4 Signs Your Concrete Driveway Needs Repairing

Although concrete is undeniably one of the most robust building materials, it is also true that exterior concrete is subject to several elements. Concrete surfaces, such as your driveway, deteriorate over time due to long exposure to those elements.

As everyone knows, we construct driveways and parking garages to last. But they aren't indestructible. Concrete has a 30-year lifespan, while asphalt has a 25-year lifespan. However, to achieve these life expectancies, you'll need to conduct routine maintenance and make some driveway or parking lot improvements. If you don't keep up with this servicing, you'll find damage that shows a need for repair and replacement.

Sooner or later, your driveway will need repairs. You may not realize it until it's too late when your concrete driveway breaks or falls. Keep an eye out for any indicators that your concrete driveway needs maintenance to stay ahead of the game. Let's take a look at some of the most popular indications that it's time to fix your concrete driveway.

1. Evident Cracks

Cracks in your concrete driveway are generally the first indication that it needs to be fixed. Cracks in concrete are usually because of expansion and compression of the soils under concrete blocks. The cracks can appear tiny and thin at first, and you might overlook them.

If you don't fix the damage rapidly, the cracks will grow larger and longer. The safest course of action is to get Concrete Driveway Repair as soon as cracks emerge rather than allowing for them to spread. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

When measuring cracks, pay attention to the width, length, and depth of the cracks. Cracks that are longer, broader, or deeper suggest more serious damage. Some fixings can happen with driveway or parking lot repairs, while some will need a total overhaul.

2. Rough Surface

An irregular surface is yet another indication that your concrete driveway needs to be fixed. Concrete slabs can settle due to weather conditions. Concrete raising can be used to correct the problem. If you don't repair the rough surface promptly, the problem can escalate. It can lead to cracking and breaking.

When the ground under the paving expands and stretches, potholes form. As this happens repeatedly, the concrete starts to deteriorate and cracks emerge. The material will inevitably dissolve and a pothole will form when traffic passes over the weak point.

You will be left with no other choice but to rebuild the whole concrete driveway if this happens. You'll save a lot of time and money if you notice the problem early and improve your driveway. This is a very common concern with paved surfaces. Depending on the severity of the damage, driveway or parking lot improvements may be appropriate, or may need rebuilding.

3. Drainage Problems

The lifetime of your driveway or parking lot also depends on drainage. If your concrete driveway is in good condition, any water that falls on it will be soaked. Also, if water collects in your concrete driveway, it's a hint that it needs fixing. So, if you don't have a professional examine and fix your driveway promptly, you'll end up with a lot of water damage. 

As a consequence, if you find pools of water on your driveway, contact a professional as soon as possible. Adjusting the ramp, adding curbing to help steer the movement of water off the parking lot or driveway, and building drainage or inlets to provide a path for the water to go are all examples of parking lot drainage repairs.

4. Indicators of Aging

Aside from concrete concerns, noticeable signs of aging often mean that your concrete driveway needs care. The harm is the most likely time of life if there are pavements, cracks, pooling water, and roughness. Your driveway is almost definitely too old to bear any more abuse. In this scenario, you'll need to repair your driveway. The best course of action is to consult a specialist to figure out the best approach possible.

As the sun's UV rays absorb and oxygen begins to oxidize the surface for which you need Rough Grading Services. The beautiful pavement you set up will begin to fade. Fading is typically cosmetic (in which case surface coating can restore the desired appearance), but oxidation will weaken the pathway, necessitating repair or replacement.

Conclusion

If you see any of these signs, it may be time to fix your driveway or parking lot, which may involve crack patching, waterproofing, resurfacing, fixing drainage issues, or repairing it completely. Trying to keep an eye out for signs of concrete deterioration will help your driveway last longer.

Lastly, fixing any concrete-related issues as soon as they occur can prevent them from worsening and developing. If you're not sure what a symbol means or what the best course of action is, contact a concrete professional and let them handle it.