Is It Time to Fix It? 5 Key Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Attention

Unfortunately asphalt driveways won’t look brand new forever. But if asphalt is just a bunch of compacted rock, is it really necessary for it to look fresh? Absolutely not. Is it bad to have it look fresh? Also no. If you want to keep your driveway looking fresh it will require constant maintenance, as driveways take harsh abuse. But at the very least, you may want to repair damage that is likely to cause further deterioration. Here is a list of things to look out for and repair:

1. Cracks that are a quarter-inch or wider (5 mm). Cracks will inevitably start appearing on your driveway at some point, but small cracks are by no means an emergency. Although any crack could lead to more serious damage, small cracks are likely not much of a threat. Larger cracks on the other hand, are much more likely to further deteriorate, causing larger issues.

2. Potholes. It might be stating the obvious to say repairing potholes is necessary but it’s still worth mentioning. Potholes should definitely be repaired as soon as possible, as they not only are a weakness in the pavement, but they provide an access point for large amounts of water to pool and soak in under the pavement, compromising the base layer of gravel by making it soft.

3. Cracked edges. Although small cracks through the middle of the driveway aren’t a huge deal, any cracking along the edge can quickly lead to crumbling. Since driveway edges are often not held in by anything, they can crumble away. This type of damage could reduce the total width of your driveway over time.

4. Standing water. Although standing water isn’t always a serious issue, it can be a sign of an area that will later be prone to problems. Any area with standing water is a low spot. If this area becomes cracked, it will allow water to flow through and compromise the base. If you do not wish to repair low spots, at least keep an eye out for cracks and have them filled immediately upon appearance.

5. Oil stains or discoloration. Leaked oil and gas will degrade your asphalt very fast. Any discoloration can be a sign of oil or gas spills. Oil should be cleaned off to prevent further degradation. Driveway sealer can be applied to rejuvenate the lost binder material.

A major advantage of using asphalt pavement as a driveway material is that it can be easily patched and maintained. Look out for these signs of degradation so you can attempt a DIY repair or contact an expert before it’s too late!

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