Likely, you do not spend a lot of time thinking about your driveway until something goes wrong. As soon as you notice cracks, potholes, and general wear and tear, you will not be able to stop thinking about your driveway and how to repair it.
There are many causes of driveway damage, and it will happen over time. Whether your damage is caused by motor oil, gas, de-icing materials, freezing temperatures, and even the weight of your vehicle, it is time to think about what to do next.
To accommodate the needs of all of our clients, we maintain a wide selection of five different dumpster sizes, including extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large dumpsters.
Some of the damage that your driveway suffers can be repaired, but there will come a time when you need to replace the entire thing.
How Long Does A Driveway Last?
The standard lifespan of a driveway can vary based on many different factors, including the climate and overall maintenance it has experienced.
However, the main factor that determines the lifespan of a driveway is the material.
- Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways can last around 30 years if they have been installed correctly and maintained well over the years. Concrete driveways in colder climates are likely to last around 20 years.
- Asphalt Driveways
An asphalt driveway can last between 15 and 20 years with the correct care.
It is possible to extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway with regular maintenance.
Six Signs Your Driveway Needs Repairing
If you are wondering whether your driveway needs repaired, there are some signs you can look out for. Noticing changes in your driveway means it is time to consider the repairs that you need to do, whether this is replacing, patching, or resurfacing.
You should look for repairs if your driveway has:
- Small cracks that don’t connect
Cracks that are less than ¼ of an inch wide should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading. If water lands in the crack and freezes, it will expand the crack, making it deeper and wider, which will make it more difficult to repair.
- A pothole
One pothole can be easily fixed if it is noticed quick enough to prevent further damage.
- Sunken areas
If you have noticed that your driveway is sinking lower than the garage floor, it is time to patch it and make it level again before it gets worse.
- Faded color
If your driveway is a different color from what it used to be, this can be easily repaired by patching and sealing. While this is a sign of aging, your driveway should still be safe to use if repairs are done quickly enough.
- Crumbling edges
Crumbling at the sides of an asphalt driveway is usually a sign that the edges were too thin when it was first installed, but this will get worse over time.
To prevent further damage, add more edging to the driveway.
- Signs of wear before the driveway is 10 years old
Most driveways should last around 15 years, so if you are noticing signs of wear before this point, it is time to start doing repairs.
Repairs done on time can extend the life of your driveway.
Should I Repair My Driveway?
Repairing your driveway is the right choice to do to the driveway if you are dealing with minimal damage. Damage that covers less than 50% of the surface can be repaired easily and should be done to extend the life of your driveway.
If the top of your driveway requires extensive repairs, but the foundation is intact or if you are concerned about the appearance of your driveway, then resurfacing it is the best option.
Resurfacing involves replacing the top layer of concrete or asphalt driveways to give it a new look without a complete replacement. This is a good idea if you are dealing with a lot of wear and tear where patching small portions will not make a difference.
How Much Does It Cost To Resurface A Driveway?
The average cost to resurface or repave a driveway varies between $1 and $3 per square foot.
This is why resurfacing is a cheaper option than replacing your driveway, but it does cost more to resurface the whole area instead of repairing or patching specific areas.
Five Signs Your Driveway Needs To Be Replaced
Replacing a driveway is a big decision to make because it is a big investment.
However, there are some occasions where this is the only option, and you should consider replacing your driveway if:
- There are multiple potholes
A large number of potholes that are deep enough to impact the foundation of the driveway is a clear sign that it needs to be replaced.
Potholes can cause further damage if left unattended as they can collect water and will be more expensive to deal with individually.
- Alligator or spiderweb cracks
Cracks that are interconnected will look like scales or cobwebs and cover the majority of your driveway. These cannot be repaired individually, so you need to replace the driveway.
- Aged more than 20 years
Most driveways can last between 15 and 20 years with correct maintenance, with many concrete driveways lasting up to 30 years. However, after this time, you should consider replacing the driveway.
- Drainage issues
If your driveway or the yard around it is not draining properly, causing water to be directed to your home’s foundation, then this needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further property damage, so replace your driveway.
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