Asphalt Driveway Maintenance – Patching, Resurfacing or Repaving

Asphalt is a durable material that enhances the appearance of your driveway. However, it requires proper maintenance, or it will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Canada’s harsh winters and scorching summers can be hard on your pavement. Other elements, such as oil, gas, de-icing chemicals, and even the weight of your vehicles, can also harm your asphalt driveway.

Your driveway’s age, the level of needed repairs, and your driveway’s purpose will all play a role in determining which option is ideal for you. Here’s all you need to know about asphalt driveway patching, replacement, and resurfacing.

Asphalt Patching

You should mend any cracks in your driveway as soon as possible especially if they’re expanding. Patching entails using asphalt to fix small gaps or cracks. If you don’t promptly repair these minor flaws, water will leak into the cracks and gravel beneath the asphalt, causing the asphalt to disintegrate and form a pothole.

Patching a driveway is the least expensive repair option. However, there are some drawbacks to this procedure. Patching is a short-term technique that only fixes cracks that are less than a quarter-inch wide.

Depending on the size of the crack, it is likely that you only need a basic liquid crack filling compound. Other times, alternative patching options such as surface patching and dig out patching are required.

Asphalt that is somewhat deteriorated but not completely failed is a fine fit for surface patching. The top layers of the damaged spot are cut away, and the hole is cleaned. Then a fresh layer of asphalt is placed, compacted, and levelled.

Dig out patching is a great choice if the damage is more serious. The entire portion of defective asphalt is removed and replaced with a brand-new portion from the ground up. This is a long-term yet complex repair.

Asphalt Resurfacing

You should patch the driveway if there are a few tiny cracks. However,  if there are cracks or other damage on more than a quarter of the driveway, then it’s time to think about resurfacing, which entails scraping off damaged driveway sections and putting new asphalt on top.

Although this procedure is more extensive than patching, it is less expensive than repaving and will extend the life of your driveway. The longer you go without repaving your driveway, the more money you save.

Driveway resurfacing is not a DIY activity as you’ll need to engage an experienced local contractor like Patch and Seal. It is suitable for driveways that are less than 15 years old and haven’t totally deteriorated.

Asphalt Repaving

Resurfacing will not suffice if your asphalt driveway needs to be repaved. While resurfacing may appear to be less expensive in the short term, the ongoing maintenance will ultimately cost you more in the long run. You may believe that resurfacing has covered all of the fractures, but the damage will eventually show up on the surface in the form of potholes and cracks.

Many driveways are large and noticeable, and when a crack appears along the span, your home’s curb appeal suffers. Repaving a driveway is a more intensive process because it requires the removal of the old asphalt layer before putting the new asphalt layer. When three-quarters of your driveway is cracked, repaving is usually the best alternative. Large fissures are usually produced by patchy gravel soil that cannot be repaired by resurfacing.

Benefits of Repaving Your Driveway

Your driveway’s long-term appearance and structural integrity are enhanced by new asphalt pavement. A new asphalt driveway is more attractive than an old, cracked driveway in terms of aesthetics.

Repaving is the finest solution if you are planning a large-scale reconstruction. It provides the best aesthetic and structural stability for your driveway. Any damage that is more than moderate will almost certainly necessitate the replacement of the driveway, especially if the driveway is older than 15 years.

Work With Professionals

Your driveway serves two main purposes: functionality and aesthetics. A driveway in disrepair is undoubtedly lacking in style as a well-kept driveway can improve curb appeal. It is also more convenient to drive and stroll on one that is devoid of holes and major cracks. If you’re considering driveway repair, consider the advantages and disadvantages of patching, resurfacing, or repaving the driveway.

Potholes, fissures, and other pavement degradation can be dangerous. One of the best ways to protect your safety and the safety of your guests and visitors is to pave your driveway. Also, if you intend to sell your home, you should consider asphalt resurfacing or repaving to make it more appealing to potential buyers. A levelled and sturdy driveway aids in the prevention of vehicle damage. Reach out to our professionals at Patch and Seal for expert driveway maintenance services in Ottawa