10 Common Asphalt Driveway Problems and How to Fix Them

By P&J Asphalt Paving | Jacksonville, Florida | www.pjasphaltpaving.com

Your asphalt driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home, but it’s also one of the most exposed parts of your property. In Jacksonville, Florida, where sun, rain, and humidity are constant factors, even well-installed asphalt surfaces can develop issues over time.

At P&J Asphalt Paving, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners protect and repair their driveways. Whether you’re dealing with cracks, sinking, or fading, knowing the cause—and the solution—can help extend the life of your asphalt and save you money in the long run.

Here are the 10 most common asphalt pavement driveway issues, along with how to fix them:

1. Cracks in the Asphalt driveway

Problem: Small cracks are inevitable over time, especially with temperature changes and water penetration.

Solution:
Use a professional-grade asphalt crack filler to seal small cracks before they grow. For larger or widespread cracking, infrared patching or resurfacing may be needed. P&J offers both services in Jacksonville.

2. Potholes in Asphalt Driveway

Problem: Potholes form when water seeps into cracks, erodes the base, and causes the surface to collapse under pressure.

Solution:
Potholes should be professionally cleaned and filled with hot mix asphalt, then compacted. For long-term prevention, address drainage issues and schedule regular maintenance.

3. Alligator Cracking

Problem: This web-like pattern looks like alligator skin and is often a sign of foundation failure or heavy load stress.

Solution:
This is not a surface issue—base repairs are necessary. The damaged area must be removed, the base stabilized, and new asphalt applied.

4. Drainage Problems / Standing Water

Problem: Puddles or standing water weaken the asphalt, encourage algae growth, and lead to deeper structural damage.

Solution:
Regrading the surface, installing French drains or swales, and improving runoff paths can resolve drainage issues. P&J Asphalt Paving provides custom drainage solutions for homes in Jacksonville.

5. Faded or Graying Asphalt

Problem: Over time, UV rays and oxidation cause asphalt to lose its rich black color and become brittle.

Solution:
A fresh coat of sealcoat every 2–3 years will restore appearance and provide UV protection. Sealcoating is one of the easiest and most affordable maintenance steps.

6. Edge Cracks

Problem: Cracks forming along the edges of your driveway often come from weak base support or lack of proper grading.

Solution:
Install reinforced edging like concrete curbs or gravel shoulders to prevent edge breakdown. Address any root issues or heavy vehicle stress that could be contributing.

7. Oil Stains and Chemical Spills

Problem: Oil and fuel spills can soften the asphalt and stain the surface, leading to deterioration.

Solution:
Clean spills immediately using degreasers and a stiff brush. For older stains, professional surface treatment or patching may be required.

8. Raveling

Problem: The surface of the asphalt starts to loosen and disintegrate, with small rocks or pieces breaking away.

Solution:
Raveling can be fixed with slurry seal or micro-surfacing if caught early. In advanced cases, resurfacing or full replacement may be necessary.

9. Sinking or Depressions

Problem: Low spots or sunken areas often result from poor compaction or water infiltration in the base layer.

Solution:
Cut and remove the sunken section, reinforce the base, and repave with new asphalt. Proper grading will also help prevent this in the future.

10. Tree Root Damage

Problem: Roots from nearby trees can lift and crack the surface, leading to uneven areas and tripping hazards.

Solution:
Remove roots if possible and repave. For long-term control, consider root barriers or replacing nearby trees with less invasive species.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Asphalt Problems

• ✅ Schedule sealcoating every 2–3 years
• ✅ Inspect and repair small cracks early
• ✅ Avoid heavy vehicles parking in the same spot repeatedly
• ✅ Keep your driveway clean of debris, oil, and standing water
• ✅ Invest in proper drainage and edge support during installation

Need Help With Asphalt Repairs in Jacksonville?

At P&J Asphalt Paving, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of residential asphalt driveway problems. Whether you need a quick patch, full resurfacing, or an entirely new driveway with proper grading and drainage—we’re here to help.

📍 Serving Jacksonville and all surrounding Northeast Florida communities
📞 Call now for a free driveway inspection and estimate

P&J Asphalt Paving – Jacksonville’s Trusted Name in Driveway Repair and Maintenance

Serving Jacksonville, Florida & Beyond

As a trusted Jacksonville paving company, we are the go-to paving company for North Florida, serving Duval County, Nassau County, Baker County, Clay County, and St. Johns County. From Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach to Macclenny, Green Cove Springs, and St. Augustine, our asphalt paving experts deliver smooth, durable surfaces for driveways, parking lots, private roads and more. Using top-grade materials and proven paving techniques, we ensure every project meets the highest standards for quality, safety, and longevity. Whether you need new asphalt installation, resurfacing, or sealcoating, we provide dependable paving services throughout Northeast Florida within 75 miles of Jacksonville.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

• Asphalt Driveway Installs
• Driveway Sealcoating
• Driveway Resurfacing
• Complete Overlays
• Fine grading services
• Driveway Crack & Pothole Filling
• Asphalt Driveway Repairs
• Driveway Widening
• Driveway Lengthening
• Asphalt Millings
• Blacktop
• Concrete pavements

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

• Private Streets and Private Roads
• Parking Lot Repairs
• Parking Lot Signage
• Parking Lot Striping (Line Painting)
• Parking Lot Sealcoating
• HOA Roading
• Condo Association Asphalt
• Drain, Curb, Sidewalk Repair
• Paving for Church parking lots

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

• Warehouse Asphalt Repair
• Warehouse Repaving
• Gas Station Paving
• Industrial Roadways
• Mall Parking Lots
• Commuter Parking Lots
• Drainage & Stormwater
• Truck Stop Paving

Resources

Asphalt Institute – Pavement Preservation & Maintenance
National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) – Asphalt Facts
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Stormwater Management with Pervious Surfaces

P&J Asphalt Paving is a family-owned paving contractor proudly based in Jacksonville, Florida, serving residential and commercial clients within a 100-mile radius. Our experienced team delivers high-quality asphalt paving, driveway installations, resurfacing, and repairs throughout Northeast and North Central Florida. We proudly serve major cities and surrounding areas including St. Augustine, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Palm Coast, Lake City, Gainesville, Palatka, and Keystone Heights. Whether you’re upgrading your driveway or paving a large commercial lot, you can count on P&J Asphalt Paving for reliable, durable, and professional results backed by local expertise.