How much does it cost to repair an asphalt driveway?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Asphalt driveways are commonly found on many properties because asphalt offers many advantages. It is a strong and durable material that withstands changing weather conditions and temperatures well, similar to concrete. However, asphalt driveways are prone to problems. They can suffer from water damage, cracks, potholes, and sunken sections, and you need a professional to repair your driveway when this happens.

The national average cost of asphalt driveway repairs is between $400 and $1,200. Most homeowners pay around $750 for repairing a 200 sq.ft. section of crumbling driveway. This project’s low cost is $100 to cold patch a small crack. The high cost is $3,000 to repair a 600 sq.ft. section of a sunken driveway.

Cost to Repair an Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt Repair Cost per Square Foot

Homeowners pay between $2 and $5 per sq.ft. for asphalt driveway repairs. Costs can be higher, depending on the repair method and the damage’s extent. Different repair companies and workers may also have various methods of calculating costs. They often charge per square foot when dealing with crumbling areas and potholes, but they might charge you in linear feet when fixing problems like cracks. Expect to pay between $1 and $3 per linear foot.

The table below shows common sizes, along with average repair costs. However, remember that repair jobs do not need to cover the entire driveway. For example, you might have a small pothole or sunken section in your driveway, so your repair costs are not necessarily as high as those in the table.

Cost to Repair an Asphalt Driveway by Type of Repair

A range of problems can arise with an asphalt driveway, from cracks and potholes to sunken sections and crumbling areas. The repair costs are strongly influenced by the type of problem because some issues are much cheaper and easier to fix than others. The table below shows common asphalt driveway problems and the average repair costs.

Asphalt Driveway Crack Repair

Homeowners pay between $100 and $400 for asphalt driveway crack repair. Cracks may appear on old, worn-out sections of asphalt driveway for various reasons. Often, the main cause of a crack is poor drainage, resulting in water build-up and wear on the asphalt. Cracks also occur from impacts and accidents and must be filled and sealed.

Asphalt Driveway Pothole Repair

Repairing a pothole on an asphalt driveway ranges from $150 to $400. The price depends on the pothole size and depth. Like cracks, potholes often occur from poor drainage. Usually, they start as cracks but expand as water fills them. Potholes must be filled with fresh asphalt or resurfaced to repair the issue.

Grass Growing Through the Asphalt

Homeowners pay between $150 and $550 for repairs when grass grows through an asphalt driveway. If you have grass growing through your asphalt, it may mean there are small cracks in the driveway. It could also be that the soil was not treated properly with weed-killer before the asphalt was laid. Weed-killers must be used to kill the grasses, and small cracks need filling to fix this issue.

Asphalt Driveway Apron Repair

Asphalt driveway apron repairs cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the amount of damage and repair type. The apron connects the driveway with the street. Asphalt aprons are at risk of sinking due to frequent exposure to foot and vehicle traffic, heat, and water. Small sunken areas can be repaired relatively cheaply, but full apron resurfacing can cost much more.

Tree Roots Pushing Up an Asphalt Driveway

Fixing tree roots pushing up your asphalt driveway costs between $300 and $1,200. Tree roots may grow under asphalt driveways if trees are nearby, and this can cause serious and unsightly damage. The costs should not be too high if you spot the roots early and remove them. However, costs may be higher, and you may even pay for tree removal or set root barriers if large roots appear under the drive.

Crumbling Asphalt Driveway Repair

Homeowners pay $300 to $1,500 for crumbling asphalt driveway repair. It can be a worrying sign to see dry, crumbling sections of an asphalt driveway. This damage can easily get worse if left unattended. Loose materials must be cleaned out, deep cracks need filling and compacting, and fresh asphalt is applied and smoothed out to fix crumbling sections and edges.

Sunken Asphalt Driveway Repair

The cost of sunken asphalt driveway repair averages $500 to $3,000. The price depends on the sinkage severity. Driveways may sink from various factors, such as improper installation, poor drainage, or too much traffic before the asphalt has cured. To fix it, loose or damaged asphalt is removed, the area cleaned, and then repair workers apply asphalt emulsion and asphalt repair mix.

Asphalt Driveway Repair Cost by Solution

Repair workers use various repair methods to fix your driveway’s issue, depending on the problem. If there is a crack, they usually fill it in. However, it might need a different treatment like resurfacing if the driveway is crumbling. Different repair methods have differing costs.

Blacktop Driveway Crack Filler

Homeowners pay between $100 and $400 for crack filling on an asphalt driveway. Cracks occur for various reasons, including changing temperatures. Freezing ice and thawing water expand and contract, generating cracks that become larger as more water and dirt fill them. Filling cracks is the best way to deal with this, but dirt or loose material must be cleaned out first.

Patch an Asphalt Driveway

The average cost to patch asphalt driveways is between $100 and $400. Patching is one of the most common repair methods used on asphalt driveways, and it is perfect for dealing with superficial damages like cracks and holes. Different patching types may be used, and the table below shows the average cost for each.

Cold Patch Asphalt Driveway Cost

Homeowners pay between $100 and $200 for cold patch asphalt repairs. Cold patching is the cheapest patching type but also one of the least effective. Usually, it is only used as a temporary quick fix, often during the winter, when hot patching is not possible. Cold patching is good for covering holes quickly and preventing further immediate damage, but it is not a long-term solution.

