Erosion takes a toll on asphalt along California’s central coast—Highway 1 is a prime example, with frequent closures from landslides and cliff erosion.
Those same forces can quietly damage home driveways, too.
At Betz Works, we have years of experience addressing erosion-related asphalt paving and repair needs throughout Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties, Santa Clara County, and the surrounding areas.
We created this guide to help you recognize the early signs of erosion and walk you through the steps to repair and protect your asphalt.
How Erosion Affects Asphalt
Asphalt may look tough on the surface, but its durability also depends on what lies beneath.
A solid, stable base is essential for keeping pavement level, strong, and long-lasting.
When erosion starts to wear away or shift the soil underneath, the structural integrity of your asphalt quickly declines.
Here are some of the most common issues that result from erosion:
1. Cracking and Uneven Surfaces
As the ground shifts or washes away, the asphalt above can lose its support. This leads to surface cracks that grow over time, causing sections to become uneven or buckle under pressure.
What starts as a small fracture can quickly turn into a widespread problem if left unaddressed.
2. Potholes and Sinkholes
When erosion creates gaps or voids beneath the pavement, the weight of vehicles or foot traffic can cause the surface to collapse.
This results in potholes or, in more severe cases, full sinkholes that pose safety hazards and require significant repair work.
3. Drainage Issues and Standing Water
Erosion often disrupts the natural flow of water around your property.
Instead of draining away from the pavement, water can collect in low spots or flow underneath the asphalt, accelerating further erosion and softening the base layer.
Standing water also leads to faster asphalt deterioration.
4. Faster Wear and Tear Over Time
An eroded base weakens the asphalt’s ability to withstand pressure and weather changes.
This leads to premature aging, including crumbling edges, surface deterioration, and a shorter overall lifespan for your pavement.
Erosion can be a gradual process or something that happens quickly after heavy rainfall, improper drainage, or coastal exposure.
Either way, the damage it causes to asphalt can be costly and complex if not addressed early.
What Causes Erosion Around Asphalt?
Erosion around asphalt surfaces can be caused by a combination of natural forces and human activity.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Coastal Erosion
Moisture erosion is one of the most significant causes of pavement deterioration.
For oceanfront properties, erosion can be particularly aggressive.
Constant wave action, rising tides, saltwater exposure, and loose sandy soils can quickly wear away the ground near asphalt surfaces such as driveways, roads, or walkways.
In coastal regions, erosion isn’t just a possibility—it’s an ongoing battle. Without proper reinforcement, pavement near the shoreline is at high risk for collapse, cracking, and salt-induced degradation.
2. Poor Drainage
When water isn’t properly directed away from paved surfaces, it can begin to collect at the base or flow underneath the asphalt.
Over time, this constant water exposure weakens the subgrade, washing out soil and compromising the integrity of the pavement above.
3. Heavy Rain and Runoff
Heavy rain, flooding, or even seasonal snowmelt can generate significant water flow across your property.
If the land isn’t graded properly or the water has nowhere to drain, runoff can erode the soil supporting your asphalt, especially on sloped or uneven terrain.
4. Lack of Vegetation
Plant roots act as a natural stabilizer for soil. In areas where grass, shrubs, or ground cover have been removed—or never existed—there’s nothing to hold the soil in place.
Bare soil is highly susceptible to erosion from both wind and water, which can quickly destabilize the surrounding pavement.
5. Construction or Landscaping Activity
Any digging, grading, or removal of earth near a paved area can disrupt the soil structure and create opportunities for erosion.
Improperly compacted soil after construction can also settle over time, leaving voids that affect the pavement’s support system.
6. Landslides and Slope Instability
In hilly or mountainous areas, steep slopes and unstable soil can lead to landslides or gradual slope movement.
These events shift the ground beneath paved surfaces, causing cracks, separation, or complete failure.
Slope instability is often triggered by heavy rainfall, poor drainage, or previous erosion issues.
If your driveway or access road is built near or on a slope, it’s essential to monitor for signs of movement.
At Betz Works, we offer landslide repair & slope stabilization services to help prevent or correct erosion-related damage in these high-risk areas.
What to Do When Erosion Damages Your Asphalt Driveway
If you’ve noticed cracks, sinking spots, or drainage issues in your asphalt driveway, erosion may already be at work.
