Repaving or replacing your driveway? No one ever takes the time to think about this. Your driveway is probably one of the last things you spend your time thinking about. Well, at least until you notice cracks, potholes and other wear and tear issues. Only then will you ask yourself how those problems arose and how to fix them.
Damages to asphalt driveways can be caused by several things like car oils and motor gas spillage, the material used to deice, the temperature that causes freezing, heavy traffic and the weight of cars. In this blog, we’re going to look at issues and signs that will require repaving an asphalt driveway as well as the costs involved.
How Long Does A Driveway Last?
The lifespan of any driveway is dependent on several factors like the climate and how well it is maintained. However, the material used weighs heavily on how long it will last.
How Long Does A Concrete Driveway Last?
Having a reputable company install and care for your concrete driveway, or perform repaving asphalt driveways can increase its lifespan for up to 30 years. If you live in colder climate areas, your concrete driveway should last for about 20 years due to the weather.
How Long Does An Asphalt Driveway Last?
These driveways have a lifespan of approximately 15 to 29 years and can be extended with regular maintenance.
The 6 Signs Your Driveway Needs Repairing
Now that you know the lifespan of driveways, let’s get into when yours will need a repair job. The most obvious way to see this is noticing changes to the state of your driveway. These changes will push you to plan for replacing, patching or repaving asphalt driveway.
Here’s when you need to repair:
Cracks That Don’t Connect
Small cracks that are usually about less than a ¼ of an inch wide needs to be attended to before they worsen immediately. Because of Canada’s winter, when water freezes and expands the cracks, they’ll become deeper and broader, leading to more issues in the future that will need repaving services for your asphalt driveways.
Potholes
To prevent future issues, repairing a small pothole is your best solution. These can be addressed quickly and restore the state of your driveway.
Sunken Areas
When was the last time you paid attention to the levels of your garage and driveway? If you notice that the area directly outside your garage is lower than the floor level of your garage, you’ll need repaving for your asphalt driveway, so that is levelled.
Discolouration
A faded asphalt driveway shows signs of aging, and it that it can still be used; it’s nothing to worry about. However, if you have a concrete driveway, repaving the asphalt driveway will restore its colour. Additionally, by using a sealant, you can patch any cracks too.
When Edges Start To Crumble
When the sides of your asphalt driveway start to crumble, it’s a sign that the edges are thinning. By adding additional edging, this will prevent more damage to the driveway and secure it for an extended period.
Repaving your asphalt, or any other driveway, is an excellent investment, especially for minor damages and issues that cover around 50% of the entire surface. By repaving or repairing your driveway, you’ll be able to maintain its integrity as a whole.
When your driveway needs extensive repairs to the top layer, with a still solid foundation, of your driveway, repaving, or resurfacing is the best option. This means that your contractor will need to replace the top layer of either concrete or asphalt instead of removing the entire driveway. What’s great about taking this route is that not only will it give your driveway a new, polished look, but it will also cost far less than a complete replacement.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Repave My Driveway?
Good question. On average, the cost to repaving an asphalt driveway will be around the $1 and $3 mark a square foot. As mentioned, this is a more affordable option. But it would be best if you also remembered that it would cost a bit more when patching or repairing specific areas with cracks and potholes – since what you’ll be paying will include the entire length and width of the driveway.
Knowing all this will help you make better decisions about the state of your driveway to avoid future issues that could cost you an arm and a leg. At C. Aurora Paving Ltd, we provide a range of driveway services. Whether you need them repaved, or replaced, our expert team can help carry through each job with professionalism and quality solutions. Speak to us today about repaving asphalt driveways.
