Possessing a paved driveway is one of the easiest methods to improve a Nampa rental property’s curb appeal. However, if your rental’s paved driveway is showing signs of wear, you may be asking whether it’s time for a repair or even a full replacement. While every case is special, 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 situation arises.
Determine Wear and Tear vs. Damage
At the start, it’s recommended to determine 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 could erode the soil under a driveway, generating breaks, holes – and a major eyesore. Depending on how damaged your driveway is, you may be able to resurface it, or, in more severe cases, you may need to replace it completely.
Options for Replacement
One of the more budget-friendly driveway materials is asphalt. But asphalt also doesn’t last as long as concrete and might indicate severe wear after just a few years. If you catch the damage early, it’s largely on the surface. As a result, you may be able to add another layer to your existing driveway to rebuild its functionality and appearance. However, if the issues go deeper or affect the soil beneath the driveway, you may need to re-do it entirely.
Spring or early fall is the best time to repair or replace an asphalt driveway. Outside temperatures play a big role in the quality of the asphalt as it is laid down, so it is imperative to choose a time when extreme temperatures won’t be a factor. Also, remember to select a professional paving company with quality guarantees. A botched asphalt job can damage your property values instead of increasing them!
Even though the preliminary costs are typically higher, concrete driveways often last longer. Concrete will continue to encounter signs of wear and tear over time, and you’ll need to determine when the time is right to address any concerns that have appeared. One of the most common problems with concrete is cracking and flaking. When visible cracks form, it’s an indicator that the surface integrity is failing. Repairing the surface may be a suitable (although temporary) option for small cracks. You can even refinish the entire surface to restore a concrete driveway’s solid appearance.
A patch job, on the other hand, won’t work if you have drainage concerns or cracks wider than a quarter-inch. Water will continue to seep under the concrete, freezing, thawing, and wreaking havoc on your driveway’s foundation. If you observe wide cracks, uneven surfaces, pooling water, or other issues, it’s probably time to replace all or part of the driveway.
Obligation for Landlords
In conclusion, 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 vital to thoroughly monitor the condition of your rental property’s driveway, listen to tenant concerns, and respond appropriately. It’s not worth the legal and financial risks to let unsafe conditions go unattended.
Knowing when to repair or replace a rental’s driveway might be tough. But the good news is that you don’t have to make important decisions like these all alone. Instead, try giving our Nampa 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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