Should You Repair or Replace Your Driveway?

A Practical Guide for Devon Homeowners

Cracks, Dips and Drainage Issues? It Might Be Time for a Rethink

Whether you live in Plymouth, Ivybridge or deeper into the South Hams, your driveway puts up with a lot – vehicles, foot traffic, weather, and water. Over time, even the best surfaces can start to show signs of wear.

But when problems arise, the big question is: should you repair your driveway or replace it entirely? At RM Driveways, we help customers across Devon make the right choice based on budget, condition and long-term value.

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Common Signs Your Driveway Needs Attention

• Cracks or potholes in tarmac or concrete
• Loose blocks or uneven surfaces in block paving
• Water pooling or poor drainage after rain
• Faded or patchy surface from age or UV damage
• Sinking areas due to sub-base failure
• Moss, weeds or constant maintenance

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having your surface professionally assessed.

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When a Repair Makes Sense

Not every problem means a full replacement. Our team may recommend a repair when:

• The damage is minor and isolated to a specific area
• The base is still solid and level
• You’re not ready for a full investment, but need the surface safe and smart

We regularly carry out:

• Tarmac patching and edging repairs
• Re-sanding and re-sealing block paving
• Localised levelling or surface cleaning
• Resin overlays, where appropriate (see below)

This approach can extend the life of your driveway without the cost of a full excavation.

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When It’s Time to Replace

If your surface is:

• Constantly cracking
• Repaired multiple times
• Holding water
• Sinking in several areas
• Or laid over a poor base…

…then it may be more cost-effective to replace it now rather than continue with stopgap repairs. A new surface will:

• Be more durable
• Improve kerb appeal
• Add value to your home
• Eliminate maintenance issues
• Come with a fresh guarantee

We always provide honest advice during our free surveys, if we think it can be saved, we’ll tell you. But if a new surface is the smarter long-term choice, we’ll show you exactly why.

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Resin Overlays: A Clever Middle Ground

If your existing driveway base is still solid, a resin-bound overlay can be a cost-effective upgrade. It’s:

• Quick to install
• Visually transformative
• Permeable and low maintenance
• UV stable and long-lasting

We’ve used resin overlays in Plympton, Totnes and Ivybridge to give tired tarmac and concrete drives a completely new lease of life, often in just 2–3 days.

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Case Study: Block Paving to Resin in Ivybridge

One customer recently contacted us about a block paving driveway that had become uneven and hard to keep clean. After a full assessment, we recommended lifting the blocks, improving the sub-base, and finishing with a resin-bound surface in a silver granite blend.

The result was a smooth, modern drive that’s weed-free and far easier to maintain.

“Our old driveway was costing us money every year. We’re so glad we opted for the resin—it’s clean, smart and really sets off the house. Great work from the whole RM team.”
– Mr & Mrs T, Ivybridge

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Book Your Free Survey Today

Not sure whether you need a repair or a full replacement? Let us take a look. RM Driveways offers free, no-pressure surveys across Devon, including Plymouth, Ivybridge, Totnes and the wider South Hams.

We’ll assess the surface, explain your options, and give you a clear, honest recommendation.