Should I Repair or Replace My Asphalt Driveway?

July 7, 2021

Is your asphalt driveway looking worse for wear? Extreme temperatures, precipitation and regular wear and tear from vehicles can take a toll on an asphalt driveway. The silver lining is that asphalt repair is relatively simple and inexpensive when compared to other materials commonly used for driveways. In some cases, repairs just don’t make sense, and full asphalt replacement is recommended. Here’s how to determine whether your asphalt should be repaired or replaced entirely.

Patching

Patching is the simplest and most affordable form of asphalt repair. It’s ideal if your driveway has small cracks, divots and holes, but even badly cracked pavement can be a good candidate for patching. During the patching process, your pavement technicians mill a few inches off the top layers of the damaged area, then pour and compact new asphalt while ensuring its level.

There’s also a technique called “dig out patching” which can address more severe damage. With this method, entire sections of damaged asphalt are removed, and brand-new sections are installed from the ground up. While this repair is long-lasting, it can also be expensive and has varying results in terms of aesthetics.

Keep in mind that most areas of damage in your driveway less than one quarter-inch wide can be fixed with a simple liquid crack filling compound. For areas of damage where moderate repair is required, patching is usually the best strategy.

Resurfacing

While patching is good for addressing specific problem areas with your driveway, it’s not always the best option, especially when the entire surface is showing damage. Resurfacing is an excellent middle-ground option that improves the structural stability of the driveway without requiring the noticeable repairs associated with patching. In short, it’s a better-looking and longer-lasting solution for damaged pavement. This process involves the removal and replacement of the entire top layer of asphalt and, while it’s more expensive than patching, it’s much cheaper than full replacement.

Replacing

Resurfacing is not a cure-all for problems with asphalt driveways. In cases where asphalt damage has extended into the driveway’s foundation, asphalt replacement is usually the best course of action. It’s a simple fact that older driveways usually require replacement rather than repairs. If your driveway’s more than 20 years old, it’s likely that replacement is the only solution for restoring visual appeal and function. While the upfront cost of replacement is higher than that of patching or resurfacing, a new driveway is an excellent investment that’s especially great for boosting your home’s curb appeal. In cases where you’re selling your home or plan to in the near future, a new driveway can be an extra selling point that helps your home appeal to more buyers.

Deciding between asphalt repair or replacement largely depends on the extent of the damage to your driveway. A professional paving company can give you an objective opinion of the damage and help you discover the option that’s best for you. Contact Maryland Asphalt LLC to learn more about proper steps to take to restore your driveway to perfect aesthetic and functional condition.

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