How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Asphalt Driveway?

Average Cost to Repair Asphalt Driveway

The cost to repair or restore asphalt averages between $1,000 and $3,700. Estimates can range anywhere from $300 to $6,000. While most homeowners pay $2,300, the type of damage can affect project costs. Fixing potholes and cracks is usually only around $100 to $300 while major repairs requiring asphalt resurfacing can cost up to $3,000 or more.

Asphalt Repair Cost Factors 

As you can see, there is a wide range of potential price tags for your asphalt repair project. The amount you pay depends on several cost factors, which are detailed below.

Slope of Surface

Is the surface on a slope? Grading will cost just under $1.50 per square foot. Generally, a driveway should have a grade of no more than 15%, which means it should not rise more than 1.5 feet over each 10 feet of linear distance. If the grade is lower than that, you can avoid excavation costs entirely, but if it's higher than that it's best to get the grading done.

Extent of Damage 

The amount of damage to your driveway is also a big factor. If it's fairly localized damaged, you may be able to patch it up. However, if there are cracks throughout the pavement, you're probably better off replacing the entire surface.

Permits

Permit fees for this work can range from $10 to $200 and are based on local regulations. Check with your local government office for information on what permits are required.

Asphalt Transportation Cost 

Asphalt shipping prices will vary widely depending on how far you need to ship it and how much asphalt you are purchasing. Contact your asphalt company for a quote on shipping costs.

Tools / Machinery 

If you are doing this job yourself, you will need heavy duty equipment like an asphalt paver and compactors/rollers. This is expensive equipment, which is why jobs like this are better left to the professionals who already own this equipment and know how to use it.

Labor Costs 

Difficult access, like if a truck has a hard time reaching the area, can increase labor costs. Also, the larger your asphalt surface, the longer it will take workers to complete the job and therefore the higher your labor costs will be.

Cost Per Square and Linear Foot 

Most professionals will charge between $1 and $3 per linear foot to fix a small crack. Meanwhile, they will likely charge you between $2 and $4 per square foot to fix a pothole.

The expense needed to fix asphalt cracks and potholes comes down to the size of the damage. In addition, the price to eliminate a pothole tends to be calculated by square footage, while cracks are estimated using linear footage.

Cost to Repair, Replace, and Resurface Your Asphalt Driveway 

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to decide whether to simply repair your asphalt paving, resurface it with a new coat, or pay for an entirely new surface and a complete replacement. The extent of the damage and the costs involved should drive that decision. A free quote on each option can help you decide which route works best for your needs.

Repairing

A driveway imbalance or caving can produce surface-level cracks due to lack of underlying support. This is important to consider since vehicle traffic can weigh heavily on the asphalt and worsen these issues.

Simple repairs make the most sense when the damage is surface-level, or contained to a small area. Typical scenarios that call for this option include:

• Small cracks in the surface, no wider than 1/4 inch.

• Small potholes that don't indicate larger issues.

• Drainage issues on your driveway, patio area, or elsewhere.

Resurfacing

If your base is still sound, you can possibly install a new layer of asphalt over the old to resurface the existing area. When the cracks and potholes you find indicate larger issues, or they occur in more than one spot, resurfacing may make more sense. It does not take care of all underlying issues, but still extends the lifespan of the area.

Particularly if you're going for curb appeal or want to delay complete replacement for a little longer, it's a good middle ground. Resurfacing typically involves removing the top layer of of the surface, and replacing it with a new coat. The cost tends to be about $2 to $2.50 per square foot, or $1,000 to $1,300 for a 500-square foot area.

Professionals who can resurface your paving are typically also experienced in a complete repaving. However, not all contractors who can complete repairs are also able to resurface or replace. Consult a professional who is adept at all three options on when it makes sense to resurface vs. repair or replace.

Replacement

Finally, there will come a time when your asphalt needs complete replacement. A typical driveway, for instance, lasts about 20 to 25 years before this replacement is necessary. One sign to look out for are so-called alligator cracks, named after their resemblance to alligator skin.

