Repair or Replace? How to Know What Your Driveway Needs

Signs Your Driveway Just Needs Repair

Repairs are typically the right choice when damage is isolated and surface-level. Look for:

Minor Surface Cracks

Hairline cracks and small surface cracks (less than 1/2" wide) are normal wear and can be easily sealed. These are caused by:

• Normal aging and oxidation
• Minor thermal expansion/contraction
• Surface-level UV damage

Solution: Crack filling and sealcoating will stop these from spreading.

Small Potholes (Under 2 sq ft)

Individual small potholes, especially near edges or high-traffic areas, can be patched effectively.

Solution: Professional hot-mix patching or quality cold-patch for DIY.

Edge Deterioration

Crumbling edges are common where the driveway meets grass or soil. This is often caused by lack of edge support rather than overall driveway failure.

Solution: Edge repair and proper drainage/edging installation.

Fading and Oxidation

Gray, faded asphalt that's structurally sound just needs protection.

Solution: Professional sealcoating to restore appearance and protection.

Signs It's Time for Full Replacement

Replacement is necessary when the base or structure has failed:

Alligator Cracking

This pattern of interconnected cracks that looks like alligator skin indicates base failure. The foundation beneath the asphalt has broken down, and no amount of surface repair will fix it.

Why it happens: Water infiltration, inadequate base, or soil movement has compromised the foundation.

Large or Spreading Potholes

Multiple potholes, potholes that keep coming back after repair, or potholes covering more than 25% of the surface indicate systemic failure.

Significant Settling or Heaving

If your driveway has noticeable dips, bumps, or uneven areas, the base has shifted. This causes water pooling that accelerates deterioration.

Drainage Problems

Standing water after rain means improper grading. This will destroy even new repairs quickly.

Age + Multiple Issues

If your driveway is 15-20+ years old AND showing multiple problems, repair costs often exceed the value. A new driveway with proper installation will last another 20-30 years.

The Middle Ground: Resurfacing

Resurfacing (also called an overlay) is an option when:

• The base is still solid
• Surface damage is widespread but shallow
• You want a "like new" appearance
• Budget is between repair and replacement

The process: We apply 1.5-2 inches of new asphalt over the existing surface after repairing any significant damage. This gives you a brand-new surface without the cost of full excavation and base work.

Not a good fit when: Base has failed, drainage issues exist, or existing surface is severely damaged. Overlay will fail quickly without a solid foundation.

Cost Comparison in Mississippi

Here's what to budget in the Rankin County area (2026 pricing):

For a typical 600 sq ft driveway: Resurfacing = $1,200-2,400 | Replacement = $2,400-4,800

DIY Repairs You Can Do Today

While major work requires professional equipment, homeowners can handle minor repairs:

Quick Pothole Patch Steps

1. Clean out all loose debris and vegetation
2. Square up the edges if possible (makes a better bond)
3. Fill with cold-patch asphalt in 2" layers
4. Compact each layer firmly with tamper
5. Overfill slightly - it will compact down
6. Drive over it several times to finish compacting

Pro tip: DIY cold-patch repairs are temporary (1-2 years typically). They're great for stopping damage from spreading until you can get professional repairs.

Making Your Decision

Use this quick assessment:

Still unsure? That's what we're here for. We provide honest assessments and will tell you if repairs make sense - even if replacement would be more profitable for us.