A concrete driveway not only enhances the aesthetics of your property, but it also saves you the hassle of
finding a parking space. When parked in the driveway, you can safely put your kids in the car and unload
groceries without carrying them around.
If the driveway is old, it will have cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces, which may lower the value of your
home. If you want to sell your home or make it more appealing, timely maintenance of your driveways is a wise
option.
But whether to get concrete driveway repair in Queens or get them fully replaced? In this
article, we will help
you understand the reasons why your concrete driveway needs complete replacement and renovation.
Common Concrete Driveway Damages
There are so many reasons why concrete surfaces might deteriorate. These damages might occur because of harsh weather conditions like excessive sunlight, rain or snowfall. Other reasons for driveway damage can be water pooling, poor drainage, the use of low-quality material, or the amount of time given to the concrete for healing before sealing it.
If you see any of these five things, it might be time to get a new concrete driveway.
- Deep Cracks and Fractures
- Big Potholes and Sunken Areas
- Spalling or Flaking
- Persistent Stains and Discoloration
- Soil Erosion and Deterioration of Edges
Deep Cracks and Fractures
Cracks and breaks in your concrete driveway are one of the most obvious signs that it is breaking down. Many things can cause these, such as freeze-thaw cycles, damage to tree roots, or movement of the soil below the surface. Most of the time, small cracks can be fixed. However, if your driveway has big cracks on the surface or deep fractures that weaken the structure, the concrete needs to be replaced.
Potholes and Sunken Areas
Sunken or uneven sections of your driveway, as well as recurring potholes, are indicators of underlying issues with the sub-base or soil compaction. These depressions can collect water, leading to further deterioration and potential drainage problems. Repairing or levelling your driveway does not work. It might be time to think about replacing the whole thing to get to the bottom of the problem.
Spalling or Flaking
The term "spalling" refers to the chipping, flaking, or scaling of concrete surfaces. This can happen because of bad installation, bad weather, or chemicals used to melt ice. The concrete in your driveway may be breaking down and needs to be replaced if it is flaking a lot. Replacing the concrete will make it look good and work effectively once more.
Persistent Stains and Discoloration
Stubborn stains, discoloration, or surface discoloration from oil spills, rust, mould, or mildew can make your driveway look bad and could be a sign that there are problems with the sealant or protective coating that is on the concrete. These problems can be temporarily fixed by cleaning and sealing the surface, but if there are deep stains or widespread discoloration, the driveway may need to be replaced to give it a new, uniform look.
Erosion and Deterioration of Edges
If you do not properly reinforce the edges of your concrete driveway, they are especially likely to wear away. Over time, you may notice that the edges are crumbling, flaking, or slowly breaking down, which is bad for both the structure and the way it looks. If trying to fix or strengthen the edges does not work, replacing the whole driveway might be the best way to stop it from getting worse.
How Can Hiring a Professional Help?
If you have a broken or damaged driveway and you cannot fix it on your own, then hiring an expert might come in handy. Moreover, you can get assistance from experts like Sidewalk Repair Queens and get your driveways fixed in no time. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle complex situations. By hiring a professional, you will also get peace of mind knowing that your driveway is in the right hands.
Conclusion
In the end, concrete driveways are known for lasting a long time, but they can still get damaged. If you look for these five signs of wear and tear on your driveway—cracks, potholes, spalling, stains, and edge erosion—you can figure out how bad it is and decide if you need to replace it to keep your home safe, functional, and attractive. If you are not sure what to do, talking to a professional concrete contractor can help you figure it out and give you advice that fits your needs.