How much does asphalt repair cost?

You can get a better idea of how much your asphalt repairs will cost by contacting asphalt repair pros near you and asking for a price estimate.

The minimum average cost to repair asphalt cracks ranges between $100 and $125 total. However, those costs can add up depending on the severity and extent of the damage.

Often, pros charge per linear foot to fill in small cracks. All Pro Paving in Perris, California, measures each crack individually to provide an estimate and typically charges $1 to $3 per linear foot. Price factors include how big the cracks are, how dirty the cracks are, whether the cracks have grass growing in them and how much labor is required to prep the cracks for repair.

On average, pothole repair costs a minimum of $120, but total costs can exceed $1,000. Many companies charge a minimum fee or have an asphalt load requirement. For example, All Pro Paving charges a $1,000 minimum fee to fix potholes and requires customers to purchase 2 tons of asphalt. This cost includes labor and materials.

The average cost of resurfacing is $3,200. Resurfacing is an essential piece of maintenance for asphalt driveways, parking lots and other asphalt hardscaping. As opposed to sealing, asphalt resurfacing involves installing a new layer on top. A contractor may recommend that you resurface your asphalt driveway if cracking and other damages are too extensive for patching and sealing.

One of the most important pieces of preventative maintenance for asphalt driveways and parking lots is seal coating. Some companies charge $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot to seal a driveway or parking lot.

Professionals frequently seal driveways and walkways to prevent cracks and holes from developing because of thermal expansion, the bearing of heavy loads over time and other damage. Various types of sealants are available. All Pro Paving uses a hot rubberized tar treatment to fill holes and seal the top layer of asphalt. 

Here are a couple of pricing examples:

• Standard driveway: $0.25 per square foot. One coat lasts two to three years, depending on the weather. Two coats last three to five years.
• Approximately 20,000 square feet of surface: $0.20 per square foot.

The texture of the driveway affects the overall price. Coarse driveways require more material (and cost more), and smoother pavement require less material. It’s recommended that you apply a sealant to your driveway every three to five years.

The average cost to repair an asphalt driveway is $1,230. Repairs may include patching cracks, performing pothole repair and fixing trouble spots like alligator cracks and depressed areas. Because asphalt problems can get away from you and lead to worse trouble later on, it’s important to address them early so they don’t compound.

The average cost of parking lot repairs is $5,990. Whether they’re made of concrete or asphalt, parking lots see a lot of vehicle damage and need maintenance and repair work every few years. Fixing cracks can help prevent moisture intrusion and halts the formation of potholes, which present a liability due to tire damage and tripping hazards. Get your asphalt parking lot resealed and resurfaced as recommended by your contractor.

If you want to have your walkway or sidewalk fixed, expect to pay an average of $375. Aside from cracking, some of the most common problems with walkways and sidewalks are tree roots growing underneath, water damage and freeze-and-thaw cycles. Asphalt walkways will need resealing and paving to prevent damage from the elements. 

The cost to repair a court or game area is usually around $910. A court experiences significant wear and tear, as it’s essentially a large area of pavement that gets direct sunlight and must direct a lot of water to its perimeter. Eventually, expansion and contraction can cause cracks to form, which water infiltrates and begins to cause more damage. 

The following factors will have a significant impact on the cost of your asphalt repair project:

• The size and number of potholes. An asphalt repair service has to take intensive measures to fix potholes, so if the asphalt has been allowed to progress to the point of significant damage, the price will go up. 
• Extensive cracking. If cracking is widespread, it can indicate a greater problem — usually sub-base failure. This can be caused by poor construction, water infiltration, heavy vehicles or inadequate drainage.
• Charging by linear foot or square foot. Asphalt crack repair generally gets charged by the linear foot, while potholes can be charged by the square foot. The size of the damage will sometimes determine how the contractor sets their prices.
• The use of infrared asphalt repair. An infrared repair can impact how much you pay, depending on the project. It involves heating the surface of damaged asphalt to make it gooey and pliable, at which point the damaged asphalt is removed and new asphalt installation can occur. 
• The use of hot patching vs. cold patching. Hot patching is generally more expensive and complex than cold patching. While cold patching can be performed with a store-bought bucket of cold mix, hot patching requires professional labor. The area around the pothole or crack gets excavated and a hot mix is poured into the opening. This allows for a repair that will last longer than a cold patch would.
• The amount of sealant required. Sealing your asphalt driveway protects it from foot traffic, vehicle tires, weather and water damage. Large driveways or those that haven’t been sealed in a long time will require more of this material.
• Sloped driveways. A sloped driveway may require grading for adequate repair work to be done.
• Site preparation. If the target area needs extensive digging, sub-base gravel replacement or another type of excavation or preparation, you will have to pay for surface removal.
• Permit fees. Your city, county or municipality may require you to obtain a permit in order to undergo asphalt repair. 
• Discounts. Asphalt companies may offer discounted repairs within a certain time period.
• Demand. If you need asphalt repair services when demand is very high, the price may be higher.

To avoid future expensive asphalt repairs, try the following tips:

Install swales for water to flow

Water is asphalt’s No. 1 enemy. Consider installing swales (long, shallow drainage routes) running alongside your driveway or parking lot to catch the water and carry it away.

Keep culverts clean

If culverts running underneath your driveway clog up with leaves, sediment, sticks, and other debris, the water will find its way to the other side of your driveway — either over the top of the asphalt or by washing away the soil around the culvert and leading to a cave-in. Make sure your culverts stay unimpeded so water can pass underneath your driveway safely.

Seal regularly

Pay for a coat or two of sealant every one to three years. Skimping on sealant could mean you’ll be paving a new driveway before too long.

Treat oil spots with primer

Oil spot primers prevent oil spots from seeping through seal coats and compromising the integrity of your driveway.

Treat each pavement crack early

Asphalt crack sealing prevents water from getting underneath your asphalt and compromising the substrate. This is why you should treat asphalt cracks as soon as they pop up.

Hire an asphalt contractor after you compare customer ratings and reviews among several pros. Certain customer reviews may also contain before-and-after photos to help you gauge the quality of the pro’s work. Find out if the contractors have the proper licenses and credentials to work in your state, and contact several pros for cost estimates before choosing someone.

Keep your driveway maintenance under control by staying on top of asphalt overlay, pavement cracks, pothole repairs and other types of asphalt work. Find a reputable asphalt repair professional near you on Thumbtack.