My Driveway is Aging. Should Replace or Hire a Concrete Repair Expert?
So you noticed that the driveway is beginning to show signs of aging (aren’t we all!), and it brought up a lot of questions.
- Can I prolong the usefulness of my driveway to make it last?
- When will concrete repairs require a professional?
- How will I know to replace my driveway?
Concrete is pretty hardy and is designed to withstand weather and heavy use. Even if you see cracks, crumbling, potholes, or uneven surfaces, all is not lost—here are some tips to help you know whether to replace your driveway or hire a concrete repair expert.
Concrete Repair: Repairing Your Driveway
Since replacing the driveway is a larger expense, repairs are always preferred. Repairs will most likely delay replacement; however, the time for replacement will come. Here are six signs that your driveway needs some concrete repair.
1. Discoloration. Your driveway might have picked up color from surrounding vegetation. This can be power washed and clean up. Your driveway might have faded over time. No worries, this is a normal sign of fading and does not indicate a problem. If you patch the concrete, consider including a coloring agent to match the new with the old.
2. Small cracks develop. The time to catch cracks is when they are less than 1/4” wide and before they connect. If these cracks are not repaired, water and ice will make them deeper and wider, creating a bigger issue.
3. A pothole. One pothole caught early, can be repaired, preventing further damage.
4. A sunken area. A common area for the sunken driveway is directly outside the garage door. This generally happens when water erodes the base under the driveway pad. If caught early, it can be repaired.
5. Crumbling edges. If the edges of your driveway pad are crumbling more than the rest if the concrete, it may indicate the edges were poured too thin. Adding concrete to the edge may prevent further damage. 6. Unusual wear. If your driveway is less than 10 years old and is already cracking and sagging, repairs are in order to extend its life.
Leveled technicians have years of experience in successful concrete repair in driveways. Give us a call for a driveway inspection and we can help you explore repair options.
Concrete Repair: Replacing Your Driveway
Unfortunately, all the skills of experienced technicians cannot turn back the clock on aging concrete driveways. A well-built and maintained driveway should last 25 years or longer; if your driveway has issues with major sagging and crumbling, it may be time to replace it.
Here are five signs the time has come to replace your driveway:
1. Drainage problem. The driveway should drain water away from the garage and foundation walls. If sagging directs water toward your house instead of away from your house, this is an immediate threat and needs to be corrected to prevent further damage.
2. Multiple or deep potholes. One pothole can be repaired, but if it is not repaired and worsens over time, this is an indication that the entire driveway will need to be repaired. More water damage can require auto and home repairs.
3. Extensive cracking. If driveway cracks are beginning to look like interconnected spider webs or grow wider every year, this might be a sign for replacement.
4. More than 30 years. If your driveway has seen 30 years and is aging poorly, make plans to consider a replacement. Replacing a driveway is a big decision and can be a big investment. Make repairs early to prolong usefulness and make plans for eventual replacement in advance.
LET US HELP WITH YOUR CONCRETE repair and LEVELING
When you are ready to fix that uneven concrete, call us at 832-995-2000 to schedule your free inspection for concrete repair. Leveled can schedule a free inspection to help walk you through your options.