Owning a home is a big responsibly. Your basic responsibility is the proper maintenance of your home investment. Proper scheduled maintenance is a must. No matter how careful you are, home repairs will be necessary. Some home repairs require more attention. Driveway home repairs need frequent attention. With constant use, you understand why this is true. Signs it’s time for a driveway repair are listed below. Let’s read and discover some of these driveway repair signs.
Driveway Repair Overview
Over time, both the driveway material can fail. Driveway materials are usually asphalt or concrete. When the ground underneath becomes soft, you can expect a driveway failure. With proper grading and maintenance, one can extend the life of their driveway. Below are some of the signs your driveway repair may be necessary.
Driveway Cracking
Driveway cracks are a natural occurrence. These cracks occur over time with concrete or asphalt construction. The type of crack will determine how best to remedy the situation.
Linear Cracks:
Long, thin cracks, or linear cracks, are virtually guaranteed to appear. As your driveway ages, you can expect cracking. What causes extreme crack problems?
- Subsoil degradation.
- Improper installation.
- Water penetration with ice buildup.
- Freeze and thawing.
Spiderweb Cracks:
- Improper installation.
- Subsoil degradation
- Limit of useful life.
A quality driveway requires a solid foundation. With the passing of time, subsoil degradation can occur. When this is evident, the only option is to remove and replace the existing driveway. With removal, the subsoil can be refreshed and compacted. Once this is complete, you can install the overlay material of choice. With proper compaction and placement of material, one can expect years of service.
Dirt Connections offers residential asphalt paving or residential concrete paving that suits any homeowner’s needs.
Keeping An Eye On Your Driveway
Over time, that beautiful piece of concrete or asphalt can begin to look tired. You can beautify your driveway with concrete sealer or asphalt sealing.
The sun emits UV rays and can degrade both asphalt and concrete. The UV rays make the surface brittle and prone to cracking. To protect your driveway surface, apply concrete sealer or asphalt sealing. This sealer material will extend the life of your driveway surface.
Dangerous and Unsightly Potholes
As for potholes, they are a true nuisance. Overtime potholes can develop on your asphalt driveway. These potholes will require maintenance and repair, resulting in expense. At times, potholes can even cause vehicle damage. Vehicle repairs are another unwanted expense.
Pothole repairs should be addressed immediately. Prompt pothole repairs, will minimize driveway and vehicle repair costs. Reduced repair costs are always welcomed.
Repair or Replace?
It is important to identify your driveway repair problems. Depending on the repair, will determine if fixes or remove and replace the driveway. The factors below will help you determine the best remedy for you and your family.
- Size and Amount of the Damage: With a measuring tape, note how wide and deep cracks are. Cracks that exceed a half inch for width or two inches in depth are a problem. Replacement may be you only option.
- Age of the Driveway: Concrete usually has a shelf life of about 30 years, while asphalt driveway may last 25 years. A driveway of 25 – 30 years, one should expect a removal and replacement driveway project.
- Resurfacing: This option usually applies to asphalt driveways. If the driveway base is solid, you might consider an asphalt overlayment. With overlayment you avoid the expense of existing driveway surface removal and haul off. This can mean huge cost savings. Again, this is an option if the driveway base is suitable and in sound condition.
Fairfax Driveway Paving Services Are Just A Click Away!
A smooth and even driveway not only adds to a home’s aesthetic and financial value, it also can prevent injury to playing children or absentminded adults. Preventative maintenance, performed regularly and diligently, can go a long way towards avoiding a costly replacement down the line. Dirt Connections today is able to provide affordable assistance that can bring your driveway back to it’s best. Call directly or send us a message online today!
Signs it’s time for a driveway repair are listed above. Get your FREE Estimate today.
