Does damaged asphalt paving need to be repaired by a professional concrete contractor? What if your driveway has more than just a few slight cracks, and the potholes and other damage make it difficult to drive or park your car. You know you need to repair the asphalt—but you're not sure what to do next. Before you attempt a DIY approach, take a look at why you should hire a pro for this job.

You Don't Really Know the Scope of the Damage

The slim cracks on the pavement surface might seem like cosmetic flaws. But you likely don't have the experience or expertise to assess the issue. What may appear to be a minor problem isn't always an easy-to-fix issue. 

Alligator cracking is a prime example of surface damage that can hide something much more serious underneath. As the name implies, these cracks look like an alligator's skin. Even though they aren't always deep, the interconnected series of patterned cracks are usually the result of a structural failure. This could include a compromised base or foundation that can't hold the top layer of pavement correctly.

Like alligator cracks, other structural defects or instability issues (under the surface) can cause serious pavement problems. Failure to repair the asphalt correctly could cause additional damage. If you don't know whether the cracks that you can see are minor issues or whether they signal severe sub-surface damage, contact an asphalt professional. A qualified contractor can inspect the area, determine the extent of the damage, and repair the pavement (and the area under it).

You Don't Know How To Use Asphalt Correctly

Which type of pavement product should you buy? How much of the material do you need? Will the repairs require other items or anything other than asphalt? If you can't answer these questions, you need to hire a pro. 

In recent years, DIY projects and homeowner improvements to residential properties have increased, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. With the uptick in do-it-yourself renovations, it's likely that the asphalt and concrete patch aisle in your local home improvement store has more than a few products to choose from. But this doesn't mean you should try to guess which materials you'll need to repair your broken asphalt.

Before you buy buckets of asphalt or pricey machinery that you're not sure how to use, call a professional. A paving contractor has the industry-related knowledge necessary to choose the right materials for your driveway and use them safely. Even though a DIY approach may seem like a cost-saving idea, you could end up wasting money on products that you can't use or that cause more pavement problems.

Contact a company that offers damaged asphalt paving repair services to learn more.