No matter how great your homes looks, if your driveway is crumbling, it can really kill your curb appeal. Sure, a driveway can last for decades, but eventually they need replacing. Here are some signs to look for that will help you determine if it’s time for a new driveway.

Cracks

Cracking is the usual first sign of an aging driveway. Cracks are cause by a number of factors, such as leaking gas, oil, or other corrosive substances.

Small cracks can be repaired as they appear. Yet larger cracks that are long or wide may show signs of more serious damage. If you have a tree near the driveway, the roots may be growing underneath and compromising the pavement. In this case you may even need to remove the tree to prevent further damage.

If you decide to make your own repairs, bear in mind that the repairs will be darker than the surrounding driveway, which also will take away from the curb appeal.

Potholes

While cracks are merely not attractive, potholes can cause damage. Driving over potholes every day is not good for any car. Potholes can form when the ground beneath the drive expands and contracts. Over time, the driveway material starts to weaken and give way, forming a pothole.

Over time, the driveway material on top starts to weaken, and pieces eventually crack or crumble away to form a pothole.
Potholes can be repaired, but it won’t solve the problem long term of the ground underneath contracting and expanding and making the pothole appear again.

Replacing your driveway is really the best solution in this case, especially for an older driveway. Newer materials are made to withstand these issues better than the driveway materials that were used decades ago.

Rough Appearance

Beauty fades with time, especially with driveways. Especially in the hot sun, the UV rays can cause damage over time. They pentameter and oxidize the surface, causing the color to fade.

To fix this, you could try applying concrete or asphalt sealant, which can help to restore the original look. But if the durability of the driveway has been affected, it’s best to go with a total replacement.

Lack of Resealing

If you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, it should be resealed every two or three years to prevent if from breaking and cracking. If this hasn’t been done, you may need to replace your driveway if too many cracks have formed.

Past its Prime

Most driveways are past their prime after about 15-20 years. After that much time, your driveways may be suffering from all of these problems mentioned. At this point, repairs are also less likely to be effective.