Granite Northwest Grading & Paving Company
Let’s be real—most folks don’t spend much time thinking about asphalt until their driveway or parking lot starts falling apart.
Suddenly, it’s all cracks, dips, and puddles.
And then the Googling begins:
“Do I need new asphalt? Can this be fixed? What the heck is resurfacing?“
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
We get these questions all the time from folks here in San Jose and the southern Bay Area—and one of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between an asphalt overlay and asphalt resurfacing.
So let’s break it down nice and simple, with no fancy lingo, and no contractor mumbo jumbo.
With an asphalt overlay, we’re not starting from scratch—we’re just giving your driveway or lot a fresh, new surface to cover up the wear and tear.
Here’s how it works:
We clean the surface like we mean it—getting rid of dust, debris, and anything loose.
Small cracks and minor holes get patched up.
Then we lay down a new layer of hot mix asphalt—usually around 1.5 to 2 inches thick—right on top of the old stuff.
We compact and smooth it out to give you that brand-new, jet-black look.
Your driveway or parking lot still has a solid base.
There are no major drainage issues or deep cracks.
You’re looking for a cost-effective way to extend the life of your asphalt and improve its appearance.
Bottom line?
Overlays are a great option when the surface is worn out but the foundation underneath is still holding strong.
Now if your asphalt is looking like it’s been through a few too many storms—or if it’s been patched more times than you can count—then an overlay won’t cut it.
That’s when we start talking about resurfacing.
Resurfacing includes something called milling, which is basically the process of grinding off the damaged top layer of asphalt so we can start fresh.
Here’s what we do:
We mill off the top layer to remove bumps, cracks, and old damage.
We inspect the base to make sure it’s still solid (we don’t build on junk).
Then we lay down a brand-new asphalt layer and compact it for a smooth, long-lasting surface.
You’ve got deep cracks, standing water, or uneven surfaces.
The old asphalt has been overlaid too many times.
There are signs of base layer issues—like dips, soft spots, or pooling water.
You need more than just a cosmetic fix—you want something that’s gonna hold up for the long haul.
Resurfacing costs more than an overlay, sure—but it fixes deeper problems and gives your asphalt a whole new lease on life.
Here’s the simple version:
If your surface looks rough but drives fine: You probably just need an overlay.
If your surface is cracked, bumpy, or pooling water: You’re better off with a full resurfacing.
And if you’re still not sure?
That’s where we come in.
At Granite Northwest Grading & Paving, we’ve been doing this kind of work in San Jose and the surrounding areas for generations.
We don’t pressure people, we don’t push the most expensive option—we just show up, take a good look, and give you honest advice.
Whether it’s a driveway, parking lot, or road, we’ll tell you what makes the most sense for your pavement.
If it can be fixed with a simple overlay, we’ll tell you.
If you need something more serious like resurfacing or full replacement, we’ll explain that too—in plain English.
You don’t need to be an asphalt expert.
You just need someone who knows their stuff and tells it to you straight.
Got questions? Let us know.
We’re happy to swing by, check it out, and lay out your options—no pressure, no gimmicks, just real advice.
Select a day and time to schedule a no-pressure, no-obligation quote.
Need to contact us right away?
Call Us: (408) 471-3438
or simply fill out the below.
Who We Are
Looking for reliable and experienced asphalt paving services in the Bay Area? Look no further than our family-owned-and-operated company. From pothole repair to line striping, we offer a range of services to keep your surface looking great. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and start your paving project on the right foot.
Contact Us
Email Us: zsnorthwest@gmail.com
Call Us: (408) 471-3438
Address: 481 Park Ave Unit 12, San Jose CA, 95110
Hours Of Operation
Monday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM – 3:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Service Area
