Driveways of homes made out of concrete, when well maintained, are rarely repaired by the homeowners. However, there are a number of reasons for why repairs are necessary in the concrete driveway. One primary reason is the weather which tends to apply stress to the concrete, making it break or damage over time. Though it may require minimal repair, but oftentimes certain conditions creep up to the surface of the concrete making it damage and replacement necessary.
For minor repairs…
Homeowners typically complain about small chippings and cracks on the surface of their concrete driveway. Though small and minor in general, but these little damages must be dealt with immediately upon detection. If left as is, damaged and unrepaired, they may exacerbate into larger and deep cracks which ultimately may need major construction works. Basic cementing of the affected area, as well as applying certain bonding agents, is the simplest and most effective minor repair job for these chips, and the materials are very much available at local hardware stores.
Chippings and cracks are caused by concrete’s contraction and expansion, which is concrete’s reaction to the different weather changes that it undergoes. The expansion of concrete is caused by heat whereas its contraction is caused by cold. With the rapid change of heating and cooling, especially during autumn, the stress involved of constantly contraction, expanding, and then contracting and vice versa causes cracks and chips to appear.
For major repairs…
Small cracks that where left unrepaired which then developed into deep and extensive cracks will now need major repairs. Another reason why repair is important is the buckling of the problematic concrete. Concrete buckles due to the soil underneath said concrete will sink, and causes of said buckling may be due to the water frozen underneath, causing the concrete to bulge in its own position. When warm summers come, the frozen water melts causing the soil underneath the concrete to sink, leading to a formation of a trough. This trough then cracks the concrete from the inside, loosening its strength.
The best intervention for these conditions is to remove the old concrete first, and to prepare the ground again for a concrete replacement. The driveway may then be poured with fresh concrete, and allow it to set in its place. For major repairs such as this one, you will have to ask the help of a professional contraction that has experience in his belt and also gives a price that is reasonable for the task.
