When is the right time to construct a new driveway? It’s a good question to ask for ensuring that your home offers a strong first impression to any of your visitors or even homebuyers. Here are four signs that you should replace your driveway in Norfolk, MA.
Cracks
Both asphalt and poured concrete driveways are known for developing cracks over time, especially in the Massachusetts climate and its freeze-thaw cycle. Cracks are often made worse by salt and other ice melt chemicals applied to the driveway in the winter. Once cracks develop, they invite weeds to poke through. Small cracks can often be patched temporarily (they do tend to reappear), but large cracks or severe cracking around the edges can mean that the substrate—the aggregate beneath the driveway—has settled improperly and can no longer support the driveway so that it maintains a uniform surface. Frost heaves, which also occur frequently in this climate, cause unsightly toe-stubbing bumps on the driveway. These bumps often burst or collapse, and that can allow water to collect and cause further damage.
Drainage Issues
Uneven or improperly sloped driveways cause rain and snowmelt to run off the driveway into places you don’t want it—such as toward your home’s foundation or into the neighbor’s yard. Standing water on the driveway, especially when combined with salt, can lead to potholes and cracks. In these cases, a complete driveway replacement with a drainage solution may be necessary.
Related: How Sharon, MA, Excavation Companies Can Help Your Drainage Problems
Potholes
Potholes can cause damage to the suspension system on your car. Unfortunately, while potholes can be patched, patches aren’t attractive as they rarely blend seamlessly into the surface, and the potholes will usually reappear. These signify an underlying problem that may require a complete driveway replacement. Potholes are most often caused by improper construction of a driveway, specifically inadequate substrate, or they can be caused by household chemicals, oil, or salt leaching into the driveway’s surface.
Age
Some asphalt and poured concrete driveways quickly show their age with a rough and worn appearance, fading, as well as cracking, drainage issues, and potholes. Resealing must be done every two to three years on an asphalt or poured concrete driveway, the cost of which adds up over the years.
Related: 3 Beautiful Driveway Landscaping Ideas for Your Front Yard in Weston, MA
The Solution for Your Driveway
Today, many homeowners are replacing their old driveway with concrete pavers. Paver driveways are much more aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance, and durable. In terms of the ability to handle vehicle weight, concrete and asphalt driveways can’t compete with pavers and they’re not nearly as attractive. A paver driveway would boost your home’s curb appeal and adds to its value.
When it comes to maintenance, individual pavers can be efficiently replaced in the unlikely event they crack or chip. Quality concrete pavers don’t require additional sealing. A properly installed paver driveway will last with very little maintenance or repair.
Homeowners also have the option of permeable pavers, which look the same as traditional pavers but help prevent drainage issues; rain or snowmelt seeps through spaces between the pavers instead of pooling or flowing down the driveway. With so many color and style choices available today, a paver driveway is a clear winner when it comes to installing a beautiful, functional, and durable surface for your car.