What to Consider When Repairing a Damaged Driveway

The driveway – it’s a part of your home that you and your family use day in and day out.

But the thing with driveways is that they’re usually among the most utilitarian parts of a residential property and among the most taken for granted.

Whether or not you are keenly aware of it, your driveway serves a few functions: it leads the way to your garage, works as a parking spot, and has space for the kids to play basketball or simply to run around or ride their bikes. It is also an important aspect of your outdoor area which can significantly impact curb appeal.

This is why when tiny cracks start to appear, you have cause to worry – whether your driveway is made out of concrete or asphalt. Should you just get the tiny cracks patched up just like the ones you saw last year, or should you get your driveway resurfaced or completely replaced?

Seasoned professionals in asphalt driveway care say that deciding on what should be done to a damaged driveway requires some important considerations such as the following: 

1.  Age

When was your driveway built?

Most well-constructed driveways, regardless of material (asphalt or concrete), are likely to last 20 years of service. But if yours has gone past the 20-year mark, you may do well to consider getting it replaced.

However, replacement is not the only option. Depending on how deeply the cracks go, simple patching or resurfacing may still work as long as the structural integrity of the driveway is maintained. 

2.  Aesthetics

Are you the type of homeowner who is bothered by the appearance of obvious repair work?

Tiny shallow cracks can usually be patched up successfully; however, obvious signs of the kind of repair done may still be visible long after it is finished. 

3.  Resale value

Do you plan on moving out and selling your place any time soon?

If you do, you need to check with real estate agents just how obvious the cracks would seem to prospective buyers. You also need to find out if the cracks are noticeable enough to turn them off.

Drive around and check the conditions of recently sold homes in your area to get a feel of what buyers seem to prefer.

However, if you do end up needing to have your driveway completely redone, don’t expect a higher ROI on your property attributable to driveway replacement, or any at all. Just consider your new driveway as an essential investment in getting your property sold in the future. 

4.  Personal preferences

Do you find your driveway looking a bit dated, or want the material changed anyway? 

If you do, then driveway replacement may be the best solution, especially if you have the budget for it. Aside from asphalt and concrete, there’s also brick, cobblestone, gravel and crushed stone (or a combination of different materials) to choose from.

Replacement may also prove to be the better choice if the repair is extensive and expensive enough, especially since simple patching can mean problems resurfacing (or getting worse) down the line. 

Get professional estimates

Before making your final decision, be sure to get various reputable pavers or contractors to inspect the cracks and give you professional asphalt paving quotes. This way, you can compare prices and be confident in making a decision based on some professional input.

Just like letterboxes and house numbers, your driveway serves a very practical purpose, and does affect the look of your home exterior. However, be sure to weigh the above considerations and get expert advice to ensure you arrive at the best decision. 

AUTHOR BIO

Ron Shattuck Jr. built Shattuck Paving into a trusted, reputable family business. Ron Jr. learned a lot about the industry and the hard work ethic that Ronald Sr. lived by, and has now followed in his father's shoes to operate the company and help it grow. Today, Shattuck Paving is more determined than ever to serve their customers' needs with integrity. No compromises!