Hey everyone! I have a 6300 sqft driveway that used to be smooth and pristine but now it's full of alligator cracks and crumbling edges just two years after we bought our house. A friend suggested that the previous owners may have just put a fresh layer on top before selling. I've gotten two quotes: one for $1,000 to reseal the whole driveway and a second one for $2,000 from a family friend who thinks that sealing it is a waste and I should just save up for a new driveway eventually. I also contacted a local company for a new driveway, and they quoted me a max of $14,000 to mill down the current one and lay a new 2.5-inch driveway, plus they offered to include expansion for free. I can see the cracking is extensive, but the driveway is still stable even though it's sinking a bit. So my question is—should I wait a year or two before making any repairs, or could that make things worse and ultimately more expensive later on? Is it wise to just keep sealing it in the meantime?
3 Answers
Honestly, the condition of the ground beneath your asphalt matters a ton. If the ground isn’t well-supported on the edges, it can lead to cracking, and those cracks just let water in, which can cause even more damage. If you have heavy delivery trucks driving over it regularly, that can really speed up deterioration too.
2.5 inches seems a bit thin for a driveway. Typically, having a couple of inches of compacted material underneath and then aiming for around 4 inches on top is better for durability. Which part of the country do you live in?
It's tough to say without knowing your financial situation, but if you feel okay waiting, just keep an eye on how it’s deteriorating. Letting it fall apart could potentially drive up costs for a future replacement. However, if it’s just an aesthetic issue right now, it might be worth hanging on a bit longer. As for sealing, it could still be beneficial for now.