How Do I Know if My Driveway Needs Resurfacing?

Driveway resurfacing is not only a cosmetic fix but also affords a more structurally sound surface that can keep your driveway in good working order far into the future. While it is often preferable to replace a damaged driveway, resurfacing can be a more budget-friendly option if the damage is not too extensive.

Are you not sure if resurfacing is the right call for you? The good news is that there are some telltale signs to be on the lookout for. One of the most important steps you can take is consulting with a reputable Greater Pittsburgh asphalt services company.

Your Driveway

We tend not to pay much attention to our driveways until a problem arises, but the truth of the matter is that constant use leads to wear and tear, and eventually, most require some attention. Resurfacing can be a beneficial tool for addressing surface distress, and there are a range of signs that resurfacing may be in order.

Cracks

If you’re starting to see cracks in your driveway’s surface, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to take action. Cracks can run the length or the width of your drive, and they are indicative of asphalt that has endured too much surface wear.

Once you see cracks, it means that water is seeping below the surface, which leaves your driveway’s foundation vulnerable – as the water expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures. If the cracks you’re seeing begin to overlap in what are known as alligator cracks, it’s likely past the point of resolving the matter with patching, and you probably need resurfacing.

Pooling Water

If water is pooling in your driveway, it’s showing its age. Inadequate drainage is often the result of deepening depressions in the asphalt’s surface, which hastens deterioration. Resurfacing will restore your driveway’s slope and smooth out uneven patches in order to prevent water from pooling and the damage it causes.

Crumbling Edges or Raveling

Once the edges of your driveway begin to crumble, it should serve as a heads-up that professional attention is required before you experience more extensive damage. Crumbling edges can indicate that your driveway’s topmost layer is too thin to begin with or has worn down to the point that resurfacing is needed.

Raveling refers to the loosening of and chipping away at the gravel that is bound by the asphalt’s tar. Raveling generally begins in a localized section that can grow much larger over time.

Potholes

When you ignore cracks in your driveway, they deepen and widen – just like they do on roadways – and they ultimately lead to potholes. Potholes come with a range of risks that include:

• Potholes leave your driveway’s foundation more vulnerable to serious damage.
• Potholes are a tripping hazard.
• Potholes are hard on your vehicles.

Consult with a Well-Respected Pittsburgh Area Asphalt Services Company Today

Johnny’s Asphalt serves customers throughout Greater Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, including Pittsburgh Northeast, Gibsonia, Hampton, Shaler, Allison Park, Wexford, Cranberry, North Allegheny, North Hills, and from Rt.8 and Rt.28 through to I-79, and we welcome the opportunity to help you keep your driveway in tiptop shape. Learn more about what resurfacing can mean for you by contacting us online or giving us a call at 888-233-1646 today.