Frequently Asked Questions

National cost guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 (Angi), and asphalt parking lots at $2 to $4.50 per square foot (HomeAdvisor). Truck yards with heavy sections cost more per square foot. Your written estimate is the price.

It can be done, but it often does not last. Joints and cracks in the concrete tend to show through the asphalt as the slabs move. In most cases we recommend removing broken concrete and building a proper base for the new asphalt. If the concrete is solid and flat, an overlay can work, and we tell you which case you are in.

Material prices change with oil prices and the plant, and most homeowners never buy asphalt by the ton. What matters for budgeting is the installed price: HomeAdvisor puts asphalt materials at about $1 to $2.50 per square foot of parking lot and labor at about $1.50 to $2. We price by the job.

Cost guides call for 3 to 4 inches over 8 to 10 inches of base for heavier vehicles and 4 inches or more for commercial and heavy-wear lots. Yards with constant loaded truck traffic often need more at gates and docks. We size each zone at the walk-through.

Yes. Hot mix comes out of the plant at high temperature and has to be spread and rolled before it cools, usually on hot days and on a tight schedule. That is why crews plan carefully, and why the base and compaction are where quality is won or lost.

Usually after a few days for cars, longer for trucks. New asphalt keeps curing for months, and HomeGuide recommends waiting three to six months before the first sealcoat.

Over sound, flat concrete it can be done, but joints and cracks usually reflect through. Over broken concrete, we recommend removal and a new base.

For heavier vehicles, published guides call for 3 to 4 inches of asphalt on 8 to 10 inches of base.

HomeGuide puts it at 15 to 30 years, depending on base, drainage and sealing.

Trucks, a paver and a roller cost about the same to bring out for a small job as for a larger one. HomeGuide notes some contractors set minimums of $2,000 or more.

Usually after a few days for cars. We give you timing for your job.

HomeAdvisor suggests repaving every 15 to 20 years; sealcoating and quick repairs stretch that.

Usually. HomeAdvisor lists asphalt at $2 to $4.50 per square foot and concrete at $4 to $7.

Yes. We schedule around services and phase the work.

Yes, with phases so residents always have parking.

More than a parking lot. Cost guides call for 4 inches or more on heavy-wear lots; truck lanes and docks usually need a heavier section, which we size at the walk-through.

Yes, where needed to keep the yard running.

Trucks stop, start and turn there, and trailers rest on small landing-gear pads. Those loads need the strongest pavement in the yard.

Yes. Regular saw-cut repairs keep small failures from spreading.

Published guidance ranges from 2 to 10 years; most driveways need it every few years once the surface fades.

No. Cracks are filled before sealing.

Wait three to six months for it to cure first.

Plan on 12 to 72 hours off the surface, per HomeGuide, with weather and sealer type deciding where in that range you land.

Because the base underneath was never fixed, or cold patch was used. Saw-cut, full-depth repairs fix the cause.

Yes, with full-depth repairs sized for truck loads.

Yes, because setup costs are fixed. HomeGuide lists minimums of $100 to $250; grouping repairs helps.

Before the winter rains, so water stays out of the base.

Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a lot of 201 to 300 spaces needs 7 accessible spaces, 2 of them van-accessible.

Yes: truck lanes, dock numbers, trailer stalls, walkways and fire lanes.

When lines fade, and after every sealcoat or overlay.

Yes. A new layout costs more than a restripe but can improve flow and capacity.