5 Signs It’s Time For A New Driveway
Regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting driveway, but there will come a time when repairs simply don’t cut it anymore. While most driveways can last between 15 and 25 years, with the right care, you may notice signs of damage earlier than expected.
Some forms of wear and tear can be repaired over time, and easily resolved with regular maintenance, but larger issues require a complete replacement. Your driveway should always look great, as this not only ensures it is safe and accessible, but also enhances the kerb appeal of your home.
TM Landscapes is a leading landscaping and driveway company, offering comprehensive installation of driveways to suit all requirements. Over the years, we have helped many homeowners upgrade their properties with a new driveway and recognise the signs that your old one needs replacing, such as:
1) Deep Cracks And Potholes
One of the biggest signs that you need a new driveway is deep damage to your existing one. While smaller cracks or holes can be repaired over time, deep lacerations in the surface can lead to serious safety issues and should not be ignored.
Two major signs of structural damage indicate it is time for a new driveway, as these cannot be easily repaired:
- Cracks deeper than ¼ of an inch
- Alligator Cracks (interconnecting cracks which can impact the entire surface)
When left unattended, the cracks will widen over time or due to weather conditions (for example, in freezing temperatures), causing the whole driveway to become unstable. Cracks are not only unsightly but can be dangerous, as they create an uneven and wobbly surface that will not hold weight like it used to.
Potholes can appear over time or may be caused by the widening of cracks and are just as damaging. Potholes are a clear sign that it is time for a new driveway, as they cannot easily be repaired and will result in vehicle damage if you continue to drive over them.
Instead, the whole surface needs to be excavated and replaced, allowing you to rely on a new, solid foundation.
2) Drainage Issues
Drainage issues such as flooding or standing water across your driveway can be a sign it’s time for a new one, as they may indicate poor grading. This is a structural issue which requires the entire driveway, and sub-bases, to be excavated and replaced to resolve.
Likewise, drainage issues that cause water to run off towards the home are a clear sign of structural damage to the driveway. This may have been caused during the installation, as a form of wear and tear over time, or because of uneven settling as the surface dried and fit in place.
Leaving these issues to continue can lead to erosion of the subbase and eventual shifting of the whole driveway, which will lead to cracks, potholes and vehicle damage. Drainage issues can make your home a nightmare during wet weather, and can eventually impact the interior of your home if left unattended long enough.
Prevent future flooding and ensure excellent drainage by investing in a new driveway, such as permeable resin or block paving. These driveways feature permeable subbases and foundations to support water run off, preventing flooding and local drainage issues.
3) Deterioration Of Surface
The visual condition of your existing surface can be a good indicator of whether a new driveway is needed. While most driveways can remain attractive with regular maintenance, such as cleaning, resanding joints, and occasional repairs, there will come a time when all of your efforts no longer make a difference.
Issues such as crumbling edges, loose gravel, or surface flaking (such as on asphalt and resin driveways) are clear signs a new driveway is needed. These appear over time when the driveway has been used to its full capacity and is no longer fit for purpose.
Whether this wear has come from use, time, or the weather, the deterioration of the driveway’s surface usually means a replacement is needed.
Not only do these issues make your home look rundown and your driveway look unattractive, but they can also lead to larger problems. As with many of these signs, leaving surface deterioration unattended for much longer will cause bigger issues and can lead to vehicle damage or safety hazards, which is why you should invest in a new driveway.
4) Age of The Driveway
Most driveways are designed to last 15 to 25 years with regular maintenance, but this can vary based on the material and how it is used. After this time, you will need to get a new driveway, as your existing surface will likely be showing signs of wear and damage that cannot be patched over.
If your driveway is reaching the two-decade mark, or is showing signs of wear from age, then it may be time to invest in a new one. To determine the age of your driveway, locate paperwork from the previous installation or request a professional consultation from our team. We can determine whether your driveway can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
5) Repeated Repairs With No Change
Finally, it may be time for a new driveway if you have already tried to repair issues but to no avail. Whether it is signs of wear, cracks in the surface, or other structural issues, having to repair the same issue over and over again is a clear sign something new is needed.
While patching up, replacing, and resealing can be great ways to treat surface issues on your driveway, there will come a time when these are no longer successful. If you are noticing the same issues arising repeatedly, a new driveway is likely needed.
Frequent repairs can get expensive over time, and you may be wasting more time and money than necessary trying to patch up your existing driveway. Instead of these constant repairs, investing in a new driveway will be more worthwhile, and can give you peace of mind.
When To Call A Professional
If you notice any of these issues with your current driveway, consult with professionals like TM Landscapes to determine the true cause and best treatment. Our experts will offer a site assessment to inspect the quality of your current driveway and highlight the issues you are dealing with.
With our industry insight and expert skills, we can recommend the best course of action moving forward. In some cases, resurfacing may be required, but this is not always the case. By consulting with professionals first, you can determine whether a new driveway is required and ensure you make the best choice for your home.
Conclusion
Some driveway damage cannot be repaired, and these issues usually indicate that a new driveway is required. From potholes to alligator cracking, worn surfaces, to old installations, a new driveway is often the best solution to keep your home accessible and attractive.
TM Landscapes offers a comprehensive driveway installation service, and each project begins with a site consultation to highlight the best course of action. We can ensure you get the right driveway for your needs and cover a range of maintenance requirements with our service.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our services or request a consultation, please contact the team today.
FAQs
How long does a new driveway typically last?
A well-installed driveway can last between 20 to 30 years with the proper maintenance.
Can I repair my driveway instead of replacing it?
Minor cracks and surface damage can often be repaired, but major issues, such as deep potholes or age, cannot. A professional consultation can help determine whether your driveway can be repaired or if you need a new one.
What’s the best time of year for a new driveway?
Spring and summer are ideal for a new driveway installation because of the fairer weather conditions, but we offer driveways all year round.