A driveway should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper installation and care. But sometimes, homeowners inherit a poorly installed driveway that begins to fail long before it should. Thin base layers, bad compaction, and poor drainage can all lead to cracks, sinking spots, and other problems within just a few years.
If you’re dealing with asphalt that’s falling apart too soon, you might wonder if resurfacing can help. This article explores the signs of poor installation, how resurfacing can act as a corrective or temporary solution, and when full replacement is the only option.
Driveways that start deteriorating early often show telltale signs of bad workmanship. Understanding these can help you decide on the best fix.
One of the most common signs of a poorly installed driveway is cracks forming within a year or two of installation. This usually indicates a thin base layer or lack of proper compaction underneath the asphalt. Uneven or sunken spots where water pools are another clue that the foundation wasn’t prepared correctly.
Other red flags include:
If you notice these issues, the original installation likely wasn’t done to standard, making long-term durability a challenge.
The base beneath your driveway is what gives it strength and stability. Without a solid foundation, even fresh asphalt can break down faster than expected.
A proper driveway base is made of compacted layers of gravel and aggregate. If this step was skipped or done poorly, the surface might flex and settle unevenly under the weight of vehicles. This leads to widespread cracks, dips, and other failing driveway symptoms that simple patching can’t fix.
Unfortunately, resurfacing only adds a new layer on top. While this can improve appearance and function temporarily, it won’t solve deep structural problems.
Resurfacing can help some damaged driveways last longer, but it’s not a magic fix. It works best when the underlying base is mostly stable and the damage is limited to the surface layer. In many cases, resurfacing acts as a temporary solution, giving homeowners a few extra years before major repairs or full replacement is required. Understanding what resurfacing can and cannot do may help you set realistic expectations.
Resurfacing may extend the life of a driveway if:
This process involves applying a fresh asphalt layer, sealing small imperfections, smoothing uneven areas, and improving the overall appearance of your driveway. By adding a protective layer, resurfacing can slow down further deterioration and help prevent water infiltration. In ideal conditions, it can buy you several more years before significant repairs or replacement are needed.
If you have a poorly installed driveway, or one with deep cracks, major sinking, or ongoing drainage problems that affect its base, resurfacing alone won’t work. Adding new asphalt on top of a weak foundation might only mask the underlying issues temporarily. Over time, the new layer can settle, crack, and deteriorate just like the old one, leaving you with the same problems and additional expenses.
Replacement is the better choice when:
While resurfacing can’t fix every problem, it still offers benefits for certain damaged asphalt surfaces. It can:
For homeowners not ready to invest in a full replacement, resurfacing can be a practical way to stabilize a driveway, reduce hazards, and extend its life temporarily until a more permanent fix can be made.
Mid-Page CTA Take control of your driveway issues with residential asphalt solutions from Phillips Paving.
Choosing between resurfacing and replacement comes down to understanding the root cause of the damage. A trusted contractor can inspect your driveway, test the base, and recommend the right solution based on its condition.
Factors to consider include:
Getting the right fix now can save you money and hassle later.
Dealing with a poorly installed driveway can be frustrating, so it’s important to select a contractor who can deliver durable, high-quality results. Look for a team that uses proven techniques and reliable materials, and one that focuses on correcting underlying issues instead of just covering them up.
A good contractor should offer:
Don’t let a bad installation ruin your driveway for good. Let Phillips Paving help you decide whether resurfacing can extend its life or if full replacement is the better investment. Contact us today for a free consultation and get a long-lasting solution you can rely on.
https://phillipspaving.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-Resurfacing-Your-Driveway-Can-Prevent-Foundation-Issues_.jpg
1250
2000
Abstrakt Marketing
/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Phillips-Paving-logo.png
Abstrakt Marketing2025-08-15 15:48:372025-08-22 09:39:39Driveway Drainage: How Resurfacing Your Driveway Can Prevent Foundation Issues
