When is the right time to resurface your Driveway?

Asphalt driveways are an investment you want to last as long as possible. It is inevitable that your pavement will start to deteriorate over time due to use and exposure to the extreme weather conditions we see in Gatineau. There are 4 main categories of aisle maintenance:

Sealing
Repair
Resurfacing
Replacement

Knowing what kind of maintenance your driveway requires from year to year can be confusing. In this blog post, the paving experts at Pavage Massie will explain to you when it is appropriate to patch and repair your damaged asphalt, but that it is not necessary to incur a full replacement cost. In other words, answer the question: when is the right time to resurface your driveway?

Here’s what you need to know about resurfacing asphalt driveways.

WHAT IS DRIVEWAY RESURFACING?

Driveway resurfacing is when a new layer of asphalt is poured over the existing driveway. It’s less invasive and much less expensive than completely replacing a driveway, which involves removing all of the existing pavement and digging in the gravel and sand foundation.

Resurfacing is a great way to extend the life of your driveway. It solves the problem of widespread damage that would be too difficult to fix with patches and repairs on a driveway that still has a good base to work on.

There are clear signs to look for when deciding it’s time to stop making repairs and fixes to your driveway and instead resurface it. It is also important to know when resurfacing is not an option due to weakened undercoats.

SIGNS IT’S TIME TO RESURFACE YOUR DRIVEWAY

Potholes

Small potholes in your asphalt can be repaired by filling them with fresh asphalt, then leveling and smoothing them out.

Large potholes and those that breed year after year despite your best efforts to fill them indicate foundation damage and require a complete driveway replacement.

If you have a medium-sized pothole, you can resurface your driveway.

Cracks

Cracks in asphalt that are smaller than ¼ inches wide can most often be repaired with different types of patches.

Cracks that have reached ½ inch wide and are deeper than a few inches are an indication of a compromised foundation and could mean it’s time to replace your driveway. A crackle pattern that resembles the scales of an alligator also means you need to replace your driveway.

Cracks that fall between these 2 extremes mean that resurfacing your driveway might be the most appropriate action.

Discoloration

Pavement that is in good condition but has lost its jet-black appeal generally does not need to be redone. Many homeowners choose to seal their driveway to keep it looking like new.

Deformation

When the asphalt in your driveway begins to warp, resurfacing is not an option. This type of damage penetrates deep into the foundation and can only be resolved by replacing the driveway entirely.

Aging pavement

Each driveway ages differently depending on how you use it and the weather conditions in your area. As a general rule, however, a pavement that is in good condition and less than 20 years old can be redone to extend the life of your driveway.

Asphalt driveways that have been in place for 20 to 30 years will likely need to be replaced due to the inevitable deterioration of the foundation.

Who can redo the surface of my driveway in Plano,TX?

Resurfacing asphalt driveways is not a DIY job. If you want to extend the life of your driveway and are ready to have it resurfaced, contact the Plano,TX paving experts at Skye Asphalt. We will help you assess the condition of your driveway and decide on the best solutions for your situation. Don’t hesitate to give us a call with any questions – we’re here to help!

Continue reading on next article “If I already have asphalt in my yard,what are my options?“