A poorly-maintained driveway can give a home a scruffy look, no matter how beautiful the rest of the property is. As a homeowner, taking care of your driveway isn’t always the easiest thing as you have to know when to have it resurfaced or replaced. Here are some signs to watch out for so that you can make a better-informed decision or whether to resurface or replace your driveway.
Signs that a Homeowner Should Resurface or Replace an Asphalt Driveway
The existing surface of an asphalt driveway can tell us a lot about which direction we should lean when considering resurfacing an asphalt driveway or a full overhaul and replacement. Here are a few things to look for:
#1 Cracks-
Asphalt driveways with small cracks can typically be paved over with new asphalt “resurfaced”, as long as the cracks are not significant. A few longitudinal or transverse cracks are not an indication that the base underneath the driveway has failed, so in this situation, it would be a good option to resurface the existing driveway.
Deep cracks on the driveway may indicate extreme damage. This might indicate a section that needs to be cut out and removed, with the proper base installed before resurfacing. Multiple cracks in large sections, also know as “alligator cracking” is also a sign of extreme damage. These sections should also be cut out and properly based before resurfacing. If more than 40% of the driveway if suffering from alligator cracking, it is a definite sign the driveway needs to be replaced.
#2 Potholes-
Potholes are also a significant sign that you should replace your driveway or at least a section of the driveway. Ignoring them can be extremely dangerous as they can lead to accidents if the pot holes are large enough. Potholes are a result of drainage issues and/or an underlying base issue that needs to be corrected. Potholes left untreated could result in further deterioration of the driveway, like larger, more significant potholes and cracking. A driveway with drainage issues affects the binding agents of the asphalt.
#3 Multiple Layers-
Take a closer look here as your driveway could have already been resurfaced once before. If you see large chunks of your asphalt driveway missing, take a look to see if there is a base layer present, or call F&M Contractors to have a knowledgeable paving representative come out to inspect if you are unsure. If a base layer of asphalt is present, and the surface layer is showing signs of extreme damage, it normally tells us the driveway should have never been resurfaced to begin with. This is an indication all layers of the present driveway will need to be removed with a thorough examination of the sub-base before paving with new asphalt.
Benefits of Opting for a Replacement
By now, you should have a good indication of what to look for when considering repaving your driveway. In most cases, it makes more sense to make the investment to replace an asphalt driveway, rather than making quick repairs or resurfacing which will get you by for a few years but will ultimately cost more in the long term. Properly replaced asphalt driveways will last 20 years or more while resurfacing a driveway that might not be a good candidate to resurface, could only last 3-7 years.
F&M Contractors, Inc.
If you need more information about how to professionally pave an asphalt driveway or if you’d like to receive an estimate or request a contract, contact us today at 410-667-8900 or send us an e-mail to info@fmcontractors.com.
We have been the go-to source to replace your concrete and asphalt driveways since 1979. Contact us for a free estimate!
