How To Improve The Appearance Of A Neglected Asphalt Driveway
If you've bought an old house to live in or flip, you may have a lot of work ahead to get the property in order. However, don't overlook the importance of updating the driveway. If the house has an old asphalt driveway that is faded, cracked, or in disrepair, talk to a paving contractor about your options for giving it a fresh new look. Here are some actions the contractor might recommend based on the condition of the asphalt.
Add A New Sealcoat
If the driveway has been maintained well, it may only need a new sealcoat to freshen the color. Minor cracks can be filled in at the time the sealcoat is applied, but if the driveway has major cracking and potholes, the contractor may need to do more extensive repairs and then add a sealcoat later.
If you plan to live in the house or rent it out, you may want to have sealcoating done every few years as a form of asphalt maintenance. The sealcoat is black, so it helps your driveway maintain a new appearance.
Resurface The Asphalt
A sealcoat is a topcoat similar to paint. Resurfacing involves adding new hot asphalt and giving the driveway an entirely new surface. Resurfacing might be needed if your driveway has a lot of cracks and potholes. However, resurfacing only works if the base and lower part of the asphalt are stable and in good shape.
Replace The Driveway
If the base of the driveway has washed away, or if it has drainage problems, it might be better to tear out the old asphalt and put in a new driveway. If only a portion of the driveway is in bad shape, the paving contractor might cut out the damaged area, rebuild the base, and then pour new asphalt in the section that needs it.
If you have to replace the driveway, you might want to consider changing it to a circular driveway or add a wider parking area. When you get a new driveway, the paving contractor might recommend having a sealcoat added a few months later when the asphalt has cured. The coating reduces the rate that UV rays and rain cause deterioration to your new driveway.
In many cases, even an old and neglected asphalt driveway can be rejuvenated without having to replace the entire thing. A driveway is one of the most noticeable things about your property, so if you'll be flipping the house, or if you just want to live on a well-maintained property, then making the driveway attractive is a top priority.