While a well-maintained driveway can last many years, Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs will eventually be necessary. Knowing when a complete replacement makes more sense than repairing existing damage is important.
Cracks larger than a quarter inch and disconnected cracks indicate that your driveway needs replacing. Resurfacing only addresses the surface, while addressing issues like soil settling and frost heaving requires removing and replacing the entire driveway.
Cracks in driveways are one of the most obvious signs that a home owner’s hardscape needs attention. This is especially true in regions that experience freeze/thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on concrete and other ground materials. Fortunately, it is possible to repair these minor cracks and prevent them from getting worse.
Hairline surface cracks in concrete are not necessarily a big deal as long as they don’t get wider over time. However, they do indicate that the concrete did not dry properly when it was poured. In most cases, a concrete crack filler is sufficient to remedy this type of fissure.
Wider cracks, on the other hand, often indicate an underlying problem and may require professional help. This is particularly true if the cracks show water pooling in them. If you see this sign, it is important to act quickly before the cracks get worse.
To correct these larger cracks, first, you will want to make sure that the crack is clean and free of debris. This can be done by using a wire brush and shop vacuum. Then, you will want to use a concrete crack filler that is designed for outdoor applications. A product such as Sakrete’s concrete crack filler is ideal. This sealant is formulated to withstand harsh weather and provides a flexible application that can expand and contract slightly with temperature changes.
For best results, it is a good idea to apply the crack filler while wearing gloves. This will ensure that the material is spread evenly and that it does not pull away from the edges of the crack. After the crack filler has been applied, it is important to cover it with a layer of dry Quikrete to help the repaired area blend into the existing driveway surface.
This will give the driveway a finished look and will also help to protect the repaired crack from water penetration. While this will not completely fix the issue, it will prevent moisture from seeping into the crack and causing further damage to the driveway or home foundation.
Even though concrete is one of the strongest and most durable materials you can use for a driveway, it will still need regular maintenance to keep it looking nice. This includes repairs to potholes, which are a common and often quite noticeable problem. These pesky holes can cause damage to your car’s wheels, as well as the underlying structure of your driveway. They’re also pretty annoying to drive over, and they can make your driveway look run-down. Luckily, patching a pothole is not a difficult task, and it can be done quickly with the right materials and approach.
If your driveway is made from asphalt, you’ll need to start by removing any dirt, dust or loose debris from the area of the pothole. This will ensure that the patch you’re putting down is as effective as possible. It will also help it to last longer, which is something that you definitely want.
You can then use an asphalt patch to fill the pothole and compact it down. This will help to keep it stable and prevent it from sinking back into the hole. The patch will also protect the underlying surface of your driveway from water, making it less likely to break down in the future.
It’s important to note that potholes are caused by water getting into places it shouldn’t, so the best way to avoid them is to focus on good drainage. This could be as simple as making sure the slope of your driveway is towards drains or a soakaway, or it might need more extensive work such as including drainage pipes.
Loose gravel is cheap and easy to use in a pothole, but it’s not as long-lasting as a tarmac or concrete solution. It’s also likely that you will need to regularly refill the pothole with gravel as it will break down and spread easily.
If you’ve got a more serious pothole, or some smaller potholes that resemble alligator cracks (see the next section for instructions on this type of repair), then you will need to get to work on more extensive drainage solutions. This might mean digging a ditch on the side of your driveway, or it might be more complicated, like adding a french drain to help funnel water away from the problematic area.
Your driveway is often an overlooked aspect of your home’s aesthetic, but with some creativity and effort, it can become a captivating feature of your property. From simple gardening additions to major repaving projects, here are some strategies for improving the look of your driveway to transform it into an attractive and welcoming entrance to your home.
Whether your driveway is made of pavers, concrete, or asphalt, it can easily be updated with decorative accents to add a touch of personality and curb appeal. Simple stone or brick borders in contrasting colors can be used to create a crisp line between the driveway and grass, while a row of flowering trees is a lovely way to create a natural and welcoming entrance to your home.
Regular cleaning and sealing of your driveway is a simple but effective maintenance strategy that will help limit the appearance of cracks, discoloration, and other common problems. Routine cleanings will also keep harsh chemicals and stains from forming, and prevent the growth of mildew or mold. If a more in-depth makeover is desired, resurfacing with a fresh layer of paving material can revitalize and beautify your driveway, without the cost and hassle of complete replacement.
Another popular option is to use stamped concrete for a more personalized aesthetic. Stamped concrete can be created to resemble pavers, cobblestones, or even traditional blacktop, and offers endless design possibilities. It is durable, affordable, and long-lasting. However, like all paved surfaces, it can be damaged by extreme temperatures or by vehicular impact.
If you prefer a more minimalist look, gravel is a low-cost and easy-to-install alternative to paved concrete. Different sizes of crushed stones create a visually interesting and organic texture, while retaining an overall clean and modern aesthetic.
For a truly show-stopping driveway, consider adding a gate to the end of your driveway. This will not only add security and privacy, but it can also serve as a focal point that makes your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. A custom-built L driveway gate can be designed to match your home and surrounding landscape, blending seamlessly into the overall look of your property.
Concrete and asphalt driveways are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. The constant pressure of cars driving over the surface and other environmental factors can degrade the material quickly. Cracks, potholes, discoloration and drainage issues are just some of the signs that your driveway is in need of a replacement. In many cases, however, the damage can be mitigated by making timely repairs.
Generally, cracks less than one-quarter inch wide can be repaired with fillers or resurfacing. In these instances, the resulting repairs will not only look good, but they may prevent further cracking and damage to the concrete or asphalt. Large cracks, on the other hand, are a sign that it’s time to consider a full replacement. If left unrepaired, they can cause structural damage to the concrete. Additionally, the cracks can also allow water to enter and freeze under the surface of the driveway. This can cause further damage and can potentially result in a sinkhole.
While resurfacing is typically a more cost-effective solution, it’s important to note that it only addresses the surface of the driveway. For this reason, it’s not the best solution for a driveway that’s in serious need of replacement. Moreover, it can be challenging to match the new surface with the existing driveway. If you’re considering a resurfacing job, ask your contractors to show you photos of their previous work.
If you have a concrete driveway, it’s recommended to have it sealed every year and resurfaced every three to five years. While this can be an expensive project, it will help keep the surface in good condition for longer and will prolong its lifespan. Additionally, if you take the time to do these minor maintenance tasks, it will reduce the overall cost of a replacement in the long run. A smoother driveway is also more energy-efficient and will save you money on vehicle operating costs and fuel. For these reasons, it’s always best to perform routine maintenance rather than wait until you have major problems. Then it’s too late, and the repair costs will be more costly.