How Can I Improve an Older Florida Residential Asphalt Driveway?

Do you remember the first time you saw your new residential asphalt driveway? You may have marveled at the difference it made in your curb appeal. The driveway’s unblemished, smooth surface and rich color gave your home’s exterior the perfect finishing touch. However, time marched on, and your driveway began to show its age. Cracks appeared, the color faded, and vehicles leaked fluids that stained your pavement. Furthermore, it seemed that every time you repaired a crack or cleaned an oil stain, another one appeared almost immediately. You feel that your driveway has become an eyesore, but you are hesitant to commit to a complete reconstruction. Although a reconstruction might be your most cost-effective option, there are a few things you may want to try first. Foremost among them is to have a reputable contractor evaluate your pavement.

What Will a Contractor Consider When Evaluating a Residential Asphalt Driveway?

Driveway paving contractors and parking lot paving contractors basically consider the same four things when evaluating a pavement. Your asphalt contractor will evaluate each item individually as well as in conjunction with the other items.

1. Damage: What is the extent of the current damage? Is alligator cracking present, or are there just a few relatively minor cracks? Are there signs of raveling, rutting, or shoving? Are the edges of the driveway crumbling? Does the contractor see small particles of asphalt or gravel on the surface of the driveway?
2. Integrity: Is the structural integrity of the pavement relatively intact? Are there potholes in the pavement? If alligator cracking is present, how much of the driveway does it cover? Are there small sinkholes in the pavement that collect water and retain it?
3. Color: Is the color of the asphalt dark black? Has the pavement faded to a dingy shade of gray or brown?
4. Expense: Considering all of the above, will the results justify the expense of the procedure? Is there a more cost-effective option available?

What Procedures Might Improve an Older Residential Asphalt Driveway?

Just like a parking lot paving company, a residential paving company can perform a wide variety of procedures. Here are a few procedures that are very common in Florida for older asphalt pavements.

1. Crack repairs involve either filling or sealing the crack to keep water out of the break. Incursions of water can erode the pavement’s foundation, resulting in more damage.
2. Asphalt patches can sometimes repair potholes as well as alligator cracking. However, alligator cracking almost always means that there is serious damage to the foundation. If the area is relatively small, a full-depth patch may be a viable solution. However, if the alligator cracking covers the entire driveway, you might want to consider a different option.
3. Asphalt resurfacing is less expensive than removing and replacing your driveway, but the results are remarkably similar. Severe alligator cracking, numerous potholes, or significant sinkholes could be signs of serious foundation damage.
4. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is an exceptionally effective and economical treatment that offers both cosmetic and protective benefits. If the color of your driveway is an unsightly gray or brown, sealcoating will likely restore it to a dark color. Sealcoating helps prevent fading as well. However, the most important benefit of sealcoats is their ability to prevent damage from the sun and automotive fluids.

If you are a Treasure Coast homeowner who needs help with an asphalt residential driveway, contact Asphalt Care Services. We will be happy to evaluate your driveway paving to determine the best way to improve it. We offer street, driveway, and parking lot repair as well as asphalt paving and sealcoating. We also offer concrete bumpers, parking lot striping, speed bumps, traffic signs, parking lot maintenance, and thermoplastic line striping. We have an exemplary reputation for service, craftsmanship, and integrity. To request a free evaluation and estimate, submit the online form. You can also give us a call at 772-888-2840.