Your driveway may not be something that you think about on a daily basis, however, it is undeniably an essential part of your home. Driveways enable access the garage, offers space for parking and provides an even surface for your family to engage in outdoor activities; like football in the garden and family barbeques. Also, a driveway completed to our highest of standards adds further aesthetic appeal to your home.
If your driveway has seen better days, you may have to decide whether you want to repair or replace it. But how do you decide? Repair vs replacement? No matter which option you are going for, it is not going to be cheap. Hallmark Driveways can offer professional advice and aid in fixing any issue. To help you make a decision, here are a few things that you need to consider:
Repair vs Replacement: The Age of Your Driveway
Driveways typically last for approximately 20 years. This means that if your driveway is over or is almost 20 years old, then you should consider replacing it. That being said, replacing your driveway is not the only solution. Depending on the damage, resurfacing or patching your driveway can be another option for you.
Repair vs Replacement: The Appearance of Your Driveway
You have to consider how much the appearance of your driveway matters to you. For small cracks or sunken concrete slabs, you can fix them with a process known as slab jacking or mud jacking. However, these kinds of repairs may leave some visible signs afterwards. If these minor flaws on your driveway do not bother you, then a replacement may not be necessary. Regardless, you should still find out what a repair may do to your driveway before getting the work done.
Repairs vs Replacement: Whether You Plan to Sell the House
Another thing to consider is whether you are planning to put your home up for sale any time soon. If so, then you need to know how the repair or replacement is going to impact the sale. A newly replaced driveway may add value to your home while signs of repair may downgrade your home’s appeal. It is always a good idea to consult with a property surveyor for some guidance.
Repairs vs Replacement: The Driveway Material
If you want to change the material of your driveway, then having a replacement is a perfect opportunity to finally do it. When it comes to driveway materials, there are numerous options available for you these days, including asphalt, concrete, gravel, brick, block paving and cobblestone. In Scotland, a more luxurious and advanced option to consider is a heated driveway that can melt ice and snow. It is recommended that you check with your local council beforehand incase there are any limitations on your chosen type of driveway.
Repairs vs Replacement: The Cost Difference
Once you have taken everything into consideration the last deciding factor will be the cost of each job. Although a replacement typically costs more, it is worth noting that certain repairs can be as expensive as a replacement. Thus, it is important that you get approximate rates from a few contractors before you make a final decision. Hallmark Driveways is one of Edinburgh’s leading driveway, patio and landscaping companies.
We recently completed a project in Musselburgh, East Lothian which definitely required a replacement rather than repairs. Repairs would not have sufficed in this project. You can find videos of the project on our YouTube channel. Here is a link to the Works in Progress video, and here is a link to the finished result! Let us know in the comments what you think, we love to hear what the customers think.
We recently completed a project in Musselburgh, East Lothian which definitely required a replacement rather than repairs. Repairs would not have sufficed in this project. You can find videos of the project on our YouTube channel. Here is a link to the Works in Progress video, and here is a link to the finished result! Let us know in the comments what you think, we love to hear what the customers think.
If you’re looking for a professional 5* rated driveway company in Edinburgh, Hallmark Driveways is here to help. Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote. Call us today on 0800 135 7000, use our live chat on our website in the bottom right hand corner, message us on Facebook or email us! Read more..
Sealing: Concrete driveways should be sealed about every 2 years or when you notice that the finish is starting to show signs of wear.
Block Driveway MaintenanceA brick driveway can be a time-consuming and expensive driveway to have installed, so proper maintenance is especially important to help it last longer and looking great.
Buy yourself a good outdoor sweeper and get on a regular schedule of sweeping your driveway to remove excess dirt from between the bricks.
For more tough stains, you may need to use a power washer.
The same steps below can also be followed for pebble driveway maintenance.
As soon as you see a hole, rake back the gravel and fill the hole with sand.
Driveways accentuate the appearance of your homes.
Installing high quality driveways reflects the aura of your home.
You can enhance the curb appeal of your spaces with the help of driveways.
