Driveway replacements are a common problem that home and business owners have to deal with on a regular basis. However, there is also a great middle ground option that you can take advantage of: Asphalt Resurfacing.
What is Asphalt Resurfacing and What Should I Know About It?
Asphalt resurfacing is basically adding a fresh layer of asphalt on top of your current driveway, without breaking it down and doing a full replacement. It’s a great technique that can get you more mileage out of a driveway.
However, you might be wondering what makes asphalt resurfacing different from your standard replacement. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to go over a few things you should know about asphalt resurfacing so that you can decide whether you want to opt for it or not.
Resurfacing is Much Cheaper and Takes Shorter than A Full Replacement
There are two things that matter when it comes to driveway repair: time and money. It takes both to make sure a repair or replacement is done correctly and effectively. Asphalt resurfacing doesn’t take as long as a standard full replacement and is also a much cheaper alternative.
It is so much cheaper and less time intensive because of how you’re skipping several steps that need to be done in a full replacement. One of these steps includes removing and replacing the foundation which takes the longest in a replacement.
The Age and Condition of Your Driveway Matters
One of the things you should be aware of when it comes to asphalt resurfacing is that it is limited by the age and condition of your driveway. Since you’re just putting a fresh layer of asphalt on top of the driveway, you have to ensure that the layer below it and the foundation are in good condition. If they’re not, then you’re going to run into problems sooner than expected and will have to replace the driveway anyway. This is why you should take the time to repair damage like cracks and potholes before going for a resurfacing.
It is Not as Effective as a Full Replacement
The biggest concern that many people have when they opt for asphalt resurfacing is whether it will last. It can certainly extend the lifespan of your driveway. However, it won’t last as long as a full replacement.
It simply patches over the old driveway and doesn’t fix underlying problems. This is why we recommend that you should look for an expert’s opinion. They can give advice on whether your driveway should be replaced or resurfaced. They also properly check the condition of your driveway and help you decide on what option to take.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt resurfacing is a great tool for any home or business owner looking to extend the life of their driveway. Especially if you want to keep your wallet intact. However, it certainly has its own fair share of disadvantages that you should be aware of in case you’re given the option for a resurfacing. We hope that this article has helped you out in making the right decision!