Opinion on asphalt driveway

I moved into my house last year and the driveway (it's about 100 feet long) was clearly in need of some attention. They old owners left two 5 gallon buckets of sealer and resurfacer in the closet, and that was my plan to do this summer, but the more I look at it, I'm not sure it's going to do the trick. In addition to the very neglected asphalt, there is a hump in the middle of the driveway, possible from a tree? Or damage from winter frost?

I'm wondering what my options are. I don't NEED the hump taken care of, but I do need to figure something out with the driveway. I'm wondering if anyone thinks the sealer and resurfacer might actually save the driveway, if I need to get it retopped by a professional company, or if I actually need to have it torn out and start from scratch. Any advice, tips, comments would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Adding a sealer will allow you a some time but I suspect your driveway should be replaced. When that's done, have the hump removed (particularly if it's a root issue) should be removed.

 

That is what is called alligator cracking, it's the signs of failure.

Either the base has deteriorated or the road bed itself, maybe both.

There is no repair, anything you do may buy some time but it's going to turn into gravel eventually.

 

As mentioned it's going to need to be replaced. You have the coating and it could help preserve the life. Asphalt related projects are very expensive right now which may place replacement out of this years budget.

I'm looking at mine and hadn't considered a second mortgage.

 

Replacement is the only real option here. Consider concrete at this point in time. Most people in my area are replacing asphalt with concrete. I may do the same in the near future.