While it may be tempting to simply patch any cracks or holes in the driveway rather than replacing the driveway, in some cases this isn’t the best decision in the long term. Yes, it can be the least expensive choice at any given time, but this is only a temporary fix. Taking a few factors into consideration will make it easier to decide between Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing, patching and replacing the driveway entirely.
Degree of Damage
Over time, the driveway can become cracked due to the heavy weight of the vehicles moving over it and all the freezes and thaws it has been subjected to as the seasons changed. If these cracks are small, such as those that measure no more than 1/4-inch wide, using a liquid crack filler can be all that’s necessary. This tends to cost somewhere between $3 and $5 per square foot, but the overall area being patched will be relatively small, so the cost will not be too expensive.
Any damage that is wider than this or very deep will probably open up again quickly and may indicate more serious structural issues with the driveway. As long as the cracks aren’t large enough to cause a structural issue, resurfacing can be a more affordable option than totally replacing the driveway. It costs about $2.25 per square foot for Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing. More serious damage will mean replacing the entire driveway, especially if you’re thinking of selling the home soon.
Age of the Driveway
The typical driveway doesn’t last much more than 20 years, so if your driveway is close to this, it may be time to either resurfaced or replaced, depending on the overall condition. Small cracks that aren’t very deep can probably be fixed for quite a while with resurfacing, while numerous very deep cracks may mean that the entire driveway is better off being redone. Keep in mind that having a lot of patches on the driveway tends to look a bit ugly, so if appearances are particularly important, it may be worth it to at least resurface the driveway so the entire surface has an even colour and a smooth surface.
Contact Highline Pavement Maintenance for more information. They can handle all of your asphalt driveway paving, resurfacing and seal coating needs. You can follow them on Google+ for more information.
