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The average cost to repair an asphalt driveway is around $2,459 to $2,500. However, prices can range from $100 for minor DIY crack filling to over $4,000 for more extensive professional work. Costs are often calculated per foot, with minor repairs costing $1 to $3 per linear foot and heavier damage like potholes, sinking, or crumbling costing $2 to $5 per linear foot. Patching smaller potholes can cost around $2 to $3 per square foot. The final price depends on the severity and extent of the damage, driveway design, local contractor rates, and whether sealing is included. For major repairs, it is recommended to hire a professional, and you may get a better deal by bundling repair and sealing services together.

A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It’s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.

You should contact your driveway installer before winterizing a newly installed driveway. Winterizing it before the asphalt or concrete has fully cured can damage the driveway. But in many cases, you don't need to winterize a newly installed driveway anyway since it's likely freshly sealed and won't have much damage yet. 

Gravel is one of the few driveway materials that can handle rain the second it’s installed. Unlike asphalt, which needs days to set, or concrete, which requires weeks to cure, gravel is ready as soon as it’s compacted. It’s naturally permeable, allowing water to drain straight through—with no risk of pooling or surface damage. Gravel driveways are one of the most affordable, at $1 to $3 per square foot, and can also last upward of 100 years.