Granite Northwest Grading & Paving Company

Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Full Replacement:
What’s the Right Move for Your Driveway?

Alright, let’s talk asphalt.

You’ve got a driveway.

It used to be nice.

Now?

It looks like it lost a fight with time, the sun, and maybe a few too many parked cars.

And now you’re standing outside, hands on your hips, staring at the cracks, wondering, Do I need a whole new driveway? Or can I just slap a fresh layer on top and call it a day?

This, my friend, is the age-old question of resurfacing vs. full replacement. Let’s break it down—no confusing jargon, no nonsense, just straight talk.

Option 1: Asphalt Resurfacing (AKA “The Makeover”)

This is like slapping a new coat of paint on a classic car—it doesn’t rebuild the engine, but it sure looks a whole lot better.

What is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Resurfacing (or an “overlay” if you want to sound fancy) is when we add a fresh layer of asphalt over your existing driveway.

It’s perfect if the foundation is still solid but the surface has seen better days.

The Process (Simplified, Because Nobody Needs a Paving Textbook)

Cleaning & Prepping – We sweep off the dirt, debris, and whatever your neighbor’s dog left behind.
Minor Repairs – We patch up small cracks and potholes so they don’t cause problems later.
New Asphalt Layer – A fresh, hot layer (1.5 to 2 inches thick) is spread on top.
Compaction & Smoothing – We roll it down until it’s smoother than your grandpa’s old fishing stories.

Why Choose Resurfacing?

✅ Saves You Money – Less expensive than a full replacement (and who doesn’t like saving money?).
✅ Quick Turnaround – Usually done in a day or two—you’ll barely have time to miss your driveway.
✅ Looks Brand New – Because it basically is (without the full price tag).
✅ Extends Lifespan – Done at the right time, it adds 10-15 years to your driveway’s life.

When Resurfacing Makes Sense

✔ The cracks are small and shallow, not deep enough to start their own canyon.
✔ No major potholes or drainage issues (standing water is a no-go).
✔ The foundation is solid—because you can’t put a band-aid on a broken bone.

Option 2: Full Asphalt Replacement (AKA “Starting from Scratch”)

This is the full reset—when your driveway is so far gone that no amount of patching will fix it.

What is Full Replacement?

We tear up the old driveway and build a brand-new one from the ground up—foundation, asphalt, the whole deal.

The Process (Again, Without the Paving Encyclopedia)

Excavation & Removal – We rip out the old asphalt and haul it away. No looking back.
Base Inspection & Repair – We check the foundation to make sure it’s not plotting against you.
New Base Installation – Fresh gravel or crushed stone is compacted down (the driveway’s backbone).
New Asphalt Application – A solid 3-4 inch layer of fresh asphalt is laid down.
Compaction & Finishing – Everything is rolled, compacted, and smoothed to perfection.

Why Choose Full Replacement?

✅ Fixes Major Issues – Perfect for driveways with deep cracks, potholes, and drainage nightmares.
✅ Lasts Forever (Almost) – Expect 20-30 years of smooth driving.
✅ Improves Drainage & Strength – A new base = no more water pooling in your driveway like an unwanted birdbath.

When Full Replacement is Necessary

✔ Large, deep cracks that make your driveway look like a dried-up riverbed.
✔ Major potholes that could swallow a bicycle.
✔ Water drainage issues that turn your driveway into a mini-lake.
✔ The driveway has already been resurfaced too many times—it’s had enough.

Quick Side-by-Side Breakdown

Factor	Resurfacing	Full Replacement
Process	Adds a new asphalt layer on top	Removes and replaces the entire driveway
Cost	Lower cost (30-50% cheaper)	Higher cost due to labor and materials
Lifespan Added	10-15 years	20-30 years
Fixes Structural Issues?	No, only surface-level fixes	Yes, addresses deep cracks, foundation, and drainage
Completion Time	1-2 days	3-5 days
Best for	Surface wear and minor cracks	Severe damage, potholes, or drainage problems

So… Which One Do You Need?

If your driveway just looks worn out but is still structurally sound, resurfacing is your best bet.

If your driveway has deep cracks, potholes, or drainage problems, replacement is the only real fix.

Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Make This Easy

At Granite Northwest Grading & Paving, we’ve been fixing driveways for three generations.

We don’t do gimmicks, we don’t do upsells—just honest work with a handshake.

If you’re not sure whether to resurface or replace, give us a call at (408) 471-3438.

We’ll take a look, give you straight answers, and help you make the right decision.

👉 Call us today or request a FREE estimate. No pressure, just solid advice from people who’ve been paving driveways for decades.

🚜 Granite Northwest Grading & Paving – The Bay Area’s Asphalt Experts

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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.

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

Living In San Jose

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Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Full Replacement:What’s the Right Move for Your Driveway?