Asphalt rarely fails without warning. Most problems show themselves months or years ahead. The key is knowing which signs are cosmetic, which need attention soon and which point to structural damage. Here are the seven we look for during a site visit, ranked roughly by urgency.
1. Alligator cracking
Interconnected, webbed cracks that look like reptile skin mean the base under that area has failed. This is the most serious common defect: it cannot be sealed away, and it spreads. That section needs structural repair — get eyes on it before it grows.
2. Potholes
A pothole is failed pavement plus a liability hazard plus an open drain into your base, all at once. Patch promptly; in winter, even a temporary cold patch beats an open hole collecting water.
3. Standing water
Puddles that linger after rain mark settled areas or blocked drainage — and water that sits on asphalt is water working on it. Drainage problems multiply every other defect on this list.
4. Linear cracks widening year over year
Single cracks are a normal sign of age and are usually easy to repair. A crack that is wider than last season points to movement underneath. Fill it while simple crack filling can still handle the problem.
5. Raveling
Surface texture going loose and pebbly — aggregate separating from the binder — means oxidation is advanced. If raveling is shallow, sealcoating can slow it dramatically; deep raveling points toward resurfacing.
6. Crumbling edges
Unsupported pavement edges break under tire load and creep inward. Edge rebuilds during resurfacing — and keeping vehicles off unsupported edges — stop the creep.
7. Fading and graying
The least urgent and most visible sign: UV has oxidized the surface binder. Gray asphalt is dry asphalt, and dry asphalt cracks sooner. It's the body's way of asking for sealcoat before bigger problems start.
Cheap rule: anything on this list above #4 deserves a professional look this season, not next.
