Service

Asphalt Resurfacing & Mill-and-Overlay

When the surface course of your parking lot is failing but the base is still sound, asphalt resurfacing — also called mill-and-overlay — restores the lot at a fraction of full reconstruction cost.

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20+Years Servicing Chicagoland

What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing involves milling 1.5 to 2 inches of failed surface asphalt off the existing pavement, prepping the milled surface, applying a tack coat, and paving a new 1.5 to 2 inch surface course on top. The result is a brand-new driving surface tied cleanly to the existing base. Service life: 12 to 18 years with proper maintenance.

When Resurfacing Is the Right Call

Resurfacing works when the base is structurally sound but the surface is showing oxidation, raveling, top-down cracking, or general aging. If more than 25 to 30% of the lot shows alligator cracking or sub-base distress, full-depth reconstruction is the better economic choice. We tell you straight on every site walk.

Mill-and-Overlay Process

Cold milling cuts asphalt to a precise depth, removing the failed surface in chunks 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Edges are saw-cut clean. The milled surface is swept and air-blown. Edges and joints get a tack coat (an asphalt emulsion bonding agent). Hot-mix asphalt is paved over the prepared surface and compacted to 92 to 96% density. Final passes with steel-wheel and rubber-tire rollers lock in density.

Choosing the Right Mix

We typically spec Illinois N-50 surface mix for most commercial lots — fine-graded, dense, and durable. Heavier-duty applications get IL-9.5 or IL-12.5 mixes. Polymer-modified binders are available for high-stress areas (drive-throughs, dumpster pads, intermodal entrances).

Resurfacing Timeline

Most commercial resurfacing projects complete in 1 to 5 days depending on lot size. We typically mill day 1, prep day 1 to 2, pave day 2 to 3, and stripe day 3 to 5. Phased work keeps the lot operational throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does asphalt resurfacing last?
12 to 18 years with proper maintenance (sealcoating every 2 to 3 years, annual crack sealing). Without maintenance, expect 8 to 10 years.
Will resurfacing fix every problem?
No. Resurfacing addresses surface failures but does not fix sub-base issues, drainage problems, or grading defects. We assess all of those before recommending resurfacing vs. reconstruction.
How much milled material do you remove?
Standard mill depth is 1.5 to 2 inches. We can mill deeper if the surface course thickness is greater. Mill depth is matched to the new surface course thickness for elevation continuity.
Can you match the existing pavement elevation at curbs and structures?
Yes — milling at curbs, manhole frames, and catch basin grates is precisely set so the new surface ties flush with adjacent fixed elevations.

Get a Free Asphalt Resurfacing Estimate

Every estimate is free, on-site, and itemized. Most site walks are scheduled within 48 hours. Written quotes. No high-pressure sales calls and no lump-sum surprises — just a clear scope you can act on.

Resurfacing starts with removal done right — see our standalone asphalt milling service for how depth control and base diagnostics set up a mill-and-pave that lasts.

Associations, take note: resurfacing community-owned streets is its own discipline — see our HOA private street resurfacing program, built around segment-by-segment scoping that boards can budget across multiple years.

Get a Free Asphalt Resurfacing & Mill-and-Overlay Estimate

Every estimate is free, on-site, and itemized. Most site walks within 48 business hours.

Asphalt Resurfacing & Mill-and-Overlay — Free Estimate

20+ years servicing the Chicagoland area.

Request Free Quote