Crack the asphalt code
Transverse cracks from harder asphalt run perpendicular to your pavement and happen when the asphalt grade is too hard for your climate.
Expect to pay $5,248 on average for asphalt driveway replacement when cracks like fatigue or block cracking become too severe to repair.
Seal small cracks early to prevent water infiltration, which causes underlying material settling and leads to more extensive pavement damage over time.
Hiring a local asphalt repair professional provides reliable support for identifying crack types and completing repairs like full-depth patching or overlay replacement.
Asphalt cracks are more than just unsightly—they can be hazardous and lead to further damage. While asphalt is a durable material, time and wear can cause even the best-installed surfaces to crack. Understanding the different types of cracks, how they form, and, most importantly, their causes can help you determine the best path to repair.
| Type of Crack | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Edge | Underlying material settling; tree roots; improper drainage | Seal cracks, remove nearby plants, improve drainage |
| Reflection | New asphalt installed over existing, cracked asphalt | Full replacement |
| Slippage | Poor bonding; inadequate asphalt mix | Full-depth patching to the asphalt; sometimes, replacement is necessary |
| Fatigue | Heavy loads and inadequate asphalt | Full replacement with more durable asphalt |
| Transverse | Low-temperature thermal cracking or an asphalt grade unsuitable for the climate | Small cracks can be sealed, larger cracks will require full replacement |
| Block | Lack of moisture or extreme hot-cold temperature cycles | Small cracks can be sealed, larger cracks will require full replacement |
Edge cracks on asphalt are longitudinal and located near the edges of the pavement. They are caused by the underlying material “settling,” by soil drying, or a lack of lateral support. Trees and shrubs planted nearby can trigger these issues, with the roots lifting the edges of the asphalt. Improper drainage is another possible factor.
Reflection cracks occur when an asphalt overlay is improperly installed over existing cracked or jointed pavement. The movement of the underlying pavement causes cracks to reflect up to the surface layer. When reflection cracks occur, it’s best to tear up and replace the asphalt—this requires help from a local asphalt repair company.
Slippage cracks are crescent-shaped. There are several potential causes for slippage cracks: water or dirt between layers; poor bonding between the surface layer and underlying material; or an inadequate asphalt mix.
Sometimes known as “alligator cracking,” these cracks resemble the skin pattern of an alligator or crocodile. Alligator cracks occur because of repetitive heavy loads and asphalt layers that are too thin to accommodate the weight. Usually, you will need to tear out the old, thin asphalt and replace it with thicker, sturdier layers. If you are in need of a full replacement, note that the cost to install an asphalt driveway averages $5,248.
Transverse cracks run roughly perpendicular to the centerline of the pavement. These cracks can be caused by low-temperature thermal cracking or a hard asphalt grade unsuitable for the climate you live in. While transverse cracks are not often due to heavy loads, pressure and weight can exacerbate them.
If you notice giant rectangles or squares in your pavement, you have block cracks. These cracks can occur from a lack of moisture or extreme hot-cold temperature cycles, which causes the asphalt binder to contract or expand too slowly or quickly. If the cracks are small, they can usually be sealed; more severe block cracking will require overlay replacement.
Archie did a good job cleaning up the driveway before he laid down the sealer. It looks good. He was gracious and even helped me bring up my groceries. His rate was comparable to another company who came out to give me a quote and he talked to me personally rather than just text me a quote...
Pro Seal Roofing & PavingD1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCThis company went above and beyond with their work, chimney sweeps are usually pretty messy, but the clean up was spot on.!! Josh explained every thing that he was doing, and the things that he was checking to make sure the chimney was safe for me and my family. He was very professional,...
Supreme brick & chimneyFirst of all, the gentleman I dealt with (Cam?) was very responsive to my many questions and concerns throughout the project, which is a huge plus to me. From the first time I met him for the estimate all the way til the completion of the job, he and his crew were professional and respectful....
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesEd did a great job in installing stone to the outside of our house at a fair price
Ochoa StoneworksWorking with Peter and his crew was a breeze. They were exceptionally polite and did a neat job to repair and seal our driveway. I will definitely talk to them first for additional work.
Central PavingThe preformed a really good job the staff is incredible never been so happy with my home, A brand new driveway is like a face lift!!
Pristine PavingCalled Mark on a Thursday morning. Not really knowing if he could help me or not. I was having driveway, flooding issues due to a clogged channel drain and I was trying to figure out what direction to take. Heavy rains had come on Monday and again on Thursday leading to flooding in my garage...
Mark Rodgers ConstructionHad already met with 2 other contractors before Blue Ring, and Blue Ring's price quote for the work was better than either of the other 2, and the came out the next morning and cleaned up a very large fallen tree branch from a storm that was blocking my driveway. Work was completed in...
Blue Ring Residential Services, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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