• Temporary patching — usually a quick fix, often using “cold‑mix” asphalt or other patch fillers that don’t require special heating or equipment. Great for emergencies, small potholes, or when weather prevents a full repair. 
  
• Permanent patching (or full-depth repair) — a more thorough fix: damaged asphalt (and sometimes base layers) are removed, the base is rebuilt or stabilized, and fresh, hot‑mix asphalt (or proper repair materials) are applied and compacted. 

Sometimes there are also in-between approaches (semi‑permanent patches, overlays, resurfacing), but for simplicity, the core divide is between quick “temporary” patches vs. long-lasting, structural repairs.

Temporary patching can be useful in certain situations — especially as a short-term solution.

Good scenarios for a temporary patch:

• You notice a small pothole or crack and want to restore drivability right away (for safety or convenience).
  
• Weather or season makes a hot‑mix repair impractical (cold weather, wet conditions, etc.). 
  
• You’re planning a full repair/resurfacing later but need a short-term fix in the meantime.

Pros:

• Fast and easy — doesn’t require heavy equipment or specialized crews. 
  
• Less expensive initially — cold‑mix patch materials and DIY application tend to cost less than a full repair. 
  
• Restores basic safety and drivability quickly (less risk of damage to vehicles or injuries from potholes). 

Cons / Drawbacks:

• Usually only a short-term fix — many temporary patches deteriorate within months, especially under traffic and weather stress. 
  
• Doesn’t address underlying problems (like base failure, drainage, or structural weaknesses) — so the damage often comes back or worsens. 
• General Pavement Management, Inc.
  
• Can give a patchy or uneven appearance. 

In short: think of temporary patching as the driveway equivalent of a bandage — good for stopping bleeding, not for healing the wound completely.

If you want a long-lasting, dependable fix — especially when the damage is more than cosmetic — permanent patching or full repair is usually worth it.

Good scenarios for permanent repair:

• Potholes or cracks are large, deep, or recurring. 
• The driveway shows signs of structural failure: sinking, uneven surfaces, water pooling, or “alligator” type cracking. 
• You want to extend the usable life of the driveway without frequent patch jobs.

Pros:

• More durable and longer‑lasting — properly done repairs (especially hot‑mix and full-depth fixes) can last many years. 
• Addresses root causes (bad base, poor drainage, structural damage), not just surface symptoms. 
• Better long-term value — you’ll likely spend less on repeat repairs, and avoid the escalating costs associated with worsening damage. 
• More attractive and seamless finish (though patched areas may still show slightly different texture/color, especially at seams). 

Cons / What to watch out for:

• Higher upfront cost and more labor-intensive work. 
• Requires professional work (especially for hot-mix or full-depth repairs) rather than a quick DIY. 
• Slight disruption — driveway may be unusable while work is underway (especially if base layers are being rebuilt). 
  

Before you decide between temporary and permanent fixes, here are some helpful questions to guide your decision:

• How severe is the damage? (Small crack or deep pothole?)
  
• Is it isolated or widespread? (One pothole vs. cracking across multiple spots.)
  
• Is there evidence of base or drainage issues (sinking, uneven surface, water pooling)?
  
• How long do you want the repair to last? (A quick stop-gap vs. many years.)
  
• What’s your budget — now vs. long-term cost of repeated repairs?
  
• Is weather or time a constraint preventing permanent repair right away?

If you only have a small, harmless crack or pothole — and especially if the timing or budget isn’t ideal — a temporary patch may do the trick. But if you see structural issues or want something that lasts, permanent patching or full-depth repair is usually the smarter, more cost-effective move over time.

At Maintain It All, we believe in honest, long-term thinking. If you call us for a quick fix, we’ll let you know when a temporary patch is appropriate — but we’ll also help you see the bigger picture. Sometimes that means recommending a more permanent repair so you don’t end up back here a few months down the road.

• We’ll assess not just surface cracks or potholes — but the base integrity, drainage, and whether the surrounding driveway is aging.
  
• We’ll help you weigh upfront costs vs. long-term savings, and plan repairs that give you the most value.
  
• And if a patch will only be a short-term fix, we’ll be transparent about how long you can expect it to last.

Because for many homeowners, a driveway isn’t just a path from the street to the garage — it’s an investment. And like any investment, it pays to think long-term.

Temporary driveway patching can be a lifesaver when you need a quick, affordable fix — especially in emergencies or bad weather. But for real value and long-term durability, permanent patching (or full-depth repair) is usually the wiser path. The right choice depends on the damage, your timeframe, and what you want from your driveway moving forward.

If you’re not sure which route makes sense for your driveway, get in touch — we’re happy to assess and give you a straight, honest recommendation.