A new driveway can make your home look better and increase its value. But before you hire Driveway Replacement Greensboro NC contractor, research the process and choose the right material.
Isolated cracks and holes can be repaired with one-off patches and fillers, but when these repairs are not a long-term solution, replacement is the best option. Learn about the top signs it’s time to replace your driveway.
Cracks
Cracks in a driveway may look unsightly, but they can also be an indicator of underlying problems. While hairline cracks are generally harmless, wider ones need to be repaired in order to protect the integrity of your driveway. Cracks can be caused by many factors, including weather, soil conditions, and improper installation.
The best fix for cracks is to repair them right away, preferably before they worsen. Use a masonry crack filler that will match your driveway surface. This can be bought at a local hardware store, and comes in no-mess cartridges for a caulking gun or pourable squeeze bottles. The material should be squirted or poured into the crack, and then smoothed with a putty knife. Be sure to avoid walking on the crack filler until it dries, and keep vehicles off of the area for three days.
Another option is to patch them with cold-patch asphalt or concrete. This is best done when temperatures are above 60degF, and the cracks are clean and free of plants. The asphalt filler should be mixed with sand to within 1/4 in. of the cracks, and then a sealant such as Quikrete’s Blacktop Repair or Dalton’s Pli-Stix should be applied over the top.
If the cracks are structural in nature and a tripping hazard, or if they’re spreading rapidly, then you’ll want to call in a professional for a slabjacking treatment. This involves drilling diminutive holes in the driveway slab, and then administering a dual-component polymer foam to the underneath side of the slab. The foam expands and lifts the sunken section, bringing back its structural integrity.
If the cracks are widening rapidly, then they may be a sign of a much bigger problem, such as water intrusion or soil instability. In this case, a new driveway replacement will likely be more cost-effective than repairing them individually. If you’re having your driveway replaced, be sure to ask the contractor about the materials they will be using, and how they’ll stand up over time. Using subpar materials can lead to cracking and other issues that will shorten the life of your new driveway.
Potholes
A pothole in your driveway is more than just an eyesore – it can damage the underside of your car and tire, cause serious vibrations and noise when driving over it, and even leak gasoline or de-icing salt from under your vehicle. These holes are a clear sign that your driveway needs attention, especially in colder climates where freeze-thaw cycles and heavy traffic can exacerbate the problem.
There are several ways to repair a pothole in your driveway, including patching and resurfacing. Patching is best for small cracks that haven’t spread widely, and it provides a cost-effective solution. However, it may not be durable enough for extensive damage, and the repairs may not match the texture and appearance of your driveway.
Resurfacing is a more comprehensive approach that can be used to address potholes and other surface issues in a concrete or asphalt driveway. This method involves scraping off the damaged parts of your driveway and pouring on new materials. While it’s more expensive than patching, it offers better durability and is likely to last longer.
If you have a gravel driveway, the best way to prevent potholes is to monitor drainage problems and make sure that your base is stable. In addition, you can use a tarp to cover any exposed base when it rains, and add extra layers of rock to the area if necessary.
To repair a pothole, start by removing any loose gravel that washed into it. Then, rake away any dirt or organic material in the surrounding area of the hole. Next, fill the pothole about halfway with coarse gravel and compact it with a commercial or home-made tamper. Finally, top with a layer of smooth, black asphalt. Then, tamp again until the surface is firm.
Another option for preventing potholes in gravel driveways is to lay them on a bed of crushed rock that has been compacted. This will help prevent water from seeping into the ground underneath, freezing and expanding, and causing damage to the existing gravel. In addition, you should tamp down any loose rock to keep it from moving around as you drive over it.
Drainage Issues
If your driveway is prone to flooding or water pooling, you may need a drainage system to help with the issue. Water pools can be dangerous, particularly in cold weather when they can freeze and crack the tarmac. They can also attract moss, which further damages the surface and reduces the lifespan of your paved drive.
Properly managed drainage will also prevent erosion and improve the overall performance of your paved drive, reducing maintenance requirements. Ideally, your driveway should be located in an area of your property that naturally has good drainage. However, this is not always possible. If your current driveway is not in an area that has adequate drainage, consider upgrading to a new location or making landscaping changes that will allow for improved flow of storm water away from the surface of the paved drive.
For a more permanent solution, a professional contractor can install drain pipes or other drainage solutions such as French drains or channel drains. These are particularly effective in areas with heavy rainfall or where water pools frequently in the driveway’s lowest area. Regular maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure they work properly.
Keeping the area around your driveway clear of blockages and checking that downspouts are directing water away from the driveway will also greatly aid in proper drainage and will extend the lifespan of your paved drive. It’s a good idea to do this periodically and to check for signs of erosion or standing water that could be caused by improper drainage.
Other options to consider for your driveway’s drainage include laying down permeable materials such as gravel, planting trees and shrubs that can absorb excess runoff, or regrading the area surrounding your driveway. These simple steps can significantly reduce the amount of rainwater that collects and directs it to other areas where it can be more useful, such as a backyard patio or garden.
Curb Appeal
The driveway is a central feature of a home, tying the front yard to the street. A well-maintained, visually appealing driveway can help attract buyers and raise a property’s value. Driveway landscape projects can include a variety of tasks, from simple landscaping to full paving replacement.
A new driveway is an opportunity to create a statement piece that maximizes curb appeal. A paved asphalt driveway is a popular choice because it provides an attractive surface that’s both durable and budget-friendly. It also provides a smooth, even appearance that enhances the look of any home.
Concrete is another great material for a driveway. The structurally sound material is stylistically neutral and comes in a range of finishes and colors, including earth tones that blend beautifully with any exterior color scheme. Whether you choose smooth or textured concrete, you can add visual interest with a pattern or stain.
Adding a few well-chosen accents can make your driveway stand out and increase the curb appeal of your entire home. For example, you can flank your driveway with a masonry column or statue for a dramatic effect. You can also add a decorative mailbox or house numbers to your driveway.
A weed-ridden, cracked, or otherwise damaged driveway can be an eyesore and reduce the overall curb appeal of your home. It can also detract from the perceived value of your home and be a liability risk if it’s uneven or pothole-ridden.
Driveway maintenance and landscaping can help to boost the overall curb appeal of your home, but sometimes it’s necessary to invest in a complete replacement. A new driveway will provide an attractive and durable surface that will last for decades, while also providing a great return on investment in the event you decide to sell your property.
A new, professionally installed custom driveway will improve the aesthetic of your home and enhance its value. It will also help to protect the integrity of your foundation, which is a vital component of your home’s safety and stability. A professional installation will begin with a thorough scraping and removal of the old driveway, followed by excavation, subsurface preparation, delivery and laying of concrete, and finishing. If you’re interested in upgrading your driveway, contact a professional for a free consultation.