As a homeowner, you should feel proud of your property and do your bit in maintaining the interior and exterior. Your driveway is one of the most crucial elements of your property’s exterior, so if you don’t keep a close eye on it, cracks and potholes will form, which can cause extensive damage.
No matter how beautiful your property is, if your driveway isn’t looking its best, this can harm your curb appeal and affect your home’s resale value. To get back on track, here are some warning signs to look out for, which may indicate it’s time to replace your driveway.
Cracks
While the odd crack may not seem like too much to worry about, should you not take action, more cracks may appear, which can result in your driveway becoming unusable. Cracks tend to appear during the winter months due to ice and snow. It’s advised that you look for cracks early, as the sooner you take notice, the better.
Potholes
Cracks in your driveway are one thing. However, potholes can cause serious damage and potential injuries should you or a loved one trip over. A pothole is a hole in your concrete or tarmac that needs to be fixed immediately. You will be aware of how dangerous potholes are on road surfaces, so when you factor in the weight of your car and rough weather conditions, these can increase the chances of potholes. It’s vital that you look for potholes as minor ones can be fixed, but should they develop into a larger pothole, this will be more expensive to fix.
Poor Drainage
If your driveway is in excellent condition, there shouldn’t be any worries about drainage. However, if you’ve started to notice rainwater accumulating on your driveway, this is a major red flag that something is up. Bad drainage can cause extensive damage, not to forget a slippery driveway that is a safety concern for you and your family. What’s more, standing water can cause moss and algae, which can be difficult to repair.
Weeds
As a homeowner, you will be fully aware of how much nuisance weeds can be. While we think of weeds primarily in our backyard, greenery can creep through your driveway’s surface and be a nightmare to resolve. Should you spot weeds in your driveway, it is likely that they may grow around your driveway’s sides. Weeds allow cracks to expand too, so it’s important that you tackle the issue head-on before more damage occurs.
Miscolored
In some cases, your driveway may start to look discolored, which can not only be an eyesore but affect your home’s resale value. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause discoloration in your driveway, so if you want to drastically improve your curb appeal, it may be time to replace your driveway. If you decide on an asphalt driveway, there is a guide on how to properly edge asphalt, which will ensure it doesn’t spill over into your yard.
If you identify with any of the warning signs above, now is the time to consider replacing your driveway. Whether you plan to sell your home soon, or you want to boost your curb appeal, a driveway replacement can do wonders for increasing your home’s value and appearance.