Concrete driveways are one of the best investments you can make for your Denver home. They provide a durable surface that lasts for years, and they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other types of driveway options. Unfortunately, they aren’t impervious to damage and may require concrete repairs or driveway replacement to keep them safe and looking great.
Learn more about concrete driveway damage and when to repair or replace it so you can upgrade your home’s exterior with confidence.
What Causes a Concrete Driveway to Deteriorate?
Concrete is one of the most popular materials used for residential and commercial construction projects. While it is durable and long-lasting, there are several things you should know about how it holds up over time. Here are some common reasons why concrete damage occurs:
Winter road chemicals
A large part of deteriorating concrete in Denver driveways is winter road chemicals. The chemical reaction between the calcium hydroxide in concrete and the calcium chloride in salt causes cracks and a breakdown of the concrete.
When this happens, the only option is to replace the concrete to fix it. However, we do have a sealer to apply to help the concrete last longer.
Moisture
When moisture seeps into this porous material, the concrete will eventually deteriorate. This leads to cracking, peeling, spalling, and other forms of surface damage.
Frost heaves
This natural phenomenon occurs when water freezes in a soil layer below the ground surface, which causes expansion and contraction of the soil. Due to this movement, concrete cracks and fissures can occur.
Tree roots
As tree roots grow, they can end up spreading underneath the concrete driveway. When this happens, the roots weaken the concrete structure and lead to cracking or lifting of the slab.
Wear & tear
Concrete driveways can become worn out due to heavy vehicle traffic and weather conditions, such as moisture, frost heaves, UV exposure, and heat. While applying a protective sealer helps, the elements will take their toll over time.
Poor installation
Installing a concrete driveway is a challenging job and should be done by an experienced professional to ensure long-lasting results. If the work is shoddy, then the concrete driveway’s structural integrity will break down sooner.
Signs of Concrete Damage to Watch For
Now that you have a better understanding of what causes concrete driveways to deteriorate, let’s next review the signs to watch for so you can catch and fix the damage early:
- Cracks
- Chipped edges
- Potholes
- Uneven surface
- Crumbling
- Pooling water
- Ruts
- Discoloration
You don’t have to assess your driveway for damage every day, but it’s important to make it a part of your regular maintenance routine. If cracks and breaks appear to be getting longer, wider, or deeper, then it’s an indicator that the underlying problem is worsening and needs addressing.
Concrete Driveway Repairs vs Replacement
Repairing concrete rather than completely replacing it is often the most cost-effective option. Concrete repairs require fewer materials, as well as less labor and time, than a total concrete driveway replacement.
For example, concrete foam lifting is a popular concrete repair service that elevates the sunken area to become leveled and the polyurethane foam only takes 15 minutes to cure. Another benefit of foam lifting is that it saves on labor costs because the smaller, lighter equipment requires fewer technicians.
While repairing your concrete driveway might seem like a good option, it’s not always the best choice. There are times when concrete replacement is the better decision. For instance, if your driveway has been damaged beyond repair, we recommend replacing it instead of trying to repair it.
Transform Your Denver Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are a great way to improve curb appeal and add value to your Denver property. But if you’ve noticed damage on your driveway — cracks, potholes, unlevel surface, etc. — it’s important to address those problems before they worsen.
Let our concrete experts enhance your driveway’s safety and appearance with a solution that’s right for you, whether that’s repairs or replacement. Contact us now to schedule a free estimate!