5 signs you need a new driveway (and where to get one!)

If you’ve been driving on the same driveway for years, you may be surprised to find that it’s starting to look worse than your neighbour’s. As time goes by, many driveways develop cracks, potholes and other problems. These can make it difficult to get in and out of your home and damage the aesthetics of your property.

If you’re experiencing these issues, or if your driveway is starting to resemble an old rural road – it might be time for a new driveway.

1. Cracks in the pavement

Cracks are an obvious sign of pavement fatigue, but they can be caused by a variety of things including tree roots, concrete settling, and frost. Usually, cracks in the pavement develop over time as a result of the wear and tear of the surrounding environment. They’re a sign that your driveway may need replacing because once they develop, they’re only going to get worse.

2. Weeds and grass growing between the cracks

Another sign that your driveway is in need of a replacement is if you see weeds and grass growing between the cracks. This can happen when there are poor drainage issues, which ultimately leads to water pooling on your driveway. If this happens, you may be more likely to get weeds and grass growing in between the cracks because they will find it difficult to grow elsewhere on your driveway due to a lack of nutrients from rainwater.

3. Potholes

Potholes can cause serious damage to your car and cause injury, so if your driveway has potholes in it it’s important to repair or replace your driveway as soon as possible. Potholes in driveways are caused by poor drainage and can cause water to pool in the driveway, which can lead to cracks forming. Water that pools in your driveway is also more likely to freeze during cold weather and cause damage when it thaws.

4. Fading colour

The colour of your driveway can fade over time as a result of weathering from rain and frost and UV exposure from the sun. A faded driveway looks unattractive and may no longer match the style of your home. If the colour in your driveway is fading, you could consider having your driveway resurfaced

5. An uneven drive with bumps

If you’ve noticed some of your paving slabs have risen up and are no longer flush with the rest of the driveway, it could be a sign of ground movement. Ground movement can happen for a number of reasons, including heavy rainfall or frost thawing. An uneven driveway needs repairing or replacing straight away to prevent serious damage to vehicles and reduce the risk of tripping.

How to find a driveway installer near you

Before you have your driveway replaced or resurfaced, spend some time researching driveway installers and choosing an installer that you trust.

Look for local driveway specialists with experience working with resin, cement, or whatever material you’re interested in. Ask to see your installer’s portfolio, or a gallery of their past work, to judge it for yourself, and always read reviews before you make your mind up on who you’re going to work with.