Driveway and walkway maintenance — cracks settling and resurfacing

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

Your driveway has cracks. Are they normal or a sign of serious problems? Should you seal it? Fill cracks? Leave it alone? Your driveway is designed to be driven and walked on for 15-20+ years. Small cracks are normal. Large or widening cracks indicate problems. Knowing the difference prevents you from either ignoring problems that cost thousands to fix or overreacting to normal wear.

Normal Wear Versus Problems

Concrete and asphalt both crack over time. Freeze-thaw cycles expand and contract the material. Moisture infiltrates and causes damage. Use creates wear. Small cracks (less than one-quarter inch) are cosmetic. Larger cracks allow water underneath, accelerating deterioration.

Small cracks are normal cosmetic aging. Sealing slows further deterioration but isn’t urgent.

Large cracks (one-half inch or wider) or cracks that are widening indicate structural settling or serious damage. These need attention.

Spalling (concrete breaking into chunks and flaking) indicates freeze-thaw damage or water saturation. This accelerates deterioration.

Heaving (sections of pavement buckled or raised) indicates soil movement underneath or frost heave. This is serious.

Alligatoring (a pattern of small interconnected cracks, like an alligator’s skin) indicates the pavement is failing and approaching end of life.

Asphalt Versus Concrete

Asphalt lasts 15-20 years. It softens in heat and hardens in cold. Sealing every 2-3 years protects it from water and UV. Cracks should be filled to prevent water intrusion. Resurfacing (overlaying new asphalt) costs less than complete replacement and extends life 7-10 years.

Concrete lasts 25-30+ years if maintained. It’s more durable than asphalt but more prone to cracking and spalling in freeze-thaw climates. Sealing protects it. Cracks should be filled. Replacement is expensive—grinding and pouring new concrete costs significantly more than asphalt overlay.

Maintenance

Cleaning. Dirt, leaves, and debris accumulate. Power washing annually cleans and reveals damage you might not see under dirt. Cost is minimal (rent power washer for $50-100).

Filling cracks. Concrete crack filler (caulk-like material) costs $10-30 and fills small cracks. For larger cracks, professional filling is better. Cost is $100-300 for driveway.

Sealing. Asphalt sealing (every 2-3 years) protects from water and UV. Cost is $100-300 for typical driveway. Concrete sealing (every 3-5 years) provides similar protection. Cost is similar.

Patching. Small potholes or damaged areas can be patched. Cost is $100-500 depending on size.

Resurfacing. Asphalt overlay adds a new layer on top of existing asphalt. Cost is $500-2,000 depending on size. Extends life 7-10 years.

Replacement. Complete removal and replacement is most expensive option. Cost is $2,000-5,000+ depending on size and whether you’re doing concrete or asphalt.

Snow and Ice

In cold climates, salt or sand are applied for traction. Salt damages pavement and vegetation. Sand is less damaging. After winter, rinse salt off with water if possible. Salt accelerates concrete spalling and asphalt deterioration.

Avoid aggressive shoveling that damages pavement. Plastic shovels are gentler than metal.

DIY Versus Professional

Cleaning and sealing are DIY. Power washing is doable (rent equipment). Filling small cracks is DIY. Patching and resurfacing are professional jobs requiring specialized equipment and expertise.

Preventing Problems

Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs. Seal asphalt every 2-3 years ($100-300). Fill cracks as they appear ($10-30 DIY or $100-300 professional). Clean regularly ($50-100). These small costs prevent needing resurfacing or replacement ($2,000-5,000+).

Making This a Habit

Power wash your driveway annually in spring. This cleans it and reveals any damage you should address. Seal asphalt every 2-3 years. After winter, inspect for freeze-thaw damage or new cracks.

The Bottom Line

Driveway maintenance is cost-effective investment. Sealing and crack filling costs hundreds but prevents needing resurfacing or replacement costing thousands. Don’t ignore large cracks or heaving—these accelerate failure. Maintain regularly and your driveway lasts its full designed lifespan.

© The Whole Home Guide