When your asphalt driveway begins to fail, you are faced with two main options: patching the bad spots or repaving the entire surface. Each approach has its place, but choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Patching can be a great short-term fix, while repaving is a long-term investment. Knowing the difference is key to making a smart decision, and a consultation with a professional like Black Diamond Paving can provide essential clarity. Asphalt patching is the process of repairing a localized area of damage, such as a pothole or a small cluster of cracks. This involves cleaning the damaged area, filling it with new asphalt, and compacting it to be level with the surrounding surface. This solution is best when the rest of your driveway is still in good structural condition. If you have one or two isolated problems on a relatively young driveway, patching is a cost-effective way to prevent water from getting in and causing more damage. Full repaving, on the other hand, is a comprehensive solution that addresses widespread or systemic failure. This process involves removing the entire old layer of asphalt, repairing and regrading the underlying foundation as needed, and then laying a completely new, uniform layer of asphalt. You should choose this option when your driveway is old, brittle, and covered in a web of "alligator" cracks. This type of cracking indicates the foundation has failed, and patching will do nothing to solve the root problem. The decision also comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. Patching is less expensive upfront, but it is a temporary fix. If your driveway is old, you may find yourself paying for new patches every year. Repaving is a larger initial investment, but it provides you with a brand new, durable surface that will last for 15 to 25 years with proper care. When you are weighing your options for asphalt paving Morris County experts will agree that a full repave is more economical in the long run if the foundation is compromised. In conclusion, patching is for isolated, surface-level problems on a good driveway. Repaving is for old, structurally compromised driveways that are past the point of simple repairs. To get an expert opinion on whether to patch or repave, contact the team at Black Diamond Paving. You can find more information at https://www.blackdiamondpaving.co/.