Part of your responsibility as a homeowner is the upkeep of your property. You not only want to be proud of your property but also want potential buyers to admire it when you go to sell it in the future!
One aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked is your curb appeal. It’s a chance to make a notable first impression, and you’ll enjoy your home more when the exterior is well maintained. Your driveway is an essential part of your curb appeal and is not only functional but should be pleasant to look at too.
A damaged driveway is an eyesore and can also be dangerous for walking and driving on. You want to ensure your driveway is in stable condition and not let problems that arise go on for too long.
If your driveway is damaged, you may be wondering and asking yourself if you should repair or replace it. It’s not always a clear cut answer, but you need to be aware that there are particular signs that will tell you which choice will be best for your home. The following guide will provide you with the information you need to make this vital decision.
Observe
You must pay attention to your driveway and take notice when you start to see changes. As soon as you do, it may be time to begin making plans to repair or replace your driveway. Make a note of how it’s changing and what’s causing you the most concern, so you can discuss with experts who specialize in concrete driveway installation near me.
You might even want to take pictures so you can compare these photos and the damage over time. If you’re concerned, then don’t be afraid to call up a professional concrete contractor to come and take a look so they can make suggestions and offer advice.
The lifespan of any driveway is dependent upon several factors. For instance, the climate, how often you maintain it, and the material all play a role. Driveways in colder climates tend to break down more easily and may only last 20 years. A concrete driveway should last about 30 years if it’s properly installed and you properly maintain it.
On the other hand, you need to be aware if there are signs of wear and tear, but the driveway is less than 10 years old. Your driveway should last at least 15 years, so if it’s less than 10 years old and is cracking or sagging, then you should make repairs to extend its life!
The good news is that you have options when it comes to dealing with an old or cracked driveway. While repairing it may be the most cost-effective option, it doesn’t mean it’s the right one. You need to observe what’s going on, look to see if these issues get worse, and learn about what signs to watch for, so you know the best course of action to take for your driveway and home.
When to Repair
Consider repairing your driveway if it has small cracks that don’t connect. Cracks that are less than 1/4 of an inch wide should be repaired; otherwise, you risk them spreading. The crack may start to become deeper and wider and will eventually become an issue that could be more costly. If you have a pothole in your driveway, then know it can be fixed quite easily. Repairs can patch it up and help prevent future damage.
It would help if you were also on the lookout for sunken areas (especially near the garage door) because these can often be leveled off by patching it. If your driveway is fading in color you should take action but know that it’s nothing to be alarmed about because you can still use it just fine. It’s mostly a sign of age. If your driveway is concrete, you can fix the color by patching any cracks and adding a sealant.
Also, if you have crumbling edges, then it may be a sign that it wasn’t thick enough in the first place! Be glad to know that you can consider adding additional edging to fix it and make it look more presentable.
Take into consideration the whole picture and what condition your driveway is in overall. If the damage is minimal enough, then repairing your driveway is the right choice. Confirm if it covers less than 50 percent of the surface and if the repairs allow you to maintain the integrity of the driveway as a whole.
When to Replace
There are also signs that will show and indicate to you that it’s time to replace your driveway! Replacing your driveways is a significant investment and decision, so know what to be on the lookout for in case you find yourself in this situation.
If there are multiple potholes in your driveway, then replacing it should be a top option. Several potholes that are deep enough can affect the foundation and are a good sign your driveway needs replacing. The potholes will gather water, which can lead to more damage. It’ll be costly to repair them individually, so you’ll be saving money by tackling the issue altogether.
Another sign that your driveway needs to be replaced is that you notice alligator or spider web cracks. These cracks will be interconnected, look like scales, and cover the majority of your driveway, so make a note if you see these.
The age of your driveway is another main consideration when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your driveway! A concrete driveway that is more than 20 years old and showing signs of wear should be replaced entirely!
Be on the lookout for water that isn’t draining around your driveway and yard. You don’t want water that continues to drain and sit near your home’s foundation. You must address this issue right away to prevent additional property damage. Draining issues are a sure sign that your driveway will need to be replaced.
You might also want to think about replacing your driveway if you’re dealing with multiple issues and problem areas. If there’s a need for several independent repairs, then replacing your driveway altogether may be the way to go.
