Middle Tennessee’s weather is tough on driveways. One day, you’re dealing with summer heat that softens asphalt, and the next, winter freezes are expanding cracks in concrete.
At R&R Paving, we’ve been helping Nashville homeowners and businesses protect their pavement since 1989—because in our family, paving isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life.
Whether you’re dealing with a crumbling asphalt driveway or a cracked concrete slab, catching problems early can save you thousands in repairs. Below are the five most common driveway issues in Middle Tennessee—and what to do about them.
1. Cracks: The Silent Destroyers
Middle Tennessee’s temperature swings (from 90°F summers to freezing winters) cause pavement materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks. Small cracks might seem harmless, but they’re gateways for water, which erodes the base layer and turns minor issues into major headaches.
How to Spot Them
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Hairline cracks (less than ¼-inch wide) – Common in newer driveways as they settle
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Alligator cracks (interconnecting cracks resembling reptile skin) – Signal a failing base layer, often from poor drainage or heavy loads
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Edge cracks – Run parallel to the driveway’s sides, usually from soil erosion or lack of support
How to Fix Them
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DIY for small cracks:
Use a rubberized asphalt crack filler (for asphalt) or concrete caulk (for concrete). Clean the crack first with a wire brush and apply filler on a dry day. -
Call a pro for:
Alligator cracks or cracks wider than ½-inch. These often require milling and resurfacing (for asphalt) or slab replacement (for concrete).
At R&R Paving, we use commercial-grade crack sealing that flexes with temperature changes—critical for Nashville’s climate.
Pro Tip:
Sealcoat your asphalt driveway every 2–3 years. Concrete driveways benefit from a penetrating sealer every 3–5 years.
2. Potholes: More Than Just an Eyesore
Potholes start as small depressions but grow quickly thanks to Middle Tennessee’s rain and freeze-thaw cycles. They’re not just ugly—they damage vehicles and create tripping hazards.
How to Spot Them
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Shallow divots (early stage) that hold water after rain
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Deep holes with jagged edges (advanced stage), often surrounded by loose debris
How to Fix Them
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Temporary DIY fix:
Clean the hole, fill with cold-patch asphalt (for asphalt driveways) or vinyl concrete patch (for concrete), and compact it with a tamper.
Note: This is a short-term solution. -
Permanent fix:
For lasting results, the damaged area must be cut out, the base stabilized, and fresh asphalt or concrete applied in layers.
R&R Paving uses hot-mix asphalt for repairs—it bonds better and lasts longer than cold patch, especially in our humid climate.
Prevention Tip:
Ensure proper drainage so water doesn’t pool. A slight slope (1–2% grade) away from your home is ideal.
3. Fading and Oxidation: The Sun’s Hidden Damage
Nashville’s UV rays break down the binders in asphalt, turning it gray and brittle. Concrete isn’t immune either—sun exposure causes surface wear and color fading.
How to Spot It
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Asphalt loses its rich black color, appearing gray or dull
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Concrete looks chalky or has uneven color patches
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Fine surface cracks forming a spiderweb pattern
How to Fix It
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Asphalt:
Apply a coal-tar-based sealcoat every 2–3 years. This restores color and protects against UV rays. R&R Paving uses a high-solid sealant designed to withstand Middle Tennessee humidity. -
Concrete:
Clean with a mild detergent, then apply a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer. For stained or heavily faded concrete, resurfacing with a decorative overlay may be best.
Pro Tip:
Parking in shaded areas or using a carport reduces long-term UV damage.
4. Drainage Issues: Water Is Your Driveway’s Worst Enemy
Poor drainage accelerates every other problem on this list. Nashville’s clay soil holds water, weakening the base layer and causing sinking, cracks, and potholes.
How to Spot It
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Water pooling on the driveway after rain (should drain within 30 minutes)
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Driveway edges eroding or washing out
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Moss or algae growth, signaling constant moisture
How to Fix It
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DIY solutions:
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Install a French drain along the driveway edge
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Add a gravel trench at the bottom of slopes
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Remove standing water after storms with a squeegee or blower
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Professional solutions:
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Asphalt: Regrade the base and apply a new top layer with proper slope
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Concrete: Mudjacking to lift sunken slabs or installing permeable pavement
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Local Insight:
If your driveway slopes toward your home, you risk foundation damage. R&R Paving frequently corrects this issue in older Nashville neighborhoods by reshaping the grade to direct water away.
5. Oil Stains and Chemical Damage
Leaking vehicles, fertilizer runoff, and even fallen leaves (which release tannic acid) can eat away at your driveway’s surface.
How to Spot It
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Dark, greasy spots from oil or gas leaks
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Discolored or softened areas from chemical spills
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Concrete developing a rough, pitted “etched” texture
How to Fix It
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Fresh stains:
Absorb oil with cat litter or baking soda, then scrub with dish soap and a stiff brush.
For concrete, a TSP (trisodium phosphate) poultice can lift deeper stains. -
Older stains:
Asphalt may require milling and replacement of the damaged layer.
Concrete may need acid washing or resurfacing.
Prevention Tip:
Use drip pans under vehicles and avoid parking in the same spot repeatedly. Sealcoating or sealing adds a protective barrier.
When to Call a Pro (And Why It Saves You Money)
DIY fixes are fine for minor issues, but some problems signal deeper damage—especially in Middle Tennessee’s unpredictable climate.
Call R&R Paving if you notice:
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Cracks wider than ½-inch or spreading rapidly
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Potholes deeper than 2 inches
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Sunken or uneven sections creating trip hazards
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Ongoing drainage problems causing erosion
Need Help with Your Driveway?
If you’re seeing any of these issues, don’t wait until they turn into costly repairs.
Contact R&R Paving in Nashville, TN today to protect your driveway and your investment.