Can Ottawa driveway repair contractors fix damage caused by a heavy delivery truck on my asphalt?

Yes, Ottawa driveway repair contractors can fix heavy truck damage to asphalt, but the repair approach depends on whether the damage is surface-level or extends into the base structure. Most residential asphalt driveways aren't designed for heavy delivery trucks, so damage often requires more than simple patching.

Surface damage like tire ruts, scuffing, or shallow gouges can typically be repaired with hot-mix asphalt patching. The contractor will cut out the damaged area in clean, straight lines, apply tack coat to the edges, and fill with fresh hot-mix asphalt compacted to match the surrounding surface. This type of repair costs $200 to $800 depending on the affected area and runs $8 to $15 per square foot in Ottawa.

Structural damage is more serious and common with heavy truck traffic. If the truck caused cracking, settling, or base failure beneath the asphalt surface, simple patching won't hold. The contractor needs to excavate the damaged area down to stable base, add and compact granular material if needed, then rebuild the asphalt in proper lifts. This type of repair costs $500 to $2,000 depending on depth and area, running $15 to $25 per square foot.

Ottawa's climate makes truck damage worse because our extreme freeze-thaw cycles exploit any cracks or weak spots the truck created. Water penetrates damaged areas, freezes and expands, then creates larger cracks and base instability. What starts as minor rutting in summer can become major structural failure after one Ottawa winter if not properly repaired.

Signs you need structural repair rather than surface patching include: cracks extending beyond the tire tracks, water pooling in ruts, soft or spongy feeling when walking on the damaged area, or visible settlement. If the damage occurred on a driveway over 15 years old with minimal base preparation, structural repair is more likely needed.

Timing matters for repairs. Hot-mix asphalt repairs should be done when temperatures are consistently above 10°C, ideally between May and October in Ottawa. Cold patch can provide temporary protection through winter, but it's not a permanent solution and typically fails within one freeze-thaw season.

Prevention for future deliveries: Ask delivery companies about truck weight and request they use smaller vehicles when possible. Consider having heavy deliveries made to the street with materials moved by hand cart or smaller equipment. Some Ottawa homeowners install a concrete pad near the street for heavy deliveries to protect their asphalt driveway.

When to call a professional: Any damage deeper than 25mm, cracks extending more than 1 meter from the tire tracks, or areas showing base settlement require professional assessment. A qualified paving contractor can determine whether you need surface repair or structural reconstruction.

Need help finding a driveway contractor? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who specialize in truck damage repair and can assess whether your damage requires surface patching or full structural repair.