7 Signs Your Asphalt Needs Repaving, Not Patching

1. Alligator cracking

Interconnected cracks in a scaled pattern mean the base has failed under that area. Sealer and surface patches won't hold.

2. Widespread potholes

Isolated potholes are repairable. Potholes reappearing in multiple areas mean water is already in the base.

3. Standing water

Puddles that linger more than a day after rain indicate settlement or a grade problem that only rebuilding will fix.

4. Depth of damage

If cracks go through the full pavement thickness and you can see stone, you're past surface treatments.

5. Age past 20 years

At that point you're usually maintaining a surface that has lost most of its binder.

6. Repair cost creeping up

When yearly patching approaches a quarter of replacement cost, resurfacing is the better financial call.

7. Raveling

Loose aggregate coming off in sheets means the binder has oxidized beyond recovery.