Does Your Driveway Need a Refresh?

Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they pull up to your house, so it's important that it looks its best. Unfortunately, driveways can suffer a lot of damage over time from weather, cars, and other factors. 

If you're noticing that your driveway needs a refresh because it is starting to look a bit worse for wear, don't worry - there are ways to refresh it without having to replace the entire thing. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of those options and help you decide which one is best for your home.

How do you know when your driveway needs to be replaced?

If you're starting to notice large cracks, holes, or other significant damage to your driveway, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. However, if the damage is more minor, there are still some things you can do to renew your driveway without having to replace the entire thing.

Concrete driveway: Patch, resurface, or replace?

One option for renewing your concrete driveway is to simply patch up any cracks or holes that have formed. This can be a quick and easy fix that will make your driveway look much better. 

If there are more widespread issues with your concrete driveway, you may want to consider resurfacing it. This involves putting a new layer of concrete over the existing one. It's a bit more of an investment than patching, but it can give your driveway a whole new look. If your concrete driveway is severely damaged, you may need to replace it entirely.

What is the cheapest way to resurface a drive?

Aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive resurfacing option, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

What can damage a driveway?

There are a few different things that can damage your driveway and cause it to become cracked or pitted over time. One is weather - extreme cold or heat can cause the concrete to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking. 

Another cause of damage is cars - driving over your driveway constantly can wear it down and cause damage. And finally, tree roots can also cause problems as they grow and push against the concrete.

How to maintain your driveway

There are a few things you can do to help maintain your driveway and prevent damage from happening in the first place. One is to seal your driveway every few years. This will help protect it from weather and other factors. 

You should also try to avoid driving over any cracks or holes that have already formed, as this can make the damage worse.

Four options to renew your damaged driveway

There are a few different options you have for renewing your damaged driveway.

-decorative concrete overlays

A decorative concrete overlay will give your driveway an entirely new, finished look. This is a good option if you're looking to change the entire look of your driveway. Overlays come in a variety of colors and styles and provide a durable, long-lasting finish. 

Concrete overlays can be applied in a variety of ways. They can be stamped, stained, or even hand-carved to give a faux finish like flagstone or cobblestone. 

-restore faded surfaces

If your driveway has started to fade, you can restore the surface to its original color. This is a good option if you want to keep the same overall look but just refresh it a bit. Ask about products that will clean and brighten your existing driveway to preserve and revive your driveway. 

-river rock overlays

A river rock overlay will give your driveway a unique, natural look. This is a good option if you're looking for something different than the traditional concrete driveway. These non-epoxy-based overlays come in a range of colors and finishes. 

-repair and resurface

If your driveway is damaged but still in relatively good condition, you can repair any cracks or holes with repair mortar and then resurface the entire thing. This will give your driveway a new, smooth surface. A great option for concrete purists who love a traditional look!

Best times of year to refresh your driveway

The best time of year to refresh your driveway will depend on the type of refresh you're doing. For example, if you're simply patching cracks or holes, you can do this at any time of year. However, if you're resurfacing or replacing your driveway, it's best to do this in the spring or fall when the weather is milder.

Finding a reputable driveway repair company

If you decide that you need to replace or resurface your driveway, it's important to find a reputable company to do the work. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, or look for reviews online. Once you've found a few companies that look promising, be sure to get estimates from each one before making a final decision.

if you're not even sure where to start, search for companies on TrustDALE.com. We've already done the research and legwork to ensure companies on our site are reputable and reliable!

Takeaways

If your driveway is looking a little worse for wear, you're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with how to best restore their driveway without breaking the bank. But you don't have to stress!

If your driveway is starting to look worn down, there are a few things you can do to refresh it. You can patch cracks and holes, resurface the entire thing, or even replace it entirely. The best time of year to do this will depend on the type of refresh you're doing. And finally, be sure to find a reputable company to do the work for you.

Ready to update, beautify, and improve the safety of your home’s exterior? Then a driveway refresh is the way to go. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for a trusted painting professional in your area today!