Your driveway sees a massive amount of general wear and tear, as it is not only exposed to varying weather conditions throughout the year, but also has to contend with the weight and chemicals that come from having vehicles parked on it constantly. This can take a toll on the structural integrity of your asphalt, and can cause a number of problems for your driveway. Understanding some of the signs that your driveway is in disrepair can help you determine when you need to get in contact with a paving professional about resurfacing your driveway and restoring its strength.

Cracks and Physical Damage

The most obvious indication that you should have your driveway resurfaced is if you notice any signs of physical damage to the surface of your driveway. This can take the form of cracks, from minor spiderwebs to large crevasses and potholes, which resemble craters in your driveway and can actually be quite deep. Furthermore, you should pay attention to the edges of your driveway as well because they are often the first part of your asphalt to begin to crumble, and their deterioration can quickly spread inwards to the rest of your driveway. Resurfacing can do a better job of restoring the structural integrity of your driveway than individual patch and repair jobs centered on specific cracks and potholes can.

Drainage Issues

Another fairly clear indication that you should get in touch with a paving contractor to resurface your driveway is if you notice that there are drainage issues on your paved surface during and after rainfall. This includes water that is left standing in puddles on your driveway, as it points to changes in the slope and shape of the driveway that comes with age and wear. These depressions in the surface of your driveway can make cracks more likely to occur, and the increased water exposure can also take a toll on your asphalt's integrity.

Faded Color

One of the most important, but often overlooked, signs that your asphalt driveway is in need of being resurfaced is if you notice that there is a significant color change. Asphalt is supposed to be a dark black color, but over time, due to UV and weather exposure, can turn gray. This is much more than a simple change in aesthetics, as gray asphalt has become much more brittle than it is supposed to be, and it can easily crumble and break as a result.