Most homeowners prefer getting concrete driveways because it’s durable, low maintenance, and can last between 20 to 50 years if properly maintained. However, there are certain factors that can cause concrete to be damaged such as wear and tear, weather conditions, and how it was installed.
If you notice that your concrete driveway has small cracks or damages, it is recommended to have it repaired right away to prevent expensive repairs. Replacing an entire driveway is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and simply expensive!
Here at Mackay Concreters, our experts can determine if your concrete driveway needs repair or replacement by carefully assessing the damage. We will go into the warning signs we look into before deciding for your concrete driveway.
Most Common Damaged that Occur on Concrete Driveways
Since your concrete driveway is being used every single day, it’s prone to wear and tear. These are the damages that occur on concrete driveways:
Stains
Cracks
Hole
Divots or sunken areas
Chipped surfaces
Damages due to poor concrete mix and installation
Sun, moisture, or winder damage
Assess the Damaged Area
If you’re seeing holes, cracks, sinking areas, an expert should assess the length and depth of the damage. If you notice sunken concrete this is due to the process of installation. That’s why it’s important to hire experts in making your concrete driveway. Over the years, Mackay Concreters have been building quality concrete driveways that stand the test of time.
Repairing Concrete Driveways
Resurfacing
Cracking, spalling, and scaling are some issues that concrete resurfacing can fix. It also improves the appearance of the concrete driveway by adding colours and patterns.
Concrete Engraving
Engraving patterns on the concrete driveway can hide minor cracks and discolouration.
Recolouring
Over time, concrete pigments or colour hardeners fade. Stains can happen because of oil, gas, and weather exposures. You can easily revive the look of your driveway by recolouring.
Slabjacking
Slabjacking is used in sinking areas on the concrete. This process will raise the concrete slab back to its original position.
Signs You Need to Replace the Entire Driveway
Large Cracks
If the crack is more than 2 inches deep and is connected to the sub-base.
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Not Properly Installed
Using incorrect concrete mix or poor placement of expansion joints will require new concrete slabs.
Multiple Potholes
Multiple potholes that are deep enough can damage your driveway’s foundation. Replacing the entire concrete is recommended to prevent further damage.
Drainage Issues
Is the water being directed to your home? Your driveway may not be draining properly and this can damage your home’s foundation if not replaced.
Multiple Repair Issues
If your driveway has multiple issues to be repaired, sometimes it’s much better to get a new driveway to save you time and money.
Not Sure If You Should Repair or Replace Your Driveway?
Sometimes, it takes more than physically assessing the damage to determine if it should be replaced or repaired. Our experts at Mackay Concreters will give you professional advice about your concrete driveway.
If you notice the signs of a damaged driveway, don’t hesitate to consult a professional before the problem becomes bigger!
