Asphalt driveways that are well-taken care of can last up to 30 years. But, wear and tear often shortens that timeline.

How can you tell it’s time to repair your driveway?

There are certain signs to look for in your driveway. If you miss them, it could result in water damage to your house and damage to your vehicles.

Are you ready to be proactive about your home maintenance? Interested in improving its appearance? Keep reading for the top signs you need driveway repair services.

1. Pooling Water

Do you notice puddles on your driveway when it rains? Do the grooves in your driveway direct the rain towards your house?

Driveways that are sloped towards the house are vulnerable to causing water damage. Over time, grooves deepen and puddles grow.

If you start seeing water flow towards the base of your home instead of the street, you have a problem. It’s time to get your driveway repaired and resurfaced.

2. Cracks and Breaks

Assess your driveway for cracks and break lines. You may notice chunks of the asphalt breaking away from the rest. This happens around the edges of the driveway.

These cracks allow water to penetrate the under-layer of the driveway. This causes water damage to the rest of the driveway and eventually, to your house. Plus, the chunks that breakaway become tripping hazards.

You can get cracks sealed if you don’t want to replace the entire driveway yet. But eventually, you will need to replace it.

3. Potholes

Potholes are just as dangerous on your driveway as they are on the road. Driving over them can damage your car or cause a tire to pop.

And, when it rains, water pools in them.

As water sits in the pothole, it leaks into the under-layer of your driveway. This damages the asphalt and cause cracks and loose pieces in the future.

Repaving your driveway is a strategy to prevent potholes from causing more damage.

4. Faded Color

When you first get your asphalt paved, it looks black and solid. It even makes the exterior of your house look better.

But, over time, the color fades.

You might notice stains and discoloration. This naturally occurs with sun exposure and signifies that you need new asphalt paving.

The stains could also be from leaking oil or spills on the driveway. These stains detract from your curb appeal and can contribute to a decreased value of your home.

Is Driveway Repair on Your Home Improvement List?

Different driveways materials have different lifespans. Since asphalt has an expiry date, you’ll want to repair it before it needs replacing.

Driveway repair could include simply filling the cracks, potholes, and resurfacing. Asphalt paving is a tedious job and should be done by professionals.

For more ways to improve your house’s exterior, check out our other Home and Garden blog posts.