If you see any of these signs, contact Northern Highways Bitumen right away.
A rundown driveway can quickly ruin the curb appeal of your home. To maintain the value of your property, upkeep should not be limited to your interiors but the outside too. While driveways can look good for decades, they do not last forever. Over time, you will need to repair, renovate, or replace it.
Here Are Five Signs That Your Driveway Needs a Makeover
- Cracks are visible all over the place. Cracks are the most common sign that a concrete or asphalt surface needs to be replaced. Gas and oil are harmful substances that can penetrate the ground over time, making existing cracks worse. If you live in an area where the driveway freezes during winter, there is a good chance that water can seep into cracks and expand. While minor cracks can be easily repaired, wide cracks should be a cause for concern as they may be impossible to fix completely. As such, if you see visible cracks all over the place, it is best to replace the entire thing. The best way to prevent cracks in your driveway is to apply a solvent-based sealer made of acrylic silicone. This can help protect the concrete from cracks and damages.
- Worn out appearance. During the day, your driveway is exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun. This can lead to oxidation which causes the surface colour to fade. If your driveway looks weathered, then this is most likely the culprit. You could apply concrete or asphalt sealant to restore the original look of your driveway, but this might not work if the structure has already been compromised. Best to go for a complete replacement if your driveway already looks worn out.
- Presence of potholes. Potholes are a sign of concrete damage. Not only do potholes look unappealing, but they can also damage your vehicle. Driving over a pothole can have a negative impact on your suspension system and tyres. Why do potholes happen? They appear when the ground under the driveway expands and contracts, weakening the surface and eventually crumbling away. While small potholes can be repaired, the constant expansion and contraction of the ground will create more potholes in the future. If your driveway has plenty of potholes, the ideal solution is to replace the old concrete with a more resilient material such as liquid limestone.
- Water is not draining properly. Water should drain easily from your driveway. If it does not, then you might have a serious problem. Sloped driveways sometimes push water down the middle or to the side. When water seeps into the surface, it weakens the bed of the road. Fortunately, you can address these drainage issues by necessarily replacing your damaged driveway before installing inlets or curbing to direct water away.
- Lack of resealing. Asphalt and concrete driveways need resealing at least every two years to maintain their good condition. Proper sealing also helps prevent cracks from developing while strengthening the perimeter. If you have not resealed your driveway for an extended period, it may already have minor to moderate cracks. Resealing your driveway every two to three years helps maintain its durability and extend its lifespan before serious issues arise. The cost of resealing a driveway is around $0.10 to $0.16 per square foot. So, for example, if your driveway measures 1,000 square feet, it would only cost you around $100 to $160 to have it resealed – that is way cheaper than having to repair, renovate or even replace the entire driveway.
Is your driveway past its prime?
As mentioned earlier, your driveway will not last forever. Most driveway surfaces made of asphalt have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years before problems start to show. Decades of exposure to sunlight, rain, and harsh cleaning chemicals can take a toll on your driveway, resulting in a faded and weathered appearance.
When cracks and potholes are already all over the place, then your driveway has reached a point of no return. Conducting repairs might not even be worth the time and money as the same problems will likely resurface in the future. When your driveway is too damaged for minor repairs, it’s time to upgrade to a new one made of more resilient materials.
Replacing your driveway can instantly boost the curb appeal of your property as well as its overall value. Even if you do not intend to sell your home in the near future, it is worth investing in a new driveway to prevent cracks, poor drainage, and potholes. It will also save your cars from unnecessary – and costly – damage.
Take the car out and walk around your driveway today to determine whether you need a replacement. If you spot these five signs and decide that it is time to get a new driveway, talk to Northern Highways Bitumen. Let our team introduce our bitumen and asphalt surfacing solutions in New South Wales.
Why Northern Highways Bitumen?
We have years of experience constructing asphalt surfaces for driveways, carparks, sports courts, and road networks for residential, commercial, industrial, and government clients across Australia’s east coast.
Our affordable and reliable asphalt and bitumen sealing and surfacing solutions are guaranteed to improve the quality of your pavement while providing excellent return on your investment.
With our solid track record of impeccable workmanship and dedication to meeting the highest construction standards, we are confident that we will meet your bespoke needs. Our services include:
- Hot bitumen seals
- Emulsion seals
- Dust seals
- Primer seals
- 2-in-1 emulsion seals
- Hot mix asphalt
- Spray seals
- Road base supplies
- Safer and ultra-smooth road surfaces
- Carpark surfaces that improve the look and accessibility of commercial areas
- Driveways built to withstand the elements
- Basketball courts and netball courts with excellent usability and safety
- Custom projects
Whether constructing a new driveway or replacing an old one, Northern Highways Bitumen is your trusted partner in paved, asphalt and bitumen surfaces. Our licensed builders will carry out the construction so you can expect the best results all the time. Ask for a free driveway quote today. Call us at 1300 858 751 or email sales@northernhighwaysbitumen.com.au.