Investing in a paved driveway comes with a lot of benefits. A paved driveway won’t be messy like a dirt driveway or one that’s filled in with loose rocks or pebbles. It also lasts longer and is more durable than other options. In addition to this, it simply looks better – you don’t want to be the one home on the block that still has a driveway full of rocks.
With that being said, once you invest in a paved driveway you still need to be mindful of the repairs that will come along with it. Like the rest of your home, your driveway will need some touching up from time to time. It’s important you choose a reputable company to do these repairs. For example, the best concrete contractors in Indianapolis provide a complete list of possible repairs, full of the information you need to know about getting an estimate and about the repair itself. Keep reading for a list of maintenance to keep in mind for your paved driveway.
Crack Filling
When it comes to filling in cracks in your pavement, the most important thing to keep in mind is that they should be filled in when they are still small. Fixing this issue right away means that you can prevent further damage to your driveway, as cracks that are left alone will only get bigger. If left alone for long enough, it could even result in your entire driveway being replaced. Not only does timely maintenance save you time and energy, but it will also save you money in the long run.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing, also referred to as overlay, refers to installing a new layer of asphalt on top of the already existing one. This is a great alternative if you want your driveway to look brand new, but the damage isn’t so severe that it requires you to install a completely new one. If the foundation of your pavement is still sound, it is less than 20 years old, or only has shallow cracks smaller than 1/4 inch wide, resurfacing is the best option.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating refers to a protective layer placed over the pavement that prevents moisture from seeping in, which would normally cause damage. It can also prevent damage from things like UV rays, chemicals like gasoline, and can create a slip-resistant surface that is safer to walk and drive on.
In addition to offering much-needed protection to your pavement, a seal coating can also make your driveway look brand new. It gives the pavement the sleek, black look that gives your home curb appeal and makes it look well maintained. There are many types of seal coating that you can choose from, including ones you can apply yourself. However, for the best looking and more long-lasting solution, having a professional apply seal coating is the much better option.
Patching
Patching is perhaps the most common form of maintenance for paved driveways. It involves removing damaged sections of pavement and repaving that specific area, rather than resurfacing the entire driveway. This is especially useful for people who have driveways that are particularly large. If your driveway is very long, for example, it wouldn’t make sense to resurface the entire driveway to repair one small crack, especially if the rest of your driveway is structurally sound.
Final Thoughts
If you want to keep your paved driveway looking brand new and functioning properly, you will have to invest in some form of maintenance along the way. The good news is, if you choose a reputable and thorough construction company, the process will be easy and effective.
