When to Repave: 4 Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Replacement
Your driveway is more than just pavement. It’s a place to park your new car, a safe space for kids to play, and a smooth surface for everything from bike rides to weekend projects. If your asphalt has small surface cracks or minimal damage, repairs may be enough. But if you’re dealing with multiple cracks, potholes, drainage issues, or an aging driveway, repaving is the better investment for long-term durability.
In this guide, we’ll go over the four key signs that indicate it’s time to replace your driveway.
Alligator cracking on old asphalt paving.
1. Multiple or Widespread Cracks
Surface cracks on your driveway can signal deeper damage.
Hairline cracks are normal as driveways age, but if you notice:
Lots of cracks across the surface
Cracks forming patterns (like alligator skin)
Deep or growing cracks
…it could be a sign that the base layer has weakened. Patching might hide the issue temporarily, but it won’t stop the damage from spreading, and you’ll eventually need a repave.
2. Potholes and Crumbling Edges
If pieces of your driveway are missing—it's time to repave.
Potholes are more than a nuisance, they’re a safety risk and a sign of serious wear. If you see:
One or more potholes
Cracks turning into small holes
Crumbling or broken edges
…repaving is usually the best long-term fix. Patching can’t restore the original strength of the surface, and ignoring it can lead to bigger, more expensive issues.
Pooling water on damaged asphalt road.
3. Drainage Problems
Water pooling on your driveway is a red flag, and a sign you might need a repave.
Asphalt is designed to allow water to run off quickly. But if you notice:
Standing water or puddles after rain
Water draining toward your home or garage
Areas that stay soft or wet
…it likely means the slope or structure of your driveway is failing. Repaving allows you to fix the grade and prevent further water damage.
4. Your Driveway Is 15–20 Years Old
Even the best asphalt doesn’t last forever.
Age matters. If your driveway is over 15 years old, you may start to notice:
A brittle, faded appearance
Ongoing repairs that don’t seem to last
A rough, uneven surface underfoot
At this stage, repaving is often more cost-effective than continuing with patchwork fixes.
Minor cracks and surface wear can often be fixed with sealcoating or patch repairs, but widespread damage, deep cracks, and drainage or structural issues usually end up needing a full repave instead of a quick fix.
When problems go beyond the surface, repaving is the best long-term investment.
If your driveway exhibits any of these signs and you want a free estimate for a repave, give us a call at (301) 456-5190 or fill out our quick contact form here and let us get back to you. We’ll give you an honest assessment to help you determine whether repairing or repaving is the best option for your driveway.
Please note that our work area is in Central Maryland, check out the cities we service on our contact page here to see if we can reach you.