Today, many residential and commercial properties choose to install concrete driveways due to concrete’s incredible durability and versatile applications. Exactly how durable are concrete driveways? How long do concrete driveways last Concrete, like all materials, are affected by the weather as well as wear and tear, being subject to issues like cracking and sinking. However, when concrete driveways receive regular maintenance and prompt repairs, they can last around 30 years! In this blog entry, the Atlanta concrete driveway installation and decorative concrete installation experts here at Atlanta Concrete Solutions will detail exactly when to repair, and when to replace your concrete driveway.
When do I need a driveway repair?
Get your concrete driveway repaired if you notice any of the four below signs:
- Cracking
Visible cracks are a major sign indicating you should contact Atlanta Concrete Solutions for a professional concrete repair service. Cracks can form across the surface of concrete, harming its structural integrity and foundation, with harm becoming exponentially worse the longer it is left unrepaired. Concrete cracking can allow water to penetrate the inner layers of the concrete, further causing damages. Make sure to only get your concrete professionally repaired by a true concrete crack repair service expert.
- Uneven Concrete Surfaces
If there’s uneven or unstable soil beneath your concrete slabs, the slabs can sink down and become uneven, becoming safety hazards. There’s many causes for this – from improper installation due to land grading misestimated, a lack of compacted soil before concrete pouring, and more. When soil isn’t compacted, concrete can settle, causing empty spaces that diminish concrete slab support.
- Concrete Color Issues
Concrete is exposed to moisture, wear, and the natural elements – potentially causing staining and dirt which can in turn strip the concrete of it’s important protective layer of coating, causing discoloration, darkening, or even rust. Concrete discoloration can easily be remedied by a concrete repair and concrete renewal service.
- Concrete Chipping
Concrete spalling causes concrete to chip. This is caused by too much water being added to the concrete mix during the installation, or a lack of proper concrete curing. Our professional team can resurface your concrete to create a driveway with a restored seamless and smooth finish.
What are some effective concrete repair solutions?
- Concrete Crack Repair
- Prepping the area, removing concrete debris and stains
- Caulking concrete cracks
- Sealing the concrete slab joints
- Application of UV-resistant stain on the damaged area
- Concrete Leveling
- Use of polyurethane foam to stabilize soil that’s under the concrete. After the material is compacted, the driveway surfaces can be moved to fully level positioning
- Top Coat Concrete Sealing
- Add durability against moisture or chemical exposure, as well as restoring worn out surfaces, revitalizing them. Sealing cracks and joints, preventing water from moving underneath concrete and eroding it.
- Concrete Maintenance
Resurfacing, epoxy repairs, grinding uneven surfaces, and removal of grease and other slippery or sticky substances from concrete surfaces.
When should I replace my concrete driveway?
- If There’s Many Deep Cracks
If you see tons of deep cracks that are wider than a 1⁄4 of an inch, you should replace your driveway. Any water in these cracks can easily cause serious damage as weather changes and the cracks widen.
- If There’s Drainage Problems
If there’s rainwater that’s collecting in different parts of your driveway, you might need to replace it. Drainage can cause more potholes and cracks, exponentially wearing your driveway. Install inlets and curbing to divert water flow, but if damage is extensive enough, we recommend driveway replacement.
- If Your Driveway is Old
If your driveway is very old, or degraded due to ultraviolet ray exposure, hot weather, or extreme foot and vehicle traffic, it is probably a safer and more affordable bet in the long run to replace it.
- If Your Driveway Hasn’t Received Maintenance
If you haven’t received regular maintenance for your driveway, you should get it replaced. Concrete resealing should be performed every 2 years to prevent cracking, and other maintenance like surface cleaning and coat sealing should additionally help protect the concrete from degradation. Ignoring the need for concrete maintenance can easily lead to damages that cannot be repaired, and the driveway should just be replaced instead.