Asphalt repair contractors fix defects in pavement that is otherwise sound enough to keep. The work runs from filling a pothole to sawcutting a failed section down through the base, rebuilding it, and paving it back flush with the surrounding surface. Between those extremes sit skin patching, leveling low spots, infrared repair of surface defects, and reinstating asphalt over utility trenches.
Most repair contractors also perform some maintenance work, and many perform some paving. What distinguishes them is scale and mobilization: a repair outfit is built to show up for a two-day punch list, price it honestly, and leave the property usable that evening.