Having a paved driveway is one of the finest methods to increase a Burleson rental property’s curb appeal. However, if your rental’s paved driveway shows signs of wear, you may be thinking if it’s time for a repair or a full replacement. While every circumstance is unique, 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 moment arises.
Determine Wear and Tear vs. Damage
Initially, it’s necessary to identify why your driveway looks a bit worse for wear. Is the surface starting to crack, stain, or develop potholes? Or has natural erosion done a real number on your rental’s driveway surface? Something as minor as a water pipe leak in the yard might erode the soil under a driveway, resulting in breaks and holes – a major eyesore. Contingent upon how damaged your driveway is, you may be able to resurface it, or, in more severe cases, it may be better to replace the whole thing.
Options for Replacement
One of the most budget-friendly driveway materials is asphalt. However, asphalt also doesn’t last as long as concrete and may begin to show considerable wear after just a few years. Assuming you catch the damage early, it will mainly be on the surface. In such a situation, you may be able to add another layer to your existing driveway to maintain its functionality and appearance. But if the issues grow deeper or affect the soil beneath the driveway, you may need to re-do the whole thing.
Spring or early autumn is the best time to fix or rebuild an asphalt pavement. Outside temperatures have a huge effect on the quality of the asphalt as it is laid down, so it is necessary to pick a period when extreme temperatures won’t be an issue. Plus, don’t forget to choose a professional paving company with quality guarantees. A bad asphalt job might decrease your property values instead of boosting them!
The initial expenditures are normally higher, but concrete driveways frequently last longer. Concrete will still indicate signs of wear and tear over time, and you’ll have to choose when the time is right to address concerns that have occurred. One of the primary problems with concrete is cracking and flaking. When visible cracks form, it’s a warning that the surface integrity is failing. Repairing the surface may be a great (although temporary) option for small cracks. You can even refinish the entire surface to restore a concrete driveway’s solid appearance.
However, if you encounter drainage concerns or cracks wider than a quarter-inch, a patch job won’t help. Water will continue to seep under the concrete, freezing, thawing, and wreaking havoc on your driveway’s foundation. If you detect wide cracks, uneven surfaces, pooling water, or other difficulties, it’s probably time to replace all or part of the driveway.
Obligation for Landlords
Lastly, 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 become safety hazards for your tenants, while potholes can damage their vehicles (and yours!).
Along with the rest of the property, it’s crucial to closely monitor the condition of your rental property’s driveway, listen to tenant concerns, and take immediate measures. It’s not worth the legal and financial risks to let unsafe conditions go untreated.
Knowing when to repair or replace a rental’s driveway may be tricky. But the good news is that you don’t have to make important decisions like these alone. Rather, consider giving our Burleson property managers a call. We can help you budget for larger repairs and renovations your property needs and even manage the project itself. To learn more, contact us online.
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