Driveways are an integral part of our homes. Often, we neglect to maintain them until they surrendered to natural elements and withered.
Your driveway is exposed to everyday abuse like withstanding heavyweight from cars, erosion and extreme weathering, as well as oil leaks that can cause damage. This can result in cracks, stains and poor drainage – that’s one ugly driveway! It can affect the aesthetic appeal of your home and also lower the overall value.
So, is your driveway in need of some minor repairs or a complete driveway replacement? We will identify the signs that indicate your driveway needs to be repaired quickly and when it should be replaced.
Cracks
Are cracks appearing in your driveway? Cracks in your driveway are a sign that the surface is beginning to decay and you need to take immediate action. You can repair cracks less than one centimetre in width by applying a reseal, or refinish.
What is the cost of resurfacing a driveway?
Your concrete driveway’s cost will vary depending on the size of the driveway, how extensive are the repairs needed and what type of concrete finish you select.
How much does concrete cost? You can expect to pay:
- Standard concrete: $35 per square metre
- Stencilled concrete: $50 per square metre
- Coloured stencilling concrete: $85 per square metre
- Coloured concrete: $75-$90 per square metre
- Exposed aggregate concrete: $100-$150 per square metre
Large cracks larger than 1 cm will require more work. This is because water can seep through, even after resealing. Attempts on DIY repairs won’t last long and could lead to further damage that will not be good for your home’s curb appeal or property value. We recommend that you replace your driveway completely in these situations.
Problems with drainage
Water won’t affect driveways that are in good condition as it will simply drain into the garden or onto your street. But if you see water pools forming in the middle from rain or sprinklers, it is most likely that you have drainage problems.
Water can cause cracking, potholes, and property damage if it isn’t addressed. But there are many ways to fix the problem based on the material you have. You can redirect water flow by installing curbing or strip drains. You can also fix your concrete patio drainage to rectify the issue.
But if you’ve done all of this and it still fails to resolve the problem, you might need to replace your driveway to fix the damage and maintain the integrity of the new surface.
What is the cost of replacing a driveway?
Unfortunately, there is no single answer. It all depends on the size and slope of your driveway. Concrete driveways come in many forms.
- Plain concrete: $65-$85 per square metre
- Coloured concrete: $75-$95 per square metre
- Exposed aggregate concrete: $100 to $150 per square meter
- Stencilled concrete: $3000 to $4500 in average, depending on the complexity and design of the driveway
- Stamped concrete: Simple patterns from $88 to $132/sqm. Prices can go as high as $200/sqm
Bonus Read: Five Amazing Driveway Ideas For Homeowners
Age of the driveway
Most of the times, it all comes down to how old your driveway is. No matter how well you take care of your driveway, it will eventually fall apart. You may have a variety of problems with your driveway that cannot be fixed.
The cracks will eventually appear after years of constant exposure to extreme temperatures, harmful chemicals, UV rays, and daily abuse by heavy vehicles. A driveway replacement can solve your problems quickly and efficiently.
How long can a concrete driveway last for?
Concrete driveways that are well maintained and designed can last for up to 20-30 year in Australia. In areas with a colder climate, it can last around 20 years.
When should you call professionals
Are you starting to notice a change in the appearance of your driveway? Are these signs pointing towards a driveway replacement? Call the professional concreters if you have concerns about the structure of your driveway.
