As the gateway to the rest of your property, your driveway plays a crucial role in your home’s curb appeal. Therefore, it’s important to take care of it as best as you can. In some cases, this care requires re-paving your driveway if it has deteriorated to the point that it can’t be rescued. To help you do this project yourself, here are a few things you should know about re-paving your driveway.
A Driveway is Heavy
The amount of concrete or asphalt in a driveway is quite substantial. For even a small driveway, you’re talking about several tons of weight that will need to have a solid foundation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do soil studies to ensure that your property can handle the weight of your driveway so that you can be sure it won’t collapse or crack in the future.
A Driveway Requires A Lot of Material
To support the weight of vehicles, a driveway needs to be both long and thick, meaning that re-paving your driveway requires a lot of paving materials. Rather than trying to mix individual batches of concrete, a much better option is to utilize concrete services to pour your driveway for you. Using this method will save a lot of backbreaking work and ensure that your driveway is able to cure evenly so that it is as strong as possible.
You Can Customize Your Driveway
One great aspect of re-paving your driveway is that you can customize it to match the exterior of your home. You can add small stones to your driveway, use materials in different hues to add a pop of color, or even change the shape of your driveway to add some visual interest. Since your driveway will be around for a long time once it’s in place, it’s important to choose a design that you know you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Don’t Get Impatient
Don’t underestimate the time it will take for your new driveway to cure. With so much raw material in place, you want to stay off of your driveway for at least a few days to allow it to dry completely and reach full strength. It’s especially important that you avoid parking vehicles on your new driveway for extended periods of time, as this could lead to small depressions in your driveway that will ruin its appearance.
Ultimately, while re-paving your driveway is a lot of work, it’s totally worth the effort involved. A smooth driveway provides a welcoming and safe walkway for guests and helps reduce wear and tear on your vehicles. As long as you begin the job prepared with the right tools and knowledge, your driveway re-paving project is sure to be a success.