Asphalt Maintenance Blog: Tips, Projects & Industry Insights

f you own a home or manage a property in Meridian, you’ve likely seen the dark, matte finish of a freshly sealcoated driveway or parking lot. It looks sharp and clean, but the investment isn’t just about curb appeal. The frequent question property owners ask is whether that thin layer of coal tar or asphalt emulsion actually prevents cracks, or if it’s just a cosmetic “band-aid.

Not all driveway cracks are the same. When a crack appears along with sinking, dips, or uneven spots, it usually points to a deeper issue below the surface. In many cases, the asphalt is no longer supported evenly, which causes the pavement to settle or shift over time.

Alligator cracking, also known as spiderweb cracks, creates a pattern of interconnected cracking that looks like a web or reptile skin. This type of damage usually appears in high-stress areas of an asphalt driveway, such as near the garage, turning points, or places where vehicles regularly park.

Edge cracks are cracks that form along the outer edges of an asphalt driveway, usually within the first 6 to 24 inches from the side. They often start as small surface lines, but they can expand quickly because the edge of the pavement is one of the weakest areas, especially when it does not have strong support underneath.

Transverse cracks are cracks that run across your driveway, usually from one side to the other. Unlike long (longitudinal) cracks, these form perpendicular to the direction of the pavement. They can appear as a single straight line or as multiple cracks spaced out across the surface.

Long (longitudinal) cracks are cracks that run in a straight line along the direction of your driveway. They often appear near the center of the pavement, along one side, or close to seams where two asphalt sections meet. In Idaho, these cracks are fairly common due to temperature swings, moisture, and natural ground movement.