How to Tell When it’s Time to Repave Your Driveway
Water can seep into small cracks in your driveway, and freezing and thawing can cause cracks to widen. If you do not address the issue, potholes can form. The question is, how do you go about fixing this? Read along for our guide on how to tell when it’s time to repave your driveway.
You Can Patch Small Cracks and Potholes
One or two small cracks in your driveway can be fixed by patching. This is an inexpensive project that you can handle yourself with supplies from your local hardware store. An area with patching is visible and can affect your home’s curb appeal. Patching your driveway is only a temporary solution. Within a few years, water will most likely seep in again, and new cracks will emerge. This is a short-term fix ideal for a small amount of cracking.
You’ll Need a Pro to Handle Major Problems
If cracks or potholes cover a significant percentage of the surface, you shouldn’t attempt to fix the driveway yourself. Have a contractor inspect your driveway and recommend an appropriate solution. One option is resurfacing, which involves scraping off sections and then pouring new asphalt or concrete. Resurfacing can make your driveway look new and extend its lifespan by up to 10 years. If the driveway has deep cracks and large potholes, it will need repaving. This will cost significantly more than patching or resurfacing, and you won’t be able to use the driveway for a few days. However, your new driveway will look brand new!
Consider the Age of Your Driveway and Your Future Plans
If your driveway is nearing the end of its lifespan and showing significant damage, a professional might be able to repair it and make it last a few more years. It will most likely crack again and eventually need repaving. If you plan to stay in the house for the foreseeable future, repaving the driveway can be your best long-term option. It will cost you more now, but it will save you money down the road and give you peace of mind. You’ll be able to recoup some of your investment if you sell the house in the future. A driveway that has recently been repaved will appeal to buyers who want to keep their maintenance costs down.
Find the Best Way to Deal With Cracks and Potholes
It can be challenging to know how to tell when it’s time to repave your driveway. A damaged driveway can be an inconvenience, an eyesore, and a safety hazard. Small problems can be easy to fix, but the results won’t last forever. Professional repairs can be expensive, but sometimes they’re necessary, and they’ll save you money in the long run. If you’re not sure about how to deal with cracks and potholes, have a local contractor inspect your driveway and give you advice. Not sure where to begin? Your Calcagni Realtor is a knowledgeable local expert and can recommend a professional who is highly rated in the community.
