Proper driveway maintenance can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal. And since you likely use your driveway several times a week, if not daily, you need to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
But with time, the numerous patches and fixes you make on your driveway might no longer be enough to maintain its appeal. Factors like harsh weather and continual use will eventually wear down your concrete driveway.
Take a look at a few tell-tale signs that you should install a new driveway.
1. Deep, Extensive Cracks
Cracks are a clear symptom of a driveway that’s approaching its end of life. Unfortunately, cracks can develop due to many factors, some that might be out of your control.
For example, the concrete can expand and contract due to changes in temperatures. Moreover, the concrete surface can settle over time if the soil underneath shifts. Other factors like corrosion from leaking oil are more within your control, but can still severely affect your driveway. Oftentimes a nearby tree could be the likely reason for wide cracks due to the roots growing underneath the concrete.
Usually, tiny fissures along the concrete surface can be identified and fixed with timely maintenance. But the more extensive cracks may not be so easy to get rid of. While there aren’t any strict standards on how deep a crack should be to warrant replacing your entire driveway, your contractor can examine the condition of your driveway first before they make any recommendations.
If you ignore large cracks, they can only grow wider and become menacing hazards in your home. Also, the wrong repair strategies might worsen your driveway’s appearance, so be sure to hire experienced concrete contractors for the job.
2. Gaping Potholes
Potholes are a constant eyesore, especially if they appear right in the middle of your driveway. Gradual expansion and contraction of the concrete surface may trigger their formation as the driveway material grows weaker. The disintegration becomes more pronounced with time and gives way to deep, unsightly potholes.
You can repair these potholes, but more could still show up in other areas of your driveway, especially with an older driveway. Remember that potholes place great strain on your vehicle’s suspension and wheel systems. If you drive over a deep pothole, the rubber bushings might slowly wear off and ruin your car’s suspension.
Several gaping potholes are an unnecessary risk. You should schedule a driveway replacement as soon as you notice any potholes or broken sections on your driveway surface.
3. Patches of Pooling Water
A well-installed concrete driveway will likely have a proper drainage system to prevent flooding. The design works to allow water to flow downwards towards a special drain. But with time, the drainage system may not be as effective as it once was.
Patches of standing water on your driveway – especially when it rains – are a clear sign of a budding issue. Usually, poor drainage weakens the concrete surface and worsens existing potholes and cracks. You might even miss out on some symptoms of weakened concrete if you’re not looking hard enough.
For instance, any hollow sections on your driveway’s surface can easily hold water during the rainy season. The land underneath may have sunk and created these depressions. But if you’re not keen, you might not notice hollow areas easily.
Typically, your concrete contractor will first assess these sunken sections to verify if standard corrective strategies can be of any use. They could inject polyethylene foam under the depressions to help lift the sunken concrete. But this procedure may not always work. Your concrete expert may suggest a full replacement if this is the case.
Some of these signs may seem minor, but they can actually expose you and your family to several safety hazards. While many people may find it easier to ignore a problem, you should consult experienced professionals like Suburban Contractors Inc. to assess your concrete driveway and gauge the level of damage.
