Asking if it is necessary to update your concrete driveway, or not? Learn three signs which indicate a need to replace your concrete driveway.
Concrete Away and a House
Concrete driveways have an approximate 30 years life span. Many factors, however, affect how long exactly yours will last, including the weather elements to which it is exposed, the concrete mix used to make the driveways, the quality of the installation work and the maintenance steps you take.
As the life span on a surface will vary, you may wonder if it's time to replace your concrete driveway, or not. Here are three of the signs that will tell you when your concrete driveway should be replaced.
1. Broad, big, or deep ...
Cracking of concrete surfaces, such as concrete driveways, is common. Cracks may occur as the concrete surface begins to settle, or due to weather extremes due to the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Small cracks are sealable or can be filled in. However it is not possible to patch cracks that are long, wide, or deep.
There are no exact measurements for what is deemed too deep, too long, or too wide for repair. Ultimately, it is up to a concrete contractor to determine whether cracks can be repaired based on your concrete surface's overall condition and the weather elements to which your driveway is subjected.
If a contractor declares that the cracks can not be repaired, the only option available is to replace your entire driveway. Failure to replace the driveway allows the cracks to continue to grow, and they may eventually cause your concrete surface to crumble or become a hazard for tripping.
2. Sunken concrete
The second sign that your concrete driveway is time affordable residential concrete companies to replace is when sections of your driveway sink. Drainage issues most often involve the sinking of concrete.
Your driveway is sloping in such a way that water from rain or sprinklers falls down the slope into the gutter or lane. Yet water can not drain away from the concrete when there are cracks, gaps, potholes or inadequate grading. Rather it can sink through to the concrete foundation, causing the foundation to erode away. When this happens your surface of concrete may sink.
As the concrete drops, chemicals can be poured beneath the surface to help lift the concrete. But they're pricy and don't work at all. If your concrete surface is older or in poor condition it makes more sense to replace the surface.
3. Pitting or Pitting
The last indicative sign of a failed concrete driveway is trying to pit or potholes. There are a variety of reasons why a concrete driveway can have pitting or potholes on the surface. Hail storms may have caused damage, heavy cars or trucks may have been parked on the road, deicing salt may have eaten away at the concrete, or the concrete may naturally deteriorate as a result of the ageing.
Pitting and potholes give your concrete surface numerous problems. The small or large holes allow water to sit on the concrete surface and puddle over it. Pits and potholes also accumulate water that can impact the base under the concrete surface and cause the asphalt surface to sink or crumble away.
Could repair pitting and potholes. The repairs are only temporary though, buying you a limited amount of time. As such, replacing the driveway is your best option when the pitting or potholes are visible on your concrete driveway.