Asphalt driveways are known not only for their sleek and polished appearance but also for their durability, which makes them a popular choice for properties where there’s constant foot and vehicle traffic. However, over time, several issues can arise that compromise their condition. For example, nearby trees can cause problems as their roots grow and push against the asphalt, leading to cracks and surface irregularities. Additionally, inadequate drainage can cause water to accumulate, weakening the asphalt. Oil or gasoline spills, along with a lack of regular maintenance, can also contribute to the deterioration of the driveway. In such cases, the service of a professional Dunedin or Otago paving contractor like Asphalt Services Ltd. is needed to restore the asphalt driveway back to perfect condition.
Perhaps you’re starting to notice cracks or potholes developing in your own asphalt driveway as well. Depending on the severity of the damage, you have a choice whether to have your driveway patched, resurfaced, or replaced. How do you know which method fits your needs? Here are some factors to consider to determine which solution will work best for your damaged asphalt driveway.
Should You Patch Your Driveway?
One day, you may spot small cracks starting to form on your driveway. It’s always best to have them fixed right away to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt’s foundation, which can then result in the cracks widening further. Patching is a quick and inexpensive solution for such small cracks and holes. It involves using an asphalt sealant—which can easily be purchased at most hardware stores—and filling in the cracks with it. You also wouldn’t have to close off the entire driveway as there won’t be any construction to be done, and you’ll only have to wait for the sealant to dry.
If the damage on your asphalt driveway is only minimal, then patching could be the right choice for you. It’s also ideal if you’ve got a limited budget to spare for the repair, although keep in mind that some sealants may leave a visible patch on your driveway, which can compromise how your pavement looks. Patching can also be just a temporary fix, so consider having the damage assessed by an asphalt paving contractor first to see if this repair method will be enough or if you’ll need to consider other methods.
Should You Resurface Your Driveway?
Resurfacing is an asphalt repair method that can take care of larger cracks, potholes, or other forms of damage that span a significant portion of your driveway. This method involves removing the top layers of the damaged asphalt and replacing it with new ones, which makes the process less expensive than having your entire driveway replaced. It can also extend the lifespan of your driveway by up to a decade while also giving it that brand-new look that simple patching won’t provide.
Resurfacing provides a middle ground between patching and replacing your driveway in terms of cost-efficiency, which makes it a great solution for most damaged asphalt driveways. Note that a resurfacing project takes more time than patching, so you may have to close off your driveway until it’s done. There may also be cases where the layer below the asphalt is damaged, in which case further repairs may be necessary. Make sure to hire professional asphalters who can assess your driveway first to find out the full extent of the damage and how much resurfacing will be needed so that the project can proceed smoothly.
Should You Replace Your Driveway?
Driveways become more prone to wear and tear the older they get, which is why there may come a time when your asphalt driveway will inevitably start showing signs of larger damage, such as deep cracks, huge potholes, and crumbling surfaces. In such cases, replacing your driveway allows you to get to the root of the problem and essentially get a completely new asphalt driveway.
As you can imagine, this method costs more than patching and resurfacing, although it does offer a longer-term solution and thus also provides a longer lifespan for your driveway than the other two methods. If your driveway is already old or extensively damaged, then replacement is the most cost-efficient way to have it repaired since anything less will just be a short-term fix. Since this is a more complicated project, you won’t be able to use your driveway for several days, so do plan out alternative routes to your residence or business beforehand.
Get an Expert’s Opinion
When it comes to asphalt driveway repair, getting the opinion of an expert is crucial to make sure that your driveway problem can get fixed thoroughly and not just temporarily. That’s why Asphalt Services Ltd. offers free site assessments to let our team have a better look at your asphalt driveway’s damage and determine whether patching, resurfacing, or replacing is the right repair method for the job.
Backed by more than 20 years of experience, Asphalt Services Ltd. is able to deliver excellent craftsmanship in every job while also making sure that our prices are transparent and competitive for our customers. You can also rely on us to only use premium materials during the repair process, which guarantees the durability and longevity of your driveway. For any of your asphalt repair needs, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can start restoring the beauty of your driveway today.
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