Concrete Driveways - Are Crack Repairs Imminent?

A concrete driveway that is well maintained can significantly boost your property's kerb appeal. Additionally, since concrete does not require laborious upkeep to enhance its longevity, it remains a favourite for Aussie homeowners. Nevertheless, irrespective of how much care you accord your concrete driveway, it is still bound to succumb to disrepair. The reason for this is the routine exposure to heavy traffic as well as the natural course of weathering. The key to ensuring you do not need to replace your driveway is to consciously take a proactive stance to spot the warning signs of damage and address them before they become aggravated. So how can you tell if crack repairs are imminent?

There is water continually pooling on your driveway

Puddles of water collecting on the surface of your driveway is a clear indicator that the entire structure is uneven. If this phenomenon were not occurring beforehand, it would mean your contractors took the time to ensure that the driveway was installed at a slope to facilitate proper drainage. Therefore, when water starts pooling, it means that the concrete has begun to shift with time. It is compulsory to address the puddling water as it could translate into crumbling, cracking and even the development of concrete cancer. Bear in mind that puddles in the winter could also lead to an acceleration of cracks forming due to the freeze and thaw cycle.

The surface of the driveway is visibly uneven

There are a plethora of factors that would lead to the surface of your driveway becoming uneven. The most common cause is the regular exertion of pressure onto your driveway from vehicles driving over it. Even with the high tensile strength that concrete has, it will eventually begin to exhibit signs of buckling under this weight. Another reason is the natural shifting of the earth. As the ground shifts so does the soil beneath the concrete and this will displace your driveway. Fortunately, these changes in position can easily be fixed with routine driveway maintenance, as your concrete contractors will even out the surface. Nonetheless, if left to go on unhampered, then your driveway will develop deep cracks, which would require intensive repairs to restore its integrity.

There are loose fragments of concrete

A telltale sign of imminent concrete crack repairs is when you begin to notice loose fragments on the surface of your concrete. Do not make the mistake of sweeping them away and forgetting about them as once the chunks start to loosen it means your driveway's surface is crumbling. Your local contractor can assess the damage to determine whether patching would suffice for your driveway or if resurfacing would be essential to prevent collapse.