Top 5 Signs Your Driveway Needs Professional Asphalt Repair

Your driveway is more than just a path to your garage—it’s a key part of your property’s first impression, safety, and functionality. Over time, even the best asphalt surfaces experience wear and tear from weather, vehicle traffic, and age. But how do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals?

Total Paving specializes in asphalt driveway repair for homeowners across Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin. Here are the top five warning signs that your driveway may need expert attention.

1. Cracks Are Starting To Spread

Small hairline cracks in your asphalt may seem harmless at first, but they’re often the first sign of deeper damage. Over time, these cracks can widen and spread, allowing moisture to seep into the base layer. In colder climates, this moisture freezes and expands, worsening the cracks and weakening the structure.

Why It Matters:

Untreated cracks can turn into potholes or alligator cracking. Professional crack sealing and patching can stop the damage before it spreads.

2. Potholes Are Forming

Potholes occur when water infiltrates existing cracks and erodes the base of your driveway. The result is a sunken, crumbling section of pavement that poses a safety risk to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Why It Matters:

Ignoring potholes can cause more extensive (and expensive) damage. A professional asphalt contractor can repair potholes quickly using durable patching materials that restore the surface and structure.

3. Drainage Issues Or Standing Water

Does water pool on your driveway after it rains? Poor drainage is a major red flag. When water can’t properly flow off the surface, it begins to penetrate the asphalt, leading to cracks, potholes, and base failure.

Why It Matters:

If your driveway wasn’t graded correctly or has shifted over time, it may need to be regraded or resurfaced. Total Paving can assess your current layout and recommend drainage solutions to protect your asphalt long-term.

4. Fading & Discoloration

If your rich blacktop is now a dull gray, it may be losing its protective surface layer. Sunlight (UV exposure), rain, snow, and chemicals all wear down asphalt, leading to fading, brittleness, and vulnerability to cracking.

Why It Matters:

A faded driveway isn’t just cosmetic—it signals that your asphalt is drying out and becoming more prone to damage. Sealcoating every 2–3 years helps restore color, prevent oxidation, and extend your driveway’s life.

5. Uneven Or Crumbling Edges

If you notice the edges of your driveway are breaking away, crumbling, or beginning to collapse, this could be a sign of base failure or erosion. Driveways without proper edge support are particularly susceptible to this issue.

Why It Matters:

Crumbling edges can spread inward and compromise the entire structure of your driveway. Professional repairs can rebuild and reinforce those weak spots before the damage becomes irreversible.

Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs—Act Early To Save

The earlier you spot and address these signs, the less invasive and more affordable the repairs tend to be. At Total Paving, our experienced team can inspect your driveway, identify the problem areas, and recommend the most effective solutions—whether that’s crack sealing, patching, sealcoating, or resurfacing.

Why Choose Total Paving for Asphalt Repair?

Serving Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin, Total Paving offers:

• Fast and reliable asphalt repairs
• Professional crack filling and pothole patching
• Sealcoating and resurfacing services
• Expert drainage assessments and solutions

Our team is committed to restoring your driveway to peak condition—safely, affordably, and with the care your home deserves.

Contact Total Paving For Driveway Repairs In Northern Illinois & Southeastern Wisconsin

If your driveway is showing any of these signs, don’t wait. Let Total Paving help you avoid bigger issues down the road with expert asphalt repair services. Get a free quote today to get your driveway back in shape!