Concrete driveways are a favorite among homeowners due to their sturdiness. And because the driveway is one of the prominent features of your home, you don’t want it to show signs of damage. But damages do happen, despite concrete driveways boasting a long lifespan. They’ll eventually start to crack or show other signs of wear.
But how can you tell it’s about time to contact Concrete Contractor Colorado Springs to repair your driveway? Here’s a closeup look at warning signs that tell you it’s time to replace your concrete driveway.
- Weathered Appearance
Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes your concrete driveway to look weathered.
Weathering can also happen due to exposure to different weather conditions and chemicals used to clean the driveway.
If your driveway exhibits all these signs of deterioration, it’s time to consider replacing it. Replacing your driveway is also an option if you have plans to sell your home in the future. After all, the driveway is an integral part of your home’s curb appeal.
- Visible Cracks On The Surface
Cracks usually form on asphalt and concrete driveways. If concrete repair isn’t done sooner, salt, gas, oil, and other substances will infiltrate the driveway’s surface over time. As a result, the cracks on the driveway become broader, deeper, and longer. This means you’ll need to replace your concrete driveway altogether.
- Uneven Surfaces
The issue of an uneven concrete driveway arises when the concrete starts to settle. If left unchecked, it can lead to structural damage and water pooling. As a result, it might cause unwanted hazards such as accidental falls and trips, causing injury to your loved ones.
So, if you notice uneven surfaces all over your driveway, get it replaced right away. It’s the way to go when the driveway has extensive damage, and repairing it wouldn’t be cost-effective.
- Drainage Issues
Does rainwater collect in certain areas of your driveway? If so, you need to replace it, as this affects the proper function of the driveway. It can also cause other issues, such as potholes or big cracks, if not remedied right away.
The water accumulating on the driveway’s surface might also end up penetrating the foundation. As a result, this causes the driveway to be damaged.
- Advanced Age
The maximum age for concrete driveways is 25 years from when they were first built. This age can be lower in areas that often experience extreme weather, whether too hot or too cold. But on average, driveways are replaced when they approach the 30-year mark.
An old driveway shows signs of wear and tear, such as staining, cracking, or crumbling. And replacing it altogether rather than repairing it is the better route. Repeated extensive repairs to your driveway usually destroy its visual appeal and function. You’ll also spend more on repairing your concrete driveway than replacing it.
So, if you’ve repaired your driveway several times, consider replacing it instead.
- Presence Of Potholes
Potholes on driveways form after a series of repeated expansions and contractions of the surface. Over time, the top material on the driveway weakens. Bits and pieces start to crack and crumble and, in the end, create a pothole.
A pothole isn’t hard to notice on a concrete driveway. And besides being visually unappealing, driving your car over potholes causes various issues, such as:
- