When looking to repair your asphalt driveway, homeowners can feel the urge to attempt to do the job themselves. While most do-it-yourself projects can be satisfying and appear relatively cheap upfront, there are many situations where paying for a professional service is more beneficial. The following guide will give you a balanced perspective on the pros and cons of DIY asphalt repair versus hiring professional service.
The DIY Approach
Pros
- Cost Savings: Cost savings are the number one reason people want to do repairs themselves. You can eliminate the labour cost of professional services through repair kits.
- Flexibility: DIY repairs allow you to work according to your schedule. You can do the repairs at your convenience and on your own time, not being dictated by the availability of a professional.
Cons
- Low Expertise: Repairing asphalt requires specialized knowledge to get permanent results. People who pursue the DIY approach don’t know how to treat deep cracks or large potholes correctly.
- Short-Term Solutions: DIY gives a short-term solution and does not fix any other underlying problems. That can leave a person with further damage and repetitive issues in the near future.
- Quality of Materials: DIY materials are of lower quality when compared to those used by professionals, which explains why such repairs may not last long.
Professional Driveway Repair
Pros
- Experience: The experts at Asphalt Sealing bring over 70 years of combined experience to the table, handling everything from minor cracks to major potholes with precision and care.
- High-Quality Materials: We use only industry-leading crack fillers and oil-based driveway sealants for all our services. When applied with the right equipment, these repairs can last significantly longer than typical DIY solutions.
- Long-Lasting Solutions: Our professionals will thoroughly assess the necessary repairs, address root issues and implement solutions that help prevent future problems.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Professional services are more expensive compared to DIY repair. However, this cost reflects the quality of the repair and expertise.
- Scheduling: Professional services will require scheduling, and sometimes, this may not blend well with your availability, resulting in potential delays during peak seasons.
DIY Vs. Professional Driveway Repair: Factors To Consider
- Extent Of Damage: DIY repair may work short-term for cracks and smaller areas of damage. However, hiring professionals will help achieve longer-lasting results for large potholes and larger areas of damage.
- Time Commitment: DIY repairs can be time-consuming, particularly when someone has little or no experience doing such tasks. Consider the time commitment against the potential benefits of professional repair.
- Long-Term Costs: DIY may appear cheaper if you compare the prices initially. However, if you do not do this job right, you could be causing further damage, and now you will pay more. It is cheaper to hire the pros if you have little to no experience.
Though DIY asphalt driveway repair might sound tempting because of cost savings and flexibility, its durability and effectiveness can be questionable. Professional services are a better option for a productive and long-lasting repair that fixes the problem from the root. Professional maintenance will enhance the life of your driveway and save you from recurring issues and additional costs in the future.