Driveways are designed for heavy-duty use, but they can wear down over time, primarily if used often or improperly installed. Overuse can induce cracking or even disintegration of the paving materials. These symptoms can negatively impact the driveway’s visual appeal and make it unsafe to use in severe cases.
Below is some helpful information to help you determine when you need to patch, resurface, or replace your driveway.
Signs Your Driveway Needs a Makeover
There are a few hints that indicate your driveway needs to be redone. Some to keep an eye out for include:
- Cracks
- Potholes
- Crumbling areas
- Pooling water
Sometimes, you might also just dislike the driveway’s aesthetics. For example, if it looks faded and worn, it might be a good time to consider having work done to boost its looks.
Patching, Resurfacing, Replacing – What are the Differences?
While all of these work to repair your driveway, they do so differently.
Patching
Patching involves filling holes or problem areas with asphalt or a similar substance. This doesn’t wholly redo the driveway but helps tighten sections that could eventually result in significant issues, including car damage.
If you’re looking for a simple way to repair a driveway yourself, patching is the way. However, remember that patching isn’t always the most durable solution. It’s a temporary fix, not a long-lasting one.
You can buy an asphalt patch kit from your local hardware store. It holds a unique material combination that you need to mix and spread over the area. Otherwise, it could create rough bumps.
Resurfacing
This option requires a fresh asphalt layer over the current one. This works to seal cracks, potholes, and other problems. This new layer ranges from ½ to 3 inches thick, depending on the driveway.
Resurfacing can be hard work and typically needs to be done by a professional who has access to high-quality materials. They’re also knowledgeable in resurfacing intricacies, so the process will go much faster than if you tried to do it yourself.
A commercial paving company in Elk Grove, CA,will first scrape away the upper asphalt layer to perform a resurfacing job. Once this is done, they’ll inspect the driveway for structural issues that need to be fixed. If everything looks good, a fresh asphalt layer will be poured on.
Replacing
Replacing a driveway is no small task, but it’s needed sometimes to keep the surface and surrounding area safe. So if you find it crumbling, sinking, or with significant cracks that patching doesn’t seem to help, it’s probably time to replace it.
Your contractor will dig out the existing driveway with jackhammers or saws to cut away pieces to replace a driveway. Once the driveway is gone, they’ll reinforce the ground and start applying a new asphalt foundation.
A driveway replacement is somewhat pricey, but it’s worth it because your driveway will be completely fixed. You don’t have to spend on new patching and resurfacing materials, which can add up over time. Replacing it is a long-term solution that lasts for years.
Another perk of replacing your driveway is that you’re free to change its appearance. For instance, if you’d like to have your driveway curve to a different angle or feature a stamped pattern, tell your contractor. They’ll work with you to design your new dream driveway.
What to Look for in a Driveway Contractor
If you need to have your driveway patched, resurfaced, or replaced, you’ll want to confirm that you’ve hired a reliable contractor. Some things to consider before using one’s services include:
- How long they’ve been in business
- Their reviews
- Their services
- If they’re insured
- If they have the proper licenses and permits
- Their warranty
Apart from these significant aspects, check their pricing. You don’t necessarily want to hire someone who offers to do the job at an astonishingly low rate. But, on the other hand, an expensive contractor doesn’t always mean quality.
You also want to meet with the contractor before awarding the job. This is very useful as you’ll get to know them, and they’ll be able to inspect the driveway. You can ask questions and get a good idea of whether they’re the right one for the task.
Knowing whether to patch, resurface, or replace your driveway can be confusing. However, you can quickly figure out the correct route to keep your driveway durable and stunning with this information.
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