Driveways Resurface or Replace

When deciding to have a new driveway, you will always think about how it will look, what resurface is best and of course, how much it will cost.

How about a Resurface? You were considering to dig it up or replace it completely, but in our opinion, resurfacing will be much cheaper than digging it all up. It is common knowledge that most homeowners find that the outdoors is very important to their home, even first-time buyers looking for a home.

Having that beautiful entrance to your home with a driveway is both attractive and durable.

The value of your home could even improve by as much as 20% by having an outdoor space that is both usable and beautiful. The way your home looks is also important when it comes to kerb appeal and first impressions.

If you wish to set your home apart from the rest, a new driveway can make all the difference. There are two main options when it comes to your new driveway: resurfacing or replacement. But which to choose?

Below are some of the positives and negatives of each option to help you clarify your choices, and ultimately make your decision.

An Overview of resurfacing & Replacement

Having a new surface in place is going to make general wear, tear and cracks, also combined with the onslaught of the elements that even the hardest of surfaces can start to crack from pressure.

In most cases, such cracks can be easily repaired, without requiring assistance from an expert. However, if the cracks are widespread, and stretch across the breadth of the surface, a paving professional will be your best port of call, such as RG Driveways Birmingham.

However, if your driveways is more than 20-30 years old, a replacement is a much better decision.

For driveways with poor foundations, replacement’s also a good idea. Although you can patch up cracks, if there are problems with the base beneath then this is merely a temporary fix; give it a year or two and the same struggles will start to resurface once again. Contrary to popular belief, even newer driveways can suffer from failing foundations; weather certainly plays its part in this process, as does frequent footfall and heavy vehicle use.

So how do you discern whether your driveway is shockingly shaky foundations? One key sign to spot is whether the surface is wavy or buckling.

Signs such as this on the surface are a clear giveaway that all is not as it should be beneath, and that the foundations require improvement. In these instances, you’ll need to enlist an expert.

Pros & Cons – Resurfacing

  • Resurfacing will always be cheaper than replacing – Pro
  • Resurfacing requires an excellent base; however, it expand and crack if freezes – Con
  • Movement of any kind can cause cracks – con
  • It can create a new and fast makeover for your home – pro
  • The height of your driveway will be affected by the addition of the new layer, meaning a step upwards from the road and street. – Con

Pros & Cons – Replacement

  • Replacing can improve the look of your home – Pro
  • Various choices of replacement – Pro
  • Depending on the material, drainage could cause an issue – con
  • A replacement driveway will last longer – pro
  • It looks more professional than a refurbishment – Pro

As you can see, replacing your driveway is much better, as long as you can afford to do so, however, for more affordability, we recommend that you resurface the driveway instead. But that is initially up to your decision and what’s best for your home or property establishment.

If you have any more questions about driveways, you can contact us here and we will respond to you asap. For more information about the coronavirus, head on over to our sister site RG Scaffolding Solihull with information there for you.