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Should I Repair or Replace My Driveway?

Driveway Being Installed at a Winter Haven RentalObtaining a paved driveway is one of the best solutions to develop a Winter Haven rental property’s curb appeal. However, if your rental’s paved driveway shows signs of wear, you may be pondering whether it’s time for a repair or a full replacement. Even while every instance is different, by learning about your driveway options and some of the pros and cons of each, you can more confidently decide what to do when the time is right.

Determine Wear and Tear vs. Damage

If your driveway is showing signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, stains, or potholes, or if natural erosion has taken a toll on its surface due to factors like water pipe leaks in the yard, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Depending on the severity of the damage, resurfacing might be a suitable solution, but in more severe cases, complete replacement may be necessary. Companies like RPA Group can offer their expertise to assess the extent of the damage and provide the most appropriate and effective solutions to restore your driveway’s functionality and appearance, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing outcome for your rental property.

Options for Replacement

One of the more budget-friendly driveway materials is asphalt. But take note, asphalt also doesn’t last as long as concrete and can show major wear after just a few years. If you catch the damage early, it will just be on the surface. If such is the case, you may be able to add another layer to your existing driveway to get back its functionality and appearance. But certainly, if the problems develop deeper or affect the soil beneath the driveway, you may have to re-do the entire thing.

Spring or early fall is the perfect time to fix or replace an asphalt driveway. Outside temperatures play a great role in the quality of the asphalt as it is laid down, so it is vital to decide on a time when extreme temperatures won’t be a major consideration. Likewise, see to it to choose a professional paving company with quality guarantees. A botched asphalt job can ruin your property values instead of increasing them!

Although the original costs are usually higher, concrete driveways oftentimes last longer. Concrete will still exhibit indications of wear and tear over time, and you have to decide when the time is right to address concerns that have happened. One of the principal problems with concrete is cracking and flaking. Once visible cracks form, it’s evidence that the surface integrity is failing. Repairing the surface may be an effective (although temporary) option for small cracks. You can even refinish the entire surface to restore a concrete driveway’s solid appearance.

But, if you have drainage complications or cracks wider than a quarter-inch, a patch job won’t work. Water will continue to seep under the concrete, freezing, thawing, and wreaking havoc on your driveway’s foundation. If you spot wide cracks, uneven surfaces, pooling water, or other concerning issues, it’s seemingly time to replace all or part of the driveway.

Obligation for Landlords

One last thing, landlord-tenant laws in most places state that it is the property owner’s responsibility to keep the property in a habitable condition. If your rental’s driveway is so damaged that it is unsafe to walk or drive on, it’s time to replace it. Holes and cracks can fill with ice and turn into safety hazards for your tenants, while potholes can damage their vehicles (and yours!).

Along with the rest of the property, it’s significant to meticulously monitor the condition of your rental property’s driveway, listen to tenant concerns, and take proper action. It’s not worth the legal and financial risks to let unsafe conditions go overlooked and ignored.

 

Knowing when to repair or replace a rental’s driveway can be toilsome. But the good news is that you don’t have to make important decisions like these on your own. On the other hand, take into consideration giving our Winter Haven property managers a call. We can easily help you budget for larger repairs and renovations your property needs and even deal with the project itself. To learn more, contact us online.

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