Asphalt Repair in Walnut Creek, CA

Asphalt repair covers the problems that show up between repaving: potholes, failed patches, broken edges, sunken spots, and trenches left after utility work. Done properly, a repair removes the damaged pavement and whatever weakened it, rebuilds the base and repaves the area so it lasts as long as the surrounding surface. Done quickly, it is just a fill that sinks again after the next rainy season.

Common hillside failures

• Downhill edge breakup: runoff has washed base material away. Fix: rebuild the edge, support it, redirect water.
• Alligator cracking in wheel paths: base failure under load. Fix: saw-cut, remove and rebuild full depth.
• Sags near drains or garages: ponding water has softened the subgrade. Fix: rebuild and regrade.
• Tree-root heaves: roots lift and crack the surface. Fix: remove the section, deal with roots carefully, rebuild.

Repair methods

HomeGuide lists cold patch at $2 to $4 per square foot, hot patch at $2 to $5, saw-cut repair at $4 to $12 and infrared repair at $2 to $6. Cold patch is a temporary fix. Hot patch and infrared work suit surface defects on a sound base. Saw-cut, full-depth repair is the permanent fix for base failures.

Trees

Oaks and other mature trees are part of what makes the area attractive, and they are a common cause of driveway damage. Root work near protected or large trees should involve an arborist, and some cities regulate work around certain trees. We flag trees at the estimate.

Repairs in the street

If damage extends into the public right-of-way, such as a broken approach or a trench across a gutter, repair falls under the city or County encroachment permit. In Walnut Creek the permittee must restore disturbed property to its prior condition and is responsible for workmanship for one year after acceptance.

Before sealing

When a driveway or road is due for sealcoat, we repair failed areas first. Sealcoat over a pothole is wasted money.

Emergency and temporary repairs

A pothole that opens in the middle of winter can be filled with cold patch to keep it safe until dry weather allows a permanent repair. HomeGuide lists cold patch at $2 to $4 per square foot. We come back to cut it out and repair it properly when conditions allow.

Minimum charges

HomeGuide notes minimum fees of $100 to $250 for small asphalt repairs. Bundling several small repairs into one visit, or with crack sealing, is usually more economical.