Most adults dream of a beautiful and comfortable house, with all the benefits. Neat yard, pool, and of course a garage for one or two cars. This dream has come true for someone, so he is a proud owner of the house and other, listed, content. Although owning something like this is a great fortune, still, everyone who owns something like this knows that the property requires maintenance. Constant engagement in repairs, renovations, and various types of reparations, you must be ready for that, if you want to live in a house.
Such is the case with the driveway. Maybe your house is the most beautiful and luxurious in the street, maybe it is more modest, but original, it is important that you love the place where you live. It is clear to everyone that the impression of someone’s house and the space that surrounds it is gained by paying attention to large, but also small details. Beautiful architecture, greenery, lighting, colors, and materials on the facade, roof… all this can be noticed immediately. But your house cannot leave the impression of a beautiful and well-maintained home if your driveway is cracked and damaged. To avoid a negative impression of your entire property, it is good to adopt responsible and timely behavior and reaction, while the damage is still minimal.
1. Cracks
The first sign that your driveway is no longer in its original, good condition is numerous small cracks. They often appear after winter, when the weather conditions were unfavorable. Snow, rain, sub-zero temperatures, thawing, and freezing, possibly throwing salt or gravel … are all non-military influences on your driveway. If you notice thin cracks, it’s time to repair them. Do not wait for major damage, it will happen quickly. Check that there may be larger defects under these damaged parts and that the surface has lost its stability and started to break into several parts. The driveway is busy, used daily and it is important that it is in good condition
2. Drainage
An important thing concerning the driveway, as well as all paths and paved, asphalted, or paved surfaces around the house, is drainage. This means that drainage must be solved efficiently. Drains, manholes, slopes, which follow the terrain are taken into account even during the asphalting or concreting of the surface. It is a good idea to consult with an expert, architect, or civil engineer, who will assess the terrain and design the driveway, along with the drainage system. All of this can significantly help to avoid or minimize damage. Any retention of water, snow, ice, especially if it lasts longer, leads to cracking and destruction of the substrate.
3. Potholes
Potholes can cause major problems if not detected in time. These are larger holes, which are located under the top layer of asphalt or concrete and are often not visible at first glance. They are caused by water flow and retention, through small cracks. They are dangerous because a wheel can fall into them and thus cause considerable damage to the car. If you discover them, one way or another, immediately start repairing and eliminating them. If they are smaller, they can be repaired locally, but if they are large and deep and there are more, it is best to reconstruct the entire driveway. You should check concretepavingoahu.com and see how repairs are fast and cost-effective, but only possible if you call pros right away.
4. No elasticity or firmness
We all know the difference between asphalt and concrete. Asphalt is more elastic, flexible, resilient, prone to softening in the heat and crowning of particles in winter. Concrete is harder, does not change its condition depending on the temperature, but also, it can crack and break into larger or smaller parts. Whatever your driveway is made of, you know how old it is, since you go there every day, you know what condition it is in.
If you notice that the asphalt does not have the previous power of resilience, but bends, breaks and remains so, or the concrete cracks in several directions, on larger slabs, then it is time to intervene. Sometimes minor damage can be repaired by filling cracks with new materials of various types or cement. If your driveway is about 20 years old, then it is worn out and it’s time for a thorough repair or pouring a new one.
5. Weed
A sign of a damaged driveway, which you will immediately notice is the sight of grass, weeds, dandelions … growing through cracks. This phenomenon is usually observed in spring or summer and is a clear sign that the substrate is not compact and uniform. As soon as the plants have the strength to breakthrough, it is a clear sign that they have space and that it is time to repair.
The aesthetic and functional aspect of the driveway
If you made your driveway a long time ago and now is the time to repair and renew it, consider new styles and materials. As in everything, conceptually and functionally, things have improved and now you can, instead of ordinary asphalt and concrete, classic cubes and slabs, include new materials and a completely new concept of your driveway. At your disposal are:
- resin bonded gravel greenery and quality
- plates – boards of various sizes, types, textures, colors, thicknesses… imitating urban pavement or Mediterranean stone, country path, or sea rock… depending on your preference and style of the house, choose a new look for your driveway.
- stones resistant to water and UV radiation – this solution is extremely decorative and immediately attracts the eye and causes admiration.
- standard asphalt and concrete
- grass -the grass is so decorative, if it is natural, then it accumulates heat, contributes to a natural and relaxed look, but the problem with it is constant maintenance and conditions when there is a lot of rain or snow.
Conclusion:
As you can see, the driveway requires constant and focused attention, as does the whole house and yard. It is always better to notice and solve the problem in time because then it is smaller and its repair is cheaper. Accept the fact that, after a certain number of years and constant use, everything requires renovation and investment. With such an attitude towards your property, you will preserve it and be satisfied with what your home offers you.
