We never really think about driveway surface repair unless our driveway is practically falling apart.
Yet, considering that our driveway is one of the most worn-out parts of our homes, we should change the way we look at our driveway maintenance.
As it’s getting a full load of our cars coming in and out of our space, in addition to all of the foot traffic it receives, it’s no wonder our driveways can start looking rough. Whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, both have a base of gravel and need some repairs once they’ve been exposed to some damage.
If you’re not quite sure whether your driveway’s surface needs some care or not, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the key eight signs that your driveway is due for some solid surface repairs. We’ll also take a quick look at how long your driveway is supposed to last.
How Long Does a Driveway Last?
The lifespan of a driveway will generally depend on the material used, but it can also be affected by environmental factors, like your climate and your frequency of maintenance.
If you have a concrete driveway, you should expect it to last for about 20 years or so. As for an asphalt driveway, it tends to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Without even looking at your driveway, if it’s already older than 20 years, then it’s time to reach out to your local driveway repairing company for an assessment and potential replacement. Just type “driveway company near me” into a search engine to see your options.
Now, you’re ready to explore the different signs of your driveway begging for a repair.
1. The Red Flag of Driveway Surface Repair: Seeing Alligator Cracks
Alligator cracks are exactly as they sound like. They are shallow surface cracks that can cover a big chunk of your driveway, looking like an alligator’s skin or a web.
These aren’t a simple cosmetic issue, though they do look rough. They’re a sign of a more serious problem.
You’ll want to contact a professional to come and assess the health of your driveway. Then they can start fixing cracks in driveways.
2. Seeing Warping and Buckling
Now, this sign is more commonly found in asphalt driveways. But, if you’re starting to see some “wavy” sections, then it’s an obvious tell that your driveway’s base has been compromised. Or your driveway is seeing a rather heavy vehicle use.
Generally speaking, a surface repair using asphalt can fix the issue. Yet, if the problem is extensive, you might need to have the entire driveway replaced.
3. Dealing With Drainage Issues
Anything related to water damage can cause you a whole host of problems.
If there’s lingering moisture on your driveway, it can easily compromise the binding agent that has settled between your layers.
Drainage issues can also be the driving force behind the increase in your cracks, potholes, and other visible problems. So, if you’re seeing unexplained puddles of water that shouldn’t exist, make sure to contact driveway services professionals to assess your situation.
4. Growing Cracks
Once you’ve seen a crack or two in your driveway, there isn’t much cause for alarm. However, if the crack is not stable, it’s widening quickly, or it’s wider than 1/4 inch, then it’s time to call in a contractor.
Filling in those cracks as soon as possible will extend your driveway’s lifespan and minimize the damage done to your driveway.
5. Stumbling on Potholes
Cracks aren’t really something you wish to see. But, once you begin dealing with potholes, you immediately miss dealing with cracks instead.
One of the worst things about dealing with potholes is the real risk of damaging your vehicle as it’s coming in and out of your driveway.
A pothole is created due to the sublayers of the ground underneath your driveways expanding and contracting abruptly. Once that happens, your driveway material will lose structural support and begin to buckle and weaken.
Thankfully, you’ll find that potholes are easily repaired, for the most part. However, that does nothing to address the underlying problem that created the potholes in the first place.
Sometimes, your driveway is just too old and in need of replacement. It’s a great option to consider, especially if you haven’t given your driveway some much-needed maintenance for too long. This will allow you to take advantage of the newer materials and techniques that are now available on the market.
6. Noticing Unremovable Stains
This is not your average soda spill. Stains that are the result of chemicals, like industrial solvents, and automotive fluids can eat into the binding agents that are holding your driveway together.
So, if you’ve seen a chemical stain, and you haven’t been able to safely remove it, you can talk to a contractor. After all, those spills aren’t going to wash away in the rain.
If you ignore them, they tend to expand outward until you decide to deal with them.
7. Undermining of Your Driveway
This is a case of an underground pipe cracking or slipping from its joint and causing all sorts of havoc as a result.
When that underground pipe comes loose, whether from the drainage structure or otherwise, it creates a gap where the soil can trickle into the pipe and the driveway structure above has no support.
If this issue is caught early, your contractor can fix the damaged base and asphalt. But if it’s too deep into the ground, then they’ll have other options for your next steps.
8. Crumbling Driveway Edges
If you’re noticing that your driveway edges are crumbling, and leaving behind some debris, that means that it needs an edge to protect your asphalt.
The edges that have already crumbled will be removed and replaced with healthy asphalt or concrete, depending on your preferences.
Ready to Call In Driveway Repair Service?
We know that it can be really tempting to ignore an issue with your driveway, as you’re bombarded with more pressing matters in your daily life.
However, the longer you ignore the need for driveway surface repair, the worse your driveway will get, reaching the point where you have to pay for a whole replacement.
Hopefully, our explainer has shed some light on the key eight signs that it’s time to call in the professionals. And, if you liked our article, make sure to check out the other tips and tricks on our website.