Your home's exterior is just as important as its interior and a huge part of keeping your home's exterior beautiful is maintaining its curb appeal. One way to do this is to repair and update the driveway when necessary. This isn't just great for aesthetics but can prevent property damage and injuries too. Here are a few indicators that your driveway needs to be upgraded.

1. Its color isn't the same

The first obvious sign of an outdated driveway is that it looks bad. If your driveway has faded in color, it's a sign that it's time to replace it. Over time, a faded driveway can lead to structural damage, which ruins curb appeal.

2. Your driveway is decades old

Asphalt driveways are created to last for about 2 decades and concrete driveways for 3 decades (depending on wear and extreme weather conditions). If your driveway is much older than this, it's definitely time to install a new one because no matter how many repairs you make to an outdated driveway, it will continue to get damaged.

3. Your driveway has drainage issues

If your driveway floods when it rains, it means it's no longer in good condition. Drainage issues can weaken your driveway, leading to potholes and cracks. Although drainage issues can sometimes be repaired, sometimes it's best to replace the driveway entirely.

4. Your driveway has potholes and cracks

Potholes and cracks are telltale signs that your driveway needs to be replaced. They're not only unsightly, but they can cause more damage to your driveway (and even your car) if left unrepaired. They also can be trip hazards.

If you determine it's time to replace your driveway, you'll likely look at 3 options-asphalt, concrete, or pavers. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

  • Asphalt - This driveway option is relatively cheaper compared to the others. It is also more crack-resistant tending to hold up better in harsh winter conditions. Asphalt is durable for up to 20 years, although the downside to choosing it is how it looks and that it needs to be resealed periodically.

  • Concrete - This driveway option lasts for up to 30 years and offers better curb appeal than asphalt, however, due to its rigidity, it's more prone to cracking (especially in cold climates). It is also more expensive than asphalt.

  • Paver - This is one of the most expensive driveway types, costing almost double the price of concrete. Another downside is that they tend to grow weeds and have a longer installation time. However, despite the high cost, pavers are pleasing to the eye and are easily customizable.

Using the tips listed above, you'll be able to determine when it's time to replace your driveway and pick an option that works for your home and budget.