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  • Daniel Gabbott

Signs Your Driveway and Vehicle Crossing Needs Professional Attention


Your asphalt driveway and vehicle crossing add to your home’s visual appeal, but they also serve a practical purpose. Keeping these features of your home in pristine condition ensures that your vehicle and visitors have safe access to your property. Without proper maintenance, it’s possible for these outdoor features to develop tripping hazards and even damage your vehicle. Plus, an unsightly driveway can have a negative impact on the value of your property. It’s important, then, to routinely have a professional maintain your asphalt driveway and vehicle crossing.


Our team of professional asphalt pavers and repairers at Asphalt Services Ltd. can help you keep these outdoor features in tip-top shape. We can do a free site assessment on your Dunedin or Otago property to determine the level of work needed to ensure the integrity of your asphalt driveway, kerbing, and vehicle crossing. Give us a call if you see the following signs of wear, tear, and damage:



home with driveway


Paving Fatigue


Cracks and potholes are among the most common signs that your driveway needs repair. These can develop due to several factors, including regular wear and tear or exposure to heavy traffic. They can also be due to temperature fluctuations that cause the surface to expand and contract. Over time, these cracks can grow larger and may eventually develop into potholes. Not only are potholes unsightly, but they can also damage your vehicle’s tyres, suspension, and alignment. In more severe cases, cracks may allow water to seep through your driveway, leading to erosion of the base layer and further weakening the structure. Depending on the level of damage, our team can either fill the cracks and potholes or resurface the entire driveway.



Pooling Water


If you notice water pooling on your asphalt driveway or vehicle crossing after it rains, this could indicate a drainage problem. Poor drainage may result from an improper slope during the initial construction or the natural settling of the ground over time. When water sits on the surface instead of flowing away, it can seep into the materials beneath the driveway, causing erosion or weakening the foundation. Pooling water can also lead to the growth of moss or algae, which can make the surface slippery. Solving the problem for good means correcting the slope or installing drainage channels to divert water away from the surface.



pooling water


Uneven Surface


Related to the previous point, an uneven driveway can result from the settling of the ground underneath or the movement of the soil over time. The unevenness often manifests as sections of the driveway that sink or rise. The bumps and depressions create an unsightly appearance, but they can also easily damage low-clearance vehicles. They likewise pose a tripping hazard for your guests or pedestrians. A professional contractor like Asphalt Services Ltd. can level the surface by repairing the affected sections or, in more severe cases, completely reconstructing the asphalt driveway to ensure a stable base.



Fading and Discolouration


Asphalt driveways are exposed to the elements year-round, so it’s no surprise that they can suffer from fading and discolouration. UV rays from the sun can cause the surface of your driveway to lose its colour, making it look old and worn out. In addition, exposure to chemicals such as oil, fuel, or salt can stain the surface, leading to further discolouration. Although fading and discolouration are more cosmetic issues than structural ones, they can still negatively affect the overall look of your property. Cleaning the driveway and having our team apply a sealant or a fresh coat of asphalt to the area can help solve this issue.



Weed Growth


Once they start growing, weeds can force cracks on your asphalt driveway to widen further and exacerbate the damage. This issue is common in older driveways where the surface has become compromised. Regularly pulling out weeds may provide a temporary fix, but it won’t solve the underlying problem. The cracks need to be repaired, and the surface needs to be resealed to prevent future growth.



weeds on driveway cracks


Erosion around the Edges


Erosion around the edges of your asphalt driveway or vehicle crossing can be a sign that the structure is beginning to weaken. This often occurs when rainwater or other runoff washes away the soil that supports the sides of the driveway. Over time, this erosion can cause the edges to crumble, potentially leading to more extensive damage to the entire driveway. Our team can fix the eroded sections, and we can also offer drainage solutions to prevent future erosion.



Increased Wear and Tear


As with any frequently used surface, driveways are subject to wear and tear over time. This is particularly true if your driveway endures heavy loads, such as from utes or motorhomes, which can accelerate the deterioration of the surface. Increased wear and tear often shows up as thinning of the surface material, cracks, or unevenness. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your asphalt driveway. However, once the wear and tear becomes too severe, resurfacing or replacing the driveway might be necessary to restore its functionality and appearance.



damaged road


Structural Damage at the Vehicle Crossing


The spot where your driveway meets the road is subject to constant pressure from vehicles entering and exiting your property. Over time, this can cause cracks or sinking in this area, which may require repair. In New Zealand, councils often regulate vehicle crossings, and if yours becomes damaged, you may need to seek council approval before proceeding with repairs. A professional contractor will be able to advise on the best course of action and ensure that any repairs are compliant with local regulations.


Regular maintenance can extend the life of your asphalt driveway and vehicle crossing and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future. Additionally, addressing issues immediately can help you avoid further complications that could compromise the stability of these important features of your home. If you notice signs of wear and tear, get our team at Asphalt Services Ltd. to help you with your driveway, kerbside, and vehicle crossing maintenance and repair. Give us a call at 03 477 2825 or 027 432 7631, or leave us a message through our contact page today.


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