Frequently Asked Questions

Published national guides put new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi), and asphalt parking lots at about $2 to $4.50 per square foot (HomeAdvisor). Southern California labor, removal and base repair move those numbers, so your written quote is the price.

Milling is usually priced as part of a grind-and-repave job rather than on its own. HomeGuide lists resurfacing of older asphalt at $3 to $7 per square foot and asphalt overlays at $1 to $3 per square foot, and grinding adds to the overlay cost. Small driveways often hit minimum charges, so we quote the whole job.

For most homes, a dense-graded hot-mix asphalt with a fine surface course gives a smooth, tight finish that sheds water. HomeGuide lists standard hot mix at $5 to $12 or more per square foot, recycled asphalt at $4 to $9, and porous asphalt at $7 to $15. The base underneath matters more than the mix on top.

An asphalt paver is the machine that takes hot mix from a truck, spreads it at an even width and depth, and partly compacts it with a heated screed. Rollers finish the compaction. Tight residential jobs often combine a small paver with hand work.

Buena Park's zoning code sets minimum pavement sections, stall sizes, aisle widths and striping for commercial and industrial vehicle areas, and federal rules require 2010 ADA counts for accessible spaces when a lot is restriped. We lay out repaved lots with both in mind.

Cars can usually drive on it within a few days, but asphalt keeps curing for months. HomeGuide recommends waiting three to six months before the first seal coat.

Both work in this climate. Asphalt is usually less expensive up front and easier to repair in sections, but it needs a seal coat every few years. Concrete costs more, lasts longer and stays cooler, but it cracks into slabs that are harder to fix invisibly.

Cost guides describe 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over 6 to 8 inches of base for typical cars, and more for RVs or work trucks. Your quote states both numbers.

HomeGuide gives 15 to 30 years. Base quality, drainage and sealing decide where yours falls.

Yes, with a heavier section for the weight. Check the city's rules on where RVs may be parked before planning one.

New asphalt is soft on very hot days for its first season. Avoid turning wheels in place and heavy point loads until it hardens.

Section 19.536.070 of the zoning code calls for at least 1-1/2 inches of asphalt over a 4-inch aggregate base, or 3-5/8 inches of concrete. We usually recommend more where trucks drive.

For lots with 10 or more spaces, Buena Park's code caps compact stalls at 30 percent unless a conditional use permit allows more.

Where the city and neighbors allow it, yes. We discuss hours at the site visit.

HomeAdvisor suggests every 15 to 20 years, longer with regular seal coats and crack repair.

Milling is usually part of a grind-and-repave price. Overlays run about $1 to $3 per square foot and resurfacing $3 to $7 (HomeGuide); small driveways often carry a minimum charge.

Yes. The milled surface is rough and is tack-coated, which gives the new layer a strong bond.

Not by itself. Potholes and failed areas are rebuilt full depth before the overlay.

A driveway is usually a day or two. Lots are scheduled in phases over several days.

Published guidance ranges from every 2 to 10 years. In strong sun, many driveways need it every two to four years. We look at the surface before recommending a schedule.

Not right away. New asphalt should cure for three to six months first.

No. Cracks are filled with crack sealant before the seal coat goes on.

HomeGuide gives 12 to 72 hours depending on weather and the product.

Usually because the base underneath was never fixed, or cold patch was used. A saw-cut, full-depth repair addresses the cause.

Yes, though there is a minimum charge. Grouping several repairs in one visit costs less per patch.

New asphalt is darker at first. A seal coat afterward gives a uniform color.

Before the winter storms, so water does not get into open cracks and holes.

For nonresidential lots other than industrial, yes: Section 19.536.070(F) calls for double lines, each at least 4 inches wide and at least 8 inches apart.

It depends on the total: 1 for 1 to 25 spaces, 2 for 26 to 50, 3 for 51 to 75, 4 for 76 to 100, under the 2010 ADA Standards.

Sometimes. Reworking stall angles and aisles within the code can fit more stalls into the same lot.

Usually within an hour or so in warm, dry weather. We stripe in sections to keep the lot open.