When your asphalt driveway starts to show its age, the big question is whether you can get away with a simple repair or if you need a full replacement. Making the right choice can save you thousands of dollars. Wasting money on a repair that will not last is frustrating, but so is paying for a replacement if it is not necessary. The decision comes down to the type and extent of the damage, something a professional firm like Black Diamond Paving can help you assess.
You can likely opt for a repair if your problems are minor and isolated. If your driveway is relatively young and the main issue is a few small, localized cracks, crack sealing is an effective solution. This prevents water from getting in and causing further damage. Likewise, if you have one or two small, shallow potholes but the rest of the driveway is in good shape, a patch can be a cost-effective fix. The key is that the underlying foundation must still be stable.
You should lean toward a full replacement if the problems are widespread and deep. The clearest sign is “alligator cracking,” a web of interconnected cracks that signals the foundation has failed. You cannot patch a failed foundation. Similarly, if your driveway has large, deep potholes, severe drainage issues with standing water, or the edges are crumbling, these are signs of systemic failure.
Another factor is age. An asphalt driveway has a typical lifespan of 15 to 25 years, depending on maintenance. If your driveway is in that age range and is showing multiple signs of distress, it is likely at the end of its useful life. Pouring money into repairs at this stage is not a good long-term investment. For those needing asphalt paving Morris County experts can help you weigh the cost of frequent repairs against a new installation.
To make the determination, be honest in your assessment. Are the cracks few and far between, or are they taking over? Is the surface faded and brittle? Does the driveway have large sags or low spots?
In conclusion, isolated, minor issues on a younger driveway can be repaired. Widespread, deep-seated problems like alligator cracks or poor drainage on an older driveway mean it is time for a replacement.
Get a professional, honest evaluation by contacting Black Diamond Paving. Their experts can help you make the right choice, and you can learn more at https://www.blackdiamondpaving.co/.
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