Your asphalt driveway will not last forever. It is possible for your driveway to lose its quality through deterioration and age, leading to cracks and other road damage. There are times when where gets too bad, and the asphalt needs to be replaced. If your asphalt driveway has experienced any of the following issues, then you should consider replacing it. 

Cracking

Cracks in an asphalt driveway can mean a lot of things. They could simply be cracks from frost heaves or they could be cracks that indicate that the entire surface needs to be replaced. If you have cracks in your asphalt driveway, talk with an asphalt contractor to see if it's time for a replacement or if there are other solutions available.

Potholes or Broken Areas

One of the most common problems with asphalt driveways is potholes or broken areas that occur when joints crack or separate over time. This can lead to water seeping into the ground and creating a muddy mess that ruins both your driveway and landscape. It's also dangerous for drivers who might lose control of their vehicles when driving over these holes in the road.

Potholes can be repaired by filling them with hot tar or patching them with cement, but if they're too large or numerous, it may be best to simply replace your entire driveway instead.

Sun Damage

The sun's rays are one of the biggest causes of asphalt damage. Direct sunlight can break down the asphalt's ingredients over time, which can cause cracks or ruts in your driveway. In addition, excessive heat can cause the asphalt itself to expand and contract at different rates due to temperature changes throughout the year. This causes cracks in your driveway that can become bigger over time if left untreated.

Drainage Problems

If water is pooling up in your driveway, you may need to replace it. Asphalt driveways are porous, which means that when they absorb water, they can develop cracks and other problems. Drainage problems can cause serious damage over time, so it's important to address drainage issues as soon as possible.

Shifting or Sinking

If your driveway is sinking into the ground or shifting in one direction, then this could indicate underlying problems with your foundation. Asphalt driveways are typically installed on top of concrete slabs, but if those slabs aren't level or straight enough, then they can cause issues for your asphalt driveway.

Contact a residential asphalt paving contractor to find out if it is time to have your driveway replaced.