DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT IN FARGO, ND

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Although driveways tend to last for up to a century with proper care, they will not last forever and in many cases our driveways may need some maintenance or repairs. Their surface material may deteriorate due to heaving, continual pressure, and insufficient maintenance. Cracks, potholes, stains, and other signs of wear and tear all contribute to a worn-out driveway that is likely to detract from the curb appeal. An indicator that something needs to be repaired.

If repairs and maintenance remedies are no longer effective, consider another option: replacement. The most prevalent driveway surfaces are asphalt, concrete, and gravel. When you use concrete material, you get a significant impact not only on appearance of your home but also on durability and function of your driveway.

DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR?

If there are visible fissures on your concrete pavement, your surface is deteriorating and requires treatment to avoid further issues. A general rule is that cracks less than a quarter-inch wide are subject to repair.

It is less expensive to repair a small crack, lowered sections, and faded hues. The cost may vary depending on the existing material of the driveway. Asphalt driveway repair can cost between $3 and $6 per square foot. Meanwhile, concrete costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, depending on design and finishes.

Cracks that spread out more than a quarter-inch, on the other hand, must be replaced. Large fissures indicate serious problems, such as the ability of water to leak after a patch job. Expect to pay between $3 to $18 per square foot to replace a concrete driveway. While asphalt driveways are less expensive, they can cost up to $13 per square foot.

Are there signs indicating that the driveway needs to be repaired or replaced? If cost is an important consideration, learn how the process works before having assistance from a professional contractor. Know about repairing a concrete driveway with these instructions.

CONCRETE DRIVEWAY REPAIR: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Moisten the concrete to keep the cleaner from drying out too fast.
Mix the cleaning solution in the pressure washer reservoir. Spray the cleaner with a low-pressure nozzle at first. Afterward, carefully clean it with a high-pressure nozzle.
Pour dry concrete mix into a pail devoid of gravel.
Combine the concrete and water to add volume. A heavy-duty low-RPM drill with a mixing paddle makes fast work of preparing the concrete.
Pour and fill the cracked and damaged areas with mixed concrete. Then leave it to dry overnight.
Resurface the driveway with a thin coat of resurfacing concrete. Blow or brush away any leaves or debris before applying the resurface, then moisten the surface to protect the concrete from drying too quickly.
Once the driveway is in condition, pour out the resurfacer and spread it with a rubber squeegee, working in tiny sections at a time. It takes practice to achieve an even coat with no lap marks.
Once the concrete has begun to harden, use a broom with an extended handle to add texture to the surface. The purpose is to prevent the area from becoming slippery when wet. Allow at least six hours for the driveway replacement to dry before walking on it.

HOW TO FIX DRIVEWAY JOINTS

In line with concrete driveway repairs, one of the possible contributors to the risk of driveway damage is the driveway joints. A deteriorated driveway joint can pose a safety risk. Rainwater can wash through the vacant regions and under the slab, weakening the concrete surface's integrity. These areas can get overgrown with dirt, weeds, and grass, necessitating the usage of herbicides. However, here is how to fix it.

Apply caulk to the expansion joint to seal it and keep water out. A popular material for use as a concrete caulk is silicone. It does not disintegrate as quickly as organic urethane caulks, and it retains a flexible yet firm grip. It should regularly be sealed and filled with a flexible joint sealer.

CONCRETE, ASPHALT AND GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS COMPARED

Each type has advantages and disadvantages in terms of various factors. So, consider all aspects before deciding on the best alternative.

Because driveways are more than just for automobiles; they can be a location for children to play or a comfortable workplace. It serves as the focal point for all properties. It creates the viewer's first impression of the interior before even going inside.

Consider the pros and cons of each surface option before deciding on material. Weigh options and seek the advice of an expert to help make an informed decision on the best solution. Upgrading to the appropriate type of driveway can raise the value of every home.

Asphalt is a petroleum product which makes it more flexible and less prone to significant cracking than concrete. On the other hand, gravel driveways are the best choice for sites prone to movement or if there are big tree roots nearby.

New asphalt and gravel driveways are ready for use practically immediately, whereas new concrete takes between a week and a month of curing time for its various uses.

Asphalt is only available in one style: smooth, flat, and black. Meanwhile, concrete can be patterned to look like stone or brick, colored or stained, and even adorned with artistic inlays. In addition, gravel also comes in different colors, forms, and sizes.

Asphalt driveways expect to endure 15 to 20 years, compared to 30 to 100 years for concrete and gravel driveways. However, this is still subject to weather and maintenance in location.

Asphalt requires regularly sealing to extend its life and help avoid cracks. It is contrary to how concrete care works. On the other hand, gravel is difficult to maintain, particularly in areas where the weather is erratic. It can develop muddy areas or deep ruts that must be maintained regularly.

Concrete is generally a premium driveway material, a cut above asphalt in resale value terms. This tendency may be more prevalent in cities and suburbs, where neatness and order are valued. Meanwhile, the value of the gravel is determined by how effectively it is maintained.