4 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Driveway
Whether you're trying to decide whether it's time to replace your driveway or simply want to keep it in good shape, there are four signs you should look for that indicate it might be time to upgrade. These signs include fading color, potholes, alligator cracks, and weeds growing in the middle of the driveway.
Pitted concrete
Seeing pitted concrete is a sign you should consider replacing your driveway. Pits can cause other problems for your foundation. Pitting is caused by a number of factors. Heavy vehicles tread, natural deterioration, and weather conditions can all lead to pitting.
Pits can occur in a variety of sizes and shapes. The larger the hole, the more difficult it will be to repair. Smaller pits are easier to fill. A caulking gun loaded with epoxy can be used to fill in smaller pits.
Pits should be cleaned of debris and loose rocks before they are filled. Once the pits are filled, they should be flushed with water. This will remove any remaining debris and dust.
You should also ensure that the concrete is properly cured. Incorrect curing can lead to a number of problems, including spalling and structural issues. The best way to cure concrete is to mix it according to the manufacturer's specifications. This is a good time to check with your local building code.
If you are not sure whether your driveway requires repairs, consider getting a professional's opinion. A professional will be able to identify the severity of damages and recommend a course of action.
Getting your driveway repaired before it becomes pitted is the best way to keep the concrete looking good. There are a number of concrete repair products available to help you restore the beauty and structural integrity of your driveway. Some are structural and some are decorative.
You may also want to consider resurfacing your concrete. This type of repair will protect the pitted area from further damage. When you are looking for a repair product, choose one that is formulated for concrete. You should also choose a product that dries quickly.
Alligator cracks
Having alligator cracks in your driveway or parking lot is an indication that something is wrong with your pavement. It is also a sign that you need to replace your driveway sooner rather than later.
Alligator cracks are a result of poor sub-base or foundation construction. In the case of asphalt, they can also be caused by poor drainage. They are also more common in high traffic areas.
The best way to prevent alligator cracks is to regularly perform pavement maintenance. This prevents the pavement from becoming weakened and allowing the alligator cracks to develop. However, some cracks are more severe than others.
In addition to alligator cracks, other forms of pavement damage include fatigue cracking, which is a result of a prolonged period of neglect. High-severity fatigue cracks result in large chunks of asphalt separating, creating a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorists.
High-severity fatigue cracks can also be caused by improper pavement application. They can also lead to serious liability issues.
Having multiple alligator cracks in your driveway indicates that the sub-base of your pavement has fallen apart. In order to stop this damage, crack filling can be used. It is a more affordable option than crack sealing. However, it is not a long-term solution.
Alligator cracks should be repaired as soon as possible, as the more time they are left untreated, the more damage they can cause. If you notice a problem with your driveway, call a professional contractor to assess the situation. He or she will be able to offer solutions to your asphalt pavement problem.
The best way to prevent alligator and other cracks in your pavement is to perform pavement maintenance. This prevents extreme results and minimizes the risk of future cracks.
Fading color
Having a faded color driveway is not a good look. The color fades due to exposure to the sun and weathering. The best way to make your driveway look new again is to have it sealed with a fresh coat of sealant.
The first thing you need to do is assess the state of your driveway. If the surface is noticeably rough, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. If the area is relatively smooth, it is fine to continue using the driveway.
There are a few ways to get your driveway looking good again. One way is to add some edging. Edging will help prevent further damage to your driveway. Another option is to add more gravel to the area. The most cost-effective option is to seal the area with a water-based stain. This sealer will last longer than a water-based coating.
The best and most economical way to make your driveway look new again is to have it sealed with a water-based stain. Sealing the area will help prevent water from getting into the cracks. This is a good time to do other things such as adding more gravel to the area.
It is no secret that driveways are subjected to harsh weather conditions. The sun, rain, snow, and ice can all have an effect on your asphalt driveway. If your driveway is exposed to these elements day in and day out, its bitumen coating will begin to fade. This is an easy fix to improve the look of your asphalt driveway.
The best way to tell if your driveway is in need of repair is to look for the above-mentioned signs. There are a number of other signs to look out for, but the ones mentioned here are a good place to start.
Weeds growing in the middle of the driveway
Those with weeds growing in the middle of their driveways should know that this is not a good sign. This is a symptom of foundation damage and can lead to uneven bulges and sunken patches.
The first step to resolving this issue is to look at the type of weeds that are growing in your driveway. The type of weeds you have can affect the type of solution you will need to use.
The most obvious solution is to kill the weeds with a weed killer. There are many different types of weed killers, from the long-term to the short-term. There are herbicides, that wipe out existing weeds, to the long-lasting ones that prevent weeds from growing in the first place.
The most effective solution, however, is to reseal your driveway. The layers of asphalt and gravel prevent sunlight from reaching the soil. Once the asphalt has been resealed, weeds cannot grow.
Another way to stop weeds is to put a resin-bound driveway in place. This is a type of driveway that has a layer of resin and a layer of gravel in the upper part. The resin helps block light and keeps weeds from growing. It's a more expensive solution than resealing, but it is a permanent solution.
The other natural way to keep weeds from growing is to use salt solutions. Salt can help kill weeds, as well as other plants that grow around them. Adding salt to the water can help wash it onto the soil. The salt can also be dissolved in boiling water.
Another weed-control solution is to use weed fabric. A weed-control fabric is a permeable mesh fabric that will separate the soil and help drain it. The fabric should be extra-thick, so it will prevent plants from growing through.
Potholes
Having potholes in your driveway can be a huge hazard. Driving over them can damage your tires and suspension system. Potholes also tend to collect water, which weakens your driveway's concrete.
If you have multiple potholes or cracks, you may want to replace your driveway. It may also be a sign of a larger problem, such as cracks in your foundation.
Small cracks may be able to be patched. However, large cracks may be too big to repair. These cracks are often caused by ground movement or rough weather conditions. They are caused when the ground underneath your driveway expands or contracts.
Large holes may also be dangerous for your vehicle. A car is not designed to go over a large hole, especially when the vehicle is on a paved driveway. Driving over a large hole can cause the vehicle's tires to get stuck or even cause a personal injury.
Potholes may be accompanied by alligator cracks. These cracks appear as spiderweb cracks and are similar to scales. If these are not repaired, they may break away from your driveway and cause further damage.
When driveways become cracked, there are several options to choose from. You may be able to fill the pothole, or you may want to have it replaced. You may also want to consider resurfacing the driveway. Resurfacing may be more expensive than fixing individual cracks, but you will be saving your car's suspension system and tires.
If your driveway is more than twenty years old, you may want to replace it. Newer driveway materials are more resistant to cracking. In some cases, you can fix a single pothole, but if you have multiple cracks, you will have to replace your entire driveway.
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