A concrete or asphalt driveway can last a long time if you are willing to take care of it. Your driveway is under constant exposure from the sun, bad weather conditions, and heavy vehicles, which can cause a multitude of issues. Driveway repair (rather than replacement) is a less expensive option, and Fred has a few examples of just how we can help you do that.
Recoloring Concrete
If your driveway is made of concrete and still looks great after several years, then we congratulate you. Its foundation is structurally sound, which bodes well for continued durability in the future. However, even strong concrete can begin to look aged, particularly if it has color.
Recoloring your driveway can be a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal, and bring new life to your entryway. This also a great opportunity to do something different with your front yard if the desire strikes; after all, the driveway is a large component of your entry. It’s a worthwhile procedure, and advancements in UV protection for concrete stains have made this a great investment for the future.
Concrete Engraving
Another option used for repairing concrete driveways is to engrave, which works really well to hide cracks in the pavement, in addition to faded color.
Engraving concrete is the method of using patterns and color stains to etch unique designs into the concrete, giving it an entirely new feel. A common misconception is that concrete engraving is actually a topping that can chip off, but this is not true. An engraving is as durable as the concrete itself! You can even make your driveway appear as if it were made of a different material.
Concrete engraving can give you the opportunity to totally reinvent your driveway, and it can also help hide future problems to keep your maintenance costs down. Overall, it’s a great solution.
Resurfacing Your Driveway
Now, if your driveway is beyond cracking, or made of asphalt, it is going to need a heavier treatment. Issues like scaling or spalling, are hard to hide or touch up in a way that makes them unnoticeable, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace the driveway just yet. It is possible to resurface your pavement so that it looks brand new, without starting from scratch.
Resurfacing is adding a new layer of asphalt to cover your driveway and minimize the appearance of damage. Be sure to use a material with a strong structure; otherwise the overlay won’t bond well and will soon begin to break apart. So, while a resurfacing may seem like a fix-it-all solution, it will require a good foundation.
A Fred craftsman can easily identify whether resurfacing your driveway or replacing it entirely would be a worthwhile investment. We can provide a consultation to help you in your decision process. Be sure to schedule Fred, the first name in home repairs.
