Signs you should repair your concrete driveway

Concrete driveways are a common installation for many homes because of their durability and low maintenance upkeep.

However, this doesn’t mean concrete is impervious to the natural damages that daily wear and tear and outdoor conditions bring. Here are some of the various signs you should repair your concrete driveway when this damage starts to appear.

Cracks

Cracks forming in your driveway, patio, and other concrete surfaces are some of the first signs of damage in concrete slabs. If you notice a small crack, act on it while it’s still small. You can typically repair concrete cracks that are smaller than an inch on your own using tools you already have at home. However, once cracks start to widen and get deeper, household remedies won’t be as effective, and you may need to call in the professionals.

Improper drainage

Drainage issues can be harder to spot because you’ll need to identify them during a storm or just after it rains on your property. If you notice your driveway is no longer conducting water runoff away from your home, this could be a sign of erosion issues beneath the surface. The pressure from cars and trucks on your driveway can cause soil to erode over time, which causes the concrete driveway to tilt and redirect runoff. You never want water runoff to collect and pool near your home, as this can cause health issues and structural damage. Replacing or repaving certain areas of your concrete driveway can help prevent issues in the future.

Uneven concrete

If you don’t catch driveway erosion in time, it can evolve into even bigger problems for your concrete slab. Erosion underneath the surface of your driveway can cause the concrete to dip in places, leaving small hills and mounds on its surface. Not only is this inconvenient to drive and walk across, but it can also lead to worsening erosion and eventual driveway collapses. If you notice that your concrete is becoming uneven, contact a professional right away. There are certain techniques that concrete companies can use to repair uneven driveways, such as foam or mud-leveling procedures.

Remember these signs you should repair your concrete driveway to keep the surface well-maintained and functional. Driveway repairs are key to keeping your concrete surface in good condition and avoiding long-term damage. While driveway repairs and replacement are two different procedures, they are intertwined, as keeping up with repairs can help you avoid costly replacements in the future.