Should You Patch, Resurface, or Replace Your Driveway?
Are you facing some issues with your driveway? If you’re starting to see signs of aging, cracking, pitting, or scaling, you might be wondering about what your next step should be – “what should I do now?”, you might be asking yourself. Is it enough to simply patch the driveway? Or should you resurface the area and deal with concrete resurfacing costs? And in what circumstances should a concrete driveway be completely replaced with a new one? These are all things that should be considered before you take action on your driveway and we are happy to help with a guide to help you make that decision.
When Is Patching the Solution?
Patching can be done with either a regular patching putty or something more durable like an epoxy patching compound and is generally only used for minor damage on driveways. This essentially refers to small cracks and small divots that do not exceed a quarter-inch width.
In these minor cases, it is best and most cost-effective to fill in the gaps with a putty that can temporarily fix the problem. But it should be noted that when you choose to use a patching compound, the solution is not permanent and the problem may crop up again at a later date. It is also not a very inconspicuous fix and a patching compound can be quite obvious on a driveway.
When Is Resurfacing the Solution?
Between patching and replacement, resurfacing is the middle-ground solution. It offers a more permanent solution than patching but is more affordable than a complete replacement. Resurfacing is done by grinding down the surface of a damaged driveway and applying a concrete overlay on top, essentially replacing the surface of the driveway.
It is an effective solution to damaged driveways that can completely cover up damage and it is a semi-permanent solution as long as the foundation of the concrete slab is not damaged. And while concrete resurfacing costs can sometimes be quite high (higher still if you choose to decorate the resurfacer), it is far cheaper than replacing a driveway.
When Is Replacing a Driveway the Solution?
Though resurfacing can usually solve most surface damage on a driveway, there are still some instances where replacement is the better, if not only, option. One such instance is when the foundation of the driveway has been damaged. In this case, a resurfacer will not help and the whole thing will need to be replaced.
Some people may also opt for a replacement when they are looking to increase the value of their homes. While patching can be effective for short-term use, it is not generally an attractive sight for potential buyers who may want a fresh driveway when they move in. In this case, replacing your driveway may just be an aesthetic decision to make the house look better and more cohesive overall.
It is important to note, however, that replacing a concrete driveway can be a costly and time-consuming process.
