Repair or Replace? Making the Right Call
Every Spokane homeowner eventually faces this decision. Your driveway shows wear, but is it time for a full replacement or will repairs suffice? Making the right choice saves thousands of dollars and prevents recurring problems.
Here are the five clear signs that replacement, not repair, is the smart choice.
1. Extensive Alligator Cracking
What It Looks Like
interconnected cracks forming a pattern resembling alligator skin. These cracks cover large surface areas rather than appearing as isolated lines.
Why Replacement Is Needed
Alligator cracking indicates structural failure—not just surface damage. The underlying base has degraded, causing the surface to crack in multiple directions. Repairs provide only temporary relief because new cracks form quickly around patched areas.
Asphalt Specifics
For asphalt driveways, alligator cracks mean the base has failed from water infiltration, freeze damage, or inadequate initial compaction. Without addressing the base, surface repairs are money wasted.
Concrete Specifics
While concrete doesn’t typically show alligator patterns, extensive cracking with multiple intersecting lines indicates similar base failure. If cracks appear in multiple directions and cover significant area, replacement is likely necessary.
2. Large Potholes and Depressions
What It Looks Like
Holes deeper than 2-3 inches, sunken areas that collect water, or surface irregularities that affect vehicle and pedestrian safety.
Why Replacement Is Needed
Potholes indicate advanced deterioration where water has penetrated the surface and eroded the underlying base. Filling potholes without addressing drainage and base issues yields temporary fixes at best.
Drainage Problems
Potholes often form where water collects. Proper replacement addresses grading and drainage issues that caused the potholes, preventing recurrence. Simply filling the hole doesn’t solve the underlying water problem.
Safety Concerns
Multiple potholes create trip hazards and can damage vehicles. If you have more than 2-3 potholes, or if they reform quickly after patching, replacement is more economical than ongoing repairs.
3. Age Approaching End of Lifespan
Concrete: 25+ Years
Even well-maintained concrete eventually reaches the end of its service life. If your driveway is 25-30 years old and showing multiple issues, replacement typically provides better value than continued repairs.
Asphalt: 18+ Years
Asphalt driveways usually need replacement after 18-25 years in Spokane’s climate. If yours is approaching this age and requiring frequent repairs, replacement is likely more cost-effective.
Maintenance History Considerations
Has the driveway been properly maintained? Concrete should be sealed every 3-5 years, asphalt every 2-3 years. If maintenance has been neglected, earlier replacement may be necessary. Conversely, excellent maintenance can extend lifespan by several years.
Return on Investment
Continually repairing an aging driveway yields diminishing returns. Each repair provides shorter-lasting results. At some point, investing in replacement costs less than the sum of repairs over the next several years.
4. Significant Drainage Issues
What It Looks Like
Water pooling on the surface, water flowing toward your home or garage, erosion along driveway edges, or persistent wet areas that don’t drain after rain.
Why Replacement Is Needed
Proper drainage is essential for driveway longevity. If your driveway has poor grading, incorrect slope, or damaged drainage channels, surface repairs won’t fix the problem.
Foundation Protection Risk
Water flowing toward your home instead of away from it threatens your foundation. This is more than a driveway issue—it’s a home protection issue requiring proper grading correction.
Freeze Damage Acceleration
In Spokane, drainage problems become critical. Standing water freezes and expands, accelerating damage exponentially. Each winter makes the problem worse, leading to the other replacement signs on this list.
Replacement Solution
Proper replacement establishes correct grading (typically 1/4 inch per foot slope), ensures water flows away from structures, and installs drainage where needed. This protects both your driveway and your home.
5. Multiple Recurring Issues
The Repair Trap
You’ve made repairs, but problems keep returning in different locations. This indicates systemic issues rather than isolated damage—base failure throughout, substandard materials, or installation unsuited for Spokane’s climate.
Cost Analysis
Add up what you’ve spent on repairs over the past 3-5 years. If the total approaches 30-40% of replacement cost, you’re in the repair trap. Each subsequent repair provides less value.
Aesthetic and Functionality Decline
Beyond specific damage indicators, consider overall appearance and functionality. Fading, surface wear, outdated design, or simply not meeting your household’s needs are valid reasons for replacement.
When Repairs Make Sense
Not every driveway needs replacement. Repairs are appropriate for:
- Isolated cracks less than 1/4 inch wide covering less than 10% of surface
- Single pothole from impact damage (not base failure)
- Surface spalling covering less than 15% of concrete area
- Minor settling at edges or joints without structural issues
- Cosmetic issues that don’t affect functionality
Good repair candidates are driveways with overall sound structure, proper drainage, and more years of service life remaining.
Professional Assessment Matters
While these signs provide guidance, professional inspection offers definitive answers. What appears to need replacement might have repair options, or conversely, seemingly minor issues might indicate serious underlying problems.
During our free consultations, we:
- Evaluate overall structural condition
- Test base integrity
- Assess drainage patterns
- Identify climate-specific damage
- Provide honest repair vs. replacement recommendations
- Detail costs for both options
We’ve repaired driveways other contractors said needed replacement, and we’ve recommended replacement when homeowners hoped repairs would suffice. Our goal is the solution that provides the best long-term value for your specific situation.
Timing Considerations
If replacement is necessary, timing matters:
Spring/Early Summer: Ideal for concrete installation, allowing proper curing before winter
Late Summer: Good for both materials, ensuring completion before freeze risk
Fall: Risky if installation extends into potential freeze season
Winter: Generally not recommended in Spokane due to curing concerns
Planning ahead allows you to schedule during optimal conditions and potentially secure off-season pricing.
Making Your Decision
Consider these factors:
- Age: How close is the driveway to its expected lifespan end?
- Repair History: What have you spent on repairs recently?
- Extent of Damage: What percentage of the driveway is affected?
- Drainage: Are there water flow issues requiring correction?
- Future Plans: How long will you own the home?
- Budget: Can you afford replacement now, or is phased repair necessary?
Free Professional Assessment
Unsure whether your driveway needs replacement? Contact us for a free, no-pressure evaluation. We’ll provide honest assessment and transparent pricing for both repair and replacement options.
Don’t wait until minor issues become major problems. Early detection and intervention often provides the most cost-effective solutions.