Your driveway can enhance or hinder your home's curb appeal, so it's essential to keep it in good shape. Minor damage can typically be repaired with driveway paving, but sometimes the entire surface requires replacement. The following are a few signs that it’s time to have your driveway repaved by a professional.

How to Recognize It's Time for a New Driveway

1. Potholes

Potholes typically form when water penetrates the asphalt and freezes, damaging both the surface and the underlayment. A single pothole can often be repaired, but several usually indicate problems throughout the surface. The best solution for widespread pothole damage is to scrape off the asphalt, repair the foundation, and pour a new layer of asphalt.

2. A Faded, Weathered Look

The uniformity of smooth, fresh asphalt makes any home look tidy and well-maintained. However, over time, the sun’s UV rays break down the top layer, giving your driveway a faded, weathered appearance. Regular seal-coating can prevent much of the damage, but the driveway may need to be replaced if the damage is extensive.

3. Standing Water

Puddles on a driveway are not only unsightly, but they also often point to structural issues underneath the pavement. Part of the driveway may have sunk into the earth, forming depressions that fill with water in the rain. Over time, rainwater seeps through the surface, opening cracks that may eventually become significant potholes.

4. Old Age

Asphalt is highly durable, capable of withstanding the elements for 20 years or more. However, as it ages, sections may start to crumble rapidly, with many cracks appearing. If your driveway is nearing the end of its useful life, investing in a replacement may be more cost-effective than paying for frequent driveway paving repairs.

5. Warped Surface

Asphalt is tough, but repeated heavy loads compress the foundation, causing a warped, undulating surface. This is especially common if you park machinery or oversized vehicles in your driveway. Surface distortions can be uncomfortable to drive on and may pose a tripping hazard, so a new driveway will make your home safer for you and your guests.

If your driveway is cracked or needs to be replaced, rely on the experts at Beausoleil & Sons Construction Inc. in Cranston, RI. Since 1967, they’ve provided professional driveway paving for homeowners and businesses throughout Rhode Island, northern Massachusetts, and southern Connecticut, offering exceptional service using only the best materials in the industry. Whether you need a driveway, parking lot, or basketball or tennis courts, call (401) 632-0203 to request a quote.