You paid for asphalt repairs thinking the problem was solved—but now there are dips, soft spots, or sinking patches showing up again. You shouldn’t feel scammed for expecting a repair to last more than a few months—but in Decatur’s tough climate, shortcuts don’t hold up.
That’s not just frustrating, it’s expensive. And here in Decatur, IL, with all the rain, humidity, and shifting clay soil, quick-fix jobs don’t last long unless they’re done right.
Let’s explore why this keeps happening—and how to make sure your next repair actually sticks.
Key Takeaways
- Sinking repairs often start with a weak base that wasn’t deep or compacted enough for Decatur’s shifting soil.
- Pooling water from poor drainage slowly breaks down the foundation, especially in low-lying areas near Lake Decatur.
- Cheap fill like loose soil under the patch compresses or washes away, making the asphalt sag in just months.
- Repairs using thin asphalt or low-grade mix fail fast under Decatur’s traffic and extreme weather swings.
- Driving on asphalt before it cures or during freeze-thaw cycles leads to cracks, dips, and early repair failure.
Poor Base Preparation
In many cases, the problem isn’t the asphalt itself—it’s what’s underneath. If the base layer wasn’t compacted properly or wasn’t deep enough, it can settle over time, especially with the freeze-thaw cycles we see in Macon County.
Decatur soil is often made up of clay-rich layers that expand and contract dramatically with moisture. If the base wasn’t built with this movement in mind, it can shift and lead to sinking.
What To Do
Ask your contractor about the sub-base material, depth, and compaction process. For lasting results, the base should be at least 6–8 inches of compacted crushed stone for driveways—more for commercial lots.
If you’re seeing problems, a full-depth patch may be needed to rebuild the base.
Water Drainage Problems
Standing water is asphalt’s worst enemy. If water is pooling on or under the surface, it can weaken the foundation and cause sinking over time.
Between spring rainstorms and heavy snowmelt, Decatur sees significant seasonal runoff. Areas near Fairview Park or the low-lying neighborhoods around Lake Decatur are especially vulnerable to poor drainage.
What To Do
Make sure your asphalt driveway or lot is graded to shed water. That usually means a slope of at least 1–2% away from buildings. French drains or trench drains may also help in areas that hold water.
Cheap or Improper Fill Material
If your contractor used poor-quality fill (like soil instead of gravel) beneath the patch, it can compress or wash out over time.
Some quick-fix contractors working in older neighborhoods like Near North or Lincoln Park may cut corners to save time. Using the wrong fill can cause repairs to fail even faster in our variable weather.
What To Do
Request crushed limestone or similar angular aggregate for a stable, compactable base. If your repair is failing, it may need to be dug up and replaced properly from the bottom up.
Thin or Low-Quality Asphalt
Asphalt needs to be thick enough to support traffic. If the repair was too thin or made with a low-grade mix, it won’t hold up.
With constant temperature swings from hot summers to freezing winters, thin asphalt can crack and sag quickly—especially in high-traffic areas like near Millikin University or Route 48 corridors.
What To Do
For residential driveways, asphalt should be at least 2–3 inches thick after compaction. If your repair was thinner, a professional overlay or cut-and-replace may be necessary.
Not Allowing Proper Curing Time
If the repaired area was driven on too soon, before the asphalt completely cured, it may have weakened the surface and caused premature settling.
In warmer months, fresh asphalt may feel solid but still needs time to fully harden—especially during humid stretches common around July and August.
What To Do
Avoid driving on fresh asphalt for at least 24–48 hours, longer if the weather is cool or damp. If early traffic was the issue, surface cracks or low spots may be fixable with patching or infrared repair.
Repeated Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Water gets into small cracks, freezes, and expands—breaking apart the pavement from underneath. Over time, this causes dips and sinking.
Our winters often hover around freezing, causing frequent freeze-thaw cycles. This is especially tough on repairs that weren’t sealed or properly maintained.
What To Do
Sealcoat your asphalt regularly to keep water out. In Decatur, a fresh seal every 2–3 years helps protect against moisture and UV damage. If cracks appear, fill them quickly before winter hits.
Heavy Vehicle Traffic on a Light-Duty Repair
Some asphalt repairs are only meant for light-duty use. If you park RVs, trailers, or delivery trucks on them, they can sink under the weight.
This is a common issue in neighborhoods like Home Park or West End where driveways may double as work vehicle parking.
What To Do
If you need to support heavy loads, let your contractor know. They may recommend a thicker asphalt layer or reinforcing the base to handle the extra weight.
Stop Wasting Money on Short-Term Asphalt Repair Fixes
If you’ve already had to re-do an asphalt patch in less than a year, something’s not right—and it’ll keep costing you if the root problem isn’t fixed.
At Elite Paving & Seal Coating, we don’t just slap on a patch. We evaluate drainage, base conditions, and local factors—like Decatur’s clay-heavy soil and intense freeze-thaw cycles—to make sure your repair is built to last.
Whether you’re near Lake Decatur, along Eldorado Street, or out by South Shores, we’ll make sure your pavement is ready for the next season—and the one after that.
Call us today to schedule a professional evaluation and get a quote on long-lasting asphalt repair done right the first time.
