A paved driveway is one of the features that enhance a Burleson rental property’s curb appeal. But if your rental’s paved driveway is starting to deteriorate, you may be thinking about repairing or even fully replacing it. While every situation is different, knowing the pros and cons of the different driveway options can give you more confidence when the time to decide comes.
Determine Wear and Tear vs. Damage
First, you have to determine why your driveway looks worn out. Do you see surface cracks and stains? Has the surface developed potholes? Or has natural erosion affected your rental’s driveway surface? Something as small as a water pipe leak in the yard could weaken the soil under a driveway, then lead to breaks, holes – and a major eyesore. Depending on how damaged your driveway is, you might be able to resurface it, or, if it’s severely damaged, it may be time for the entire thing to be replaced.
Options for Replacement
One of the more budget-friendly driveway materials is asphalt. But unlike concrete, asphalt doesn’t last that long and in a few years, it will start to show signs of wear. Suppose you catch the damage early, and most of it is on the surface. If that’s the case, then you may be able to add another layer to restore your existing driveway’s functionality and appearance. But if the problem worsens or damages the soil beneath the driveway, you may need to re-do the whole thing. Spring or early fall is the best time for replacing or repairing an asphalt driveway. Outside temperatures have a big role in the quality of the asphalt as it is being laid down, so choosing a time when extreme temperatures won’t be a problem is important. Also, be sure to select a professional paving company with quality guarantees. A botched asphalt job can damage your property values instead of increasing them!
Even if the up-front costs are typically higher, concrete driveways usually last longer. Concrete will still show signs of wear and tear over time, and you will have to decide on the best time to address the issues that have developed. Cracking and flaking are some of the main problems with concrete. When visible cracks start to form, it is an indication that the surface integrity is failing. Although temporary, it may be a good option to repair small cracks on the surface. You can also restore the driveway’s solid appearance by refinishing the entire surface.
Although, if there are drainage issues or cracks wider than a quarter-inch, a patch-up job won’t work. Water will keep seeping under the concrete, freezing, thawing, and destroying your driveway’s foundation. If you start to see wide cracks, uneven surfaces, pooling water, or other problems, it may be time to replace all or part of the driveway.
Obligation for Landlords
Finally, landlord-tenant laws in most places state that it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the property in a habitable condition. If the damage on your rental’s driveway is so severe that it is unsafe to walk or drive on, it is best to replace it. Holes and cracks can fill with ice and compromise the safety of your tenants. Potholes can damage their vehicles, and yours as well!
As you do with the rest of your property, you should also monitor the condition of your rental property’s driveway and listen to your tenant’s concerns so you can take appropriate action. The legal and financial risks of unattended unsafe conditions are not worth it.
Knowing when to repair or replace a rental’s driveway can be challenging. The good news is that you don’t need to make these important decisions by yourself. Instead, consider giving our Burleson property managers a call. We can help you budget for larger repairs and renovations your property needs and even handle the project itself. To learn more, contact us online.
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