Summer Checklist for Asphalt Driveway Repair

Why Your Parking Lot Needs Pothole Repairs Minneapolis, MN

Now that summer is here, it’s time to take a good look at your driveway. Do you see cracks and potholes? If so, you’ll want to call our local contractors to schedule asphalt driveway repair.

Here’s our checklist for what repairs you should schedule before the asphalt paving season is over.

Fill Any Driveway Cracks

For asphalt cracks under an inch wide, buy some driveway crack filler from your local home improvement store. While small cracks can be easily repaired by DIY homeowners, deep cracks will need to be repaired by professionals.

If a driveway crack is wider than one inch, you run the risk of water seeping into the foundation to cause permanent structural damage. The sooner you call our asphalt contractors, the less likely you’ll end up paying for extensive driveway repair.

Repair Potholes

Potholes are more likely to form at the end of your asphalt driveway where you turn your wheel. Thankfully, our local asphalt contractors will be able to fill potholes before they permanently damage your driveway. If neglected, large potholes can allow water to seep into the foundation to cause lasting damage.

The sooner you hire a contractor for pothole repair, the more money you’ll save in the long run. Asphalt driveway repair is much more affordable than total replacement. Keep in mind that freeze-thaw cycles can also weaken pavement, making potholes more likely.

Resurface Your Driveway If Necessary

Resurfacing is an option if your driveway’s foundation is intact and structurally sound. Resurfacing is different from total replacement because we only remove the top damaged layer. The foundation is left alone, which helps you save money.

If you’re interested in resurfacing your driveway, it’s important that you act fast. The longer you wait, the more likely water will seep through cracks and potholes to damage the foundation. Once this happens, your only option will be to replace your asphalt driveway entirely.

Replace a Deteriorating Driveway

If your asphalt driveway is beyond repair, one of our contractors will recommend total replacement. While we understand asphalt driveway paving is a large expense, repairs aren’t a long-term solution.

If you’re making constant repairs to your driveway, it may be time to replace failing pavement. Signs of driveway failure include multiple potholes, standing water, and alligator cracking.

As the name suggests, alligator cracking resembles the scales of an alligator. Alligator cracking in your driveway is a sign of foundational failure and indicates your driveway will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

If your driveway is in desperate need of replacement, be wary of potential scammers going door to door. Scammers tend to target homes with crumbling driveways, offering to replace them at rock-bottom prices.

Check out our blog post on how to avoid asphalt paving scams to learn more.