The end of winter and the arrival of spring weather means it’s time to repair any damage Jack Frost left on your driveway. Even if the damage is minimal, it’s best to stay on top of it. You should address cracks, crumbling concrete, potholes, and other issues before rain and heavy use worsen them. Luckily, Springtime is the perfect time of year to work on outdoor DIY projects.

    Read on to learn driveway maintenance tips and how to protect your driveway’s function and beauty this season.


    Assessing Driveway Damage

    When checking your driveway for damage, be sure to do the following:

    • Look at the driveway’s surface for cracks, crumbling patches, potholes, or uneven sinking areas. Pay special attention to expansion joints on concrete driveways.
    • Check the edges of your driveway for encroaching grass or weeds that need removal. Removing weeds is especially important for gravel driveways.
    • Examine your driveway after heavy rain and note areas where water pools instead of running off. Standing water can worsen existing damage over time.
    • Look for small fragments, mud tubes, holes, or other signs of pest infestation. Termites, ants, and other pests can damage driveways from underneath.

    Being thorough during inspection helps you identify all areas needing repair for a complete maintenance job. Mark any issues with spray paint or masking tape to make them easy to find again later.


    Concrete Driveway Maintenance

    Concrete driveways stand up well to the elements, but they need regular care and attention. Left unaddressed, minor cracks become major cracks and crumbling disasters. It’s also one of the most expensive types of driveways, so if your driveway is made of concrete, it’s extra important to correct any problems before they become major damage and cause you to replace your driveway sooner than you should.

    Cracks and Expansion Joint Damage

    crack in concrete
    Image Credit: Canva

    Concrete can crack as it ages and goes through freezing-thawing cycles. Start repairs when cracks are small using driveway caulk to fill the gaps. Larger cracks need patching compounds for durable repairs.

    Be sure to seal expansion joints, as damage can lead to driveway sections sinking or shifting. For more on repairing cracked driveways, read our guide on how to repair cracked concrete driveways.

     

    Surface Damage

    For driveway sections with multiple interconnected cracks, crumbling edges, or holes, apply a fresh layer of concrete resurfacer to restore the surface. The resurfacer levels out low spots for better drainage. For more on concrete repairs, check out our guide on concrete driveway repair costs.

    Sunken Sections

    Over time, sections of concrete driveways can settle lower than the surrounding areas, usually due to shifting earth underneath. For small sunken spots, inject polyurethane foam underneath to gently lift the concrete back into place. With larger sunken areas, the best solution is to remove and repour that section of the driveway.

    Sealing

    Resealing the driveway every three to five years slows deterioration and improves appearance. Pressure wash first and let it dry completely before applying a concrete sealer. Solvent-based sealers tend to last longer than water-based versions.


    Asphalt Driveway Repairs

    Asphalt driveways also need diligent care and maintenance to stay looking and performing their best. Left ignored, small cracks turn into large ones, and potholes open up.

    It’s normal for cracks to form as asphalt ages and endures temperature swings. Seal them as soon as you notice them to prevent further damage. Water seeping into cracks can erode the base under your driveway and lead to bigger problems. Route out each crack using a crack chasing tool, then fill with asphalt crack filler and sealant.

    Potholes form as water seeps below the driveway surface and erodes the base materials. They’re more than just an eyesore. They can cause a lot of damage to vehicles. 

    Patch any potholes as soon as they appear. To patch, remove loose material, fill it with asphalt patch compound, and pack it down thoroughly.

    Have your asphalt driveway sealcoated every one to three years to protect the asphalt binder from weathering and prevent deterioration. Sealcoating fills hairline cracks and creates a waterproof barrier. Be sure to patch larger cracks beforehand, as the seal coat won’t adhere well in wide gaps.

    Install edging, such as rubber mulch and weed barrier, along the edges of your asphalt driveway to prevent grass and weeds from encroaching. Weeds growing against asphalt often crack and deteriorate the surface. Gravel or stone mulch edging works well, too.


    Gravel Driveway Care

    Gravel driveways require frequent work to keep them graveled, graded for drainage, and pothole-free. However, diligent maintenance pays off in a smooth driving surface and little mud on your driveway.

    Maintaining gravel driveways by promoting good drainage and filling in potholes right away allows rainwater to properly run off the gravel surface, which prevents further erosion of your driveway base.

    Add more gravel every six to 12 months in high-traffic areas to maintain proper depth. Spread it out and compact it down with a roller. Avoid super thick layers, which tend to compact poorly. It’s better to add thinner layers more often.

