Driveway Repair Nashville offers a viable alternative to a full replacement for driveways with moderate damage. However, it’s important to accurately evaluate the condition of a driveway before opting for repairs.
Shifting ground, freeze-thaw cycles, and constant use can cause minor cracking and wear. Addressing these issues early can help extend a concrete or gravel driveway’s lifespan.
A well-maintained driveway makes an excellent first impression on visitors and helps sustain property value. However, cracks and crumbling sections can pose a serious hazard to pedestrians and damage vehicles and the home’s foundation. Repairing early can reduce the risk of injury and costly repairs. Cracked concrete also suggests a deeper issue that may need professional intervention.
Concrete needs to be reinforced with expansion joints to help prevent cracking. If these aren’t properly placed during installation, the concrete can shift and crack as it expands and contracts. When this occurs, water can seep into cracks and freeze causing further damage. Preventing cracks in a concrete driveway isn’t difficult with proper planning and installation.
Small cracks less than a quarter-inch wide can usually be repaired with cold-pour concrete fillers or asphalt patching materials. These are available at most home improvement stores and are easy to apply. Before applying these fillers, clean the cracks thoroughly with a wire brush and pressure washer to ensure a smooth surface.
More extensive cracking and uneven areas can require professional intervention. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors including weather changes, excessive weight on the driveway or poor soil drainage. When the root cause of these problems is unstable soil, the best solution is to use slab jacking (foam jacking) or concrete lifting techniques to raise sunken sections and stabilize the concrete.
These methods are more effective than traditional mudjacking and do not involve pouring new concrete. They can also be cheaper and much more convenient than total replacement.
Cracked and uneven driveways that are not treated can become tripping hazards and lead to costly repairs. Early intervention can prevent these issues from escalating and preserve the integrity of your driveway for years to come.
If you’re experiencing cracking or uneven concrete in your driveway, Alpha Foundations in Florida can help. Contact us today to request a free assessment and learn how our concrete leveling solutions can improve your driveway. Using PolyRenewal(tm) polyurethane foam, we stabilize and correct uneven and cracked concrete efficiently. It’s safer, more cost-effective, and less intrusive than complete slab replacement, making it the ideal alternative to a costly driveway replacement.
Potholes
Potholes are a common occurrence in blacktop driveways, and they’re not only unsightly, but they can damage your vehicle or cause serious safety hazards for pedestrians and other drivers. Ignoring or delaying pothole repair will only make the situation worse, causing more extensive long-term damage that will require costly professional asphalt repairs.
Pothole damage is caused by numerous factors. Some of the most common causes include:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water that seeps into cracks and then freezes repeatedly expands and contracts, weakening the asphalt. Over time, this can cause the surface to collapse, creating a pothole. Heavy Traffic: Regular use of a driveway by commercial trucks or heavy vehicles can put a lot of stress on the asphalt, which can also cause it to wear down more quickly.
Poor Drainage: A blocked gutter or downspout can prevent water from flowing away from the driveway properly, which can also lead to pothole formation.
If you’re experiencing potholes in your driveway, the best way to address them is by removing puddles immediately and improving drainage to prevent future occurrences. If you’re able to catch them early, they can be repaired with an asphalt patch or overlay.
An asphalt repair involves cleaning the area, adding new pavement materials and compacting the surface. This type of repair is typically the most cost-effective option for repairing potholes in asphalt driveways.
A gravel driveway repair is a more involved process than an asphalt repair, but it can still be done on your own with the right tools and knowledge. A gravel driveway should be filled in with a mix of fines and larger gravel, with a layer that’s about an inch thick. The top layer should be watered and packed down firmly to ensure that it doesn’t shift or erode.
If you’re looking to purchase equipment that can help you complete a driveway repair, Tri-Rent-All offers a variety of equipment rental solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Our equipment rentals allow you to tackle any job, from simple maintenance to a full driveway resurfacing project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to find out how we can assist with your asphalt repair needs.
DIY Repairs
Many minor problems like cracks and potholes are easy to fix with a bit of DIY work. Whether you’re simply sealing a surface that has become dull and faded or need to address a small section of sunken pavers, you can save money by handling the repair yourself. The key is to do it in the right weather conditions to ensure proper adhesion and curing.
The first step is to clear the area of dirt, debris, and loose concrete pieces that can interfere with the process. Sweeping or vacuuming is a good option, and you can also use a pressure washer to make sure all areas are clean. For best results, integrating the use of a cleaning product designed specifically for concrete and asphalt can help you eliminate stubborn deposits.
After the area is clean, sand or gravel can be added to fill the voids created by the patching work. This provides a solid base and can help to prevent future damage. You can also tamp the area gently to make sure it sits correctly and isn’t too high or slanted.
Lastly, the cold-process asphalt patch and sealer is applied to the repaired areas. For best results, apply it liberally and follow the instructions on the package to ensure even coverage and a smooth texture that matches your driveway’s existing surface. Once dry, the patch and sealer will protect the surface from UV rays, further protecting it from deterioration.
If your driveway is starting to show serious signs of wear and tear, you may want to consider a more extensive repair or replacement project. Professional services are more expensive than a DIY approach, but they can provide a more comprehensive solution that extends the life of your driveway for years to come. This includes addressing issues beyond the surface, such as a poorly compacted sub-base or drainage issues that lead to persistent puddles. A quality service can also improve the overall look of your driveway and provide a better aesthetic for your home’s entryway. The right option for you depends on your goals, but it is usually worth the investment to keep your driveway looking its best.
Professional Assessment
In addition to preventing small problems from snowballing into major repairs, routine maintenance helps your property look better and sets a positive first impression for potential buyers. A well-maintained driveway entices buyers and may help your property sell faster. Crack filling, seal coating, and other asphalt maintenance techniques are inexpensive compared to the cost of a new driveway. However, if your asphalt is so damaged that crack fill rubber would do little to bind the pieces of pavement together, a complete replacement will be needed.