Driveways are a critical part of a home. Not only are they the location where you park your car, but they also serve as a focal point in front of your home and a walking area. Sometimes, your driveway may gather wear and tear worth of replacement. How do you know it’s time to invest in a new driveway?
If you’re interested in learning more about the indicators that you need driveway repair or replacement, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the items you should look for outside your home to determine whether it’s time to contact professionals to repair or repave your driveway.
What to Look for When Deciding Whether it’s Time for a New Driveway
Cracks
One of the indicators of a need for a new driveway is a crack. If you notice a significant break in the ground or a series of breaks you must repair them soon, or they could lead to further structural damage within your driveway’s makeup.
If you have cracks tinier than a fourth of an inch, it’s possible to repair them. However, if the breaks are any longer, it might be time to replace your driveway. If you ignore the damage, water could fill them and freeze, leading to expansion and further destruction of your property.
Drainage Troubles
Another sign of a potential need for a new driveway is trouble with drainage. A driveway in proper working condition should not struggle to drain water and other liquids from its surface. If you have lingering moisture whenever it rains or do something on the surface, it might be time for a replacement.
Lingering liquid on a driveway could lead to early erosion and even create new cracks in the material. In some cases, a simple resurfacing might be all that is necessary. In others, your driveway will require a complete replacement to save time and money.
Potholes
Potholes are a serious indicator that it’s the end of the road for your driveway. Not only can this damage your vehicle when diving over them, but they are also unappealing. If you ever go to sell your home, missing chunks from your driveway will have a serious impact on its value and what buyers are willing to pay for it.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple fill to repair a pothole. However, crevices left for an extended period can lead to unseen structural damage below the surface of the concrete. A professional will be able to let you know whether you need a simple fill, or a complete replacement of your current driveway based on the pothole structure.
Age
How long have you had your current driveway? If your driveway is older than fifteen years, it might be time to have an inspector examine the surface to see if it’s time for a replacement. Repairs become harder to complete on older driveways and don’t look as nice as newer material.
Sometimes, age might require a replacement because the integrity of your driveway has fallen apart. In other cases, it may need a fix because it doesn’t look nearly as good as it once did. No matter the case, if you have an older driveway, it might be time for it to retire.
Shifting
If you look at your driveway and notice it looks uneven in place, it might be time for a replacement. If the surface shifts, it means there is critical structural damage inside the system, and your driveway is now unstable. It isn’t safe to place your vehicle on top of the structure, so you should replace it.
Extreme changes in the weather and issues with drainage could contribute to a shift in the integrity. It might clear away the dirt beneath and reduce the structure the driveway can rest on while you drive or stand on the surface. The more sunken the appearance, the better a chance you will need to replace it.
Fading
Another potential indication of a need for replacement is if the driveway is fading. If the color is much lighter than it was before, there’s a good chance your driveway is old and it’s time to add a new material on top of it. However, there are different levels of seriousness to fading.
If it’s nothing more than a simple lightening of the color, you might just need to add a new layer to the surface of the driveway. However, if there are cracks and other serious signs of damage, it means there is something deeper. It’s time for a replacement if you notice multiple issues of this kind.
Crumbling
Finally, look for any crumbling occurring on your driveway. It’s never a good sign when you see pieces falling off a structure, and a driveway is no different. If the edges of the asphalt or concrete are thinner than they should be, it could lead to additional troubles in drainage and the integrity of the system.
Many people choose to re-edge or add a simple sealant to their driveway to improve curb appeal and temporarily fix the issue. However, if you notice consistent crumbling, it’s best to replace the entire thing to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
Driveway Repair and Installation in Central Oregon
It’s critical to have a driveway in quality condition, offering a solid structure to park your car and a beautiful accent to your home. If you see cracks, drainage troubles, potholes, age, and other signs of wear and tear, it might be the right time to get a new driveway. It’s an investment that will pay off for your home in the long run.
If you’re looking for a new driveway and aren’t sure where to start, contact us at Bartlett Excavation in Central Oregon. We’re here to provide anything you need for your home, from crack repair to the delivery and installation of rock and gravel. Our experts have 30 years of experience in Central Oregon and are ready to help bring your new driveway to life with our expertise.