You might think maintenance and repair are unnecessary once your driveway is paved by asphalt or other paving materials, but I suppose you might be wrong.
Like any part of your property, the driveway or car park needs repair and maintenance from time to time to ensure safety and maintain quality.
If you are a homeowner, it is your task to take good care of your property. When we talk about taking good care of your property, that involves checking and maintaining indoor and outdoor spaces.
In this blog, we will focus on driveway repair.
Signs your Driveway Needs Repair
Your driveway might be screaming for repair, and you will only be able to hear it if you know what to listen for.
1. Visible Cracks
The first indication that your parking lot or driveway needs repairs is when cracks appear. Both asphalt and concrete surfaces will naturally develop cracks over time.
Chemicals like oil and gas that seep through the ground and water that soaks in, especially in the winter when the ice melts and expands the crack, can make them worse.
It’s important to pay attention to the width, length, and depth of cracks when assessing them. Cracks that are longer, broader, or thicker signify more extensive damage.
2. Accumulation of water
One of the most noticeable signs that your driveway needs repair is water accumulation. Water accumulation typically happens when the creases on your driveway begin to fill up with water.
To stop water from building up in the holes, the driveway should have a slight slope. Accumulation of water is more than just a nuisance on rainy days; it can also hasten the aging of your driveway.
What’s even worse is that the foundations of your residence could be harmed if the accumulated water seeps through the top surface of your driveway.
3. Potholes
Paved surfaces frequently experience potholes as a problem. When the ground beneath the paving expands and contracts, potholes arise.
Repeated occurrence of potholes causes the pavement to deteriorate and develop cracks. The substance will deteriorate over time, and a pothole will form due to traffic passing over the weak spot.
Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself Driveway Repair
Lifespan
Your driveway should last for ten years with professional repair and maintenance before requiring further upkeep. This makes your investment more worthwhile in the long run. DIY repair can only last for 3-5 years at most.
Cost
If they charge by the hour, hiring a professional to fix your driveway can get quite pricey. The price will vary depending on the size of the area that also needs to be tended to, the product being used, and whether or not additional services like crack filling or pressure washing are delivered.
DIY repair, however, may cost depending on the necessary tools you need to provide. While hiring a professional driveway contractor can cost you more upfront, doing DIY repair can cost you more since you need to rent to purchase the equipment you need to fix your driveway.
Quality
A qualified contractor will have the knowledge, abilities, and experience necessary to install your driveway expertly. They’ll ensure the problem is resolved fully and correctly, so you won’t have to worry about subsequent weathering or staining-related damage.
If you repair on your own, you will need to conduct extensive research to learn about the necessary materials, processes, and things to do and not to do.
Time
By hiring professional contractors, you can use your time doing other chores that you are bound to do. You can save time or choose to watch your favorite soccer team instead of repairing on your own.
Make sure to call reliable companies if you need driveway repair Charleston, SC. They can fix your driveway and ensure its longevity.
