Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they drive up safely to your home. If it’s in bad shape, it can give visitors a negative impression of your house.
The average lifespan of a paved driveway is 15-30 years. Asphalt driveways last between 15-20 years, while concrete driveways typically last 20-30 years.
Sooner or later, these driveways will have cracks and holes. They will look dated and unappealing, affecting the overall look of your driveway. Simply put, they will reach the end of their service life. The question then becomes, is repaving your driveway the right choice or can you just reseal your existing driveway?
In this blog, we will look at some factors to consider when making your decision, specifically the benefits and costs of repaving and maintaining a driveway.
Benefits of Repaving vs Maintaining Your Current Driveway
Why Repave Your Driveway
Save You Money in the Long Run
If you have cracks or potholes in your driveway, it may be time to repave. Sealing can help extend the life of your driveway, but it won’t fix major damages. Repaving is more cost-effective, especially if you hire a reputable driveway paving contractor, as you avoid costly maintenance expenses.
Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
When you’re thinking about upgrading your home, a new driveway should be one of your top priorities. A well-made driveway can boost your property’s curb appeal. This is a major investment, but it will pay off if you ever decide to sell your home.
Increase Your Property Value
If you’re thinking about selling your home, a new driveway can go a long way. It can make your house look well-maintained and beautiful. This can be a deciding factor for potential buyers, and it can also help you get a higher asking price.
Why Seal Your Current Driveway
Protect and Restore the Driveway
Sealing your driveway is an easy and effective way to extend its lifespan. It will fill in any cracks or potholes and protect the surface from weather damage and wear and tear. Doing this may help make your drive look new or properly maintained.
Cheaper than Installing a New Drive
Sealing a driveway is easier on the pocket than repaving. Without a doubt, installing a new driveway can be expensive. It is a costly process that may not be worth the investment for smaller driveways or those with minor issues. Basically, if your driveway is still in good condition, sealing it is the smarter choice.
To add, you can do this task by yourself with a few supplies from your local hardware store. This can further slash down your expenses. However, you need to follow the instructions carefully and use the right equipment to achieve the best results. If you are unable to do the task properly, you should just consider hiring professionals to ensure high-quality output.
Repaving vs Maintaining Your Current Driveway: How Much Will You Spend?
The decision to repave or reseal largely depends on the condition of your driveway and your budget. So, how much will you spend if you repave or reseal your driveway?
How Much Does Repaving a Driveway Cost?
The cost of repaving varies depending on the size of the driveway and the type of materials you use. Expect to pay between $2 and $4 per square foot for a basic asphalt driveway. For a more complex concrete or brick driveway, you could end up paying closer to $10 per square foot.
You’ll also need to pay labor fees. Most driveway paving contractors charge between $25 and $50 per hour. In most cases, repaving a driveway is a two-person job. However, there may be more pavers depending on the project’s size and timetable.
In total, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 to have your driveway repaved in New Jersey.
How Much Does Sealing a Driveway Cost?
Just like with repaving, sealing costs largely depend on the size of the driveway. Basically, the bigger the driveway, the higher the sealing cost. However, even if the drive is big, you can expect the overall sealing price to be cheaper than building a new driveway.
In New Jersey, the cost of sealing a driveway is around $0.15 – $2.13 per square foot. It should be noted that, aside from size, the type of driveway also affects the seal coating costs.
For example, the price of sealing an asphalt driveway ranges from $0.15 – $0.23. Meanwhile, for concrete, it is around $0.85 – $2.13.
Other factors that affect the overall sealing prices are the contractor’s project fee, cleaning services fee and repair costs. In most cases, contractors won’t charge extra for small patching jobs. However, if the cracks or holes are bigger, then you can expect them to charge repair fees.
Basically, for a medium-sized asphalt driveway, the sealing cost is around $86 – $132. Meanwhile, for a concrete driveway of the same size, the price is about $490 – $1226.
When deciding whether to repave or maintain your current driveway, you’ll need to weigh the cost of each option. Repaving is typically more expensive up front, but it can save you money in the long run by reducing cracks and potholes. If you decide to repave, be sure to hire a reputable contractor with experience in paving driveways.
Repaving vs Sealing Your Current Driveway: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to repave your driveway, here are some of the critical things you should ask yourself:
First, how bad is the damage? If your driveway has large cracks or potholes, it’s probably time for a full repaving job. If the damage is only minor, you may be able to get away with sealing and patching it up.
Second, what’s your budget? As mentioned earlier, repaving significantly costs more than sealing a driveway. Ask for repaving and resealing quotes from driveway contractors. This is the only way to know which option suits your budget.
So, what’s the bottom line? If the damage is severe and the cost of repaving is lower than maintaining your current driveway, it’s probably time to repave. If the damage is only minor and the price of repaving is high, it may be more cost-effective to maintain your current driveway.
However, if you’re unsure about the condition of your driveway or the cost of repairs, it’s always best to consult a professional contractor. They will be able to give you an accurate estimate and help you make the best decision for your home.
Does your driveway look dated? Or does it have cracks and holes? Wondering if you should repave or seal your driveway? Talk to our experienced driveway paving contractor about your options. Call us today on +1 732 402 7902 or click here to send us a message.