Maintaining your asphalt driveway is essential to ensuring its longevity and avoiding costly repairs. Over time, wear and tear can cause damage that, if left untreated, will worsen.
Here’s a guide to the top 5 signs your asphalt driveway needs repair and whether or not patching, sealing, or replacing is the right solution.
1. Cracks in Your Asphalt Pavement
What to Look For:
Small or large cracks that run across the surface of your blacktop driveway are common signs of aging asphalt. These can be caused by weather, heavy loads, or poor installation.
Repair Solution:
Minor Cracks (Less than ¼ inch wide): Crack sealing is usually sufficient. This involves filling the cracks with a sealant or hot tar crack filler to prevent water infiltration and further damage.
Larger Cracks: If left unchecked, large cracks may require patching or, in severe cases, partial resurfacing.
2. Potholes or Depressions
What to Look For:
Potholes are large holes in the surface, while depressions are sunken areas that can collect water. Both are signs of structural issues beneath the surface.
Repair Solution:
Potholes: These require patching with fresh asphalt to fill the hole and level the surface.
Depressions: If water consistently pools in the area, it may be necessary to remove and replace the affected section of the driveway.
3. Fading or Dull Appearance
What to Look For:
When your driveway loses its rich black color and starts to look faded, it’s a sign that the surface has oxidized due to UV exposure, chemical and fuel leaks, and weather conditions.
Repair Solution:
Fading: A simple sealcoating will restore the appearance and protect the surface from future damage. Sealcoating adds a protective layer to keep your asphalt in good working condition.
4. Alligator Cracking (Crocodile Cracking)
What to Look For:
Alligator cracking refers to a network of small, interconnected cracks that resemble the skin of an alligator. This indicates the base of your driveway is failing.
Repair Solution:
Severe Damage: Alligator cracking typically requires full-depth replacement of the affected area. Patching may provide a temporary fix, but the underlying issue must be addressed to prevent further deterioration.
5. Water Drainage Issues
What to Look For:
Poor drainage causes water to pool or flow incorrectly across your driveway, which can lead to cracks, potholes, and base damage over time.
Repair Solution:
Drainage Issues: Depending on the severity, you may need to re-grade your driveway, install drains, or add sealant to keep water from seeping into the surface.
When to Patch, Seal, or Replace
1. Patch: Best for isolated potholes and large cracks that don’t affect the overall structure of the driveway or commercial parking area.
2. Sealcoating: Ideal for surface damage, fading, and minor cracks. It protects the asphalt from future driveway repair damage and improves appearance.
3. Replace: Necessary for severe damage such as alligator cracking, widespread potholes, or base failure. Replacement ensures a long-lasting, durable surface.
Our Final Thoughts on Driveway Maintenance
By keeping an eye out for these five signs, you can catch asphalt driveway issues early and choose the right repair method to extend its life. Whether it’s a simple sealcoat or a full replacement, addressing problems early will save you time and money in the long run.
Contact VP Asphalt Paving of Connecticut
If you’ve noticed any of these signs on your driveway, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Contact VP Paving today to get a professional assessment and the right solution for your driveway’s needs.
Our paving company focuses on delivering high-quality asphalt repair and maintenance services to keep your driveway located in Southbury, CT and other prominent locations in The Greater Waterbury area, looking and performing its best.
NAP:
VP Asphalt Paving
27 Cottage Grove Ln,
Waterbury, CT 06706
Phone: (203) 819-7414
Email: [email protected]
Victor Pagona: Owner/Operator for Over 35 Years
Ready to take action? Give our service center a call or request a free quote today! We’re here to help you get the most life out of your asphalt driveway.