Hot Patch Asphalt Driveway Cost

The average cost of hot patch asphalt driveway repairs is between $100 and $250. Hot patches are applied at higher temperatures. This means they are more solid and efficient and fill cracks or holes up to 2” in depth. This patch should last for between 1 to 2 years, but the conditions must be right for hot patching because it cannot be done on cold winter days.

Infrared Asphalt Repair Cost

The cost for infrared asphalt repair averages $100 to $300. Infrared patching is when an infrared hat loosens the existing section of asphalt, making it easier for the repair workers to add new material. It is a fast method and patches most cracks and holes in under an hour. It can also be used year-round. However, it cannot be used on certain types of cracks.

Saw Cut Asphalt Driveway Cost

The average cost for saw cut patch repairs to asphalt driveways is between $150 and $400, making this the most expensive patching job. Saw cut patching involves contractors sawing out the old sections of damaged asphalt and filling the area with a new base and hot-mix asphalt. The new section is compacted and sealed to prevent further damage. This is the best method for long-term repairs with the smoothest final result.

Seal an Asphalt Driveway

The average cost to seal an asphalt driveway ranges from $355 to $600. Sealing the driveway protects it from water damage. This should be done regularly, about every 2 to 5 years. Several sealant types can be used on your driveway, and costs usually depend on the driveway size.

Resurface an Asphalt Driveway

Homeowners pay $500 to $2,000 for asphalt driveway resurfacing. The price mostly depends on the driveway size and condition. Resurfacing is a good method if your driveway is not too old, less than 20 years, and has multiple cracks and superficial problems but still has a strong base. It involves patching cracks and covering the surface with up to 2” of hot asphalt.

Labor Costs to Repair an Asphalt Driveway

Driveway repair professionals can have fixed fees for different repair jobs or charge by the hour, averaging between $50 and $150 per hour. Some have a minimal charge or call-out fee, ranging from $50 to $100. Rates vary by state, and you might also have to pay extra to cover travel costs if the repairman has to travel a long distance.

Asphalt Driveway Maintenance

A good way to reduce the risks of asphalt damage and repairs is to ensure your asphalt driveway is well-maintained.

Maintenance for asphalt driveways begins immediately after they are installed. The asphalt is in its most vulnerable state in the early days and weeks. It is wise not to park on it for several days until it is dry and set.

In the weeks that follow, avoid parking on it during very hot days because the heat may soften the asphalt.

Once the asphalt has cured, a process that can take 6 to 12 months, you can start using the driveway more freely and parking on it whenever you like.

However, you still need to look after the driveway by doing visual inspections to look for early signs of cracks, holes, and other weaknesses. Treat small cracks and damages quickly.

The driveway should also be sealed every 2 to 5 years to reduce the risk of water damage. Standing water should be cleared away because water is one of the biggest threats to asphalt surfaces.

The driveway edges should also be checked often for signs of crumbling. Weeds or grasses causing cracks around the edges should be removed.

Try to keep the driveway clean, avoid gas or oil spills from your vehicle, and use a broom to sweep dirt and debris away.

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Repair vs Replace an Asphalt Driveway

You may be faced with the decision of repairing or replacing your asphalt driveway. Often, the best course of action is to repair the driveway. This is cheaper, simpler, and faster in most cases.

However, it may be more logical and cost-effective to replace the driveway in some situations. For example, a new driveway might be the best option if it has suffered extensive damage or been poorly maintained over the years. It is also recommended to think about driveway replacement once your driveway reaches a certain age.

If your driveway is 25 years old or more, damage is much more likely to occur in holes, cracks, and crumbling sections. It is only a temporary fix if you have the driveway repaired or resurfaced, and more issues are likely to occur soon after. In this situation, it may be best to consider a new driveway. The average cost for new asphalt driveways is between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pressure Wash an Asphalt Driveway

Pressure washing an asphalt driveway averages $135 to $180. Pressure washing is a great way to clean dirt, debris, and stains from the driveway. Many hire professionals for this service because asphalt responds better to low pressure and must be cleaned with care for the best results.

Weed Control

Most homeowners spend between $65 and $150 to have a professional weed control service on their asphalt driveway. The service might also include weed control for the rest of your front yard or lawn. This can be an important service to get for your driveway because weeds grow in and around the asphalt, causing cracks and damage.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Site preparation. Sometimes, repairmen might ask you to do some preparation work to clean up the driveway before they start fixing it. This might include clearing dirt, loose rocks, and vegetation.
• Permit. You may need a permit for certain driveway repairs, especially extensive repair jobs that involve resurfacing. Many driveway repairs do not need a permit, but check with your local building authority to be sure.
• DIY. You can handle certain repairs on your own if you have some experience in working with driveways. Homeowners can patch minor cracks and holes with the right equipment, such as caulking guns and asphalt paste patches. However, it is best to call in a professional for larger repairs.
• Weather. Most asphalt driveway repairs should be carried out on dry and sunny days. This is because new asphalt and other products applied to the driveway usually need time to dry, and they dry more easily without rain or snow.
• Wait. If new asphalt is being applied to your driveway, wait 2 to 3 days before walking or driving on it. Asphalt needs up to 3 days to dry enough to withstand weight from foot and vehicle traffic. If you only have the asphalt resurfaced, it should be safe to walk and drive on after 6 hours. Speak with your repairman for more information.
• Home value. A good-quality asphalt driveway that is well-maintained can add value to your home. So, have the driveway checked and spruced up when preparing to sell your property.