Asphalt Driveway Issues: What Is the Cause and Should You Resurface or Replace?


Damage to an asphalt driveway doesn't necessarily mean that you need to tear it out completely. Many types of damage are repairable by resurfacing, which is when the contractor installs a fresh layer of asphalt over the old. The following guide can help you understand common asphalt driveway issues and their causes and determine whether you should resurface or replace your driveway based on each issue.


Cracks can come in many forms. Your driveway may develop a few hairline cracks you can barely see or a few large cracks big enough for plants to take root in. Sometimes, a whole network of cracks will appear.

Causes and Issues

Cracks on driveways are typically from weathering and the weight of your vehicle. Moisture can get into cracks and freeze, and the expanding ice will widen cracks and make them worse.

One type of damage, alligator cracking, isn't from weathering and wear. It's from structural failure, either in the asphalt itself or due to problems in the base construction that has allowed moisture to penetrate from beneath the driveway.

Resurface or Replace

Small cracks less than 1/4 inch wide can be patched. You can then resurface the driveway with a fresh coat of asphalt so that the damage isn't easily visible. Cracks larger than 1/4 inch wide have already weakened the structure of the asphalt, so you should consider replacement.

Alligator cracking can only be fixed with a new driveway. Since the cause is often a result of problems with the base, you may also need to install a new base for the drive.

Potholes and Depressions

Potholes develop from the top down in the driveway, whereas depressions form from material lost from beneath the driveway. You can usually tell them apart because potholes will have loose asphalt granules and cracking inside.

Causes and Issues

Potholes occur when water works its way into the asphalt surface and freezes. The expanding ice breaks down the asphalt and pothole forms. If left alone, the pothole will become larger and the damage may extend into the base.

Depressions are typically a result of issues with the underlying layers of asphalt or the base. For example, if the ground wasn't fully compacted or if a washout occurs beneath the driveway, the asphalt may sink and a depression will form. Depressions hold water and are likely to develop into potholes over time.

Resurface or Replace

If no depressions are present and only potholes, your paving contractor can clean out the loose asphalt and apply a hot patch to repair the damage. Then, you can resurface the driveway so the patch is no longer visible.

For depressions, you have to determine the cause. You can patch a minor depression due to settling that isn't expected to continue much like a pothole, but if you expect settling to be a continued problem, you may need to replace the base and the paving.


Asphalt warps in several ways. You have ruts, which occur along tire paths, ripples, which are like wash boarding, and upheaval, which is when the asphalt rises in one area.

Causes and Issues

Rutting is typically the result of weight on the asphalt, and may be caused if the driveway is used too soon after installation or if the asphalt material has flaws that weaken it. Ripples are typically from issues with the asphalt aggregate.

Upheaval forms due to environmental stresses. Common culprits are frost heave and tree roots invading the space beneath the driveway. All three types of stress weaken the driveway and can lead to cracks and potholes.

Resurface or Replace

Replacement is the best option for most types of warping. Since warping is typically from issues with the asphalt itself, attempting to resurface will only cover the problem and the warping is likely to return eventually.

Upheaval may require additional work to locate the cause and remove it. This may mean a deeper base in areas where frost heave occurs or the removal of trees if roots are the cause.

Contact Star Paving Company for more help with your asphalt driveway.