Can You Pave Over an Old Driveway? (When It Works + When It FaiIs)

A homeowner’s guide to overlays, when they’re worth it, and when they’re a complete waste of money

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

“Can you just pave over my old driveway?”

And the honest answer is:

✅ Yes… sometimes.

❌ But sometimes it’s the fastest way to waste thousands of dollars.

Because paving over an old driveway (also called an overlay or resurfacing) can look amazing at first — but if the driveway underneath is failing, that brand-new asphalt will fail right along with it.

Let’s break down exactly when paving over old asphalt works, when it doesn’t, and what you should look for before you let anyone start the job.

What Does “Paving Over an Old Driveway” Mean?

When a contractor “paves over” an old driveway, they usually mean one of two things:

✅ 1) Asphalt Overlay (Resurfacing)

A new layer of asphalt is installed on top of the existing driveway.

This is the most common approach.

✅ 2) Milling + Overlay

They grind down the top layer first (milling), then apply a new layer.

This can be a better option if the surface is uneven or too high at the garage or street.

When Paving Over an Old Driveway WORKS (Good Candidates)

Overlay is a great option when the driveway is worn but still structurally solid.

✅ Overlay works if:

• The driveway has surface cracks but no major movement

• There are no soft spots or sinking areas

• The base underneath is still stable

• Drainage is decent (no major pooling water issues)

• The driveway isn’t breaking apart at the edges

• The cracks aren’t wide and separating

• The driveway isn’t already layered too high near the garage or sidewalk

In simple terms:

If the base is good, overlay can be a smart, cost-effective upgrade.

When Paving Over an Old Driveway FAILS (Bad Candidates)

Overlay fails when you’re paving over a driveway that already has deeper problems.

❌ Overlay usually fails when:

• You have sinking areas or “dips”

• The driveway has soft spots

• Water sits in low spots or runs toward the garage

• The edges are falling apart or collapsing

• The driveway is heavily cracked in patterns (alligator cracking)

• The driveway moves season to season (freeze/thaw damage)

• The old driveway was built wrong in the first place

• The base underneath is weak or washed out

If you pave over any of these conditions, you’re basically doing this:

putting a fresh shirt on a broken body.

It might look new temporarily…

but the problems underneath don’t disappear — they come back through the new asphalt.

The Biggest Reason Overlays Fail: The Base

This is the part homeowners don’t get told enough:

Asphalt is not the foundation. The base is.

If the base is weak, the best asphalt in the world won’t save it.

Base problems cause:

• cracking

• sinking

• shifting

• edges breaking

• early failure

So if a contractor says “we can overlay it” without discussing base condition, that’s a red flag.

Overlay vs Tear-Out: What’s the Cost Difference?

This is why overlays are tempting.

✅ Overlay cost (2026 average)

$3 – $7 per square foot

✅ Tear-out & replace cost (2026 average)

$7 – $15+ per square foot

Overlay can save you thousands if your driveway qualifies.

But if it doesn’t qualify, overlay becomes a short-term cosmetic fix — and then you pay again later.

Signs You Should NOT Overlay Your Driveway

Here are the biggest signs you’re wasting money if you resurface:

🚫 1) “Alligator Cracking”

Cracks that look like a spider web or broken glass.

That usually means deeper structural failure.

🚫 2) Sinking or Low Spots

If the driveway has dips, the base is failing or water is washing it out.

🚫 3) Standing Water

If water sits on the driveway, it will get worse after overlay unless grading is corrected.

🚫 4) Crumbling Edges

Edges are where driveways fail first. If they’re breaking apart now, overlay won’t fix the support problem.

🚫 5) Multiple Layers Already

If your driveway has already been overlaid before, adding more can raise height too much and create problems at the garage, sidewalks, or street.

When Overlay IS Worth It (Best Case Scenario)

Overlay can be a great choice when:

✅ the driveway is older but stable

✅ the surface is faded or minor cracked

✅ you want a fresh smooth look

✅ you want a lower-cost upgrade

✅ the base still has strength

In that case, you can get a driveway that looks brand new for significantly less than replacement.

What a Good Contractor Should Do Before Overlaying

If you’re getting an overlay quote, a real contractor should talk about:

✅ surface prep

✅ crack repair plan (if needed)

✅ tack coat / bonding layer

✅ thickness (after compaction)

✅ transitions at garage & street

✅ edge support

✅ drainage and low spots

If they don’t mention these, you’re not getting a real plan — you’re getting a sales pitch.

The “Looks Good Today” Trap

Here’s the trap homeowners fall into:

A cheap overlay almost always looks good for the first few months.

Then:

• the same cracks come back

• dips reappear

• edges crumble

• water starts pooling again

That’s why people say:

“I just paid for this driveway and it already looks bad.”

Because the problem wasn’t the surface — it was what was under it.

Want to Know If Your Driveway Can Be Overlaid?

At Not Another Paving Company, we don’t pave driveways — and we don’t sell your information to 5 or 6 contractors and leave you to figure out who to trust.

We professionally assess your driveway and tell you whether overlay makes sense or if you need a real fix — then we match you with the right local contractor for your job.

✅ No spam calls

✅ No guessing

✅ Better contractor matching

✅ Less risk of setbacks and issues