When you consider the curb appeal of your home, your driveway probably doesn’t top your list. Nevertheless, proper maintenance will ensure the longevity of your driveway and improve the curb appeal of your property. If your driveway is in disarray, you may need an asphalt paving contractor in Ft Lauderdale to reclaim its glory days. At Sunshine Services, we will repair all cracks, potholes, and other forms of wear and tear with our professional paving and maintenance services. When should you contact us to prevent severe, costly damage?
Longevity of a Driveway
How long does a driveway really last? That depends on a few factors. Weather plays a role (driveways fair better in warm climates), but the most important factor is the material of your driveway. Most driveways are made from asphalt or concrete, two highly durable materials. Concrete is the better choice. With proper maintenance, your concrete driveway can last up to 30 years. Asphalt also fairs well if it was properly installed and is routinely maintained, ranging between 15 to 20 years.
Signs to Repair Your Driveway
When was the last time you took a good look at your driveway? If you haven’t done this recently, don’t feel bad, as this is the case with many of our clients. When you get home, take a good look at the state of your driveway. If you notice these signs, we recommend contacting our team for our repair services.
Small Cracks
You can ignore some cracks on your driveway, but very few. Even a crack that is ¼ inch wide should be repaired before worsening.
Warping
Warping is a common problem in South Florida due to the heat and humidity. If the surface of your driveway does not appear level, then it has likely warped. Heat, moisture, heavy vehicle use, and a compromised base are all common causes of warping. Don’t let this go untreated.
Pothole
A small pothole may not cause severe damage to your vehicle, but we still recommend contacting Sunshine Services if you notice potholes in your driveway. When a pothole is caught early, it’s easy to fix.
Sinkage
If your driveway appears to be sinking into an unseen hole, this is likely the result of water building up under the structure. In most cases, the water is coming from your downspouts. You may want to consider having your gutters repaired around the same time you repair your driveway to prevent future damage.
Crumbling
The most common cause of crumbling (when the edges of your driveway start to crumble) is a poor installation job, as the edges were applied too thin. When you contact our team, we will quickly resolve this by applying additional edging.
Preventative Measures
If you are experiencing wear and tear, stop it before it gets out of control. Consider is patching your driveway. This can resolve:
- Holes
- Divots
- Small cracks
Patching is a preventative measure that is usually done when a driveway is in good condition, with only a few minor issues. Patching can ensure your driveway (whether concrete or asphalt) lasts longer.
Another option is resurfacing, which will increase the structural integrity and curb appeal of your driveway.
People who want to sell their property, but whose driveway is in disrepair, typically have it patched and resurfaced instead of replaced. Which option is right for you? We recommend resurfacing if you have several cracks over ¼ inch wide or worse problems. Otherwise, patching should be sufficient.
Signs to Replace
If you have not done maintenance on your driveway in years, it’s likely beyond repair. In general, you should consider replacing your driveway if you see any of these issues.
Multiple Potholes
As previously stated, one pothole is an easy fix. However, multiple potholes have most likely affected the driveway’s foundation, which we will check. Additionally, repairing several individual potholes is a costly project.
Alligator Cracks
Long shallow cracks that span across your driveway are known as alligator cracks. Your contractor may recommend replacing the driveway, especially if it’s older.
Older than 20
If your driveway is in disrepair and you are considering costly repairs, don’t bother if it’s over 20. It is already at the point where it’s less efficient, so consider replacing your driveway instead.
Contact Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc.
Established in 1962, we’re a leading asphalt paving contractor providing service to business owners and homeowners throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. Specialties include:
- Asphalt paving construction
- Asphalt maintenance
- Asphalt repairs
- Asphalt seal coating
For an asphalt paving contractor in Broward County, contact Sunshine Services. Call (561) 810-3574 for a free estimate.