The Most Common Driveway Issues and How to Fix Them

A cracked, uneven, or stained driveway can drain the charm out of your home’s kerb appeal. But fear not! Most driveway issues can be spotted early and fixed quickly if you know what to look for. At Driveways Swindon, we’ve put together an actionable guide to tackle the most common driveway problems that homeowners face.

Cracks in Your Driveway

Cracks are one of the most visible and common driveway problems. They occur due to weather changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or heavy vehicle traffic. Small cracks in concrete or asphalt may seem harmless, but they can expand over time.

How to repair driveway cracks:

For minor cracks, clean the damaged area and fill it with a driveway-specific filler. For larger cracks, it’s best to consult professionals like Driveways Swindon to ensure a durable repair job. Regular driveway maintenance, such as sealing, can also prevent new cracks from forming.

Potholes in Driveway Surfaces

Potholes are not just eyesores. They can also damage your vehicle. These holes form when water seeps into small cracks, weakens the surface, and repetitive use causes chunks to break apart.

Solution for potholes in driveway:

Use a cold patch for a temporary fix, or hire a professional to repair the area with hot asphalt for a longer-lasting solution. Driveways Swindon offers expert asphalt driveway repair tips and services to restore your driveway to its original state.

Stained Driveways from Oil or Chemicals

Stains from oil leaks or chemical spills can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your driveway. These stains are particularly visible on concrete driveways, making them hard to ignore.

How to clean stains effectively:

Act fast! Use washing-up detergent, a stiff brush, and hot water to remove fresh stains. For older, stubborn stains, a driveway degreaser or power wash can work wonders.

Uneven or Sunken Driveways

Uneven driveway surfaces not only look unappealing but also pose a tripping hazard. Sunken sections often happen due to poor installation or soil erosion beneath the driveway.

How to fix sinking issues:

Mud-jacking or slab levelling is a quick option for concrete driveway damage. At Driveways Swindon, we specialise in resurfacing and restoring uneven driveways, ensuring they’re safe and level.

Driveway Drainage Problems

Does water pool on your driveway every time it rains? Poor drainage can weaken the material and lead to cracks, potholes, or moss growth.

Prevent and fix drainage issues:

Check for uneven surfaces and ensure water flows downhill. Installing proper drainage solutions like a trench drain can resolve driveway drainage problems. We offer professional-grade solutions to protect your driveway from water-related damage.

Fading Driveway Colour

Over time, exposure to sunlight and weather can cause concrete driveways to lose their vibrant colour or asphalt driveways to turn grey. This fading can make your driveway look tired and old.

How to restore a vibrant look:

Seal your driveway every few years to protect it from UV rays and weather damage. For asphalt, a fresh sealcoat can make it look like new again.

Weeds Growing Through Cracks

Weeds often sprout through driveway cracks, making it look neglected. These plants can also widen cracks, causing further damage.

How to remove and prevent weeds:

Pull out weeds manually and fill cracks with a sealant to block their growth. Adding a weed barrier or using driveway sealers can keep your surface plant-free.

Broken or Deteriorated Edges

Are the edges of your driveway crumbling? This often happens with driveways that aren’t appropriately supported at the sides.

Fixing edge deterioration:

Rebuild and reinforce the edges with supportive materials like gravel or concrete. Professionals can re-pave or re-edge your driveway for a polished and durable finish.

Surface Erosion on Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are low-maintenance but can erode over time, leaving areas bare and uneven.

How to manage gravel driveway issues:

Add fresh gravel as needed and compact it for a smooth surface. Installing a retainer or edging can help keep the gravel in place.

Spalling on Concrete Driveways

Spalling is when the top layer of concrete flakes off, leaving a rough surface. It’s usually caused by cycles of freezing and thawing or improper installation.

Repairing spalling:

Patch the surface using a concrete resurfacer to smooth out the area. Regular sealing helps prevent future spalling issues.

The Importance of Regular Driveway Maintenance

Performing routine driveway maintenance, such as sealing, cleaning, and checking for early signs of damage, can save you from costly repairs. Always address common driveway problems quickly to extend the lifespan of your investment.

When to Call the Professionals

While some driveway repair tasks can be DIY-friendly, others require the touch of a professional. At Driveways Swindon, we offer tailored solutions for all your driveway needs, from patching holes to dealing with more complex issues like concrete driveway damage or driveway drainage problems.

Don’t Wait to Upgrade Your Driveway!

Your driveway deserves attention. Whether you're dealing with cracks, potholes, or drainage issues, Driveways Swindon can help restore its beauty and functionality. By acting today, you can avoid future headaches and boost your home’s kerb appeal. Contact us now for a free quote or to learn more about our expert driveway repair solutions.