3 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Concrete Driveway

Wondering whether or not it is time to replace your concrete driveway? Learn three signs that indicate your concrete driveway needs to be replaced.

Concrete driveways have a lifespan of about 30 years. However, many factors affect how long exactly yours will last, including the weather elements it is exposed to, the concrete mix that was used to make the driveways, the quality of the installation work, and the maintenance steps you take.

As the lifespan on a surface can vary, you may find yourself wondering whether or not it is time to replace your concrete driveway. Here are three of the signs that will tell you when it is time to replace your concrete driveway.

1. Long, Wide, or Deep Cracks

Cracking is common on concrete surfaces, such as concrete driveways. Cracks can occur as the concrete surface begins to settle or due to the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to weather extremes. Small cracks can be sealed or filled in. However, cracks that are long, wide, or deep cannot be repaired.

No exact measurements exist for what is considered to be too deep, long, or wide for repair. Ultimately, it is up to a concrete contractor to determine whether cracks are repairable based on the overall condition of your concrete surface and the weather elements that your driveway is subjected to.

If a contractor states that the cracks cannot be repaired, replacing your entire driveway is the only option available. Failure to replace the driveway allows the cracks to continue to grow, and eventually, they can cause your concrete surface to crumble or become a tripping hazard.

2. Sunken Concrete

The second sign that it is time to replace your concrete driveway is when portions of your driveway are sinking. Sinking concrete is most commonly caused by drainage issues.

Your driveway is sloped so that water from rain or sprinklers falls down the slope and into the gutter or the street. But when there are cracks, pits, potholes, or improper grading, water may not drain away from the concrete. Instead, it may sink through to the foundation of the concrete, causing the foundation to erode away. When this occurs, your concrete surface may sink.

When the concrete is sinking, products can be injected below the surface to help lift the concrete. But they are pricey and don't always work. If your concrete surface is older or in poor condition, replacing the surface makes more sense.

3. Pitting or Potholes

The last sign that is indicative of a failing concrete driveway is pitting or potholes. There are a number of reasons why pitting or potholes may be present on the surface of a concrete driveway. Hail storms may have caused damage, heavy cars or trucks may have been parked on the driveway, deicing salt may have eaten away at the concrete, or the concrete may be naturally deteriorating due to the aging process.

Pitting and potholes create numerous problems for your concrete surface. The small or large holes allow water to sit and puddle on the concrete surface. Pits and potholes also absorb water, which can affect the foundation below the concrete surface, causing your asphalt surface to sink or crumble away.
Pitting and potholes can be repaired. However, the repairs are only temporary, buying you a limited amount of time. As such, when pitting or potholes are present on your concrete driveway, replacing the driveway is your best option.

Source: hsandson

EJ & Jr Concrete is a family owned, all our work is guaranteed. No matter the size of your project, we are ready to do. Effective planning is crucial to the successful completion of any project. Before starting the project, our team of experts will first assess your goals. Then we provide you with an estimate and time-line for completion. From beginning to end you will be involved every step of the way call at +1 832-216-4950.

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