Driveway Repairs: The Problems And The Solutions

Your driveway should all be safe. You owe that to yourself and your family.

If you and your family work 9 to 5, your driveway is under constant physical stress almost daily.

It’s responsible for carrying you and your car on its back, making it susceptible to damage. So when you see a crack or feel a bump, don’t ignore it because a crack can become a disastrous hole that will harm your family and friends.

However, how can you know when it’s time to get your driveway fixed, what kind of problems you should look for, and how can driveway repair Charleston SC experts can help you?

4 Common Driveway Repair Issues

Appearance Of Cracks

Cracks are the most obvious red flag that your driveway needs maintenance.

Over time, cracks will inevitably appear in asphalt and concrete. However, chemicals (such as oil, gas, and de-icing salt) that seep into the surface and water that seeps in, especially during the winter when the water freezes and extends the crack, may exacerbate the problem.

Check the length, width, and depth of cracks while assessing their degree. Greater severity of damage is indicated by longer, broader, or deeper cracks.

In some cases, these cracks can be fixed by making repairs to the driveway, but in other instances, you will need to replace the paving completely.

Clogged Drain

Driveway drainage concerns should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and extend the life of the surface.

When there is a drainage issue, water pools or runs down the center of your property. This pooling leads to damage to your car or weakening your driveway.

For better drainage, fix any problems with the driveway’s slope, build curbing to assist channel water away from the driveway or parking lot, and install any necessary drainage or inlets.

Forming Potholes

When the soil under the pavement shifts or settles, it causes potholes. Repeated stress like this causes pavement to deteriorate and break. Inevitably, the pothole will form as a result of repeated wear and tear from vehicles driving over the weakened area.

Roads and streets often experience the hazard of potholes. Driveway repairs, or even replacement, may be necessary depending on the severity of the damage.

Looks Old And Weathered

Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and oxygen oxidation will wear down the chic pavement you laid.

While seal coating might restore the driveway’s original look if fading is the only issue, oxidation can cause the driveway to become structurally weak and need repair or perhaps even replacement.

Consult a professional paver for assistance, and take care of any maintenance before the onset of winter weather.

Driveway Repair Solutions

Here are some of the common fixes your local driveway repair team can do for you:

 

Patching

If your driveway has cracks that are widening, you should repair them as quickly as possible by patching it up.

Small cracks or holes may be patched using asphalt or concrete sealant, both of which can be purchased at a hardware shop.

Leaving these issues alone will eventually lead to water leaking into the crevices and the sand below the pavement, causing it to collapse and form a pothole.

 

 

Resurfacing

Patching the driveway is the best solution for cracks, but what should be done if there is damage to a big part of your driveway?

When cracks evolve to bigger ones, it is time to think about resurfacing, which entails removing damaged sections of the driveway with a scraper and replacing the asphalt or concrete with fresh mixtures.

 

Replacement

The final resort and only advice when problems are unfixable driveway repair Charleston SC service providers usually suggest a total rebuilding or replacement.

This involves tearing down your old driveway and constructing a new one. With replacement, the cost is higher, and the construction time is longer, so it will be in your best interest to just maintain your driveway properly to avoid any unnecessary expenses.

Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Driveway

Maintenance is important to ensure that your next replacement order is for decades later, and the best way to that is through the following:

  • As soon as you find cracks, fix them before they become bigger.
  • Driveways should be resealed every 3–5 years.
  • Shovel the snow instead of using salt, which may damage the driveway.
  • Your driveway should be pressure washed every six months to a year.
  • Be sure to get rid of any fluid stains, such as those left by an automobile’s oil, right away.

These simple steps can help you have a strong and stylish driveway for a long time and save you from spending thousands on new ones installed every time. Be safe and be practical.

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