6 Signs You Need Asphalt Paving for Your Dallas Home

Asphalt paving is the best choice if you’re in need of new pavement that’s durable and affordable. Whether your driveway or parking lot has become worn down over time or you’re in need of some repairs, asphalt paving can be the solution you’re looking for to improve the look and functionality of your Dallas home. Here are six signs that indicate its time for asphalt paving Dallas TX.

Shallow Surface Defects

If you notice shallow surface defects, such as cracks and peeling, in your driveway or walkway, it’s a good sign that your asphalt is starting to crack and deteriorate. These types of issues can typically be repaired with asphalt overlays. A quality overlay should provide a few more years of life before another repair is needed.

If you notice these surface defects, contact a professional immediately to have them take a look. Once a repair is needed, it’s best to hire professionals who are qualified and experienced at asphalt repairs in Dallas. If your driveway or walkway has serious cracks or other structural issues that cannot be repaired with an overlay, it may be time to tear up and replace your asphalt completely.

Buckling and Warping

If you’ve noticed buckling and warping in your driveway, it could be a sign that you need asphalt paving in Dallas. While water naturally sinks into dirt, asphalt parking lots naturally absorb water. If there is too much water or ice present on your driveway due to storm damage or poorly-designed drainage systems, it can sink into your driveway and buckle its surface.

Warping, on the other hand, is more common in asphalt paving that has been poorly maintained. When water doesn’t drain away from your driveway, it pools and freezes to create potholes and depressions. This can cause warping if it occurs often enough over an extended period of time. The key to avoiding these problems is to have your driveway paved every few years.

Drainage Problems

A good way to judge whether or not you need to pave your driveway is by paying attention to drainage problems in and around your home. When water doesn’t flow easily from your yard, it can cause foundation issues and grow unwanted plants in your lawn, which can weaken its foundation over time.

Step out of your home and pay attention to how water flows on your property. If you notice that puddles linger in certain areas of your driveway or yard, it could mean there’s a problem with drainage. When water pools in one place, it can settle into cracks in your driveway, resulting in erosion and damage over time.

Fading Color

One of the most obvious signs that your asphalt is in trouble is fading color. The blackest of blacks will start to look lighter, or even grayish or white. This happens because as asphalt gets older, it oxidizes and breaks down.

This can happen from age, or because of stress on your driveway (cars driving over it, for example). If you think fading is a sign that your asphalt is failing, talk to a professional about installing an overlay. Overlays are more than just resurfacing—they can restore and preserve a healthy layer of asphalt under your old driveway surface.

Overlays are also a great option if you’re wanting to change your driveway color. They give you a clean surface on which to lay down fresh asphalt, and can even be dyed to match your home’s exterior color scheme.

Cracking

One of the most common signs that you need asphalt paving are cracks in your Dallas driveway. Most cracks form due to water damage and freezing over winter, though they can also be caused by an abundance of other things, like poor drainage or shifting land. If you see any cracked asphalt, it’s a good idea to have it fixed as soon as possible.

The best thing to do if you have cracking in your driveway is to call a contractor for a  consultation. They’ll come out and examine your asphalt so they can offer you an affordable solution. It might be necessary to apply new asphalt over your current driveway, or it could be that your asphalt is fine but simply needs some pothole repairs.

Sinking

The first sign that you need asphalt paving in Dallas TX is if your driveway is sinking or shifting. If a driveway has sunk or shifted, it’s an indication that there may be structural problems underneath your driveway. Another clue that asphalt paving in Dallas may be necessary is if water is standing on top of your asphalt after rainfall. This could mean that your driveway isn’t draining properly and water may seep under it, causing it to shift and sink down into the soil below.

If your driveway is sinking or shifting, it can cause a number of other problems. For example, if a driveway sinks unevenly in certain spots, it may lead to poor drainage and you could be dealing with puddles of water after rainfall.

Asphalt vs concrete

Whether you’re replacing or laying a brand new driveway the two options are asphalt or concrete. When deciding between these two it can be tough to tell which is right for your home and budget.   Why should I choose asphalt over concrete? The answer varies but in many cases, including yours, pricing may be what makes up your mind! The average cost of concrete driveway removal ranges from $4-15 per square foot while asphalt ranges from $7-13 per square foot. So if you’re on a tight budget then getting an asphalt drive might be best for you. A proper estimation includes looking at several factors such as age of existing materials, condition of surfaces around your property, current use, upcoming renovations/additions and more.

Overall asphalt is a popular choice due to its lower cost and quicker installation, but don’t let that make your decision. Whether you choose concrete or asphalt, remember to ask lots of questions and learn as much as you can about each material before making your final decision. Since asphalt is such a common material there are some great resources online where you can find more information.