Budgeting
It’s wise to start saving money and budgeting as soon as you notice any type of damage with your driveway. You won’t know how much you’re going to have to spend until you can properly assess the damages and monitor if the issues get worse over time! You’re going to need professional concrete services to help you fix or replace a damaged driveway. You want to ensure you have the money available to you should you need to repair or replace it. You might be wondering how much it costs to replace a driveway, so you’re prepared. It’s certainly an investment, but there’s also an opportunity to get a return on your investment. You may not get back dollar-for-dollar, but a cracked and aging driveway may scare off potential buyers.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, then you should strongly consider replacing it instead of repairing it. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot to replace a concrete driveway. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a concrete driveway is $4,192.
As for repairing a damaged driveway, Angie’s List says you can expect to pay about $2.25 per square foot for basic driveway resurfacing. So a typical residential driveway of 750 square feet would cost about $1,687. If you want patterns or colors, you need to pay more, around $4 to $8 per square foot, or $3,000 to $6,000 for a 750-square-foot driveway.
Benefits of Concrete
Concrete is a very strong and durable construction material. It’s a material that you can set and forget the majority of the time. While the initial investment may be slightly higher, using concrete can actually save you money in the long run.
A concrete driveway will last a very long time and longer than asphalt. It’s also extremely versatile. There are an endless amount of design options of patterns, colors, and textures to choose from. It can be stamped or stained, as well. You can even mimic the appearance of brick or stone without laying down individual pieces. You can opt to have your driveway blend in with the aesthetics of your home or stand out on its own as a main focal point.
Most importantly, it’s a low-maintenance driveway material for your home. It’s a wise option if you don’t want to spend a lot of time fussing with your driveway and maintaining it. There are just a few steps you need to take to maintain it and ensure it remains durable and attractive.
It would be best if you planned to keep it looking nice by washing off dirt using either pressure washing for large stains or a gentle solution of dish detergent and water for smaller blemishes. It’s important to remove stains immediately so you can avoid them hanging around and diminishing the look of your driveway.
Also, take the time to trim the grass off the edges of the paved area when you mow your lawn. It doesn’t matter if your driveway is plain or decorative. In both cases, you should apply a high-quality sealer to all exterior concrete slabs exposed to freeze-thaw conditions.
Who to Contact
Are you ready to fix or replace your driveway and are looking for a concrete service near me? Then, you need to find a trusted contractor who can help you with your project and get the job done right. Since 1989, DeBuck Construction, Inc. has served the commercial, industrial, and residential markets with quality construction and professional workmanship.
Located in Shelby Township, Michigan, our service area includes the entire Metropolitan Detroit area. Although our specialty is concrete construction and demolition, we also provide a wide range of other services.
DeBuck Construction relies on superior customer service and a dedication to quality work. This steadfast commitment has helped the company to earn a strong and well-respected reputation in the concrete and demolition construction industry.
Repairing or replacing a damaged driveway is a job that’s best left to the experts to tackle. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured so you can count on us to complete the work professionally. You can contact us for an estimate so we can begin talking about the best solution for your home!
Here at Debuck Construction we care about your needs and want to learn more about how we can help you with your driveway project. We encourage you to contact us as your go-to concrete contractor and driveway construction specialist.
Together, we can improve the look of your home by repairing or replacing your driveway based on the signs and conditions you notice. Check out our portfolio online to give you a better idea of what to expect and our work. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about us and get the conversation started.
Conclusion
You should now be all set to determine if you need to repair or replace your damaged driveway. Start by observing and taking notes about all the changes that are occurring over time. Compare your notes to the warning signs above to help you determine which route is best suitable for you.
It’s a project you’re going to want to consult with the experts on when you’re ready to move forward with your project and take action. We hope you’ll think of us first when you need to repair or replace your driveway. At DeBuck Construction, we strive to provide consistent quality workmanship for our customers completed as requested in a professional manner.
It’s important that if you notice cracks or issues starting to pop up that you begin saving your money and making a plan right away. It’ll be best if you catch and attend to any damage before it worsens and creates more problems for you! Be glad to know that if you have to replace your driveway that it’s a chance to improve your home and boost your curb appeal.