Creating a good visual impression is part of selling any home. Home staging strives to present the interior at its best, but the exterior, including the driveway, must also look attractive, clean and fresh. Most homeowners do not wish to embark on major remodeling pending a sale, but need to make the existing package as appealing as possible. Driveways renovations increase the house value in the market, and often make a sale happen more quickly.
There are several alternatives to completely replacing the old, worn-looking surface. Unless too many years have passed, the sub-structure may still be in relatively good condition, even though the exposed areas are stained with vehicle fluids, cracked, or chipped. A less-expensive and quicker renovation can make use of several types of finishes, including asphalt, driveway pavers, and even simple paint.
A driveway need not be at its worst to benefit from re-applying asphalt sealant. A relatively few short years of exposure can cause parts of the paving to begin to pull apart, due to an annual cycle of temperature, sun and moisture. These are the same kinds of erosive stresses that cause even mountain chains to crumble away, and driveways are not nearly as tough.
This project can be undertaken either by a homeowner or by professionals. Doing it yourself can save over half the cost, but requires some initial planning, preparation, and care in order to avoid making any costly errors. This kind of project starts with a thorough cleaning and weed removal, sometimes requiring the use of a pressurized sprayer, and the possible the application of herbicides.
Four different kinds of sealers are commonly used. Standard asphalt is often covered by the same sealant used on roadways. A relatively new kind of asphalt sealant suspends the individual particles in fluid, making home application a little easier. In higher-traffic regions, owners may opt for coal-tar sealers which resist weather as well as vehicle lubricant stains. Others may choose acrylic sealers which are a little more expensive, but come in various colors and weather very well.
If the original roadway was concrete, similar surface preparations are required prior to sealing, with the addition of filling in any cracks, while taking care to avoid covering the expansion joints. Two coats of paint should be applied, allowing the concrete to thoroughly dry each time. This kind of project should ideally be undertaken on a dry day, when the air temperature is in the low seventies, and the ground is above fifty degrees.
Paving stones are another popular choice. These manufactured stones are available both mortared and mortar-less. Mortared stones are, of course, less flexible overall, making mortar-less the most popular for installation. This method utilizes a special sand mixture that is packed between the stones. Both methods dramatically improve the home’s overall appearance, and can be used to tie various parts of the landscaping with the rest of the exterior.
Sealants and new surfaces are a good idea for all homeowners, and driveways renovations increase the house value in the market. If your home is in an area of extreme weather conditions, using them can do more than simply guarantee a rapid home sale. Such concrete treatments are an example of a relatively small investment in maintenance that save a great deal of money on future repairs. Whether preparing a home for sale or simply keeping it looking good, your driveways are an excellent choice.
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