Can a Crack or Pothole Be Fixed, or Do You Need to Repave Your Entire Driveway?

Water can seep into small cracks in your driveway, and freezing and thawing can cause cracks to widen. If the issue isn’t addressed, potholes can form. If your driveway is damaged, you might be able to make simple DIY repairs, or you might need to get help from professionals.

You Can Patch Small Cracks and Potholes
One or two small cracks or depressions in your driveway can be patched. This is an inexpensive project that you can handle yourself with supplies that you can pick up from a local hardware store. 

Patched areas will be visible and can affect your home’s curb appeal. Patching your driveway is only a temporary solution. Within a few years, water will most likely seep in, and new cracks will emerge. 

You’ll Need a Pro to Handle Major Problems
If cracks or potholes cover a significant percentage of the surface, you shouldn’t attempt to fix the driveway yourself. Have a contractor inspect your driveway and recommend an appropriate solution. 

One option is resurfacing, which involves scraping off damaged sections and then pouring new asphalt or concrete. Resurfacing can make your driveway look new and extend its lifespan by up to 10 years. 

If the driveway is covered with deep cracks and large potholes, it will need to be repaved. This will cost significantly more than patching or resurfacing, and you won’t be able to use the driveway for a few days. 

Consider the Age of Your Driveway and Your Future Plans
If your driveway is nearing the end of its lifespan and showing significant damage, a professional might be able to repair it and make it last a few more years. It will most likely get cracked again and eventually need to be repaved. 

If you plan to stay in the house for the foreseeable future, repaving the driveway can be your best long-term option. It will cost you more now, but it will save you money down the road and give you peace of mind. 

You’ll be able to recoup some of your investment if you sell the house in the future. A driveway that has recently been repaved will appeal to buyers who want to keep their maintenance costs down.

Find the Best Way to Deal With Cracks and Potholes
A damaged driveway can be an inconvenience, an eyesore, and a safety hazard. Small problems can be easy to fix, but the results won’t last forever. Professional repairs can be expensive, but sometimes they’re necessary, and they’ll save you money in the long run. If you’re not sure about how to deal with cracks and potholes, have a local contractor inspect your driveway and give you advice.