When should I resurface my driveway?
Our driveways are one of the most heavily used surfaces on our property. From gaps and cracks to potholes and dips, you’re bound to notice some sort of wear and tear at some point over the years.
The good news is that in most cases, all a driveway needs is a straightforward resurfacing. Driveway resurfacing is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to completely refresh and renew an old and worn driveway. In this article, we’ll share with you the tell-tale signs that your driveway is due for a resurfacing, and what exactly that process involves.
Asphalt vs. Concrete: What’s the difference?
In Australia, the two most popular materials for driveways are asphalt and concrete. Although asphalt and concrete are used in similar contexts, they’re two entirely different materials. So, what’s the real difference between the two?
The biggest difference between asphalt and concrete is that they use different binders. While asphalt relies on bitumen as its key binder, concrete uses cement. The difference in binders results in contrasting textures, finishes, and appearance. Concrete driveways have a smooth and hard appearance while asphalt driveways are known for their dark and textured finish.
How do I know when my asphalt or concrete driveway needs to be resurfaced?
Our driveways bear the heavy weight of vehicles coming in and out on a daily basis and are also exposed to the elements all day. For these reasons, both asphalt and concrete driveways are susceptible to slow deterioration over time.
If your driveway’s foundation is in good condition, resurfacing is a cost-effective and efficient way to rejuvenate its appearance.
So, what are the tell-tale signs that it’s time to consider resurfacing your driveway? Some of the major signs you can look out for include:
- Cracks: Minor, unconnected cracks (less than 6.7mm-7mm wide) are easily rectifiable. However, it’s important to address them right away to ensure that they don’t worsen.
- Potholes: Small potholes are not only unsightly but dangerous. Potholes should be fixed as soon as they’re noticed so that they don’t compromise the integrity of the driveway.
- Faded colours and/or other signs of weathering: Faded colours don’t pose any sort of danger, but they can certainly age your property and damage its curb appeal.
How do I resurface my concrete driveway?
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to address those gaps, cracks, and potholes in your concrete driveway. But how do you start? And what exactly does concrete resurfacing involve?
Simply put, concrete resurfacing is a repair process that involves renewing existing concrete by applying a thin coat of new concrete over the surface. It’s a way to alter the appearance of your driveway without having to commit to an entire driveway demolishment and replacement.
Since concrete resurfacing is a technical job, we recommend calling in a professional paver or concretor to do the job. As you collect quotes from local businesses, be sure to find out if they hold insurance and if they’re licensed. These small details will ensure that you’re adequately covered and protected in the odd chance that something goes wrong.
How much does concrete resurfacing cost?
One of the benefits of concrete resurfacing is that it’s significantly cheaper than other options. In terms of costs, it all depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the total size of the area, and the repairs that need to be done. However, generally speaking, you can expect to pay somewhere between $70 to $165 per square metre for a concrete resurfacing job.
How long does concrete resurfacing last?
If you’re wondering how long a concrete resurfacing job lasts, we’ve got some good news for you. Done well, a resurfaced concrete driveway can last for up to another 20-30 years, provided that it’s regularly maintained and cared for.
To maintain your concrete driveway, here are our best tips:
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- Remove spills and stains immediately: As soon as you notice a spill, do your best to clean it up immediately so that it doesn’t turn into a stain. You should also aim to pressure wash your driveway at least once a year to keep it clean and fresh.
- Reseal your driveway: Sealing does wonders for increasing your concrete driveway’s longevity. At Jim’s Paving, we offer complete sealing services for all your surfaces. We recommend that this is done once every two years.
- Treat your driveway with care: Although concrete is a strong material, you should avoid letting heavy vehicles sit on your driveway for extended periods of time.
How do I resurface my asphalt driveway?
Like concrete driveways, asphalt driveways are also prone to damage and deterioration over time. Although asphalt is a flexible and durable material, cracks and oxidisation can certainly still occur.
Asphalt resurfacing involves adding a new layer of asphalt over the existing layer in order to repair cracks, gaps, potholes, and other irregularities. Essentially, asphalt resurfacing is simply the process of pouring new asphalt over old asphalt. Asphalt resurfacing requires specialised tools, skills, and machinery, so always hire a licensed and insured professional to complete the job.
Like concrete resurfacing, asphalt resurfacing is a simple and cost-effective way to repair your driveway with minimal fuss. However, in cases where the damage is severe and the structure has been compromised, it may be better to explore the option of a complete asphalt removal and replacement.
How much does asphalt resurfacing cost?
In Australia, the average cost for laying a new coat of asphalt is around $30 per square metre. This doesn’t take into account individual circumstances, so you should contact your local paving specialist to obtain a more accurate figure for your property.
How long will an asphalt driveway last?
A good asphalt driveway can last for as long as 30 years before it needs to be resurfaced again. How often an asphalt driveway will need to be resurfaced depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of asphalt mix used, how much vehicle traffic the driveway receives on a daily basis, and how well the driveway is maintained.
To maintain your asphalt driveway, you should do the following things:
- Reseal your driveway using a high-quality asphalt sealer: Sealing your asphalt driveway will protect it from the elements. This should be done once every 3-5 years for best results.
- Keep grass and weeds away from the edges of your driveway: Regular garden maintenance will prevent any unwanted plants or weeds from making their way underneath your driveway.
- Clean up spills as soon as they occur: Asphalt is oil-based, so oil leaks are less visible on asphalt driveways than on concrete driveways. With that being said, diesel is an asphalt solvent, so if you come across a diesel spill, your driveway will need to be deep cleaned immediately.
If the time has come to resurface your concrete or asphalt driveway, we’re here to help. Here at Jim’s Paving, we offer cost-effective and high-quality resurfacing solutions for both asphalt and concrete surfaces. Every single one of our specialists is police checked and fully insured, so you can rest assured that your property is in safe and qualified hands.
To receive your obligation-free quote, call Jim’s Group on 131 546 or enquire online today.
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