Have you noticed a few cracks or puddles forming on your driveway lately? It’s easy to brush these off as cosmetic or harmless, but when it comes to the surface that supports your car, guests, and property value—those subtle changes could be trying to tell you something.
Your driveway is one of the most used and exposed parts of your property. It weathers Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles, endures the weight of vehicles, and takes a beating from salt, snowplows, and the elements year-round. Over time, even the most well-installed driveway starts showing signs of wear—and ignoring them could cost you more in the long run.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 5 signs for driveway repair or even full replacement. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property, recognizing these red flags early can save you from costly repairs later on.
1. Cracks That Keep Coming Back
Some hairline cracks are perfectly normal as driveways age. But if you’re seeing long, wide, or interconnected cracks that come back after being filled, it’s time to take a closer look.
These recurring cracks can signal deeper structural issues like:
A shifting or poorly compacted base layer
Inadequate drainage underneath the surface
Damage from freeze-thaw expansion
While minor cracks can often be resolved with a simple driveway repair, larger ones that continue to grow may indicate the base is no longer supporting the surface. At that point, a full driveway replacement might be the more cost-effective long-term solution.
Tip: Measure the crack. If it’s wider than ¼ inch or keeps reopening after repairs, it’s a warning sign.
Did You Know?
Driveways in Ottawa can experience over 100 freeze-thaw cycles each year.
Just one small crack can grow by 50% or more in a single winter if left untreated!
2. Pooling Water or Drainage Issues
Water is the silent destroyer of both asphalt and concrete driveways. If you’re seeing puddles or standing water after rain or snowmelt, your driveway may have grading problems or worse, internal damage.
Pooling water:
Erodes the sub-base, weakening support
Infiltrates cracks, expanding them during freeze-thaw cycles
Encourages vegetation growth and mildew
Properly installed driveways are slightly sloped to direct water away from the surface. If water starts sticking around, it’s not just an annoyance, it’s a sign you may need driveway repair to fix the slope or seal cracks. In advanced cases, especially when the base is compromised, driveway replacement may be the only lasting fix.
3. Widespread Pitting or Surface Deterioration
Surface wear is normal over time, especially in high-traffic areas. But if your driveway is dotted with multiple pits, flakes, or exposed aggregate, it’s a signal that the top layer is breaking down.
This could be due to:
Salt damage from winter maintenance
UV exposure and surface oxidation
Low-quality or aging materials
Patching pitted areas might work temporarily, but when deterioration is widespread, it becomes harder for new material to bond. That’s when driveway replacement becomes a more permanent, and often more cost-effective—solution.
4. Uneven or Sunken Sections
A smooth driveway doesn’t just look better—it performs better. If you notice parts of your driveway sinking, heaving, or sloping unevenly, you’re likely dealing with base erosion or frost heave from Ottawa’s tough winters.
This can result from:
Improper base compaction
Water undermining the sub-base
Tree roots or soil settling
Uneven areas aren’t just ugly, they’re dangerous. They can create trip hazards, increase tire wear, and invite more water intrusion. For small dips, targeted driveway repair might do the trick. But for widespread movement, especially if it affects drainage or stability, driveway replacement is usually the smarter route.
5. Your Driveway is 15+ Years Old
Asphalt driveways typically last 15–20 years, while concrete driveways can stretch to 25–30 years with proper care. But once your driveway hits the upper end of its lifespan, small issues tend to snowball.
You might notice:
Frequent crack repairs that don’t last
Faded appearance with poor surface texture
More potholes or soft spots forming
At this stage, pouring more money into driveway repair might feel like patching a leaky roof with duct tape. A full driveway replacement gives you a clean slate, and the chance to upgrade materials, improve drainage, and increase your property’s value.
What’s Your Driveway Telling You?
Recognizing the signs for driveway repair early can help you avoid more extensive damage and cost down the road. Cracks, puddles, uneven surfaces, and age-related wear are your driveway’s way of waving a red flag. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete overhaul depends on the severity and scope of the issue.
Why Trust WCI Ottawa for the Job?
With over 20 years of experience serving homeowners and commercial clients in Ottawa, WCI Ottawa brings expertise, durability, and attention to detail to every job. Our team handles everything from small driveway repairs to full driveway replacements, always using high-quality materials and industry-proven techniques.
From proper grading to base preparation and surface finishing, we don’t cut corners, because in Ottawa’s climate, shortcuts don’t last.
Ready to Fix Your Driveway?
Don’t wait for that crack to turn into a crater. WCI Ottawa is your go-to expert for asphalt and concrete driveway repair and replacement. Request a free quote today and get professional guidance on the best next steps for your property.
