When is the right time to re-asphalt your driveway?
11 April 2022
Do you have the impression that the asphalt of your driveway no longer looks as good? You wonder when is the right time to do it again. Indeed, asphalt driveways are an investment that you would like to last. It is inevitable that your pavement will begin to deteriorate over time due to the use that is made of it and its exposure to the extreme weather conditions of our region. The following article will try to answer your questions so that you can make the right decisions when it comes to repairing your asphalt driveway.
Corrections, resurfacing or replacement of an entry?
We talk about resurfacing a driveway when a new layer of asphalt is poured over the existing driveway. It’s a smaller job and much less expensive than completely replacing a driveway, which would involve removing all of the existing asphalt and digging out the gravel and sand foundation. Resurfacing is a good way to extend the life of a driveway without spending too large amounts of money. It fixes widespread issues that would be too difficult to fix with patches on a lane that still has a good foundation. Moreover, a few signs can guide you in your decision to have your driveway corrected, resurfaced or replaced.
The signs to look out for
Most of the signs that should influence you to undertake work are usually clearly visible to the naked eye. For example, look for potholes. Small ones can be filled in with asphalt, but larger ones and those that seem to come back every year despite your best efforts indicate foundation damage and require a complete driveway replacement. If, on the other hand, the pothole is medium-sized, you can simply resurface the driveway.
Another sign to look out for is cracks. If they are less than ¼ inch wide, they can be repaired using different types of patches. However, if they reach ½ inch wide and are deeper than a few inches, it is rather a sign that it is time to replace the driveway because the foundation is compromised. It’s the same if you discover a pattern of cracks that resemble the scales of an alligator. Between these two extremes, cracks can be covered by resurfacing.
Discoloration is also something to watch out for. If your driveway has lost its beautiful black color, you might decide to seal the driveway to retain the color.
Similarly, deformations must be noted because if your asphalt begins to deform, the damage is too deep to benefit from resurfacing. Unfortunately, this problem will only be solved by replacing the driveway.
The right time to replace your entrance
Finally regarding aging, each aisle does it differently. This may depend on the weather and usage. As a general rule, however, pavement in good condition and less than 20 years old can be overcoated to extend their life. 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 foundations. In any case, wait for the thaw to proceed with the work. It is often around mid-May that this phenomenon occurs.
If you are wondering what can be done to bring your driveway back to life, do not hesitate to contact a professional. They will help you assess the condition of your driveway and decide on the best solutions for your situation.
