How to Know When to Repair or Replace Your Driveway

Your driveway can sustain many forms of damage over the years. These damages, such as cracks and potholes, can impact your driveway’s functionality.

If the problems are extensive, a complete replacement is needed. However, a professional assessment is recommended to determine the best repair options for your driveway. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston SC for professional help.

A driveway that’s free of cracks and divots is both attractive and functional. Cracks allow moisture to enter, leading to surface deterioration and further damage over time. They’re also a tripping hazard for pedestrians. Addressing them promptly is the best way to protect your investment and ensure your family’s safety.

Smaller cracks in your asphalt can be repaired with concrete crack filler or a liquid sealant. Applying the product carefully with a caulking gun or by hand, you can fill in cracks and then smooth out the rest of your driveway’s surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and curing times.

Larger cracks or a pattern of alligator cracks often indicate structural problems beneath the surface that require professional assessment and repair. They may suggest that your home’s foundation is shifting, which can lead to serious issues with your driveway, as well as your home.

Often, concrete cracks are caused by poor base installation or improper concrete pouring. A faulty base can shift and crack the driveway surface, even if it can withstand the weight of your vehicles. Incorrectly spacing control joints will also cause your driveway to crack over time.

If your driveway is experiencing significant cracking, it’s time to call a professional for a consultation and repair estimate. They can help you determine whether your concrete is in need of reinforcement or a complete replacement and recommend the best solution for you. In addition, they can provide you with a quote for the project that will include labor and materials. This is the most cost-effective way to fix a cracked or damaged driveway.

Potholes

While potholes are common on roadways and parking lots, they can also occur in gravel driveways. These large depressions in your driveway can damage your car and lead to injuries for pedestrians. To prevent them from forming, remove oil and fuel stains as soon as you notice them and improve drainage. Standing water chips away at asphalt and can weaken the base layer, causing potholes to form.

When rainwater or snowmelt pools in a driveway or parking lot, it slowly seeps upward into the asphalt surface and causes it to soften and disintegrate. When it freezes in winter and thaws in spring, the weakened material is forced to expand, creating cracks in your otherwise immaculate driveway.

Potholes are most likely to appear in sections of your driveway that have been weakened by repeated use of heavy vehicles or by a lack of maintenance. Over time, these weak spots in the pavement can become enlarged by the weight of vehicles driving over them, and when the pressure becomes too great, it causes the material to shift or break down completely.

Once a pothole is formed, the best way to repair it is to fill it in with cold mix asphalt patch. First, thoroughly clean the area with a wire street broom to remove any pebbles or loose dirt. Then, pour the patch into the hole and rake it around to get it even. If the patch is water-activated, like Aquaphalt 6.0 Asphalt Patch, use a garden hose or a water bottle to spray the material to rehydrate it and help it set.

Once the patch is in place, you can compact it with a tamper tool or an asphalt roller or plate compactor to make sure it stays firmly in place and won’t be easily displaced by future traffic. It’s important to perform this step, as it will ensure that your driveway patch is sturdy and long-lasting.

Extensive Damage

If your driveway shows signs of extensive damage, like rutting or raveling, you may need to go beyond patching and repairs. Extensive surface wear, deep cracking, and sinking sections can lead to structural issues that require professional intervention. A thorough evaluation by experts can help you choose the right solution, whether that means resurfacing or replacement of your entire driveway.

The earth naturally shifts, but when your driveway wasn’t constructed correctly or is exposed to frequent heavy loads, it can cause damage over time. Regular inspections can catch early wear-related problems and address them before they worsen. Removing and cleaning waste build-up stops cracks from widening, and sealing them keeps moisture out for long-lasting durability.

Driveway repairs should be done promptly to prevent further damage and protect the value of your property. Regular cleaning, addressing cracks as they appear, and applying a protective coating can extend your driveway’s lifespan by years.

While hairline cracks might seem harmless, they’re likely to grow and become more problematic if left unchecked. For serious issues, like alligator cracking and sunken sections of your driveway, it’s best to hire a professional.

In some cases, resurfacing is the best option. This involves laying a new layer of asphalt over your existing surface. This repair method is effective for minor damage, and a professional can ensure that it’s properly installed for optimal durability. For more extensive damage, such as a sinking section or large cracks, geo-polymer injection slabjacking is the most cost-effective solution. This method injects high-density foam into your driveway, which fills in any gaps and strengthens the base. It’s also more cost-effective than complete replacement and offers comparable results.

DIY Repairs

A basic sealant and minor repair can extend the life of most asphalt driveways. However, regular inspections are vital for early detection of key problems like cracks and potholes. When you see these, take action promptly to avoid costly repairs.

Cracks and small holes can grow into major issues if left unattended. They can allow water to infiltrate the surface and freeze during colder months, causing them to deepen and expand. This can weaken the structural integrity of your driveway and ultimately require costly professional replacement.

To fix these, use a high-quality crack filler designed for concrete and asphalt driveways. The filler comes in liquid form, so it is easy to apply and spread. Follow the directions on the product to fill the cracks, making sure the filler completely covers them and is slightly mounded above the surface of the driveway to help address voids underneath.

Sunken sections of your driveway can also cause serious damage if not raised back to their original position. This can cause unevenness and a tripping hazard. To raise them, inject a lifting foam under the sunken area to lift it back up. Follow with bedding sand to level the area and create good drainage.

If you have a concrete or stone paver driveway, a border can be used to reinforce the structure and prevent it from sinking or breaking apart. Also, if you have low areas where water collects, make sure they are elevated and resurfaced to improve drainage and prevent further problems. In addition to these tips, proper water management is essential for keeping your driveway looking great and functioning well. Proper drainage helps keep the surface free of water-borne debris and weeds, and it minimizes erosion around the edges of your driveway.

Professional Repairs

Your driveway is more than just a surface, it’s an important component of your property. It provides a smooth path for vehicles and pedestrians, and adds to your home’s curb appeal. Knowing when to repair or replace your driveway can save you money and frustration in the long run. The severity and extent of your damage should guide your decision. For instance, extensive cracks and potholes signal a serious structural issue that could require professional intervention. Likewise, significant surface erosion and crumbling along the edges of your driveway can weaken its support.

Expert repairs prevent problems from escalating. For instance, moisture seeping into cracks exacerbates their growth and can lead to surface erosion and sinkhole formation. Winter freeze-thaw cycles force trapped water to expand, resulting in further damage. Professional repair techniques like PolyLevel foam injection address the underlying problem, doubling or tripling your concrete lifespan.

A professionally repaired driveway improves safety and curb appeal, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces with peace of mind. It also increases your property value and makes it easier to sell your home in the future. When repairing your driveway, be sure to choose high-quality materials and follow the proper installation techniques. It’s best to hire a professional contractor with experience in driveway repair and replacement, as they have the knowledge and equipment to provide lasting results.