Your 30-Minute Professional Driveway Inspection
This weekend, armed with this checklist, you can inspect your driveway like a professional. Early problem detection saves thousands in repairs and extends your driveway's life by years.
Tools You'll Need: - Tape measure or ruler - Chalk or marking paint - Camera/phone for photos - Notebook for observations - Garden hose (for drainage test) - Screwdriver (for crack probing) - Level or straight board - Flashlight (for evening inspection)
Section 1: Surface Condition Assessment
Visual Inspection (10 minutes): Walk your entire driveway slowly, looking for:
**Color Changes:** - [ ] Gray/white areas (oxidation) - [ ] Dark spots (oil stains) - [ ] Rust stains (from vehicles) - [ ] Green/black areas (moss/mold)
**Surface Texture:** - [ ] Smooth areas (good) - [ ] Rough/rocky texture (raveling) - [ ] Loose stones (aggregate loss) - [ ] Polished spots (worn areas)
**Overall Appearance:** - Rate 1-10: _____ - Uniform color? Yes/No - Professional appearance? Yes/No
Section 2: Crack Detection and Measurement
Types of Cracks to Find:
**Linear/Longitudinal Cracks:** - Run parallel to driveway - Measure length: _____ - Measure width: _____ - Mark with chalk
**Transverse Cracks:** - Run across driveway - Count quantity: _____ - Widest crack: _____ - Location: _____
**Alligator Cracks:** - Interconnected cracks - Area affected: _____ sq ft - Depth when probed: _____ - Pieces loose? Yes/No
**Edge Cracks:** - Along driveway borders - Distance from edge: _____ - Total length: _____ - Vegetation present? Yes/No
Crack Severity Guide: - **Hairline**: < 1/8 inch (monitor) - **Moderate**: 1/8 - 1/2 inch (fill soon) - **Severe**: > 1/2 inch (immediate attention) - **Structural**: > 1 inch (professional required)
Section 3: Drainage Evaluation
The Water Test (5 minutes): 1. Use garden hose to wet driveway 2. Observe water flow patterns 3. Wait 5 minutes after stopping 4. Check for standing water
**Problem Areas:** - [ ] Water pools forming (mark locations) - [ ] Water running toward garage - [ ] Edge erosion visible - [ ] Water entering cracks
**Grade Assessment:** - [ ] Proper slope away from garage - [ ] No low spots/depressions - [ ] Edges draining properly - [ ] No undermining visible
Section 4: Structural Integrity Check
Depression and Settlement: **Test Method**: Place straight board across driveway
- [ ] Gaps under board? Measure: _____
- [ ] Soft spots when walked on
- [ ] Tire ruts visible
- [ ] Areas of settlement
Base Failure Signs: - [ ] Alligator cracking present - [ ] Multiple parallel cracks - [ ] Pumping (water through cracks) - [ ] Large areas of depression
Section 5: Edge and Border Inspection
Edge Condition: - [ ] Firm and intact - [ ] Crumbling or breaking - [ ] Grass encroachment - [ ] Root damage visible - [ ] Separation from borders
Transition Areas: - [ ] Garage apron condition - [ ] Street connection intact - [ ] Sidewalk joints sealed - [ ] Curb damage present
Section 6: Special Problem Areas
High-Stress Zones: **Where vehicles turn:** - [ ] Surface damage - [ ] Tire marks - [ ] Aggregate showing
**Where you park:** - [ ] Depressions - [ ] Oil stains - [ ] Heat damage
**Near garage:** - [ ] Salt damage (winter) - [ ] Cracks at joint - [ ] Settlement
Section 7: Vegetation and Root Issues
Tree and Plant Impact: - [ ] Roots lifting asphalt - [ ] Cracks near trees - [ ] Moss/weed growth - [ ] Edge vegetation
**Root Damage Severity:** - Minor (surface cracks) - Moderate (lifting < 1 inch) - Severe (lifting > 1 inch)
Section 8: Previous Repair Assessment
Old Patch Jobs: - [ ] Still adhered properly - [ ] Edges sealed - [ ] Level with surface - [ ] Cracks in patches
Previous Sealcoating: - Last applied: _____ - Wearing evenly? Yes/No - Peeling/flaking? Yes/No - Time for recoat? Yes/No
Calculate Your Driveway Score
Scoring System: - Each checked problem = -5 points - Start with 100 points - Your score: _____
**Score Interpretation:** - 90-100: Excellent (maintain) - 75-89: Good (minor repairs) - 60-74: Fair (repairs needed) - 45-59: Poor (major work required) - Below 45: Critical (consider replacement)
Photo Documentation Guide
What to Photograph: 1. Overall driveway (from street) 2. Each crack with ruler for scale 3. Problem areas close-up 4. Drainage issues during rain 5. Before/after cleaning 6. Date stamp all photos
When to Call Professionals
DIY Possible: - Hairline crack filling - Oil stain cleaning - Minor sealcoating - Edge grass removal
Professional Required: - Cracks > 1/2 inch - Alligator cracking - Drainage regrading - Base repairs - Major sealcoating
Seasonal Inspection Schedule
Spring (March): - Post-winter damage check - Crack measurement - Drainage assessment
Summer (July): - Heat damage inspection - Sealcoat condition - Vegetation control
Fall (October): - Pre-winter prep check - Final repairs needed - Drainage clearing
Winter (January): - De-icer damage check - Emergency hazards - Snow removal impact
Your Action Plan
Based on your inspection:
- **Immediate fixes** (safety hazards)
- **Schedule repairs** (within 30 days)
- **Plan maintenance** (within season)
- **Budget for future** (next year)
Free Professional Verification
Not sure about your findings? We offer free professional verification of DIY inspections.
Bring your checklist and photos to verify your assessment and get professional recommendations.
Call (862) 224-6666 to schedule your free verification consultation.
Ready to Protect Your Asphalt?
Get a free quote for professional asphalt maintenance and protection services. Our team is ready to help extend the life of your driveway or parking lot.
