How does resurfacing affect the existing driveway height relative to my garage floor in Ottawa?

Resurfacing adds approximately 50mm (2 inches) to your existing driveway height, which can create a step up into your garage and potentially cause drainage issues if not properly managed.

When you resurface an asphalt driveway, the contractor applies a new layer of hot-mix asphalt directly over the existing surface. This overlay is typically 40-50mm thick after compaction — the minimum thickness needed to achieve proper compaction and durability in Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate. Thinner overlays don't compact properly and will ravel and crack within the first winter.

Height Impact on Garage Access
If your current driveway sits flush with your garage floor, resurfacing will create a 2-inch step up into the garage. This step can be problematic for several reasons: it creates a tripping hazard, makes snow blower and lawn mower access difficult, and can direct water toward the garage during heavy rains. Many Ottawa homeowners are surprised by this height change and wish they had planned for it.

Drainage Considerations in Ottawa
The height increase can also affect drainage patterns around your home's foundation. If the resurfaced driveway now slopes water toward your foundation instead of away from it, you'll face potential basement water issues during Ottawa's spring melt and summer storms. The driveway must maintain a minimum 2% slope away from the house — adding height near the garage can reverse this critical drainage pattern.

Solutions for Height Management
Professional contractors can address the height issue in several ways. They can feather the overlay at the garage entrance, gradually tapering the new asphalt to minimize the step. They might also mill (grind down) the existing surface near the garage before applying the overlay, though this adds cost. For severe height conflicts, full removal and replacement may be more practical than resurfacing, especially if your existing driveway already has base or drainage problems.

When Resurfacing Isn't Appropriate
If your driveway already has significant cracking, settling, or drainage issues, adding height through resurfacing can worsen these problems. Ottawa's clay soils and deep frost penetration mean that surface overlays over failed bases will simply reflect the underlying movement within 1-2 winters. A proper assessment should determine whether your existing base can support an overlay or if full replacement is needed.

Planning Your Project
Before resurfacing, have your contractor evaluate the garage height relationship and drainage patterns. They should provide solutions for managing the height increase and ensuring proper water flow. Quality contractors will address these details upfront rather than leaving you with a step and drainage problems after the work is complete.

Need help finding a driveway contractor who understands these height and drainage considerations? Ottawa Driveways can match you with experienced local paving professionals who properly plan resurfacing projects.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• RenoMotion Inc.
• The Next Reno
• Transitions Renovations
• Titley Construction