How to Tell If Your Pavement Needs Repair, Sealcoating, or Full Replacement

By Pate Asphalt — Leaders in Asphalt & Blacktop Solutions for Over 40 Years

Asphalt pavement is one of those things most people don’t think about—until there’s a problem. Whether it’s a cracked driveway at home or a deteriorating parking lot at your business, asphalt distress can sneak up quietly and turn into an expensive headache if ignored too long.

At Pate Asphalt, we’ve spent over 40 years inspecting, repairing, protecting, and replacing asphalt surfaces of every size. One thing we’ve learned is that most property owners wait too long to take action not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsure what their pavement actually needs.

This guide is designed to change that.

Below, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of asphalt distress, explain what causes them, and—most importantly—help you understand when a simple repair will do, when sealcoating makes sense, and when full replacement is the smartest long-term investment.

Why Asphalt Deteriorates Over Time

Asphalt is durable, but it isn’t indestructible. It’s constantly exposed to traffic, sunlight, water, temperature swings, and chemical spills like oil or gasoline. Over time, these elements break down the binders that hold asphalt together.

In fact, studies show that regular preventative maintenance can extend the life of asphalt pavement by up to 300% compared to surfaces that receive little or no care. That means understanding early warning signs isn’t just helpful—it can save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your pavement.

Common Signs Your Asphalt Is in Trouble

1. Cracks: The Earliest Warning Sign

Cracks are usually the first visible sign that asphalt is under stress. They may start small, but they never stay that way.

Common crack types include:

• Hairline cracks

• Long linear cracks

• Block cracking (square or rectangular patterns)

• Alligator cracking (interconnected cracks resembling reptile skin)

  
  

Cracks allow water to penetrate beneath the surface, weakening the base and accelerating deterioration from the inside out.

What it usually needs:

• Crack filling or localized repairs if caught early

• Replacement if cracking is widespread and structural

2. Potholes: More Than Just an Eyesore

Potholes form when water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks apart the asphalt surface. Once a pothole appears, the surrounding pavement is already compromised.

For businesses, potholes are also a liability risk—damaging vehicles, creating trip hazards, and leaving a poor first impression on customers.

What it usually needs:

• Professional patching for isolated potholes

• Replacement if potholes are frequent or recurring

3. Surface Oxidation and Fading

If your asphalt has turned from deep black to dull gray, oxidation is at work. This happens when UV rays dry out the asphalt’s oils, making the surface brittle and more prone to cracking.

Oxidation often looks harmless—but it’s a sign your pavement is losing flexibility.

What it usually needs:

• Sealcoating if the surface is still structurally sound

• Repairs first if cracks are already present

4. Drainage Problems and Standing Water

Water is asphalt’s biggest enemy. If you notice puddles that linger long after rain, it usually indicates poor drainage or low spots in the pavement.

Standing water speeds up deterioration and often points to base or grading issues beneath the surface.

What it usually needs:

• Leveling or repair for localized drainage issues

• Replacement if water problems are widespread or structural

5. Raveling and Surface Wear

Raveling occurs when small stones and aggregate begin to loosen and break away from the surface. The pavement may feel rough, uneven, or gritty.

This is a sign the asphalt binder is breaking down, often due to age or lack of sealcoating.

What it usually needs:

• Sealcoating if early

• Replacement if material loss is severe

When Asphalt Repair Is the Right Choice

Asphalt repair is ideal when damage is localized and the foundation is still strong.

Repair makes sense when:

• Cracks are limited in number and size

• Potholes are isolated

• The pavement is less than 15–20 years old

• Drainage issues are minimal

Timely repairs stop problems from spreading and are the most cost-effective solution when addressed early.

When Sealcoating Is the Best Option

Sealcoating acts like sunscreen for your pavement. It protects against UV rays, water intrusion, chemicals, and oxidation while restoring that clean, black finish.

Sealcoating is recommended when:

• The surface is structurally sound

• Cracks have been properly filled

• The pavement looks faded or dry

• You want to extend pavement life and improve appearance

For many homeowners and businesses, sealcoating every few years dramatically slows deterioration and delays the need for major repairs.

When Full Asphalt Replacement Is Necessary

Sometimes, repair and sealcoating simply aren’t enough. When asphalt failure reaches the base layer, replacement becomes the safest and most economical long-term choice.

Replacement is typically needed when:

• Alligator cracking is widespread

• Potholes keep returning after repairs

• Drainage issues are severe

• The pavement is near the end of its lifespan

While replacement is a larger upfront investment, it eliminates ongoing patchwork costs and restores full structural integrity.

Why Experience Matters in Asphalt Evaluation

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is relying on surface appearance alone. What looks like a simple crack can hide deeper base failure—and what looks severe might actually be fixable with proper care.

With over 40 years in the asphalt industry, Pate Asphalt evaluates pavement holistically—considering age, usage, environment, and underlying structure before recommending a solution. Our goal isn’t to sell you the biggest project; it’s to give you the right one.

A Real Customer Experience

“We were convinced our parking lot needed a full replacement and were putting it off because of the cost. Pate Asphalt inspected it and explained that targeted repairs and sealcoating would buy us years. They were honest, professional, and saved us a lot of money.”— Commercial Property Owner

That kind of trust is something we’ve earned job by job, decade after decade.

Don’t Wait Until Small Problems Become Big Ones

Asphalt rarely fails overnight. It sends signals long before replacement becomes unavoidable. Understanding those signs gives you control—over timing, budget, and long-term results.

Whether you’re a homeowner protecting your driveway or a business owner safeguarding your property and customers, the right asphalt solution starts with the right information.

For a free quote or pavement evaluation, reach out to Pate Asphalt today:

👉 https://www.pateasphalt.com/contact

Taking action early is almost always the smartest investment you can make in your pavement.