    Use a rake or grader blade to smooth any ruts, fill holes, and create a slight crown shape that allows rainwater runoff. Take time when grading to get the profile right. Check drainage by pouring water from a hose in different areas and making adjustments.

    Compressing the gravel after grading keeps it from shifting around into ruts and holes again quickly. Rent a vibratory plate compactor or roller and make several passes over your whole driveway for the best results. 

    Gravel offers weeds an ideal germination environment. Pull weeds by hand regularly, ensuring the entire root system is up. For severe infestations, apply a driveway weed killer. Avoid using plastic weed barriers under your gravel, as water will pool on top and worsen potholes.

    Fill any holes or depressions with fresh gravel and compact thoroughly. Use a soil stabilizer liquid on bad spots to help bind the gravel together for a stronger repair. Products like Gulley Filler or StaLok Gravel Lock are great for DIYers. If you prefer a different route, you can cut out the pothole entirely and pack a gravel and stabilizer mix into the hole.


    Brick and Paver Driveways

    Keep your beautiful paver or brick driveway in tip-top shape with proper edging, weeding, and sealing. Pay attention to shifted or sunken pavers before they become a safety hazard.

    Thoroughly power washing your driveway before sealing gives the sealer the best adhesion and look by removing built-up dirt. Pay attention to any stained areas and seal the whole driveway afterward for the best results.

    Seal your paver or brick driveway every one to three years or as recommended by the manufacturer. Sealing helps prevent fading, resists staining, and creates a water barrier to reduce freeze damage and weed growth. It also visually enhances the color and appearance.

    Edge around pavers with sturdy edging materials like metal, plastic, or stone. Edging keeps the pavers neatly contained and prevents weeds or grass from growing up in cracks. Use pruning shears to regularly trim any grass along edges, too.

    Pull weeds growing in joints between pavers as soon as you notice them. Weeds can lift and shift pavers over time, creating tripping hazards. Seek underlying causes like excess dirt in joints or poor drainage if weeds are extensive.

    Check for any shifted or sunken pavers and reset or replace them before they become a safety issue. For sunken pavers, dig out the old subbase materials and add new sand to achieve proper leveling before resetting the paver.


    Spring Plan for Ongoing Care

    Driveway maintenance is important year-round, not just in spring. Develop a seasonal maintenance schedule and budget to stay on top of issues before they worsen on your driveway.

    My recommended tasks include:

    • Spring: Inspect and repair winter damage, powerwash pavers, and perform an overall assessment
    • Summer: Sealcoat asphalt, re-gravel gravel driveways, and conduct weed control tasks
    • Fall: Sealcoat asphalt, perform gravel and grading repairs, and do a drain system checkup
    • Winter: Seal concrete cracks and check for snowmelt damage

    Remember to watch for problems as you come and go year-round. Addressing issues immediately always saves money over waiting.


    So, What Does Driveway Maintenance Really Cost?

    Regular driveway maintenance costs a fraction of major repairs or full replacement. You can expect to budget roughly $100 to $200 for an asphalt seal coat, $100 to $300 to have concrete sealed, $100 to $300 per year for gravel and supplies, and $50 to $150 per year for brick/paver sealing. 

    The cost may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you compare it to the many thousands of dollars for repairs or full driveway replacement, the value is clear. A few hours of your time each season makes your driveway last many more years.


    FAQs About Driveway Maintenance

    How do I know if my driveway needs repairs?

    Your driveway needs repairs or maintenance if you see cracks, crumbling patches, potholes, sinkholes, standing water, or weeds growing through it. Also, pay attention to any bumps or uneven areas you feel driving over it, as these can be signs that you need to repair your driveway.


    What are the signs of pest damage in my driveway?

    Watch for mud tubes, small piles of grit, holes, and cracks or ripples in the driveway surface. If you find sawdust-looking material, that often indicates carpenter ants. Notify a pest control company if you suspect pest damage.


    Can I use crack fillers that are for asphalt on my concrete driveway?

    No, only use concrete crack fillers and caulking compounds on concrete driveways. Asphalt crack fillers are formulated differently and won’t last on concrete. Make sure any product you use is specially designed for concrete.


    How long does driveway sealing last?

    On average, sealcoating lasts one to three years on asphalt driveways and three to five years on concrete. Harsher weather and high traffic wear down sealants faster. Check manufacturer recommendations for your specific sealer. Reapply as needed to prevent moisture and weathering damage.


    When is the best time to seal my asphalt driveway?

    The optimal time for seal coating asphalt is the late summer or early fall when temperatures are still warm. Don’t seal during wet weather or when temperatures are below 50°F, as the sealant won’t adhere and cure properly.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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    photo of Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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