When to Replace or Repair Your Driveway
You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your driveway, until you notice a problem. If you’re seeing cracks, potholes and other wear and tear, you may be wondering where it came from and how to fix it.
Driveway damage can come from many sources, including motor oil or gas, de-icing materials, freezing temperatures and the weight of your vehicle. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between minor issues that require repairs and signs you may need a whole new driveway.
How Long Does a Driveway Last?
The lifespan of a driveway depends on factors such as climate and maintenance, but is primarily determined by material.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
If properly installed and cared for, a concrete driveway should last about 30 years. Concrete driveways in colder climate areas may break down sooner but should still last approximately 20 years.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
An asphalt driveway will last between 15 and 20 years. You can extend the life of an asphalt driveway with regular maintenance.
6 Signs Your Driveway Needs Repairs
Wondering how to tell if you need driveway repairs? When you begin noticing changes in your driveway, you may need to make some plans for replacing, patching or resurfacing.
Look into repairs if your driveway has:
- Small cracks that don’t connect: Cracks that are less than ¼ of an inch wide should be repaired before they spread. If water freezes and expands in a crack, the crack will become deeper and wider and is more likely to become an issue.
- A pothole: One pothole can be easily fixed and, if addressed quickly enough, repairs can prevent future damage.
- Sunken areas: If the driveway directly outside your garage is sinking lower than your garage floor, you can patch it and make it level again.
- Faded color: If your driveway is a different color than it used to be, don’t worry. While this is a sign of age, it is still fine to use. If your driveway is concrete, you can fix the color by patching any cracks and adding a sealant.
- Crumbling edges: Crumbling at the side of your asphalt driveway probably means the edges were too thin to begin with. Consider adding additional edging to prevent further damage.
- Signs of wear but it’s less than 10 years old: Your driveway should last at least 15 years so if it’s less than 10 years old and is cracking or sagging, make repairs to extend its life.
Repairing your driveway is the right choice if the damage is minimal enough, covers less than 50% of the surface and if the repairs allow you to maintain the integrity of the driveway as a whole.
If the top of your driveway needs extensive repairs but the foundation is still intact, or if you are concerned about the look of patched concrete or filled in cracks, consider resurfacing it instead. Resurfacing includes replacing the top layer of concrete or asphalt instead of tearing it up completely or patching small portions. This will give your driveway a new look but will cost less than a complete replacement.
Resurfacing is more common with asphalt driveways but can be completed on a concrete driveway as well.
Source:budgetdumpster
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