When you think about it, you use your driveway in some way or another nearly every single day.
Yet, most of us don’t spend too much time thinking about our driveways. So, when it comes time for driveway resurfacing, a lot of people completely miss the boat.
This is also perhaps because it’s not always easy to tell if you need to have your driveway resurfaced. Does a crack or two here and there really call for resurfacing? How do you know when you need your driveway resurfaced?
Luckily, there are a few key signs that can tell you. Check out this guide to learn the top signs you need a new driveway.
1. Cracks
A crack or two on your driveway isn’t anything to fret about. However, if you notice that the number of cracks on your driveway keeps growing, this is a sign that you may need a new driveway.
Both concrete and asphalt driveways develop cracks over time. This is often caused by oil, gas, salt, or other harmful substances penetrating the driveway and worsening the cracks.
If you live somewhere that has freezing temperatures in the winter months, there’s a good chance that water will seep into the cracks and cause them to expand.
While small cracks can possibly be repaired, cracks that are especially long or deep signify more serious damage that requires a new driveway.
Keep in mind that if you try patching up your driveway first, the areas where you patch it will likely appear much darker than the rest of the driveway. This can look rather unsightly, which is why it’s usually better to replace the whole thing.
2. Potholes
A pothole is much more than just an eyesore–it can be a major problem for your car.
Every time you go over that pothole with your car, you damage your tires and suspension system.
How do these holes even form in the first place?
Potholes form when the ground underneath the driveway expands and contracts. Over time, the material on top starts to weaken, causing pieces to crack and crumble.
Like minor cracks, minor potholes can be repaired. However, repairing a pothole doesn’t get to the underlying problem of the ground below expanding and contracting.
This is why replacing your driveway is usually the best solution, especially if the driveway is older.
3. Bad Drainage
When your driveway is in top condition, water won’t really have an effect on it.
However, if you’re having drainage issues with your driveway, it can lead to serious damage.
If your driveway is sloped or uneven, you’ll either have water pooling or water running down the middle of your driveway. This can cause your driveway to become weak in the spots where the water pools, and in turn will increase the number of potholes and cracks.
Sometimes, adding inlets or curbing is all you need to do to get your driveway back into shape. However, this isn’t always enough. You may need to completely replace your driveway in order to fix the damage that’s been done.
4. Faded and Weathered Appearance
Your driveway is constantly exposed to the sun’s UV rays. As the rays penetrate the surface of your driveway, the surface becomes oxidized and the color starts to fade away.
Therefore, if the color on your driveway is starting to look pretty weathered or faded, you may want to consider replacing it.
While this may seem like a bit much, as it would appear fading is only a cosmetic problem, it really isn’t. In addition to causing the color of your driveway to fade, UV rays can also weaken the durability of your driveway. This is why a replacement is usually the best option.
In addition to the asphalt on your driveway fading, you should also watch out for shifting asphalt. You’ll be able to tell if the asphalt is shifting if there are a lot of mounds and dips. If this is the case, then it’s likely you need to replace your driveway.
5. Forgetting to Reseal
Is your driveway made from asphalt or concrete? If so, you should be resealing it every couple of years.
Resealing your driveway helps to prevent it from cracking, especially at the edges.
If, however, you haven’t been keeping up with this regular maintenance schedule, the cracks in your driveway may be beyond repair. If this is the case, a complete driveway replacement is necessary.
6. Too Old
Sometimes the reason to replace your driveway is simple: your driveway is past its prime.
In general, most driveways need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. If you’re starting to approach that mark, it’s time to think about scheduling a replacement.
At this point, you’re likely experiencing a combination of all the issues discussed above, and any repairs you attempt are likely to be ineffective.
Are You Ready for a New Driveway?
As you can see, there are a lot of possible signs that indicate it’s time for you to get a new driveway.
If you’re still not positive after reading this whether or not your driveway needs replacement, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a driveway company. A company can come over and assess your driveway and see whether it’s really beyond repair or not.
If you have any questions or concerns about driveway replacement, or how to find the right driveway company in your area, feel free to contact us.
