First impressions are important, and your driveway is usually the first part of your home that someone will see, so it’s important that it’s both comfortable and visually pleasing. Your driveway gets a lot of use and inevitably gets some wear and tear over the years, so sometimes it needs a bit of a facelift.
What to consider before repairing your driveway
Road repair is a big task that requires a lot of planning. Starting this journey with a well-thought-out budget and a clear vision (and a bit of knowledge) will make things easier.
The first step is to hire qualified professionals and communicate your plan and ideas to them. They will be able to talk it over with you and determine the best course of action for your road based on your location, budget and your current road issues. If you have several repair projects planned, it is important to make sure that your driveway repair will not interfere with any of them. It’s also important to consider the weather. You don’t want your freshly poured concrete to be ruined by bad weather.
Aside from the technical aspects, make sure you’re happy with the way your driveway looks. The color and style of your driveway can greatly enhance the look of your home.
Repairing your concrete driveway
Most roads are made of concrete, asphalt, mixed pavers or gravel. A professionally installed concrete driveway has a lifespan of about 30 years, but this can vary depending on weather conditions, amount of use and quality of maintenance. If your driveway has some wear and tear, it’s important to fix it before the problem gets worse.
If you have a concrete path, look for a good sealant. This will prevent water from seeping into the cracks. Ideally, this will prevent cracking, corrosion and mildew. Sealing is the next best thing if your budget won’t allow for all-new concrete.
If the sealer isn’t enough and your concrete needs to be completely redone, make sure you hire a professional. This ensures that your concrete is problem free and will hopefully last another 30 years.
Before jumping into a new driveway, assess the severity of the current damage. If your driveway has broken concrete and deep cracks or other unfixable problems, a new driveway may be necessary. However, very fine cracks can be filled, and sealant can help with other minor problems.
Another method to consider is concrete etching. Etching patterns on the surface of concrete is not only a way to reduce the appearance of small cracks, but it also has a unique and eye-catching look. Coloring can help correct discoloration. Concrete resurfacing is another idea, but these methods are best if your driveway only has aesthetic flaws. Before you can make your concrete look beautiful, you need to remove the concrete that is causing the real problems. An expert can help determine if your road is actually dangerous or if it just needs a visual upgrade.
Understanding Australian Highway Standards
Whether you’re blazing a brand new road or jazzing up an old one, it’s crucial to understand Australian highway standards. These standards are in place to ensure quality, safety and correct dimensions.
First, decide if your path is public or private. Laws differ slightly between public and private driveways, but either way, they must be large enough for safe ingress and egress. If your driveway carries heavy loads, it’s also important to consider the thickness of your driveway. Adding and curbing or draining is another simple step that will increase the safety and longevity of your driveway.
Value
For most people, the barrier between you and your dream home is simple: cost. It is entirely possible to get a beautiful home within your budget. Driveways can be expensive, so if new concrete is out of the question, a sealer is a much cheaper way to improve the appearance and quality of your driveway.
It’s also important to think of your new driveway as an investment. If you plan to sell, the new road will add value. Weigh the value of the driveway against the increased value of your property to determine if it is worth repairing the driveway. If new concrete is out of the question and sealant isn’t enough to fix your driveway, consider cheaper alternatives to concrete driveways.