4 Signs It’s Time to Repave Your Driveway

Your driveway is a major part of the first impression your home makes, both on its visitors and on you when you leave every morning and return at night. Though many other elements contribute to the overall look and feel of your home, there’s no denying that the appearance and condition of your driveway make a major impact. With that said, it’s pretty easy to spot the signs that your driveway is in need of paver repairs- but at what point does it become necessary to repave altogether? That can be a fine line to identify, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the four major signs it’s time to repave your driveway. Check them out below.
1. Water is Pooling
Whether your driveway has major signs of wear & tear or is seemingly pristine, you should seriously consider repaving if there are noticeable drainage issues. If water remains pooled in your driveway for days at a time, it indicates improper paving that left you with an uneven or sloped final product.
It’s important to correct uneven driveways, because allowing your water to pool will only accelerate the weakening of the pavers on your driveway, causing more hazardous cracks and potholes to pop up over time.
2. You’re Stuck with a Rut
Ruts are depressions in your paving caused by the weight of your cars’ wheels over time. If you notice rutting in your driveway, it’s one of the major signs it’s time to repave. A less-than-ideal appearance is only a minor side effect of rutting. More serious side effects include reducing traction between your tires and the ground, leading you to lose control of your car, as well as water pooling, which can become a falling hazard and lead to injuries.
3. Cracking is Evident
This is probably the most popular sign of wear and tear on your pavers, but it’s worth mentioning: we can’t overstate the importance of checking your pavers for cracks. A couple of chips here and there aren’t much to worry over, but large cracks are one of the major signs it’s time to repave your driveway. This isn’t just because cracks aren’t pretty; it’s because, when your driveway has sustained enough damage to form significant cracks, that means it’s significantly weakened. Because of this, small one-off repairs aren’t likely to last long at all; it’s a much better idea to repave altogether.
4. You Haven’t Been Resealing
Generally speaking, it’s important to reseal your pavers every couple of years. Sealing is an extremely important step to preserve your pavers over time, preventing hazardous damage like ruts, cracks, and other wear & tear. If you haven’t been resealing your pavers consistently, it’s highly likely that they’ve been weakened over time – and the damage is probably evident at first glance. Rather than sealing in that damage, start from scratch by repaving and appropriately maintaining your pavers from their first installation.
If you’re considering having repairs done to your driveway, chances are that it’s because you’ve noticed some of these signs it’s time to repave. Though repaving can seem like a chore, it’s an important measure to take in order to preserve the integrity of your driveway and overall appearance of your home – and it’s a fantastic opportunity to start fresh.