A properly constructed driveway should last 20 years or more. Unfortunately many driveways have not been built with quality in mind, only cost.

 

The driveway is one of the last structures installed on a new home and is often subject to  ”whatever is left” in the builders budget, many important aspects can be cut in order to meet that budget.

 

Things like the foundation depth, as digging deeper takes more time as well as the amount of materials used for the base can be scaled back leading to an overall weaker structure.

Grading or the slope and level of the driveway is another overlooked area. A well built driveway should slope away from the house to allow rainwater to flow to the street and into the sewer system. If not the water can pool against the house and over time work its way into small cracks. This can then lead to larger cracks in the foundation and possibly leak into your basement.

 

If a driveway isn’t level and has indents and dips in the middle, water can also accumulate in those spots. Creating cracks in the asphalt that over the years can widen and lead to pieces breaking away.

Water can also make its way into the gravel foundation beneath your driveway and soften the support under the asphalt leading to larger cracks. As the weight of your car rests on these weak spots they can “sink” into the surface causing further damage and compound the driveway crack problem.

 

Maintenance is key to get the most out of your driveway. You should be applying a sealant coat to your driveway and using and good quality crack filler can add life to the life of your driveway.

Learn more about Driveway Sealing and crack filling and general driveway repair