Key takeaways
- Surface problems (fading, small cracks) → crack filling and sealcoating.
- Isolated failures (a pothole, one alligator-cracked area) → saw-cut patching.
- Worn surface, sound base → an overlay (resurfacing).
- Widespread base failure (alligator cracking everywhere, soft spots, ponding) → remove and replace.
What You See, and What It Usually Means
| What you see | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Gray, faded surface | Sun oxidation | Sealcoating |
| Loose stones, rough texture | Raveling from age and weather | Sealcoat if minor; overlay if widespread |
| Single straight cracks | Aging, temperature movement | Crack filling |
| Alligator (web-like) cracking in one area | Base failure in that spot | Saw-cut, remove and patch full depth |
| Potholes | Water got into the base | Saw-cut patch; fix the drainage cause |
| Water ponding after rain | Wrong slope or settlement | Re-grade and repave the area |
| Ruts or sinking in wheel paths | Weak base or thin asphalt | Remove and replace that section |
| Alligator cracking across much of the lot | Widespread base failure | Remove and replace |
Option 1: Repair (Crack Filling, Sealcoating, Patching)
Best when the pavement is basically sound and problems are on the surface or in small areas. It's the least expensive option and should be part of regular maintenance anyway. Patching should be saw-cut and full depth. Throwing cold-patch into a pothole is a temporary fix.
Option 2: Resurface (Overlay)
A new layer of hot-mix asphalt goes over the existing pavement after repairs and, where needed, grinding at edges and transitions. It gives you a brand-new surface for less than full replacement, as long as the base is still solid. Overlaying failed pavement just hides the problem until the cracks come back through, called "reflective cracking."
Option 3: Remove and Replace
When the base has failed across large areas, the only lasting fix is to remove the asphalt, repair or rebuild the base, and repave. As a rough rule of thumb, when a large share of the surface has structural damage like alligator cracking, potholes or ruts, replacement is usually the better investment than repeated patching.
Don't Ignore Drainage
Water is asphalt's worst enemy. If repairs keep failing in the same spot, the real problem is often drainage, not the asphalt. Fixing the slope or adding a valley gutter can save the new pavement.
Get an Honest Assessment
We'll walk your property, show you what we find, and tell you which option makes sense. That includes telling you when crack filling and sealcoating is all you need. Request a free estimate.