Repair or Replace? How to Know What Your Driveway Actually Needs This Spring

Spring is the busiest season for driveway work in London, Ontario — and one of the most common questions we hear is some version of: "Is this worth fixing, or should I just replace the whole thing?" It's a fair question. And the honest answer depends on a few key factors that are worth understanding before you make a decision.

Start with the Age of the Surface

The lifespan of a well-maintained asphalt driveway in Ontario is typically 20 to 30 years. Concrete can last 30 to 40 years or more with proper care. If your driveway is approaching or past those ranges, the math often starts to favour replacement — especially if it's showing significant damage. Pouring money into repairs on a surface that's near the end of its life can be a short-term solution that delays the inevitable.

If the driveway is under 15 years old and the damage is localized rather than widespread, repair is almost always the better call.

Types of Damage That Can Be Repaired

Many common issues are very repairable:

Cracks — Individual cracks, even fairly wide ones, can be filled and sealed effectively as long as they haven't compromised the base. Crack filling followed by an overall sealcoat can extend the life of an asphalt driveway by several years.

Surface spalling or raveling — In asphalt, areas where the surface aggregate has loosened can be patched. In concrete, minor surface spalling can sometimes be addressed with a resurfacing overlay.

Edge damage — Crumbling or broken edges can often be repaired with patching material and compacted properly.

Potholes — Potholes should always be repaired promptly. Left alone, they collect water and grow quickly. A proper patch, done right, can last for years.

Signs That Point Toward Replacement

There are situations where repairs become a money pit:

Widespread cracking across the full surface — When cracks form a web-like pattern (called alligator cracking) across large sections of the driveway, it usually means the base has failed, not just the surface. No amount of sealcoating fixes a bad base.

Significant heaving or uneven sections — If large portions of the driveway have shifted, settled, or heaved unevenly, surface repairs won't address the root cause. The sub-base needs to be addressed, which often means removal and reinstallation.

Multiple layers of old repairs — If a driveway has been patched multiple times and the repairs themselves are now crumbling, adding another layer isn't going to help.

Major drainage failure — If water consistently pools in the middle of the driveway and the slope can't be corrected without significant regrading, replacement gives you the opportunity to fix the grade properly.

Get an Honest Assessment

The best way to know where you stand is to have a professional look at it. A good contractor will tell you what they actually see — not what generates the biggest job. They'll assess the condition of the base, the extent of the damage, and the remaining service life of the surface.

Lawns & Lanes offers free assessments on driveways and parking lots throughout London and the surrounding area. Call us at 226.234.6541 or visit lawnsandlanes.ca to book your spring evaluation.