Important Reasons Not to Put Off Asphalt Driveway Repair
Posted on: 19 March 2020
It's easy to ignore aesthetic imperfections in a driveway such as cracks, potholes and pooling water when you're busy with a myriad of more general life issues. However, doing this can be counterproductive in the long run. Here are several reasons not to delay an asphalt repair.
Prevents Further Deterioration
Left untreated, damaged asphalt can deteriorate further, leading to more extensive decay and costing more time and money in the future. Cracks, for instance, will widen and extend. Pooling water may suggest a drainage problem, but if you leave the puddles to form, moisture and dirt can seep within the asphalt and exacerbate existing holes. Similarly, if you don't fix broken driveway edges, the damage will continue inwards toward the centre, unabated.
May Cause An Accident
Even mild events such as tripping over a kerbside gutter can lead to a broken ankle or other injuries. Thus, it's crucial to take any potholes and unevenness in an asphalt driveway seriously before a preventable accident occurs on your property. If a household member rides a bicycle, their wheel could get stuck and send them flying over the handlebars. For a family member, this will cause pain, inconvenience and worse. However, if a delivery person or other outsider injures themselves, you might have a liability problem on your hands.
Looks Unappealing
A fading asphalt driveway full of sags, holes and cracks can give the impression that you don't care about your home. Such a feeling undoes the impact of other enhancements you may have made such as restoring your roofing or painting the exterior. A drive riddled with potholes tends to be more noticeable than a few broken roof tiles or faded paint and thus deserves a high priority on a home improvement task list.
Leaves The Surface Unprotected
Over time, chic dark asphalt can transform into a light grey hue, which suggests that it's oxidising and hardening and thus is more likely to crack. New asphalt, in contrast, is relatively malleable, able to expand and shrink without cracking. This fading to grey suggests that you need to apply a sealing coat to protect the drive. By ignoring this sign, you'll leave the surface unprotected and more prone to cracking. Too many sealing layers, though, can cause further cracks, so seek the recommendation of experts on the best frequency for your installation. Acting promptly and attending to your driveways needs will help to maintain its integrity and lustre, which will cost less time and effort in the long run.
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