Do You Need To Repair or Replace Your Driveway
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Do You Need To Repair or Replace Your Driveway
When it comes to the exterior of our homes, we tend to take it for granted. However, without taking good care of our properties, they may start showing signs of wear and tear. This is where a driveway comes into play. Without proper maintenance, your driveway may become damaged, worn out, or even cracked. This can cause many problems such as slipping, uneven surfaces, and poor drainage.
A well-designed driveway is a major investment in your home. If you aren’t happy with the way it looks or feels, it can affect your curb appeal and cause damage to your home. This is why you should always consider whether you want to replace or repair your driveway.
Before you begin shopping around for a new driveway, check if it meets building code standards and whether it is structurally sound. If you decide to go ahead with a replacement project, you'll also need to determine if it is worth the cost.
Common Signs of Driveway Damage and That Your Driveway Needs Repair
If you notice any of these key signs on your driveway, it might be time to get them repaired:
1. Cracks
Visible cracks on any type of driveway material are a sign that your driveway needs repair. They could indicate a problem with the concrete itself, which means that there's a chance that your driveway will have to be replaced.
2. Slipping
Slipping occurs when the surface of your driveway becomes too slippery. It can happen due to cracks, loose gravel, or other factors.
3. Poor Drainage
Drainage issues happen when water pools near the edge of your driveway. The result is an area that is either muddy or wet.
4. Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces occur when the surface of your driveways isn't flat or level. A bumpy surface can make driving difficult and unsafe.
5. Gravel
Gravel is one of the most common causes of driveway damage. If you're using gravel, it's important to keep it evenly spread across your driveway.
6. Dirt
Dirt buildup is another common reason for driveway damage. When dirt builds up, it can block drains and create a mess.
7. Potholes
Potholes are small holes that form in your driveway because of excessive traffic. These holes can quickly turn into big puddles of mud.
8. Tree Roots
Tree roots can grow through your entire driveway and cause damage.
9. Water Stains
Water stains appear when rainwater seeps into your driveway and dries. A stain can leave dark marks on your driveway.
10. Snow Removal
Snow removal is a task that requires special attention. If you don't remove snow from your driveway regularly, it can build up and cause damage.
11. Ice Damages
Ice dams are caused by cold temperatures. As ice forms on top of your driveway, it can crack and break.
12. Hail Damage
Hail damage happens when large chunks of hail strike your driveway.
13. Sprinkler Leaks
Exposure to sprinklers leaks when their pipes freeze during the winter months can cause major issues.
14. Storm Drains
Storm drains collect stormwater runoff and carry it away from your property. If they clog, it can lead to flooding.
15. Other Causes
Other reasons for driveway damage include tree root growth, animals digging under the depth of your driveway, and vehicle accidents.
Water Damage Due to Poor Drainage in Pavement and Parking Lots
Heavy vehicles driving down a wet street or parking lot can be dangerous. The pavement or parking lot can become slippery and even pose an accident risk. Poor drainage can also cause water damage to nearby buildings and structures. This type of damage can result in costly repairs. Poor drainage can occur due to poor design, improper construction, or inadequate maintenance.
If you notice any signs of water damage, contact a professional immediately. The most important thing to remember when looking at paving projects is that there are two sides to every story. The contractor will have his own agenda and wants to make sure he gets paid for the work done. He will try to convince you that you need to replace the entire surface of the area with new pavers.
However, this isn’t always a necessary solution. Sometimes, only certain areas need to be replaced. You can save money by replacing just one section of the driveway instead of the whole thing. This will help you avoid having to pay for extra labor costs. When choosing a company, ask them what kind of warranty they offer on their products. This will give you some insight into how much protection you have against problems such as cracking and peeling. It is best to hire a reputable paving company that specializes in installing pavers. They will know exactly which type of paver is right for your project. They will also know how to properly install the pavers. They will also know how to clean up after themselves and dispose of waste properly. If you hire someone that does not specialize in pavers, then you might end up paying for unnecessary services.
Driveway Replacement
Complete replacement of the driveway is a great option if you find that it is damaged or worn out. There are many types of driveway material available today. Some examples include:
Concrete
Concrete is a popular choice for homeowners who want something long-lasting and easy to maintain. However, concrete is expensive and may require additional maintenance.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a cheaper alternative to concrete. It's more flexible than concrete and easier to install. However, asphalt is not as durable as concrete, so it must be resurfaced periodically.
Bitumen
Bitumen is a mixture of tar and sand. It's used to coat roadways and parking lots. Bitumen is inexpensive and easy to apply. However, it wears off over time and must be reapplied.
Stone
Stone is a natural material that looks beautiful and adds value to your home. Homeowners can choose the color, pattern, and size they like for their driveway surface. Stone also lasts longer than asphalt and concrete.
Wood
Wood is a traditional material for driveways. It's strong and attractive. However, wood needs regular care and maintenance, including sealing and staining.
The Cost for Asphalt Driveway Repair and Replacement
Concrete Driveway Leveling
When hiring a paving contractor, you should expect to spend anywhere from $1,000-$3,500 per lane. For smaller jobs, you can expect to pay less. Larger jobs usually cost more because of the amount of asphalt needed. Remember, if you choose to do the job yourself, you will need to purchase all the supplies required. You will also need to hire a crew to help you complete the project involving asphalt surfaces. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the square footage of your driveway by $2-4 dollars per linear foot. This will give you an idea of the approximate cost.
A typical driveway replacement project will take between 3-6 weeks to complete. Depending on the size of the project, you may need to hire additional workers to assist you with extensive repairs. These workers will include laborers, painters, plumbers, electricians, etc. The total price for a driveway replacement project depends on several factors:
• Size of the driveway being replaced
• Number of lanes involved
• Type of material used (concrete vs. asphalt)
• Amount of concrete surface material removed
• Amount of asphalt added
• Level of difficulty of the project
A concrete driveway surface is durable and long-lasting. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. A concrete driveway is typically made out of cement and aggregate. Aggregate is a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed stone, and other natural minerals. Sand makes up around 60% of the aggregate while gravel makes up the rest. Gravel helps prevent the concrete from becoming too hard. Cement is mixed with water and aggregate to create concrete. Once the concrete slab dries, it becomes rock solid. The concrete slab is poured onto a base layer of compacted dirt or sand. After the concrete is set, the excess dirt is removed. A concrete driveway level is often installed over a subbase to protect the existing soil below.