Generally, a driveway is installed to complete the two primary purposes; style & function. An exceptionally maintained driveway offers curb appeal to drive and walk on easily. Suppose your driveway has big cracks & holes; you must be very careful while driving along it as it may cause accidents. In such conditions, you may need to repair your driveway as sooner as possible. Before considering it, you must know the pros and cons of patching, replacing, and resurfacing.
Here, in this blog, we have tried to discuss each fact.
Patching a Driveway
Are you dealing with the chips & cracks in your driveway? You must fix them quickly. Patching is when professionals fill the gaps or holes using asphalt or concrete sealants. Such sealants are readily available at nearby hardware stores. If you don’t fill these small cracks swiftly, water can penetrate cracks leading the asphalt to granulate into a pothole.
Pros and Cons of Patching a Driveway
Patching may fix driveway issues properly. However, this method might have some disadvantages.
Pros: The following method is the easiest one to do yourself and is the least expensive. The cost of patching material may lie between $2 to $3 per square foot plus $40 for an asphalt squeegee.
Cons: This technique fixes minor cracks less than 1/4-inch wide. Also, the patching needs to provide long-term solutions.
Resurfacing a Driveway
If your driveway has small cracks with a damaged area of more than one-fourth of your driveway, then consider resurfacing. Resurfacing is a procedure that includes removing the damaged parts from your driveways and pouring asphalt or concrete over the damaged areas of the driveways.
Pros and Cons of Resurfacing a Driveway
Adopt resurfacing for the driveway for extensively deeper cracks. However, this method is more prominent than patching, yet it may cost less than replacing the whole driveway.
Pros: The price of repairing an asphalt driveway may range between $3 to $7/sq ft, whereas replacing an asphalt driveway may cost upto $15 per square foot. Moreover, resurfacing may add more life to your driveway, around ten years.
Cons: You need help to perform this method. Therefore you must hire a professional to complete the task. You may have to pay around $3,000 to apply asphalt driveway. It provides the best functionality and may remain intact for fifteen years.
Driveway Replacement
If the driveway sustains more severe damage than mild, you should replace it, especially if it is more than 15 years old.
Pros & Cons of Changing Your Driveway:
If your driveway is ancient or has significant damage, such as deep cracks, pits, or potholes, replacing it is your best option. However, this approach may cause extra expenses than patching or resurfacing.
Advantages: By replacing the entire driveway, you may reschedule routine maintenance like resealing the driveway. This is a long-term solution. The best option to repair significant cracks, potholes, and other driveway damage is to replace the driveway.
Cons: This is the most expensive option. An asphalt driveway replacement may cost up to ffiteen dollars per square foot or an average of $4,500. A new concrete driveway may cost between $2,000 and $7,000.
Driveway Repair vs. Resurfacing vs. Replacement
How do you tell if you should fix, resurface, or replace your driveway? To choose the best repair for your damaged driveway, compare each level’s price, toughness, and difficulty.
Appearance
If your driveway has a few small cracks, you may quickly fix them and continue. Remember that the mended cracks will still be visible, making this remedy less appealing.
Resurfacing is recommended for more than 25 percent of damaged or older driveways. The entire driveway can be resurfaced to make it appear brand new.
It must be replaced if your driveway has multiple cracks wider than 1/4 inch or several significant craters. With the proper upkeep, a new driveway will last 15 to 20 years.
Surfacing is essential because it will make the driveway look brand new for less money than replacing it.
Cost
The cheapest repair is patching, which costs $2 to $3 per square foot plus $20 to $60 for an asphalt squeegee.
Resurfacing may give your driveway a brand-new look and feel for a fraction of the replacement price.
Resurfacing can also last several years if you have numerous minor cracks. Per square foot, it is resurfacing costs between $3 and $7.
It will cost more money if you want to replace your driveway, but it will endure longer than merely fixing it. A new driveway should cost roughly $15 per square foot.
Best value:
Patching is the least expensive choice in terms of price, but resurfacing will last longer and be less costly than a complete replacement. Resurfacing offers the most incredible value for your money.
Durability
A driveway patch is a short-term solution. Water will ultimately leak between the new patch filler and the old asphalt, degrading the asphalt and enlarging the crack even if you fix a minor one. For two to three years, patching can save a driveway from needing to be replaced.
Conclusion:
Even though it costs more, resurfacing the driveway extends its lifespan by several years. Suppose you resurface the driveway and continue with routine maintenance. You’ll get five to ten years out of that case.
Central Florida Paving is one of the best companies with expertise in repairs, maintenance, and construction of asphalt surfaces. Since we have lots of experience dealing with such issues, you can trust our services. Contact us today.