6 Signs You Might Want To Replace Your Driveway
First impressions are always key when it comes to your home, which is why you want your driveway to be the envy of your neighbours.
It’s easy to neglect your driveway during the harsh winter weather, and it could be causing more damage to your driveway than you think. This leads to clear signs of wear and tear come the summer months, which is not only unappealing, but also can be dangerous for your family and visitors.
Not all homeowners recognise the signs that it’s time to start thinking about a driveway replacement, but our team at JT Construction do. Read more to discover 6 signs that your driveway may need some upgrades, and why resin is likely the best choice material for your driveway.
Alligator cracks
The term “alligator cracks” is used to describe a criss-cross pattern of cracks in the surface of your driveway, causing it to resemble the texture of alligator skin. This is a sure sign that your driveway is on it’s way out, and could do with a surface replacement sooner rather than later.
If you catch the cracking early, you may be able to apply a crack filler – but it’s often a stop-gap that is only delaying the inevitable.
The long-term solution is to replace the driveway with a durable alternative. We recommend a resin driveway, which is permeable and flexible, making it much more resistant to cracking than alternatives such as asphalt or concrete.
Potholes
We see all too many homeowners who have ignored the signs of alligator cracks, only for the pieces to break away leaving a driveway full of potholes. This creates an uneven surface which could cause damage to your car – or a trip hazard for visitors to your home.
It’s always recommended that the driveway is replaced once potholes start to appear – and thanks to a perfect blend of resin and aggregates, our resin driveways allow for a smooth, seamless and flawless finish.
Puddles and standing water
Tired of paddling through puddles to reach your front door? Standing water on your driveway indicates a drainage issue and needs prompt attention before structural damage occurs.
Asphalt driveways are especially prone to puddles in the winter months, as the materials expand and contract during frosty periods creating pitted patches where water can pool.
Choosing a permeable replacement driveway will go a long way to stopping ‘puddle problems’ – and our porous resin surfaces are perfect for driveways, paths and patios as they allow water to naturally drain away, even in poor weather conditions.
Stains and spills
Oil, brake fluid and other liquids include chemicals that stain your driveway and make it look unpleasant. Even worse, they can soak into the surface and destroy the binding agents on a tarmac surface.
If you’ve started to spot signs of staining on your driveway, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Faded and lacklustre colours
Over time your driveway will fade and start to look in need of a resurface. If your driveway is showing no other signs of deterioration, such as cracks or potholes, you may be able to rejuvenate colour into the surface with a sealant or coating.
However, in conjunction with a damaged driveway, it’s likely to be time to call in the professionals to replace the whole area with a vibrant new driveway, pavement or patio.
Our resin bound surfaces are available in a choice of over twenty colours to suit your style to ensure your driveway continues to make a lasting impression without fading.
Age of your driveway
Old age comes to us all – and the exterior surface of your home is no exception. If your driveway is between fifteen to twenty years old, it’s high time to assess it for functionality and structural weakness.
Remember – even if you’ve lived at your property for only a short time, it could be that the previous owners have never replaced the driveway, so you may not realise it’s reaching the end of its useful lifespan until the cracks start to appear.