Frequently Asked Questions

It is when the base is still solid. HomeGuide puts driveway resurfacing at $3 to $7 per square foot and says overlays on sound pavement typically save 20 to 30 percent compared with replacement. If the driveway is rutted, sinking or broken up, the base has failed and resurfacing will not last. We check the base before recommending it.

Published guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 (Angi). HomeGuide puts a 500 square foot driveway at about $2,500 to $6,000. Tear-out, base repair and curb-cut work add to that. Your written estimate is the price.

Heat softens asphalt, and heavy wheels push soft asphalt into ruts and ridges. Thin sections, weak base and poor compaction make it worse. Thicker asphalt and base in the wheel paths, and good compaction, are the fix.

HomeGuide recommends 3 to 5 days before parking on new asphalt in hot weather. Avoid turning the wheels while parked and keep trailer jacks and kickstands off it for the first few weeks.

New driveways and new curb cuts generally need a permit through the City of Laredo's Building Development Services, and widening often does too. Replacing a driveway in the same footprint without changing the curb cut is usually treated differently. We confirm the current rules for your address.

Cost guides put asphalt driveways at 15 to 30 years with good installation and upkeep. In Laredo sun, regular sealcoating and quick crack repair make the biggest difference in where yours lands.

Look at how each one handles heat and weight. Ask about the base depth and asphalt thickness where loaded trucks will park or turn, since blacktop that bakes all afternoon is softest exactly when the heaviest trailers sit on it. Ask what time of day they pave in summer and how long traffic must stay off. Paving contractors who put those numbers in writing are easier to compare and easier to hold to the plan.

Yes. We design truck yards with heavier base and asphalt in the lanes and parking areas trucks use, and grade them to drain. Pricing depends on the size, the loads and the base condition.

Asphalt usually costs less up front and repairs easily but needs sealing in this sun. Concrete costs more and needs less upkeep. Angi lists asphalt at $7 to $15 per square foot and concrete at $8 to $18.

Not if the section is built for it. We use a heavier base and asphalt where a truck parks.

Yes, where it is firm. Soft or rutted caliche is replaced first.

Usually one to three days including tear-out and base work, then a few days before parking in hot weather.

Heat softens the asphalt and heavy wheels push it. Usually the section is too thin or poorly compacted. Rebuilding the wheel paths heavier fixes it.

Sometimes. Where landing gear and stopped wheels sit for long periods in the heat, concrete pads can make sense. We discuss it at the estimate.

HomeAdvisor suggests planning for every 15 to 20 years; heavy truck use and poor drainage shorten that, while sealing and quick repairs extend it.

Yes. We phase the work and keep entrances open.

If it is firm underfoot and the cracks are mostly narrow, it may be a candidate. Ruts, sinking and potholes across much of it mean the base has failed.

HomeGuide says overlays on sound pavement typically save 20 to 30 percent over replacement.

Not by itself. Rutted areas need to be cut out and rebuilt heavier first.

Not if we mill the edge so the new surface meets the slab flush.

The base under them is still soft, or the patch was cold mix. A full-depth repair fixes the base.

Yes. We cut out and rebuild the rutted lanes and leave sound areas alone.

Once it has cooled and set, usually the same day; in peak heat we suggest waiting longer for heavy trucks.

Most contractors have one. HomeGuide lists $100 to $250 as typical, so grouping repairs saves money.

Yes, early in the day. HomeGuide puts the working range at about 50 to 95 degrees, so we avoid hot afternoons.

HomeGuide says every 2 to 10 years. In Laredo sun, closer to the short end.

Stains are scraped and primed first so the sealer bonds. Some staining may still show through over time.

Generally 12 to 72 hours, depending on heat and humidity.

HomeGuide says 2 to 5 years. Strong sun and truck traffic push it toward the short end.

It depends on the total. For example, 2 for 26 to 50 spaces and 4 for 76 to 100, with at least one van-accessible.

Yes, including arrows, no-parking zones and loading areas.

Usually not. We work in sections early or after hours.