What Asphalt Patching Solves
Patching is the right repair when a section of asphalt has failed structurally — alligator cracking, a pothole, a sunken area — but the surrounding driveway or lot is still in usable condition. Done correctly, a patch blends into the surrounding asphalt and lasts as long as the rest of the surface.
Done incorrectly — throw-and-go cold patch, no base prep, no compaction — it pops out the next winter and the failure spreads.
Saw-Cut Patching: How We Do It Right
Every patch we do is a saw-cut, full-depth patch:
- Cut clean rectangle. Diamond-blade saw-cut around the failure, square corners, extending at least 6 inches past visible damage in every direction.
- Remove failed asphalt and contaminated base. Down to solid material. Soft base is the reason most patches fail — we don’t leave any.
- Replace base if needed. Fresh 3/4-inch road base, compacted with a vibratory plate.
- Tack the edges. Asphalt emulsion on the vertical cut edges so the new asphalt bonds to the old.
- Hot-mix asphalt. Filled in lifts, rolled, and compacted while in temperature. Surface flush with surrounding asphalt.
When Patching Is the Wrong Answer
If a driveway has more than 30% of its surface in distress, patching becomes a losing battle — you’ll patch one section, then another, then another, year after year. At that point a mill-and-overlay or full driveway replacement is more cost-effective.
We’ll measure your distressed area as part of every estimate and tell you straight which approach makes economic sense.
Cold patch vs. hot mix: we use hot mix for permanent patches. Cold patch (the kind in a 5-gallon pail) is a temporary winter fix only. If a contractor offers you a cheap "patch" using cold-mix on a hot-weather day, walk away.
Common Patching Jobs in Casper
- Pothole repair on residential driveways
- Failed sections at the apron where driveway meets street
- Drive-through lanes at fast food and banks
- Loading dock and dumpster pad repairs
- Trip hazards in HOA and apartment lots
- Patching after utility cuts (water, sewer, fiber)
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
How much does asphalt patching cost?
Saw-cut patches start at $250 per patch for small residential repairs. Larger or deeper patches are quoted by square foot, typically $4 to $9 per sq ft including base work and hot-mix asphalt.
How long does a saw-cut patch last?
A properly installed full-depth saw-cut patch lasts as long as the surrounding asphalt — typically 10 to 20 years. Cold-patch fixes are temporary and may fail within a season.
Can you match the color of my existing asphalt?
Fresh asphalt is darker than weathered asphalt. The color difference fades over 6 to 12 months as the patch oxidizes. A sealcoat applied across the entire driveway after patching will blend the appearance.
Do you patch utility cuts?
Yes. We work with homeowners and utility companies to permanently patch trenches and excavations after water, sewer, gas, fiber, or electrical work.
Free Estimates Across Natrona County
Call now or send a few photos — we’ll quote your driveway, lot, or repair within 24 hours.
Call (307) 405-1916 Or email hello@casperpaving.com