A driveway is an investment in the safety, accessibility, and visual appeal of your home. Proper maintenance and upkeep ensure this feature continues to function and look its best. At some point, you will likely have to decide whether you need driveway sealing, resurfacing, or replacement. Below are some common indicators that can tell you when each of these services may be necessary.

A Guide to Caring for a Driveway

Reseal

This involves the application of a seal coating material to help protect the driveway from sun, water, and oil damage. You should have it resealed once the color starts to fade from a sleek, smooth black to an ashy gray.

Driveway sealing is a smart solution if you have vehicles that routinely drip oil, gasoline, or other fluids on the pavement. Most surfaces need attention after every three to five years.

Resurface

During the resurfacing project, a paving professional pours a new layer of asphalt over the older existing one. This provides a new surface that is smoother and more uniform. It will be free of damage, gleaming with a rich black color that enhances the aesthetics of your property.

A driveway should be resurfaced if it is prone to potholes. Smaller cracks that are less than a quarter-inch wide and 2 inches deep are also a sign that the pavement needs some maintenance. In total, these cracks shouldn't take up more than half the driveway. The area’s foundation should be strong and sturdy enough to accommodate a new surface.

Replace

A replacement pulls out your current driveway and lays a whole new foundation and top layer. This is the most invasive solution and should only be an option in specific circumstances.

A replacement is necessary when cracks greater than a quarter-inch wide and 2 inches deep consume more than half the surface. When left unaddressed, the damage and crumbling will worsen. A driveway foundation that's more than 25 years old is less sturdy, and the top will be more vulnerable to damage. Laying new pavement is easier and more cost-effective if it's done before the installation hits this age limit.

When you need pavement services in the Cookeville, TN, region, trust the team at Bennett Paving LLC. Since 1970, they have been providing driveway sealing, resurfacing, and replacements for area homes. They also install, repair, and stripe asphalt parking lots to make your business safer and more accessible. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (931) 858-4596 to request an estimate.