Driveway Problems and How to Avoid Them

A driveway is an important component of a building’s exterior. In fact, a cracked or crumbling driveway does not only constitute an eyesore, but it can also reduce the value of your property. There is also the risk of car damage and accidents like falling, tripping or sprained ankles.

So what are the common driveway problems, and how can you prevent them? Well, in this article, we have compiled a list of some of the problems associated with the common types of driveways and how you can avoid them.

Asphalt driveways

Asphalt driveways are a common choice for both residential and commercial areas. This is because they are highly durable and require very little maintenance. However, there are certain issues that you can encounter with asphalt driveways, and it is important to know how to avoid them. Some problems associated with asphalt driveways include;

Breakdown in structure from water penetration- when water enters the base of your asphalt driveway, it could cause the structure to break down. This breakdown, in combination with excess traffic on top of the driveway, could lead to serious issues. To prevent this from happening, speak with a contractor about installing some form of drainage solution that can reroute the pathway of water from your driveway surface, especially if you live in an area with lots of rain and water.

Cracks in the surface due to excess weight- excessive weight (tyre tread or heavy load movement) on your asphalt driveway can cause the surface to crack over time. If your plan is to use heavy equipment and vehicles on your asphalt driveway, then it is important that you talk to your contractor about installing necessary reinforcements before your driveway is laid to avoid this problem.

Spiderweb and alligator cracks- spiderweb or alligator cracks are terms used to describe asphalt cracks because of how the cracks appear. If you spot any cracks, no matter how small, ensure to get repairs immediately as they could be a sign of a much larger problem.

Resin-bound driveway

As durable as resin-bound driveways are, they can also have certain problems such as;

Improper installation– most of the issues that arise with resin-bound driveways are a result of improper installations, so ensure that you hire a competent contractor to handle your installation.

Discolouration– over time and with harsh weather conditions, your grey resin driveway may become discoloured. While this doesn’t necessarily constitute a problem, if you don’t like the idea of discolouration, then you can prevent it by using a UV- resistant glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) for your driveway.

Cracking– having cracks on your pavement is an issue you need to address immediately, as it can be a safety hazard. This is because driving on cracked paving is difficult and can increase the likelihood of an accident. The solution here is to remove the current paving and replace the base underneath.

Concrete driveways

With a life expectancy of up to 30 years, concrete driveways are long-lasting and very economical. However, some of the problems associated with them are;

Spalling – this is when tiny particles of cement at the surface begin to flake or peel away. Spalling is usually as a result of water getting trapped in the concrete. Using high-quality materials and getting a qualified and experienced contractor to handle your concrete driveway installation is the best way to avoid this problem.

Cracks – when there is excess water in the concrete mixture, cracking is a possibility. Also, when the concrete dries too quickly, cracking may also occur. This is why it is important to only hire an experienced and qualified cement contractor for your concrete driveway installation.

General driveway problems and how to avoid them

Potholes

This can affect asphalt, gravel and concrete driveways. In addition to looking ugly, potholes put a strain on your vehicle’s suspension and may lead to injuries when people walk on your driveway. When you spot any potholes on your driveway, immediately hire a contractor to fix them.

Standing water

Although this might seem like a small issue, it could cause cracks and potholes to form on your driveway, so ensure to regularly check your driveway for standing water, especially after it rains.

Conclusion:

Part of driveway maintenance is being able to spot even the smallest issues and rectifying them before they become worse. Many of the problems listed above can be prevented with proper driveway installations, so ensure that you always hire the right contractors to save yourself the time and money spent on driveway repairs or replacements.

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