Replacing your paving is the most complete solution possible. It includes completely redoing the foundation gravel as well as the surface itself, and will take care of any underlying issue. According to HomeAdvisor’s asphalt paving cost calculator, you should expect to pay between $2,800 and $6,500 for a complete replacement of your asphalt.

Replacement is necessary when the existing surface is badly deteriorated or the underlying gravel base shows signs of failing. Removal and replacement is also necessary if the proper drainage of the driveway cannot be achieved because the area is too flat.

Patching Cracks & Potholes

Whether it’s a private road, parking lot, or paved outdoor basketball court, expect to pay between $100 and $300 to fix a pothole or crack in your asphalt. Cracking is often a sign of sub-base failure, poor drainage, or repeated over-loadings. It is important to prevent this type of breakdown, and repair as soon as possible, because advanced cases can be very costly and can lead to potholes or early pavement failure.

Be sure to distinguish between labor and materials. If the problem is small, you could purchase the necessary materials, and take care of the fix itself. In that case, you can pay between $20 and $40 for a 50-pound bag of solution. However, hiring an asphalt company means making sure that the issue gets fixed the right way, and avoids potential problems down the road.

If your asphalt is suffering from cracking, your professional may need to figure out the cause and implement fixes so that this doesn't continue to happen. While this might cost you more money up front, it will surely save you money in the long run since you won't have to keep having repairs made.

Most professionals will charge between $1 and $3 per linear foot to fix a small crack. Meanwhile, they will likely charge you between $2 and $4 per square foot to fix a pothole.

The expense needed to fix asphalt cracks and potholes comes down to the size of the damage. In addition, the price to eliminate a pothole tends to be calculated by square footage, while cracks are estimated using linear footage.

Hot Patch Costs

A hot patch costs $100-$500 for professional labor. This method is more complex, and includes excavating the area around the pothole or crack, then filling hot material into the opening. It goes beyond surface level and is more beneficial in the long run, although it typically requires professional labor.

Cold Patch Costs

A cold patch costs $10 to $20 for a 50-pound bag. This term refers to previously mixed asphalt, which can simply be poured and packed into the opening. It's a quick fix, and works best for temporary solutions until a more permanent alternative is in place.

Sealing 

A single coat of sealant extends the life of your surface by 1-2 years, while to coats can last up to four years. Sealing your asphalt will cost between $200 and $600, depending on the size of the surface area and its current condition.

Once the repair is done, your professional may talk to you about asphalt sealing. Think of it like a protective coat that prevents further damage from foot and vehicle traffic, and of course weather conditions.

Sealing your asphalt will preserve and enhance its looks, while also preventing it from drying out and decaying. It will help prevent cracks and pits that occur as time passes and use and the elements take their toll.

Infrared Repair 

While more expensive than patching, infrared repair is more cost effective than full replacement or large patch jobs. It ranges between $100 and $250 depending on the size of the pavement being fixed.

Infrared repair can help to restore your paving and eliminate its defects. The infrared lighting heats the damaged surface, helping to remove it. Then, new asphalt can be added in order to fix the blemish.

Patches tend to be more seamless, and settling of the surface is more unlikely than it would be for other methods. In other words, this type of fix makes it less likely for future potholes to form on your surface.

FAQ

Will new asphalt stick to old asphalt? 

You can ensure the new asphalt adheres to your old asphalt surface by using a tack coat beforehand. The overlay should generally be about 2 inches thick.

How do you fix a crumbling asphalt driveway?

You can use an asphalt paste patch for minor fixes to a crumbling driveway, but if your whole driveway is in disrepair, it's probably best to replace the whole thing.

Can you resurface a cracked asphalt driveway?

If the cracks are shallow, you can resurface an asphalt driveway rather than replacing it. In the case of a resurfacing, you would replace the top layer of asphalt with new asphalt, which may add years to the life of your driveway.