Tough and long-lasting, if not naturally beautiful like stone, concrete has been used in construction for millennia. Though concrete can last a very long time, as can be seen in ancient works that are still more or less standing such as Rome’s Colosseum, it doesn’t last forever. Its life span is even shorter when it is put to hard use as a concrete driveway is. Here are five signs that it’s time to replace your concrete driveway.
1. There are too many cracks
Over time, cracks in a concrete driveway can start to develop. Small cracks can grow larger over time through precipitation and the salt used to deice your driveway. Large cracks are not only unsightly but can also turn into a trip-and-fall hazard. Lots of cracks, especially alligator cracks that meet up and start to look like a reptile’s back, are a sign that your driveway needs to be replaced.
2. The driveway doesn’t drain properly
Ideally, a driveway should be built with a little bit of a slope to drain water away from the home. Some driveways are badly built, or something happens such as movement of the underlying soil to stop them from draining properly. In some cases, the water not only doesn’t drain away from the house but also drains back toward it, which can cause damage. Poor drainage can also cause puddles of water in the driveway, which can cause the soil to erode. Even though you can have a contractor put a drain in or near the driveway, the best thing to do for a badly draining concrete driveway is replace it.
3. The driveway has sunk
A concrete driveway with bad drainage may also be sinking as the soil beneath it erodes. A sunken driveway is also subject to cracking and is often uneven, which may be hazardous not just to people who walk on it but to your car. Though a single slab that’s not level can be slabjacked, if much of the driveway has sunk, it’s time to replace it.
4. Severe spalling
You can tell that your driveway is suffering from spalling if it’s badly chipped, broken or crumbling away in spots. Spalling happens because the driveway was improperly installed or heavily salted over the years to get rid of ice. You might be able to repair a small area of a spalled concrete driveway, but if the damage is extensive, it needs to be replaced.
5. The driveway is old and ugly
Your driveway may have nothing really wrong with it, but after years of service, it’s become discolored, perhaps with oil or other substances, and it’s just old. You really prefer that visitors not notice it. It’s time to replace it.
To learn more about the care of your concrete driveway, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Instagram and Facebook, or look up AskHomey.com to find a contractor near you.
