Your concrete driveway is among the most commonly used areas in your home, but we often don’t think of it as much. In reality, this area takes on a lot of weight, wear, and tear, so normally, it sometimes shows significant signs of use. On top of that, it factors a lot into your property’s curb appeal.
Luckily, there are ways to maintain your concrete driveway so that it holds up well enough over time.
Most already-existing damage is reparable, and if it’s not, replacement is always an option to give your driveway a completely new look. Let’s get into all the good, the bad, and the ugly of concrete driveway repair and replacement.
Why Proper Maintenance for Concrete Slab Driveways Is Crucial
The most important aspect of the longevity of your concrete is the use of quality materials in the installation process. Naturally, it’s also important you have professionals pour the slab for you. Pouring concrete is not the easiest of tasks, so it’s often best when left to professionals to make sure there are no structural issues later.
But the real work for you as an owner is the need for regular maintenance.
- The first thing to do is to make sure no water is building up on your driveway. Water, although it seems harmless to the concrete, can cause corrosion and deterioration over time, especially if the concrete wasn’t poured correctly and there are already driveway cracks that will only get worse with water. So, try not to let it sit there for days after the rain.
- Also, make sure to wash your driveway regularly. Debris and dirt will build up in the pores of your concrete slab, so you want to make sure you sweep (or use a leaf blower) every square foot of your entire driveway once in a while. Once in a while, meaning running a power washer at least once a year.
- You should also seal it once a year using a sealant appropriate for your climate. This helps keep the water from penetrating.
- Lastly, try not to use any harsh chemicals or salt on the driveway surface as this will also corrode the area, contrary to popular belief in many colder climates.
Common Problems That Damage Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a tough material that can handle a lot, but even as such, certain things can do quite some harm. Most of these problems are rather common, so it’s not necessarily something you’ve done wrong.
Things like this can happen for various reasons.
Deep Cracks or Structural Damage
Structural damage is likely the most severe, and it usually comes in the form of deep cracks. Apart from cracking, structural damage can show up as:
- crazing
- blistering
- delamination
- dusting
- curling
- efflorescence
- scaling
- and spalling
These damage the structural integrity of your concrete. Cracks are typically fixed using an epoxy injection or other concrete crack fillers, but other types of damage might require a different approach. For example, scaling requires strengthening fibers and a topical sealant. For this reason, it’s best to call professionals when you have extensive damage and deep cracks in your concrete driveway.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are no joke as they can lift the entire concrete surface, breaking it, damaging its structure, and ruining its once-good looks. Apart from an eye sore, a lifted concrete slab is a tripping hazard that also reduces the value of your house. Plus, it would be rather annoying to drive over such concrete daily. Big trees like pine, oak, American Elms, and willows can all lift your concrete with their big roots, so it’s best to avoid placing them near the driveway. This is an especially dangerous issue near pool decks, as the roots can damage the integrity of the pool or make the concrete around it dangerous to walk on, making it a hazard.
Minor Cracks
Minor cracks are very common and might be considered normal surface damage. It usually happens because the concrete dries too quickly. If it’s too hot outside and you don’t water the concrete, it will most likely crack. However, it can also crack if you water it too soon, washing away the cement. Minor cracks can also happen if you go over the weight capacity of your driveway, in which case these minor cracks will quickly become major ones. So avoid putting heavy equipment or vehicles that shouldn’t be there in your home’s driveway.
Settling or Sinking
Settling and sinking happens for many reasons, most often when you go over the concrete’s weight capacity but also if you let water accumulate on the underside of your concrete slab. Water flows and will eventually erode the area, destroying the material that holds the slab, after which the concrete sinks and your smooth surface becomes a cracked or uneven surface.
The Importance of a Professional Assessment Before Repairs
As said, damage is common and can happen to everyone, but it’s important you take the right steps to repair it. The first and most important thing is professional assessment. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, and tools to evaluate the severity of the problem and determine the best way to fix it. For this reason, make sure to work only with the best people.
Repair Options for Each Type of Concrete Driveway Problem
Repairing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it certainly can. In the cases of severe damage, you might have to deal with a more complicated concrete driveway repair job that takes a while longer than you anticipated. Either way, you’ll need professional assistance to advise you on what to do for each type of concrete driveway problem.
Patch of Fill Minor Cracks
Minor cracks, otherwise known as hairline cracks, are relatively easy to repair. You can use grout made from Portland cement and water and mix it to make a thick paste that works as a concrete filler. One thing to remember is that you should moisten the crack for a few hours before applying the grout. You can also use caulk if the crack is below ¼ of an inch. If it’s a larger crack, you’ll need to insert a backer rod prior to the caulk. The final step is smoothing out the surface so that it looks as seamless as possible. Again, a small crack that’s just minor damage can be done DIY, but you still should always call an expert concrete contractor to inspect it afterward.
Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is typically done when you have stains, minor cracks, or anything else that makes the concrete look worn out. This driveway renovation and repair technique is a little time-consuming since there are several steps involved, but the finished result gives you a fresh and new-looking concrete driveway. In short, concrete resurfacing involves pouring a fresh coat of concrete over the worn-out-looking one to improve its structural integrity and make it look brand new. However, it’s very important professionals do any concrete driveway resurfacing, or your newly poured concrete might look worn out before you know it.
