Concrete driveways are extremely durable and strong. However, due to wear and tear, improper installation, and weather damage, your driveway can show signs of damage. If you’re undecided if you should repair or replace your entire driveway, this article is for you! We will discuss the signs you should look out for to determine if your driveway needs a replacement or a repair.
Watch Out for Signs of Damage or Aging
Although concrete driveways are extremely strong and durable, once it’s old, it starts to show signs of aging such as staining or cracking. Another reason why concrete driveways fail is if it wasn’t installed properly. To prevent damages, proper maintenance should be observed.
Below are some signs to look out for:
Uneven appearance
Water pooling
Big and deep cracks
Sinking
Colour is fading
Stubborn stains
Warping
Notice any of these signs? Contact Toowoomba Concreters so we can inspect the issue and provide you with solutions!
Get an Expert to Inspect Your Driveway
You start noticing that your driveway has signs of damage, however, it does not automatically mean that you need to replace your driveway. Most people will think that it’s more convenient to change the entire driveway to get it over with, however, replacing a driveway is expensive, time-consuming, and requires manpower.
Consulting an expert is practical because it will save you time and money. Since an expert can quickly determine if you’re driveway needs repair or replacement. Crack and holes will be measured to know their depth and length to check if your driveway can still be repaired.
Ways to Repair Your Driveway
Minor issues such as minor cracks, stains, or small sinking areas can still be saved. At Toowoomba Concreters, here are ways on how we repair minor damages in a driveway:
Recolouring and Resurfacing
As your concrete ages, colour fades and stains from oil or gas appear. Luckily, this can be fixed by recolouring. While resurfacing is adding colours and patterns fix minor cracks and spalling.
Engraving Patterns
Engraving patterns can hide minor cracks and stains.
Slab Jacking
If there are sinking areas in your driveway, slab jacking can raise the concrete slab to return to its original position.
When Does a Driveway Need Replacement?
As you expected, not all damages can be easily repaired. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your driveway might need a replacement.
Major Cracks – any crack that is more than 2 inches in depth
Deep Potholes – this can ruin the foundation of your driveway and cause a more severe driveway damage
Leaking or Pooling of Water – the pooling of water is caused by drainage issues. If left untreated, it can damage your home’s foundation
Multiple Damages for Repair – dealing with multiple repairs at the same time is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing your entire driveway
Conclusion
As soon as you notice early signs of aging or damage, it’s best to have an expert inspect your driveway. If an issue is detected early, you won’t have to deal with expensive repairs or worse—a replacement.
At Toowoomba Concreters, we specialise in driveways. Before we recommend replacing the entire driveway, we need to carefully examine the issue and try to save your driveway.
