Driveway Replacement is a major undertaking that involves removing the old driveway and starting from scratch. It also requires proper ground preparation and gravel for drainage. Some cracks indicate significant problems such as erosion, soil settling, and frost heaving. Repairing these cracks is a Band-Aid and does not fix the underlying issue.
Your driveway is a big part of how your home looks. A shabby-looking one can bring down the overall appearance. Driveway Replacement Colorado Springs is a great way to get that brand-new look you’re going for. You may decide to resurface, patch, or replace it altogether. Generally, resurfacing will get you the most life out of your existing material and is more cost-effective than replacing it completely.
However, it’s important to remember that resurfacing can only help your driveway so far. If it’s too far gone, it cannot be resurfaced successfully. A lot depends on the condition of your original material, the amount of damage that has occurred, and whether or not you’re dealing with a drainage issue.
Surface cracks and potholes are to be expected in most driveways as the elements take their toll. These can be easily repaired with cold-patch asphalt or concrete and a good patching job. However, larger cracks that run throughout the entire drive can be a sign that there is more extensive damage below the surface.
If this is the case, complete repaving of the entire driveway would be a better solution. This process involves removing the damaged section of your driveway, cleaning it thoroughly, and then pouring new asphalt over it. A good quality resurfacing job can add up to 10 years to the lifespan of your current driveway.
Before resurfacing, it’s also a good idea to hire a professional. They will have the heavy equipment necessary to break up and remove the old surface and properly dispose of it. This is something that most homeowners aren’t equipped to do on their own.
It’s important to choose a pro who will use high-quality materials to ensure you’re getting the most out of your driveway repair. This will allow you to avoid any problems with the material that might occur due to cheap construction. You should also ask your pro about their warranty policies. You want to make sure you’re covered in the event of any future problems with your driveway.
Concrete
More than 75 million residential driveways are made of concrete or asphalt in the United States. They’re designed to provide safe and easy access for vehicles and pedestrians, but like all surfaces, they eventually show signs of wear and tear. The condition of your driveway is a good indicator of whether it’s time to consider a replacement.
If your driveway is showing cracks, heaving or spalling, it’s important to have an experienced contractor evaluate the situation. If the damage is extensive, the best option may be to replace the entire surface.
A driveway replacement costs $4 to $30 per square foot (psf), depending on the materials and design. A quality job by a qualified professional will ensure that the new pavement will look good and last for years to come.
Before laying any new concrete, a clean base is laid and compacted. This is important because the base forms the foundation for your new concrete driveway. The base can be made of gravel, a rubberized material or a more permanent concrete layer.
The new concrete is poured on top of the base. After it’s poured, workers use power tools to smooth the concrete. They also use a trowel to create control joints that will strengthen the concrete as it sets. Once the concrete has set, a curing agent is applied to speed up the process and strengthen the concrete further.
Unlike asphalt, concrete is more resilient to freezing temperatures and can last up to 40 years, but it does require regular maintenance. To prolong the life of your concrete, it’s important to keep water puddles away from the surface and regularly reseal the concrete to prevent deterioration.
In addition to regular resealing, homeowners can improve the appearance of their concrete driveway by staining it with a color or pattern. Concrete also holds up well to car traffic and is versatile enough to be shaped into different patterns or even etched with your favorite design. It’s important to note, however, that stained concrete can be very expensive and will require a longer wait period to cure and set than an unstainered slab.
Gravel
If you have a gravel driveway, it can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Gravel is a cost-effective option and doesn’t require the base layer that concrete requires. It also offers good freeze/thaw resistance. You’ll need to add a soil sterilizer under the gravel layer and apply a latex sealer every two years. The gravel surface may be prone to rutting, so adding a fill coat of pea gravel, or redressing, is easy and inexpensive.
If your driveway is in poor condition, it’s time to consider replacing it with a new material that’ll give you the curb appeal and functionality you want. A reputable pro can help you decide the best type of material to suit your budget and design tastes. They should also be able to provide you with materials that match your local building codes for the most durability and longevity.
A gravel driveway is made of small rock particles that range in size from a few mm to 2 inches. It’s formed from weathering and erosion of existing rock and sand, and can be deposited in layers or consolidated into sedimentary rocks called conglomerate. Gravel is a common choice for road building and used in construction projects like sidewalks, patios and ponds.
In addition to the cost of the replacement materials, you’ll need to factor in the costs of repair and maintenance for your new driveway. Repairing a crack or pothole can add up quickly. For example, sand used to reset cobblestones and bricks can run $20 to $40 per bag. Root removal for trees that are causing the driveway to shift and crack can be another substantial cost.
When choosing a contractor for your project, make sure they are licensed and insured and have references from previous jobs. You should request photos of their work as well as a list of the materials they will use. Using subpar materials will significantly shorten the life of your new driveway.
Resin Bound Surfacing
Resin Bound surfacing, also known as resin bonded gravel is fast becoming a popular choice for driveways and footpaths. It is a permeable surface which means water drains through the material into the ground below, this helps to eliminate standing water and puddles making for a safer and cleaner environment for pedestrians. It is SUDS compliant and therefore does not require planning permission if the sub base on which it is laid is porous or a suitable soakaway exists.
The system consists of a mix of natural aggregates bound in clear or coloured resin creating a smooth surface which is hardwearing and more decorative than tarmac or concrete, this makes it ideal for transforming driveways and pathways. There are several different types of aggregate available allowing you to choose a colour and finish to suit your property. Resin Bound surfaces are anti-slip and the mix can be adjusted to improve traction. The surface is easy to clean and requires no maintenance other than the occasional brushing with a stiff bristle or picking up growing weeds gently by hand.
It can be laid on a variety of monolithic structures such as concrete, block paving or tarmac and can also be used to overlay existing resin surfaces which are starting to show signs of wear or fade. A resin overlay is a more cost effective alternative to completely demolishing and rebuilding the existing installation.
When laying a resin surface, it is important to use a high quality tarmac or concrete base which meets the MOT standard and is free from any movement or subsidence. It is also important to choose a resin that has a high level of elasticity as the movement caused by a vehicle on a hard wearing surfacing can cause cracking.
The laying process for a resin surface is relatively quick and easy as no excavation works are required, this also reduces noise pollution to your home and surrounding gardens. Once the base and surfacing has been laid it will need to be left to dry fully before being walked on or driven upon, this is generally after 6 hours for pedestrians and 16 for vehicles.
