Your driveway will go through a lot of changes from the time
it’s new to the day you have to replace it. Each stage requires a different
plan of action and the list below will help steer you in the right direction.
Stage 1: Preventative Maintenance
For the first few years your driveway will only need
preventative maintenance, sealcoating and crack filling every other year. Your
driveway will stay in Stage 1 for as long as the cracks are not interconnected
(alligatoring) and are not accompanied by settlement. Find a good local Sealcoater that will provide a written estimate.
Stage 2: Surface or Base Defects
Your driveway has entered Stage 2 when sealcoating and crack
filling alone will not take care of the problem areas. The driveway may have
settled at the garage or curb (very common) or developed spider / alligator
cracking or potholes. At this point, you’ll need an asphalt repair to get your
surface back in shape. Call an asphalt repair company that can either perform
infrared repair or saw cut and remove repairs. The every other year sealcoating
and crack filling regimen mentioned in stage 1 should continue throughout stage
2.
Stage 3: Replacement or Resurfacing
When 20% or more of your driveway is in poor condition, it’s
probably time for a new surface. At this point repairs are no longer a cost
effective alternative. If you find yourself saying my driveway has potholes,
cracking or settlement all over, it’s time to start over with a new driveway.
Call a paving contractor and ask them whether you need complete removal and
replacement or if resurfacing over your existing surface may be an option.There
are certain circumstances that can make a case for repairing a driveway that’s
in very bad shape. You may not have budgeted for a new driveway, but have some
areas that can’t wait. In that case just repair the very worst areas to get you
by until a new driveway is in the budget.
A typical driveway will last 10-15 years, but this can vary due
to the quality of the initial installation, poor drainage, ground movement and proper maintenance.
The key is to find quality contractors that will recommend the right process
for your
driveway’s condition, regardless of whether they provide that
service or not.
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