight or weekend starts.

Crew & Installation

Our crew arrives at the agreed time — no surprise schedule changes. Work is completed by our own employees, not subcontracted. Most jobs are finished the same day. You'll receive a status call if anything changes the timeline.

Completion & Aftercare

Site is cleaned before departure — debris, materials, and equipment all removed. Written aftercare instructions left at the job. We're available by phone after the job if you have questions about the surface or maintenance schedule.

Resurfacing Overlay vs. Full Replacement

Resurfacing Overlay

Cost per sq ft$3–$6

Suitable whenBase is structurally sound

Adds to driveway life12–20 years

Completion time1 day

Permit requiredROW only if apron touched

Right choice when: surface shows linear cracking but no alligator cracking or base heaving

Full Replacement

Cost per sq ft$7–$15

Suitable whenBase has failed (alligator cracks)

Adds to driveway life20–30 years

Completion time1–2 days

Permit requiredROW + building permit

Right choice when: base has failed, surface has standing water, or alligator cracking is extensive

Arlington Elite Asphalt gives you an honest assessment — we never recommend the more expensive option when the simpler one will do.

Signs Your Driveway Needs Resurfacing (Not Full Replacement)

Not sure if you need service now or can wait? These are the signs that indicate it's time to call Arlington Elite Asphalt at 571-427-0191.

Surface Cracking with No Heaving or Base Failure

If your driveway has longitudinal and transverse cracks but the surface is still generally level and shows no alligator (interconnected fatigue) cracking pattern, the base is likely still structurally sound. This is the ideal candidate for a 1.5–2 inch asphalt overlay, which seals those cracks, restores a clean black surface, and extends driveway life 8–15 years at 40–60% less cost than full replacement.

Faded Gray Surface with Raveling

Oxidized asphalt that has turned from black to gray is losing its binder — the surface aggregate loosens (called raveling), creating a rough texture and increasing crack susceptibility. A mill-and-reseal or overlay at this stage stops the progression and restores surface integrity. Waiting until full raveling exposes the base significantly increases the required repair scope.

Driveway Raised to the Same Height as the Apron

If your driveway is already at or near the height of the concrete apron or curb at the street, a full-depth replacement returning to original grade is necessary. Overlaying an already-high surface creates a trip hazard and drainage problem at the apron. Arlington Elite Asphalt assesses height compatibility on every estimate visit before recommending overlay.

Professionally Diagnosed Sound Base

The only reliable way to confirm overlay-suitability is a trained assessment of the existing surface. We probe suspect areas, look for soft spots under the asphalt, check drainage, and evaluate crack pattern. Don't assume your driveway qualifies for overlay — and don't assume it needs full replacement without an honest professional assessment. We give you a straight answer, not the most expensive option.

FAQ

Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing FAQ — Arlington, VA

How do I know if my driveway needs resurfacing or full replacement?

If your driveway has surface cracking (linear cracks, edge cracks, minor potholes) but the base is firm — no significant heaving, no alligator cracking (interconnected fatigue pattern), and no areas where the surface flexes under foot — resurfacing is typically viable. If you have alligator cracking, large depressions that collect water, or sections that flex when walked on, the base has failed and full replacement is needed. Arlington Elite Asphalt assesses every driveway before recommending either option — call 571-427-0191 for a free visit.

How long does a driveway resurfacing overlay last in Northern Virginia?

A properly installed 1.5–2 inch Superpave overlay lasts 12–20 years with regular sealcoating every 2–3 years. Northern Virginia's freeze-thaw cycles (40+ per year) are the primary stress factor for overlays. Crack filling before the overlay is applied significantly extends lifespan — unfilled cracks reflect through the new surface within 2–5 years.

Can you resurface a driveway that has cracks?

Yes, with preparation. Linear and edge cracks should be hot-pour filled and allowed to cure before the overlay is applied. This prevents "reflective cracking" where existing cracks mirror through the new surface within a few years. Alligator cracking cannot be overlaid — those sections must be cut out and repaired at the base before resurfacing.

Do I need a permit to resurface my driveway in Arlington County?

A resurfacing overlay on private property generally does not require a building permit. If the work touches the driveway apron (the section within the Arlington County right-of-way), an Excavation ROW permit under Code Chapter 22 is required. Arlington Elite Asphalt handles all applicable permit coordination — you don't file paperwork. Contact Arlington County Inspection Services at (703) 228-3800 with questions.

How thick is an asphalt resurfacing overlay?

Standard resurfacing overlay thickness is 1.5–2 inches of compacted hot-mix asphalt (SM-9.5A surface mix). Thicker overlays (2.5 inches) provide more structural depth but raise the surface height more, which can create apron and drainage compatibility issues. In most cases 1.5 inches is the correct residential resurfacing thickness. Two-inch overlays are used where some structural enhancement is desired and there's enough height clearance at the street connection.

Do I need to remove the old asphalt before resurfacing?

Not if the base is sound and the surface height allows it. Resurfacing overlays the existing asphalt — the old surface serves as the base. However, before overlaying, we address any isolated areas of base failure with full-depth patching, seal cracks, and tack-coat the existing surface so the new asphalt bonds properly. If base failure is widespread, or the existing surface is already at maximum height, full removal is required before new asphalt can be installed.

How long does driveway resurfacing take in Arlington?

Most standard Arlington residential driveway resurfacings (500–700 sq ft) take one day. The process: surface cleaning and prep in the morning (1–2 hours), crack sealing (1 hour cure time), tack coat application, paving, and roller compaction. The driveway is walkable in 2–4 hours and driveable in 24–72 hours depending on temperature. Larger driveways over 1,000 sq ft may take two days.

What is the lifespan of an asphalt resurfacing overlay?

A properly installed asphalt overlay on a sound base lasts 8–15 years in Northern Virginia conditions. The lower end applies to driveways with heavy vehicle use or minimal maintenance; the upper end applies to driveways that are sealcoated every 2–3 years and have cracks filled promptly. An overlay's lifespan is directly tied to the quality of the base beneath it — if the base has latent problems, they will manifest through the new surface within 3–5 years.