Learn everything about drive replacement , from the best material to befit your style to cost - save tips .
Better Homes & Gardens / Bob Stefko
You ’ll never give more thought to Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ascendent until you ’re quick for a private road replacement , attests Mallory Micetich , home care expert atAngi . But beyond sneaky roots that can pose a threat to asphalt or concrete , plus cause whirl , ridges , and holes galore , there are extra factor to view as well .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Bob Stefko
From how to choose the best professional for the line of work to the textile that ’s advantageously suited for yourdriveway dreams , doing your research before you embark on this majorhome improvement projectwill make all the difference in both the process and sprightliness of your new driveway .
To help give way down everything you ask to know before replacing your private road , we tap Micetich and Courtney Harmon , president ofThe Driveway Company , for all the tips and must - have noesis you want to get the job done with peace of brain .
The Most Common Driveway Materials
choose the good material for your private road depends on where you live and your private road goals . These are the most vernacular driveway material but , remember , they all come with their own set of professional and bunco .
Asphalt
Choose mineral pitch for its affordability on the front end , but do it that it will derive with substantial upkeep , which Harmon tell will likely be required every two years or so . Both Harmon and Micetich agree that asphalt work best for insensate mood .
Concrete
If you want a long - hold up textile , concrete is likely the good choice . “ The maintenance on concrete is very minimal , which includes regular open cleansing , crack and joint filling , and top pelage waterproofing , ” order Harmon . “ These services are very minimal in price but very important to getting the full life out of your drive . ”
Gravel
With the good attention and maintenance , including leveling and topping off , a crushed rock private road can last decades . Micetich say it also comes with the benefit of being the most affordable drive material , costing anywhere from $ 1 to $ 3 per square foot .
Paver
In surface area where the soil has a sandy timber ( particularlyin Floridaand the Southwest ) , pavers might be the best choice . Whilepavers can add a decorative elementto your home ’s curb appeal , Harmon warns the underlying surface can begin to wash out over clip — and rather quick at that — which can get the pavers to sink .
The adept news is you should n’t involve a full private road replacement as often as you would with other drive fabric since damaged orbit can be fixed more easily than mineral pitch or concrete .
Important Factors to Consider When Replacing a Driveway
Before you get started on your driveway permutation , or even start programming estimates , it ’s important to do the legwork . Hint : It all starts with research .
Contractors
When it comes to any dwelling house mend job , choosing the right professionalcan’t be underestimated . “ Choosing a trusted contractor that employ gamy - quality materials and has a good report will make your driveway installation physical process a breeze , ” says Harmon . But the best way to detect one starts with educating yourself .
Harmon suggests researching the right homework , finish case , and even what she describes as “ concrete 101 . ” Education Department , she suppose , is the best matter you’re able to do to start your labor off on the right base . “ This will help weed out the sub - par contractile organ , and partner with one who will meet your needs and give you happy with your labor . ”
HOA Requirements
If you do n’t have ahomeowner ’s association , you may automatically cross this item off your to - do tilt . But if you dwell in a neighborhood with an HOA or any other restrictions , be certain to note requirements to your contractile organ before you get started and select approved material and design features .
Location
Where you hold out , how much rainyou receive , and even your grounds ’s territory makeup should have weight in your decision . “ Some householder do n’t take their mood into account when choose a private road fabric , which leads to crack that untimely ruins their driveway or requires more frequent sustentation , ” say Micetich . If you ’re not sure of the salutary route to take , get hold of a professional person in your country who is well - informed on the best materials for your particular locating .
According to Harmon , choosing a material that ’s wide used in your neck of the woods could even save you money . “ If you see 90 % of homes in your neighborhood with concrete driveway , but you need to consider mineral pitch , chances are , the companies close-fitting to you will charge you a premium due to it being a service they are not doing regularly . ”
Price
unluckily , if you ’re looking to bring down costs , there ’s not much you may do if a full driveway replacement is needed . “ The cost of installing driveway is a majority of three thing : materials toll , removal of old material , and travail , ” says Harmon .
There ’s not a lot of squirm elbow room when it comes to reduce costs in any of those region — taking out that former concrete driveway yourself by all odds wo n’t economise you money either in the long or forgetful term . That stand for saving money with your driveway overhaul comes down to maintenance . Harmon order that annual care and repairs can control your driveway lasts for 30 - plus years .
Things You Should Never Do When Replacing Your Driveway
Now that you know all the things you should do when supersede your private road , there are a few pitfalls to quash if you want to make the most of your drive .
Capping
“ pour concrete on top of exist concrete or asphalt is call capping , ” says Harmon . “ The unresolved exit with your old concrete , such as cracks or frost broken wind , will hold over to your new concrete if not removed . ” Rather than capping , she suggests an overlay , which reach theappearance of a new drivewaywith just a few layers of topcoat — plus , no private road replacement headaches .
Improper Finishing
“ Improperly finish the concrete is another life-threatening fault , ” warn Harmon . “ If the concrete dries too tight , it could cause crazing fracture , uneven colouring , and brittle top coating finish . It will bug out flaking up within a few geezerhood , leavingthe homeownerlooking for another selection years before they should . ” When interviewing your potential contractors , be trusted to ask about their finish process to ensure this step is n’t overlooked .
Crazing Cracks
Also foretell single-valued function cracking or gator cracking , this is when concrete make grow a lot of fine , shallow scissure .
Using Subpar Materials
If the cost seems too good to be true , it might just be . secure your contractor uses high - caliber material so you’re able to get the most biography out of your driveway . “ Using hapless quality concrete or not following proper construction codes will 100 % bowdlerize the life of your private road , ” says Harmon . “ It will cause prompt crack and unpleasantcurb appeal . ”
Micetich suggests ask your professional about their material in the lead of time as well as bespeak photograph that depict the wear of their body of work over time for full peace of judgment that you ’re get a in high spirits - quality installation .
Frequently Asked Questions
Sealing a driveway can forbid further damage to the material . It will also improve the appearance of the driveway and boost your home ’s curb appeal by make it benighted and smoother . If you permit cracks to lurk , then it could make tripping risk or finally cause the area to lapse and collapse .
Spring and drop are the best seasons for interchange a drive because the temperatures should be restrained . If possible , head off paving when there is dethaw snow and ice cover the reason .
Credit: Helen Norman
Credit: David A. Land
