Should You Repair Or Replace Your Driveway?

A driveway serves as the main entrance to your home, and it needs to be functional and attractive. When a driveway becomes damaged, homeowners can choose between resurfacing or replacing it.

General wear and tear causes cracks in all driveway materials. When cracks become wide and deep, it’s time to call the paving professionals. For professional help, call Driveway Replacement Colorado Springs.

The cost of a driveway replacement depends on the materials chosen, the size of the job, and other factors like labor costs, demolition, and more. Typically, labor can make up half or more of the price per square foot of the project. This includes excavation, removing the old driveway, preparing the site, concrete delivery, pouring, and finishing. Specialized design options like textured surface treatments and colored staining can also add to the cost of the project.

The most common choice of material for a new driveway is asphalt or concrete, each with its own benefits and disadvantages. Asphalt is usually less expensive than concrete, but it has a shorter lifespan and is more prone to cracking. Concrete lasts much longer but is more costly to install.

If a driveway is in significant disrepair, it might need to be replaced entirely rather than simply resurfaced. In this case, the existing driveway would need to be excavated using heavy equipment, milled, and a fresh layer of material added.

Repairing cracks in a concrete or brick driveway can be quite costly, particularly if the cracks are wide or deep. A professional repair can cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the extent of the damage and whether tree removal is necessary to access the area.

Spalling is a common problem that occurs when thin layers of a concrete or brick driveway chip away, exposing the underlying material. This can occur as a result of frost, the freeze-thaw cycle, or chemical burns from salt mixtures used for de-icing. The best option for repairing this type of damage is to replace the affected area with a new section of driveway.

A reseal is recommended every three years for asphalt pavement and every two years for concrete or brick to protect the new surface from sunlight, rain, and chemicals. A reseal can cost between $2 and $5 per square foot of driveway, depending on how extensive the repairs are.

Materials

Many of the 75 million driveways in the United States are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Whether yours is in need of a simple patch or a complete makeover, it’s important to choose the right material. Driveway materials range from inexpensive gravel to expensive paver bricks made of natural stone, fired clay, or shaped and colored concrete.

The best driveway material for your needs depends on the geographic location of your home and the climate conditions in your area. For example, if you live in an area with hot summers, asphalt isn’t the best option for your driveway because it softens quickly and can crack due to heat exposure. A rough surface like gravel, on the other hand, holds up well against heat and can easily resist rutting.

When choosing a new driveway material, consider the ongoing maintenance and installation costs. Some materials are more cost-effective than others, but they may require more frequent upkeep or repair to keep them looking good. For example, a gravel driveway may need regular raking to remove debris and can be very dusty.

Paver driveways offer a wide range of colors and designs, from unusual patterns like trefoil and anvil to common ones such as bow tie, keyhole, and hexagon. They’re also easy to install and can be arranged in many different ways. Concrete pavers are more durable and can be installed in a variety of styles, including stamped or stenciled. They’re also DIY-friendly and a more sustainable option because they’re made from recycled tires and shoe soles that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Permeable residential pavers from TRUEGRID are one of the most eco-friendly options for a new driveway. They allow water to flow through the spaces between the pavers instead of collecting and flowing over the top, which makes them more sustainable than other types of driveway alternatives that rely on high temperatures to create their structures. In addition to being environmentally friendly, permeable pavers are also cheaper than traditional driveway materials. They’re a great choice for homeowners who want a beautiful and functional driveway that will last a long time.

Installation

Often, a new driveway is needed when the existing one has major cracks or is too old to be repaired by simply filling in and sealing. But sometimes, the need for a replacement isn’t quite so clear-cut. Whether it’s because a snow plow has torn the apron or a small crack seems to be getting bigger every time you drive over it, it can be hard to know when the repairs are just not worth it anymore.

Ultimately, whether you’re installing a completely new driveway or resurfacing an existing one, the cost is roughly the same. The difference is that resurfacing leaves your original surface intact, while replacing it means you’ll have to remove everything down to the base and start fresh.

Once the old surface has been removed, contractors can begin installing your new driveway. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on what type of material you choose. For example, gravel is the most basic and least expensive option, but it requires regular maintenance in terms of raking and removing weeds. Concrete is more durable but more costly. It also requires excavation and site prep, which can increase costs as it’s necessary to ensure the foundation is strong and that water drains correctly.

The quality of the installation is another factor that can increase or decrease the cost. For instance, if your contractor uses subpar materials and doesn’t follow proper building codes, it will likely shorten the life of your new driveway. So if you want to get the most value out of your new investment, you’ll need to do your research and find the right pro for the job.

The best way to do this is to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or look online. Those who have been through the process of finding a pro and having work completed can give you an insider’s perspective on what to expect and which pros to avoid. You should also ask for photos of past projects, as this will give you an idea of how the results have held up over time.

Maintenance

Over time, the weight of vehicles, oil leaks, and erosion can cause driveway surface damage. This can lead to cracks, puddles, and crumbling edges that affect both appearance and function. If your driveway is exhibiting these signs, you need to decide whether to repair or replace it.

Repairing is a good option if the damage is limited to a small area. However, repairing your driveway only extends its life by about two to three years. For a much more lasting solution, resurfacing can add five to ten years to the life of your driveway. Resurfacing entails grinding down the damaged top layer, filling cracks, and installing a new 2-inch layer of asphalt for a fresh look. Many homeowners choose to apply a sealcoat afterward to further protect the new surface and prolong its life.

It is important to know when to repair or replace your driveway, as each option will have a different impact on your budget. It is also important to find a reliable contractor. A good start is to ask friends and neighbors who have recently had their driveways repaired or replaced for recommendations. Once you have found a contractor, be sure to check references and ask for a written quote.

Replacing your driveway can seem like a large expense, but it is a long-term investment that will improve the value of your home. In addition to adding curb appeal, a well-maintained driveway is an important safety measure for pedestrians and cars.