Engraving or Restoring
Engraving is done to existing concrete that’s already been cured. You do it by cutting patterns or a texture into it to mask out any cracks. Engraving can be done to simulate tile, pavers, stone, or any other graphic element of your liking. Restoring is also easy to do with a coat of concrete resurfacer, which is a blend of Portland cement, polymer additives, and cement. One thing to keep in mind with this blend is that it has a dark gray color, so it’s best to cover the entire concrete driveway.
Slabjacking to Level Concrete Driveway Slab
Slabjacking is done to level a concrete slab when it sinks or is misaligned. The process is rather simple, but it requires drilling multiple small holes into the uneven concrete slab. Once these are drilled, you’re supposed to inject a concrete mixture, sand, ash, water, gravel, or polyurethane foam into the holes. This is an extensive concrete driveway repair process that professionals must do.
Complete Replacement
Complete replacement is probably the most expensive option, but in some cases, it’s the only one. Usually, it’s what has to be done if the driveway is broken in multiple places or if tree roots have lifted it too much. Replacing the entire slab takes some time because you first have to break and remove the concrete before pouring a new one. Then, you have to allow the new slab to dry, which also takes a day or two, depending on its thickness.
How We Break Out a Concrete Driveway Before Complete Replacement
When breaking out a concrete driveway, the first thing to do is prepare the work area. Clear the driveway and secure the area before creating control joints with a concrete saw. Once you have control joints, use a demolition hammer to break the concrete into small sections. If you don’t have a demolition hammer, even a jackhammer can do.
Smaller pieces are easier to lift, but be careful with wire mesh or embedded rebar. Remove all the broken pieces with a shovel and wheelbarrow and inspect the subbase. Pay attention to potential issues that might need your attention before you pour new concrete, or else these issues can arise even with a new slab.
Finally, clear out the area, removing all debris and dust so that you can create a new concrete driveway with ease.
Again, hiring a reputable contractor to repair any concrete driveway damage will always be the best option. Installing is the most important factor in avoiding even the smallest concrete driveway cracks and preventing any long-term driveway issues.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Driveways
Oil stains are among the most persistent and difficult to remove when on a concrete driveway. The best way to remove an oil stain is with a dish or laundry detergent. Pour it over and scrub with a strong-bristled brush before allowing everything to sit for around an hour. Once this time is up, use hot water to wash everything away. If it’s still there, repeat the process until you remove it.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Oil Stains
The oil that ends up in our driveways typically comes from our cars, so the best way to avoid it is to make sure no oil leaks. Another option is to use a sealant that will repel oil stains. A good sealant is a crucial step in maintaining your concrete driveway because it will also make it easier to clean the concrete.
Driveway Repair Cost Factors
The overall cost of a professional driveway repair service can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Extent of Damage: Minor cracks or holes are cheaper to repair compared to extensive damage that might require complete resurfacing or reconstruction.
- Material Used: The amount and type of materials needed for the driveway (asphalt, concrete, gravel, pavers, etc.) significantly affects the cost. Each material has different repair methods and costs.
- Size of Driveway: Larger driveways require more materials and labor, which increases the cost.
- Labor Costs: The cost of labor can vary significantly depending on the region, the expertise of the contractors, and the complexity of the job.
- Geographical Location: Prices for materials and labor can vary based on local economic conditions, availability of materials, and the cost of living in the area.
- Repair Method: Different repair techniques (patching, resurfacing, sealing, etc.) have different costs associated with them.
- Preparation Work: Additional work such as cleaning, weed removal, and leveling the surface before repairs can add to the cost.
- Seasonal Factors: Weather conditions can affect when the repair work can be done and may lead to additional costs if special accommodations need to be made.
- Additional Features: The presence of design elements, borders, or special finishes can complicate the concrete driveway repair process and increase costs.
- Urgency of Repair: Emergency driveway repairs typically cost more due to the need for quick response and potential overtime charges.
- Accessibility: Difficult access to the driveway can increase the time and labor required for the project, thereby increasing costs.
- Permits and Regulations: Depending on the location, permits may be required for driveway repair, and adhering to local regulations may incur additional costs.
- Market Demand: During peak seasons when contractors are in high demand, prices may increase.
Understanding these factors can help homeowners prepare for the financial aspect of a driveway repair and choose the right contractor for their needs.
Why Expert Repair Is Better Than DIY
Although there are different kits and tools you can purchase for DIY concrete repair, it’s best to leave this work to professionals.
A professional driveway contractor will have the tools and knowledge to do the job well. Plus, they will probably repair your driveway much quicker than you, especially if it’s severe damage that requires more time to fix.
Trust in Xpert Foundation Repair for Any Concrete Slab or Foundation Needs
Working with professionals is a breeze if you have a reliable team that has all the tools, skills, and resources for your concrete driveway repair and replacement needs. Xpert Foundation Repair operates with a team of professionals who know how to deal with all concrete issues, so rest assured the job will be completed quickly, efficiently, and at a high-quality level.
Call them in for a consultation to assess the issue and learn about the repair process.
