Not every driveway problem requires full replacement. But ignoring serious warning signs can lead to expensive repairs, vehicle damage, and safety hazards. Here are the 7 signs that indicate it's time for a new driveway.
1. Alligator Cracking
What it looks like: Interconnected cracks resembling alligator or crocodile skin.
What it means: The base beneath your asphalt has failed. This isn't a surface problem—it's structural. No amount of crack filling or sealcoating will fix it.
Solution: Full driveway replacement including base repair.
2. Large Potholes or Multiple Potholes
What it looks like: Bowl-shaped holes in the asphalt surface.
What it means: Water has penetrated the surface and eroded the base. One small pothole can be repaired, but multiple potholes or large ones indicate widespread failure.
Solution: If more than 25% of your driveway has potholes, replacement is more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
3. Drainage Problems
What it looks like: Water pooling on the driveway instead of draining off.
What it means: The driveway has settled unevenly or was improperly graded. Standing water accelerates deterioration and can damage your foundation.
Solution: Replacement with proper grading to direct water away from structures.
4. Crumbling Edges
What it looks like: Edges breaking apart, asphalt separating from the sides.
What it means: Lack of proper edge support or years of wear. Once edges start crumbling, the damage spreads inward.
Solution: If edges are crumbling along most of the driveway, replacement is usually better than extensive edge repair.
5. Age Over 20 Years
The reality: Even well-maintained asphalt driveways have a lifespan of 20-30 years. If your driveway is over 20 and showing problems, you're fighting a losing battle with repairs.
Solution: Plan for replacement. Continuing to repair an aging driveway often costs more than replacement over time.
6. Fading That Won't Respond to Sealcoating
What it looks like: Gray, oxidized surface that doesn't improve after sealcoating.
What it means: The asphalt binder has broken down beyond what sealcoating can restore. The surface may feel brittle or crumbly.
Solution: If sealcoating doesn't restore appearance and protection, the asphalt is past its useful life.
7. Sinking or Warping
What it looks like: Sections of driveway sinking, creating uneven surfaces or dips.
What it means: Soil movement, improper compaction during installation, or underground water erosion. This is a base problem, not a surface problem.
Solution: Replacement with proper base preparation and compaction.
Repair vs Replace: Quick Guide
| Repair | Replace |
|---|---|
| Small, isolated cracks | Alligator cracking |
| 1-2 small potholes | Multiple/large potholes |
| Surface wear (sealcoat) | Structural damage |
| Under 15 years old | Over 20 years old |
| Minor edge damage | Widespread edge crumbling |
Get a Professional Assessment
Not sure whether to repair or replace? We provide free assessments. We'll give you honest recommendations—even if that means a simple repair instead of replacement.