Your driveway serves two major purposes: function and style. A well-maintained driveway can boost curb appeal, is easier to drive and walk on, and is free from large holes and cracks that lack style. If your driveway is of the latter kind, you may be feeling the driveway woes. But despair no more! We are here to help you decide if it’s time to repair or replace your driveway by weighing the pros and cons of each choice.
When To Repair and When To Replace
The first step is discernment. Do you repair or replace your driveway? Here’s how to tell:
- Repairing your driveway includes filling cracks or resurfacing the driveway. If you have a few narrow cracks in your driveway, you can patch them up and be on your way. But bear in mind the patched cracks are still so visible and not as aesthetically pleasing. Resurfacing results in a driveway that appears brand new, and is best for driveways that are older or have more than 25% of the surface covered in light damage.
- If your driveway is 15+ years old or home to one or more large potholes and cracks wider than a quarter inch…rip off the bandaid and replace it. You will receive an attractive, new driveway that will last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance!
Repairing Your Driveway
Patching is both the cheapest and the easiest repair method. You could expect to spend $2 to $3 per square foot on crack filler, plus around $40 for an asphalt squeegee. However, patching cracks is only a short-term solution and only works for cracks less than a quarter inch wide. For more extensive damage, you will want to resurface the driveway. Resurfacing is a more cost-effective option compared to replacing the driveway ($3 to $7 per square foot) and can add up to 10 years of service life to your driveway.
Replacing Your Driveway
Replacing the entire driveway is a long-term solution, and allows you to start fresh on routine maintenance such as sealcoating. However, this is also the most expensive option. The cost to replace an asphalt driveway can go as high as $15 per square foot!
Whether you decide to patch the cracks or replace the entire driveway, maintenance is key to helping your driveway last a couple of decades. Remember to patch cracks quickly, reseal your driveway every few years, and pressure wash your driveway at least once a year. Need help repairing or replacing your driveway? Contact our exceptional team of professionals today at 416-701-1881 or info@epicpaving.ca.
