How to Fix Common Driveway Problems: A DIY Guide and When to Call a Professional

Maintaining Your Driveway’s Integrity and Appearance

Your driveway is more than just a place to park your car—it’s the welcoming path to your home and a significant factor in your property’s curb appeal and value. Over time, exposure to harsh weather, heavy vehicles, and everyday use can lead to various forms of damage that require attention.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify and fix the most common driveway problems yourself, while also helping you recognize when it’s time to bring in professional expertise from Hackensack Paving Company. With the right approach, you can extend your driveway’s lifespan and maintain its appearance for years to come.

Common Driveway Problems and DIY Solutions

Tackling Surface Cracks

Small surface cracks are often the first sign of driveway aging and, if left untreated, can worsen quickly—especially during New Jersey’s freeze-thaw cycles.

DIY Solution: For cracks less than ¼ inch wide:

1. Thoroughly clean the crack using a pressure washer or garden hose with a strong nozzle attachment
2. Allow the area to dry completely (at least 24 hours in sunny conditions)
3. Apply an appropriate crack filler product:
   • Use asphalt crack filler for asphalt driveways
   • Use concrete crack filler for concrete driveways
4. Smooth the surface with a putty knife and allow to cure according to product instructions
5. For asphalt driveways, consider applying a sealcoat to the entire driveway after repairs

When to Call a Professional: Contact Hackensack Paving Company when you notice:

• Cracks wider than ¼ inch
• Multiple cracks forming a network pattern (alligatoring)
• Cracks that have developed significant depth
• Recurring cracks that return despite DIY repairs

Repairing Potholes

Potholes form when water penetrates the driveway surface, weakening the base material. They’re particularly common in older asphalt driveways or those that weren’t properly installed.

DIY Solution: For small to medium potholes in asphalt driveways:

1. Clean out loose debris and ensure the hole is dry
2. Apply a layer of cold asphalt patch material
3. Compact the material using a tamper or the end of a 4×4 piece of lumber
4. Add more material if needed, building up in 1-inch layers
5. Allow the patch to cure for at least 24 hours before driving over it

When to Call a Professional: Professional repair is recommended when:

• Potholes are larger than 12 inches in diameter
• Multiple potholes have developed across your driveway
• The pothole seems to have affected the driveway’s foundation
• You have a concrete driveway with significant potholes

Fixing Oil and Chemical Stains

Oil leaks from vehicles can create unsightly stains and potentially weaken your driveway surface over time.

DIY Solution: For fresh oil stains:

1. Blot (don’t wipe) excess oil with rags or paper towels
2. Cover the stain with an absorbent material like cat litter, baking soda, or commercial oil absorbent
3. Allow the absorbent material to sit for 24 hours
4. Sweep away and dispose of the absorbent material
5. Scrub the area with a degreaser and stiff brush
6. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose

For older, set-in stains:

1. Apply a commercial concrete or asphalt degreaser
2. Allow it to penetrate according to product instructions
3. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush
4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary

When to Call a Professional: Consider professional cleaning when:

• Stains have deeply penetrated the surface
• DIY methods have been unsuccessful after multiple attempts
• The stained area shows signs of deterioration
• You need to prepare for sealcoating or resurfacing

Addressing Drainage Issues

Poor drainage can lead to standing water, which accelerates driveway deterioration and can even affect your home’s foundation.

DIY Solution: For minor drainage issues:

1. Install channel drains at the bottom of sloped driveways
2. Create a crown (high point) in the middle of the driveway during resurfacing
3. Ensure your gutters direct water away from the driveway
4. Consider installing a French drain alongside the driveway

When to Call a Professional: Seek professional assistance when:

• Standing water consistently pools on your driveway
• Water flows toward your home’s foundation
• Your property has significant grading issues
• You need major structural changes to improve drainage

Dealing with Crumbling Edges

Driveway edges often crumble first because they lack the structural support of the main driveway area.

DIY Solution: For minor edge damage:

1. Remove loose and crumbling material
2. Clean the area thoroughly
3. Create forms using lumber to hold the repair material
4. Mix patching compound according to instructions
5. Fill the damaged area and smooth the surface
6. Allow to cure completely before removing forms

When to Call a Professional: Professional repair is necessary when:

• Large sections of the edge are crumbling
• The damage extends more than a few inches into the driveway
• The base material beneath is exposed or damaged
• You want to install edge restraints to prevent future damage

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Prevent future driveway problems with these maintenance practices:

1. Regular Cleaning: Remove debris, dirt, and leaves regularly to prevent staining and water accumulation
2. Sealcoating: Apply sealant to asphalt driveways every 2-3 years (best done in spring or fall in New Jersey’s climate)
3. Prompt Repairs: Address small cracks and problems immediately before they worsen
4. Proper Snow Removal: Use plastic shovels instead of metal ones and avoid harsh deicing chemicals
5. Weight Distribution: Avoid parking heavy vehicles in the same spot repeatedly

When to Consider Complete Driveway Replacement

Sometimes repairs aren’t enough. Consider replacement when:

• Your driveway is more than 20 years old
• More than 25% of the surface shows damage
• The foundation has significant failure
• Repairs would cost more than 50% of replacement

Professional Services from Hackensack Paving Company

When your driveway problems exceed DIY solutions, our team offers:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Expert evaluation of your driveway’s condition
• Professional Crack Filling: Industrial-grade materials and techniques
• Pothole Repairs: Proper base preparation and premium filling materials
• Drainage Solutions: Custom systems to prevent water damage
• Complete Resurfacing: Rejuvenate your driveway without full replacement
• New Driveway Installation: When replacement is the best option

Contact Us for Your Driveway Evaluation

Not sure if your driveway problem needs professional attention? Contact Hackensack Paving Company at 201-514-6060 for a free assessment. Our experts will provide honest recommendations on whether a DIY fix will suffice or if professional intervention is needed.