Acting quickly can prevent further damage and help you avoid more expensive repairs down the line.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to address the problem:
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Start with a visual inspection of your driveway. Look for:
- Cracks (especially deep or growing ones)
- Depressions or soft spots
- Pooling water or poor drainage
- Edge deterioration
- Sections that appear to be sinking or shifting
Tip: Take note of the location and extent of the damage—it will help when consulting a professional.
Step 2: Identify the Cause
Understanding what triggered the erosion is key to preventing future damage. Ask yourself:
- Has there been recent heavy rainfall or flooding?
- Are there drainage issues near the driveway?
- Is your property on a slope or near a shoreline?
- Was there recent construction or landscaping nearby?
In coastal areas, wave action or shifting shoreline soil may also be factors.
Step 3: Stop Water Flow
If you see water pooling near or under your driveway, redirect it immediately:
- Clear out clogged gutters, drains, or downspouts
- Use temporary sandbags or gravel to divert runoff
- Avoid watering nearby landscaping until the area is stabilized
The goal is to prevent further erosion while planning for long-term solutions.
Step 4: Contact Betz Works
Severe erosion often requires expert assessment and repair. A paving contractor with erosion control experience—like Betz Works—can evaluate the structural stability of your driveway and recommend a targeted repair plan.
This may include:
- Re-grading the area
- Replacing or rebuilding the base layer
- Installing erosion control measures such as riprap, helicoils, or retaining edges
Step 5: Repair the Asphalt
Once the base is stabilized, we will repair the asphalt surface. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve:
- Crack filling and sealing
- Patching potholes or sunken areas
- Resurfacing or repaving the entire driveway
Tip: Repairs done without addressing the underlying erosion will likely fail again—so be sure both issues are tackled together.
Step 6: Implement Long-Term Erosion Control
Once erosion damage is repaired, the next step is prevention.
At Betz Works, we take a proactive, hands-on approach to long-term erosion control by following a proven process:
- We Start with a Thorough Site Evaluation
We assess your property’s slopes, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and environmental sensitivities to understand the source of erosion and how to stop it. This step is key for both inland and coastal properties.
- We Design Custom Drainage and Grading Plans
Based on the assessment, we develop drainage systems that move water safely away from your asphalt.This may include grading adjustments, French drains, or other site-specific water management solutions.
- We Use Vegetation to Stabilize Soil
Our team applies professional-grade hydroseeding with erosion-resistant mulch and native seed blends tailored to your property.This helps establish deep-rooted vegetation that naturally protects the soil.
- We Install Physical Barriers Where Needed
To manage runoff and prevent sediment displacement, we install solutions like erosion control netting, silt fences, fiber rolls (wattles), and riprap.These systems are strategically placed and properly anchored for long-term effectiveness.
- We Stabilize Slopes and Repair Landslides
On steep or unstable terrain, we implement slope stabilization and landslide repair systems that secure the ground beneath your pavement.Our methods are designed to prevent soil movement and keep driveways, access roads, and surrounding areas safe.
- We Reinforce Coastal Properties
For oceanfront sites, we offer specialized Coastal Ocean Protection Services that include Tivax helicoil installation and riprap systems.These solutions are engineered to resist wave action, protect shoreline structures, and preserve the integrity of nearby asphalt.
Throughout the process, we comply with all environmental regulations and provide full documentation of our work.
After installation, we will stay available for ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your erosion control system continues to perform as intended.
Protect Your Property from Erosion Damage
Don’t wait until erosion compromises your driveway or weakens the ground beneath your pavement.
Whether you’re dealing with shifting soil, drainage issues, or coastal conditions, erosion can cause serious and costly damage if left unchecked.
At Betz Works, we combine expert asphalt paving with proven erosion control services to keep your property stable, safe, and built to last.
Contact Betz Works today for more information or to request a free quote—we’re here to help!
FAQ
How to prevent erosion damage?
Whether you’re inland or coastal, you can take steps to protect your pavement:
- Grade the area properly to improve drainage
- Keep vegetation around driveways to stabilize the soil
- Seal asphalt regularly to prevent water infiltration
- Inspect for early signs of cracking, sinking, or runoff issues
Can I repair erosion damage to asphalt myself?
Small cracks or drainage issues can sometimes be addressed with DIY solutions, but significant erosion-related damage, especially to the base layer, requires professional assessment and repair.
How do I know if erosion is damaging my asphalt driveway?
Common signs include cracks that widen over time, sunken or uneven areas, pooling water, and crumbling edges. These issues often point to soil instability beneath the pavement.