Pavement repairs are essential for keeping your driveway looking pleasant and in good shape. The more you care for your pavement, the longer it will last and the more value you will get from your investment. You’ll also boost your curb appeal and make driving more pleasurable.
Different materials need different ways to upkeep, so let’s break it down by pavement type.
Fixing Up a Gravel Driveway
Gravel driveways are easy to construct but may be challenging to maintain. Ruts will form over time, and you may be tempted to pile more gravel on top. However, this is just a short-term remedy. So, what’s the honest answer?
Here are a few tips for keeping your gravel driveway in good condition:
1. Compact and Install Like a Pro
While constructing a gravel driveway, providing a solid foundation for the gravel is essential. If you don’t, you’ll notice difficulties in a few months. Dig down around 12 inches and remove any roots or plant material to get it right from the start. Compact the soil using a plate compactor before adding the sub-base and sub-grade layers and pouring in the gravel.
2. Use Stabilizing Fabrics
Even with proper preparation, your driveway may deteriorate. Consider using a geotextile material before laying the subgrade layer in this case. This will provide a layer between the surface and the subgrade, reducing the possibility of potholes and ruts.
3. Try Stabilizer Panels
Stabilizer panels operate as a barrier between the different levels of your driveway, assisting in the gravel retention. The panels have a honeycomb-like construction that traps gravel and absorbs vehicle stress, preventing ruts and potholes.
Mending a Cracked Asphalt Pavement
Asphalt is popular due to its long life and simplicity of maintenance, but it is essential to repair it with the proper materials. Remove any weeds and clean the cracks with a vigorous garden hose to start fixing cracks in your asphalt driveway. Apply weed killer to prevent further growth, then sand any gaps deeper than a quarter-inch. After compacting the sand, use a patching compound and let it dry. Finally, use a sealant and allow it to dry.
Reviving Your Brick Pavers
If you see any loose or cracked brick pavers, it’s time to go to work. Mark the pavers first to reinstall them correctly and with the correct bricks. Replace the sand after removing the bricks and cleaning up the trash. To maintain equal spacing, ensure the sand is level before aligning the pavers using a screwdriver or a similar even-sided object. Fill up the gaps with sand, then gently pound the bricks into position with a mallet to remove any excess sand.
Fixing Up a Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are durable but may develop cracks and other issues with time. Here’s how to make your concrete driveway seem better:
1. Clean and Prep the Area
First, clear any debris using a brush or a leaf blower
dirt and debris from the afflicted area. Use a wire brush or a pressure washer to clean more significant cracks of loose debris.
2. Repair Cracks and Holes
Use concrete repair caulk or concrete crack filler to fill up small gaps. Smooth the stuffing into the crack with your finger or a putty knife. For larger cracks or holes, a concrete repairing product is necessary. Apply the compound according to the package directions, then level it evenly using a trowel. Allow the repair to dry and cure as directed by the manufacturer.
3. Apply a Concrete Resurfacer
A concrete resurfacer may give your worn-out concrete driveway a new appearance. Over the original concrete surface, a thin cement-based overlay is applied. Depending on the desired effect, mix the resurfacer according to the instructions and apply it using a squeegee, shovel, or brush. Allow it to dry and cure as directed by the manufacturer.
4. Seal the Surface
After finishing the repairs and resurfacing, use a concrete sealant to preserve the surface from potential damage. Select a suitable sealer for your environment and follow the application directions on the box.
Dealing With Tree Root Damage
Tree roots may cause pavement cracking and upheavals. If tree roots are to fault, follow these steps:
1. Assess the Situation
Determine which tree is the source of the problem and
if it is worth rescuing. If the tree is healthy and vital to landscaping, consider working around it. If this is not the case, the tree may need to be removed to avoid additional harm.
2. Cut Offending Roots
If you keep the tree, the roots causing the problems must be removed. Avoid damaging the tree by removing too many sources. Consult an arborist if you need help with how to proceed.
3. Repair the Pavement
Following the removal of the roots, you may repair the damaged pavement by following the steps outlined above for the material of your driveway or walkway.
That’s all there is to it! With these strategies in your back pocket, you’ll be well-prepared to manage practically any pavement repair situation. Best regards and happy mending! For more details, get in touch with Hackensack Paving Company right now.
