It’s important, as a homeowner, to know when your driveway needs some maintenance done or if it’s time to accept that you need to have a brand new one poured in. The issue is, when is it sensible to do one over the other? This article will help you differentiate which option is the best fit for your driveway, as well as break down the most common problems faced by owners such as yourself.
Signs That Your Concrete Driveway Needs To Be Repaired Or Replaced
It’s good to always be on the lookout for the early signs of a damaged driveway. Concrete is an amazing material that will be very good to you when given proper care, but it’s not immune to wear; some small signs of concrete deterioration can be repaired without a hitch, but more extensive damage might signal that it’s time for a full replacement.
Here are some of the early warning signs to look out for in a concrete driveway.
Faded Or Discolored Concrete
Some fading in your driveway can be a purely aesthetic issue, but it is also a sign that your concrete has lost its protective layer and will deteriorate faster and easier from now on.
Potholes
If the issue of fading or discoloration on your concrete driveway followed its course, then you’re probably looking at a pothole on your own driveway now. Not only do they lower your home’s curb appeal catastrophically, but can even damage your car.
Crumbling Edges
The edges of concrete driveways usually only start to crumble once there is structural damage already. Finding them means that you probably need a more extensive type of repair (or sometimes outright replacement) to get rid of the issue.
Pooling Water
If a significant amount of water starts pooling in your driveway, it could mean one of several things. For instance, the surface of your driveway might have degraded, which means there is existing damage already, but you should still have it repaired quickly if you are to prevent even more erosion. It also means your concrete was not installed correctly and is unleveled, meaning water will continue to pool and inflict constant damage on your concrete driveway.
Cracks In The Concrete
The ever-present threat of cracks also haunts driveways. As any seasoned homeowner knows, small concrete driveway cracks are easy to repair, they can even become a DIY project. However, larger cracks (or a large number of cracks concentrated in a small area) can be a warning sign that your concrete driveway needs a professional to take a look or maybe even a full replacement.
Concrete Driveway Repair, Replacement, and Resurfacing
What are your options for most of the issues mentioned above? It comes down to three simple ones:
- Concrete Driveway Repair: Repairing your concrete driveway should always be your first choice because it is usually a fast, affordable process. It can also extend the useful life of your existing driveway by many years, as long as you’re careful with it and maintain it properly. What are the driveway problems that can be repaired? Cracks and sinking slabs are the most typical, with the latter being possible to repair only when they haven’t caused structural damage to the slab.
- Concrete Driveway Replacement: Needing a full replacement for your concrete driveway sounds pretty dramatic, but it’s not a common occurrence, especially if repairing is still an option. A concrete driveway replacement is only necessary when your driveway is either very old and has almost no maintenance ever or is already crumbling due to irreversible structural damage. While carrying a considerable price tag, a newly poured driveway will look beautiful and last you decades.
- Concrete Driveway Resurfacing: A third option is to have your concrete driveway resurfaced instead of outright replaced. This solution can be applied when there is extensive concrete surface damage on your driveway, such as concrete cracks or an eroded protective surface, but the driveway slab itself are still level and not sinking. A resurfacing will give your driveway a renewed appearance without costing as much as a full replacement.
Benefits Of Driveway Repair
Concrete driveways are not immune to damage, but they are quite durable when given proper maintenance. You would be surprised at the kind of damage driveways can bounce back from. Even deep cracks that might seem terribly deep can be patched up with the right patching material, such as caulk and sealant. Other issues, like subdued or heaved concrete slabs, can be leveled as long as the structure is still sound.
A driveway repair is usually simple and very cost-effective. Minor repairs are easy on your wallet and can significantly expand the life of your driveway. A concrete resurfacing for your driveway is a little more expensive than a simple repair, and it definitely needs to be done by a team of professionals; however, after it’s done, your driveway will look beautiful.
Benefits Of Driveway Replacement
A driveway replacement is simply taking out your old, damaged driveway and pouring in a new one. It’s definitely the more expensive option, but it offers a solution that will last for a long, long time.
A concrete driveway replacement is not just for when your is busted up beyond concrete repair. It can also help you add more space, use higher-quality material, or follow your home renovation plans.
A new concrete driveway can last for up to 30 years or more, depending on the level of care you give it. It offers a clean look that’s an absolute classic and can be finished with various textures and colors to offer a fully personalized look, so what’s not to love?
Leaving Your Driveway Repair Or Replacement To The Experts
Whether you want to have some intensive fixes done to your entire driveway or have chosen to replace it completely, it’s better to have a team of professionals handle matters. Choosing professional services over DIY repair make sense in the long run especially when the contractors have years of experience and the best and latest equipment.
We’re the experts at Above All Foundation Repair, be sure to give us a call for all concrete driveway repair related matters!
