Is it better to resurface or replace an asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Whether you should resurface or replace your asphalt driveway heavily depends on its condition. If the foundation is solid and the damage is minor, resurfacing is your best bet because it’s more affordable and faster than replacing the driveway. But if your driveway has foundational problems and/or severe damage, like large, deep cracks and potholes, then it makes more sense to replace it. </p></div>

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

• <div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Pearl, MS

Q: How long does it take for new asphalt to dry and cure before it can be used?

• <div><p>New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer&mdash;generally from 30 days to a year.</p><p>During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.</p><p>The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.</p></div>

Q: How thick should a driveway apron be?

• <div><p>Driveway aprons typically range between four and seven inches thick, though your town's building codes will likely have specific requirements. Additionally, you may need to add a layer of permeable aggregate in the excavation below your paved apron to ensure proper stormwater drainage. </p></div>

Q: Is asphalt the same as tarmac?

• <div><p>Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen&mdash;a byproduct of crude oil&mdash;to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as &ldquo;tarmac&rdquo; are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder&mdash;tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Pearl, MS

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Pearl, MS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Pearl, MS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on August 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Mr. Taylor and his crew constructed a concrete parking spot for a vehicle next to the driveway at my residence. They were efficient, courteous and professional throughout the project and more importantly, in my opinion, the job was done right. Would recommend.
Larry Taylor Construction
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Reviewed in August 2025
Reggie did a great job pressure washing my driveway. He got it done fairly quickly and it was pretty cost efficient. I would highly recommend his services to any one in need of any pressure washing or surface cleaning.
Delta Surface Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Everything was done very professionally was on time got it done in a timely manner the house and driveway no mess left behind will be a repeat customer
Paradise Pressure & Soft Washing LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
B & B Construction is an exceptional company, I could not have been more pleased with my experience. I built a new house recently and B&B came highly recommend as a company to form/pour my driveway. I met with Johnny explained what I wanted, and requested a bid.....B&Bs bid was more...
B & B Construction
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Reviewed in August 2021
Mark and his Team were excellent! Our driveway had many angles and drain levels which were handled expertly. Professional, quality work at a fair price & good value for money! Charlie
Productive Asphalt Paving
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Reviewed in July 2020
Chandler Sultan did an excellent job power washing the trim on my house. He cleaned mold from the brick that was on the north side of my house. Chandler also did an fantastic job of cleaning my driveway, sidewalk and patio.
Mississippi Power Washing
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Reviewed in April 2020
They did a wonderful job at my house. They pressured washed a deck, large driveway, front porch and front of house and a white vinyl fence and side brick steps. Everything looks like new. Price paid was very reasonable. I will use them again!
Pressure Pro
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Reviewed in January 2019
Besides being a little late arriving, the work was very well done. They cleaned the gutters on my two story house and cleaned off the roof. When they finished, they cleaned up all the debris and even blew off all of the patio, driveway, and sidewalks, which was unexpected.
Wade In The Water Irrigation
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Reviewed in July 2018
The new driveway looks great, and Billy Layton and his crew were wonderful to work with. In addition to his obvious knowledge and experience with projects of this kind, Billy Layton was a delight to work with. He was prompt in responding to my request, showed up exactly when he said he would,...
BKL Unlimited
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Reviewed in May 2016
My lawn is less than a year old, in a newly developed subdivision. The grass has been struggling with the hard packed dirt under the sod. I found Tiger Lawn Care on Home Advisor. Mr. Wilson came to my home the same day I submitted my request. He was personable, courteous, knowledgeable and...
Tiger Lawn Care
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Pearl

CEK Construction

4.8(

)

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Went great. Needed some bushes cleared out around a bridge over a creek. Looked great when it was finished"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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J And B Equipment, LLC

3.0(

)

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Wonderful. We had a contractor do us wrong on our roof two years ago. Jonathan and Brandy took the tin off and rebuilt all the braces and fixed it perfect. He and his crew did a wonderful job at a great price. I will call him for anything I need. He does great quality work."

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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GroundZero Construction, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

GroundZero Construction LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are mindful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time a project is needed there will be no question on who to call. We look forward to earning your business!

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He did exactly what he said he would do and did it in a timely manner."

Response time2 days

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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A TO Z CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

4.0(

)

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Brent Dickerson

New to Angi

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

x\n15 years working for self\n20 years of experince

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Clayborn Construction

New to Angi

Serving Pearl, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Welcome to Clayborn Construction! We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer! We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you! \n

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Whether you should resurface or replace your asphalt driveway heavily depends on its condition. If the foundation is solid and the damage is minor, resurfacing is your best bet because it’s more affordable and faster than replacing the driveway. But if your driveway has foundational problems and/or severe damage, like large, deep cracks and potholes, then it makes more sense to replace it.

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer—generally from 30 days to a year.

During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.

The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.

Driveway aprons typically range between four and seven inches thick, though your town's building codes will likely have specific requirements. Additionally, you may need to add a layer of permeable aggregate in the excavation below your paved apron to ensure proper stormwater drainage.

Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.

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