Your asphalt driveway is continuously subjected to the weight of your car, the traffic of pedestrians, and various weather conditions. Constant exposure to these elements can result in damage to your driveway.
The good news is that asphalt driveways are easier and more inexpensive to repair compared to other driveway surfaces.
When you need to fix your asphalt driveway, you need to consider the age of your driveway, the scope of needed repairs, and your targets for the driveway to help you pick the repair option that is best for you. To learn more about the three common methods of repairing your driveway, read the information below.
Common Repair Options for Your Asphalt Driveway
- Patching
Patching is the easiest and cheapest solution to fix your damaged asphalt driveway. This method can effectively address small cracks, holes, and other damages that are less than one-quarter inch wide.
There are two types of patching for badly cracked asphalt driveways: surface patching and dig out patching.
Surface patching is more appropriate to be used for asphalt driveways that are moderately damaged. This involves grinding down the top layers of the driveway’s damaged spot. The new asphalt is then poured, compacted, and leveled off to the area.
On the other hand, driveways with more severe damage needs to dig out patching. This long-lasting and complex repair method involves removing the entire spot of the damaged asphalt and installing a new section from the ground up.
- Resurfacing
If your asphalt driveway has several moderate cracks and holes, patching may not be the best choice for you since it is not practical and cost-effective to patch multiple damages all at once.
To keep a neat, clean, and consistently leveled driveway, then you may consider resurfacing. This method involves completely removing and replacing the top layers of asphalt. By patching damaged spots before pouring the final top layer of asphalt, this provides structural rehabilitation and a driveway that looks as good as new without breaking your bank.
- Replacing
Your driveway is exposed to massive stressors every day that can lead to damage over time. Therefore, the older your asphalt driveway is, the more likely it is to need replacement.
Old asphalt driveways usually have damages that extend to the driveway’s foundation. While patching and resurfacing can address minor to moderate cracks and holes, these are just a temporary fix. New problems are highly likely to arise soon after the repairs are completed, which can result in a cycle of damage and repairs. Because of this, the best repair solution for driveways with severe damages is to have them completely replaced.
While replacing your driveway has a higher upfront cost than that of patching and resurfacing, this repair method is a worthy investment that can last for years.
Conclusion
Your asphalt driveway is an essential part of your property. Therefore, keeping it functional and in excellent condition is important.
Repairing your driveway is one way to maintain its tip-top shape. To discover the best repair option for you, you first need to figure out your needs.
Let us help you get the most effective driveway replacement option in New Jersey. To learn more about our services, give us a call or send an email. We look forward to serving you!