Concrete Driveway Repair
Concrete driveways are extremely durable and generally long lasting, reaching up to 50 years. These add functional and aesthetic value to any home or establishment. However, driveways also undergo wear and tear from daily use and environmental changes, and can be solved by concrete driveway repair methods.
Concrete Driveway Problems and Solutions
There are different types of concrete driveway issues and how to repair them.
Cracks
One of the most common issues in concrete driveways are cracks. For small and few cracks, one can use a few tools and a compound. These are available at hardware stores.
You can repair these as soon as possible. You should also do this carefully to avoid further cracking.
Doing small repairs helps slow down deterioration. Be sure to follow the product label and instructions carefully.
For wide and uneven cracks, these may indicate a structural problem. These types of cracks can also be hazardous.
Does your driveway feel uneven under your feet? You may observe cracks with one surface at the end higher, while the opposite surface is lower. The damage can also appear as if the driveway is crumbling.
It is best to consult a professional about driveway resurfacing or replacement. The repair may require more than just sealing the crack.
Is it normal for a concrete driveway to crack? It can occur over time. It can also happen sooner due to improper installation or poor foundation.
If you notice your fairly new driveway is getting large cracks outside of expansion joints or saw cuts, it might be best to call back your contractor.
Sunken Concrete
Another type of problem is sunken concrete. You may notice the level of your concrete driveway’s surface sinking.
The cause may be the poor quality of mixture in the preparation. The surface may also have been subjected to extreme pressure from heavy weight.
Concrete may be durable, but some such as residential driveways are not built to carry more than the weight of a non-commercial vehicle.
For repair, a concrete contractor can drill small holes on the driveway surface and fill them with a mixture to raise the surface level back to normal. We recommend https://b-level.com/ for this service.
As for places with cooler climates, moisture in the ground eventually freezes and causes the ground to lose its form, resulting in cracks and uneven surface. This is commonly referred to as frost heave. It is recommended to opt for concrete driveway replacement.
Choosing Between Driveway Resurfacing and Driveway Replacement
Concrete Driveway Resurfacing
Concrete driveway resurfacing is a long-term solution that solves superficial damages in large areas. Examine how many cracks are there and assess how wide or deep.
If the damages require more than simple quick repairs, it may be best to opt for driveway resurfacing.
How much does it cost to resurface a concrete driveway?
In costing for repairs, concrete contractors consider the driveway size. Based on research, the average cost for driveway resurfacing per square foot is $5 to $7. It is quicker and cheaper than installing a new driveway altogether.
Decorative overlay cost more at an average of $7 to $12 per square foot. It is a recommended option for those who want a new color or look for their driveway.
How is it done? The driveway doesn’t have to be dug to the level of the foundation. Instead, a new layer is poured over the old damaged one, resulting in a new, smooth and even driveway.
It is highly recommended to hire a professional concrete contractor to do driveway resurfacing. The method requires precision from the preparation stage up to the application.
Concrete Driveway Replacement
Concrete driveway replacement is best for old driveways, usually 20 years old and more, or those with rotten foundations. Additionally, you may observe uneven surfaces in the form of waves, larger and hazardous cracks, deep holes, and weeds sprouting from cracks.
This is best for major damages and underlying soil problems. In this method, the top layer is removed. Next, the foundation is dug up to create a new one.
How much does it cost to replace a concrete driveway?
The cost also depends on the size of the area. The range is $8 to $10 per square foot. A professional concrete contractor can do the driveway replacement technique.
It is important to have a good foundation, otherwise, the driveway will repeatedly develop cracks and other damages even after performing repairs on the surface. In this case, small repairs will not last long and damages will reappear.
Knowing the difference between driveway resurfacing and driveway replacement can help you choose the best service for your repair needs.
How To Maintain Your Driveway
A number of factors can affect the quality of your driveway over time. Regular maintenance can help reduce repairs, extend its service life and maintain its aesthetic quality.
Concrete contractors advise cleaning by power washing with the correct amount of pressure.
Additionally, resealing also helps keep your driveway looking at its best. We recommend Tim at www.sealmaxxofcolumbus.com for concrete sealing services.
Remove stains such as gas and oil as soon as possible. These can cause more damage to existing cracks.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that may degrade the concrete. These are products that contain ammonium nitrates and sulfates.
Summary
It is normal for concrete driveways to deteriorate or develop damages over time because of use and natural causes. The first step is to assess the extent of damage to help you choose the best concrete driveway repair.
Simple repairs for small area cracks can be done on your own. You can purchase the tools and products needed at local hardware stores.
For extensive cases, you can also consult and hire a professional concrete contractor to do driveway resurfacing or replacement. Repair and labor costs depend on the size of the driveway, amount of material, and if applicable, the type of designs to be installed.
Driveway resurfacing is recommended to repair damages on the top layer. You may also choose this if you want a new color or design for your driveway.
In doing driveway repairs, it is important to keep in mind to address the root cause. If not, issues will resurface and can cost you more time and resources.
Driveway replacement is best for major damages from the structural level.
Concrete contractors recommend regular maintenance. This can help prolong the life and quality of your concrete driveway.
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