Concrete is one of people’s favored materials for driveways. It is durable enough to withstand any type of vehicle and comes in unique designs that allow homeowners to create an appealing driveway.
Unfortunately, despite the concrete’s longevity, there are a few factors that can make its lifespan short and lead to scaling, settlement, discoloration or cracking of the material. Some reasons for that may be the use of an inadequate concrete mix, exposure to severe weather conditions or simply bad placement procedures.
The good thing is you can repair your concrete driveway without having to rip it out and replace it with a new finish. Depending on the condition of the material and the budget you have available, there are several repair options you can choose from to give your driveway a better look.
This post elaborates on the five most popular solutions that will upgrade the appearance and state of your concrete driveway.
Concrete slab jacking
Erosion is one of the most common causes of damaged concrete. This geological process washes soil away from under the driveway, creating a space under the concrete slab, making it sink in those areas where the soil has been washed out. An effective way of fixing such sinking concrete is through slab jacking.
This is a relatively inexpensive technique that involves drilling large holes through the concrete and injecting a special mixture to fill the voids beneath the slab. Depending on the severity of the damage, the procedure can be completed in a few hours and with little to no disruption to landscaping.
Concrete caulking
Another common concrete repair solution is caulking. This option is preferred when the driveway has small cracks which can be patched with flexible caulk. Such a filling process will ensure that water does not flow under the slab, reducing the possibility of the sinking of the concrete.
If you want, you can even do the repair on your own as a DIY project with materials you can find at your local hardware store. Just remember that if there are a lot of areas to fix, it can result in an unappealing overall look and the patches may reopen and become bigger in the near future.
Concrete resurfacing
If your driveway has more significant damage and experiences larger cracks, then you should consider resurfacing the concrete. This process involves applying a thin layer of a cement-based material or a concrete overlay directly over the surface of the existing concrete.
One of the great things about this repair solution is that you can add a decorative finish to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your new driveway. Plus, it is a much longer-lasting option and a better alternative than patching the small cracks of the concrete with caulk.
Concrete recoloring
One of the many problems almost every concrete driveway may experience is discoloration. This occurs as a result of many reasons including severe weather conditions, sun exposure, improper color application and absorption of grease and oil. A simple way to fix such concrete is through recoloring.
The process involves applying a new coat of acid or water-based stain to wash off the concrete and give it a fresh appearance. One thing to remember when doing this is to use a UV-resistant staining product that will protect the material and help maintain its beauty for years to come.
Concrete replacement
If you believe that no repair solution or any type of restoration will fix your concrete driveway, then your last option is to replace it with a new one. This is probably the most expensive way to upgrade your driveway and give it a completely new look.
However, the results you will get are a totally revived concrete driveway, free of cracks and looking aesthetically good. In fact, concrete replacement allows you to change the overall appearance of your driveway by choosing a unique design, color and texture that will best fit with the rest of your exterior.
Final thoughts
Out of all materials used for driveways, concrete is still the most preferred option for many homeowners. Unfortunately, it is still prone to damages that can shorten its lifespan and cause it to crack, sink or lose its initial color.
Besides replacing it completely, you have other repair solutions available that can instantly upgrade the look of your concrete driveway and increase its longevity.
If you want to find out more about the different options, refer back to our post and choose the most suitable one for your driveway.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
