Depending on the material from which your driveway was constructed and its current condition, you might need to repair or replace it altogether. The type of driveway you choose will also impact your costs.
From choosing the right material to budgeting, a new driveway can be a significant investment. For professional help, contact Driveway Replacement Colorado Springs.
Concrete is a durable surface, and with proper maintenance, it can last a long time. However, like most building materials, it is subject to damage from weather conditions and the environment. This is why it’s essential to have your driveway sealed before the first two winters and every three years after that. This will minimize scaling and shale popouts, which are the two most common problems with driveways made of concrete.
If you’re considering a concrete surface for your new driveway, it’s important to have the surface properly installed by a professional. Inexperienced installation can lead to weak points that will crack and break over time. A professional ensures that your concrete is properly poured and leveled.
Another factor that affects the durability of a driveway is the type of soil it’s built on. If a new driveway is laid in soft clay or loamy soil, it will last longer than if it’s built on sandy or gravelly soil.
Even if you maintain your driveway properly, it’s still likely to experience some general wear and tear over the years. Whether this is due to the ground expanding and contracting or simply a result of age, it’s a good idea to have your driveway repaired as soon as possible. If the cracks, fissures, and patches become too widespread or deep, it’s time to consider replacing your driveway.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a driveway repair is needed. For instance, some cracks may be barely visible and seem a bit insignificant. But what about when your driveway looks like a war zone? Are the cracks from a snow plow, or are they a sign of something more serious, such as a drainage problem or foundation issues that aren’t easily fixed?
Curb Appeal
The front walk and driveway set the tone for your home’s appearance as visitors approach. An ugly or damaged walkway and driveway may detract from the appeal of your home, especially if it looks as though it’s been neglected for some time. Updating this area of your home will not only improve its curb appeal but also boost its value.
Upgrading your driveway is a relatively affordable way to make your house stand out in a neighborhood with many attractive homes. Resurfacing a worn concrete or asphalt driveway is a quick way to restore its look. This process consists of applying a fresh layer of asphalt or concrete over the existing one, and the final product is smooth, beautiful, and durable.
Cracked, pitted, or spalled driveways are eyesores that rob a home of its curb appeal. These divots collect water, oil, and other grime, which results in discoloration and a general funkiness that detracts from the overall look of your house. In most cases, a resurfacing or repair project can add 10 to 15 years to your driveway’s lifespan.
In addition to restoring your driveway’s surface, you can choose from many different materials that enhance the look of your home. For instance, cobblestone is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add an Old World feel to their exterior design. Another option is tiling, which comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to complement any style of home.
A driveway and front walk are often the focal points of a house’s exterior design, so the choice of material is an important consideration. Natural stone and brick provide a more elegant and luxurious look than conventional asphalt and concrete. These materials are more expensive than conventional concrete and asphalt, but they can be a cost-effective way to increase your home’s curb appeal.
Other driveway replacement options that can improve your home’s curb appeal include adding pavers, edging, and lighting. A driveway with evenly spaced solar lights is a great way to add ambiance and bring the sidewalk to life at night. You can also add a lighted pillar, statue, or other feature to flank your driveway or walkway entrance.
Maintenance
Exposed to the weight of vehicles and daily assaults from abrasion and erosion, even the toughest driveway surfaces wear down over time. Cracks, discoloration, moss, potholes, and failed drainage can all damage your driveway and reduce curb appeal. However, if the cracking is extensive and the surface is uneven or pitted, a new driveway may be needed.
It’s important to check the condition of your driveway regularly and repair minor problems as soon as they occur. This will help you avoid the costs of a replacement project down the road.
A cracked or damaged driveway can be repaired by a professional paving company using cold-patch asphalt or concrete. Depending on the severity of the repairs, you may also want to resurface your driveway after the cracks have been filled and tamped down. Resurfacing is a great way to improve the appearance of your driveway and can add an element of visual interest.
If you have alligator-like cracks that spread across the entire surface or if your driveway is over 20 years old, it’s probably time to consider replacing it. Similarly, if your driveway shows signs of structural issues such as heaving or sinking, it’s best to replace it.
Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your driveway. Regularly clean the surface to remove growth and stains. This will keep mold and mildew from forming, as well as oil stains from eroding the concrete. It’s also a good idea to reseal your driveway every two to five years. This will help to prevent the absorption of water that can cause deterioration and cracking, as well as protect against stains.
Other things that can be done to help extend the life of your driveway include reducing water exposure and preventing freezing damage. To do this, create a strip of two to three inches around your driveway to allow snow and rainwater to run off rather than pool on the surface. You should also direct downspouts away from the driveway to prevent water from washing the material out underneath. You should also avoid the use of cement salt and chemical de-icers, which can penetrate the surface and increase cracking. Instead, use alternatives like sand, coffee grounds, alfalfa meal, or kitty litter to melt ice and prevent slippage.
Cost
A driveway is an expensive investment, and the costs of replacement vary. Location, soil conditions, and installation options affect pricing. In addition, adding features increases the price. For example, a driveway gate costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average. A driveway that requires excavation or has landscaping obstructions will also cost more to install.
Asphalt or concrete are the most common materials for a driveway, and they typically cost $6 to $15 per square foot. The cost includes material and labor. It may cost extra to remove the old driveway and haul it away. A concrete driveway costs more to repair, but it is highly durable and can add value to the home.
Unsealed asphalt or concrete driveways are prone to cracking and deterioration. Hairline cracks are common and can be repaired, but the surface can break apart if multiple cracks become connected. If the cracks reach a quarter-inch wide or larger, it’s time for a new driveway.
The average driveway lasts 20 to 40 years, depending on the climate and material used. Some last longer, but if the driveway is past its lifespan or in disrepair, it’s more cost-effective to replace it than invest in expensive repairs.
A new concrete driveway is the most expensive option, but it can add $10,000 or more to a home’s resale value. It requires professional installation and a well-prepared site. The concrete must be properly mixed, poured, and leveled. The site must be graded to ensure the sub-base is stable and water drains correctly. If the site is steep or rocky, it will require excavation and additional work.
An alternative to a concrete driveway is a recycled rubber surface, which is more eco-friendly and costs less than asphalt or concrete. It is a good choice for households with children or pets. However, it has a short lifespan of 15 to 20 years and is prone to flooding.
Maintaining your driveway is an important investment. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of small problems can extend its lifespan and save money in the long run. It is recommended that homeowners apply a sealant to their asphalt or concrete driveway every six months to a year. Resurfacing the driveway every three to five years also helps extend its lifespan. Minor repairs and resurfacing are relatively easy do-it-yourself projects, saving on expenses.
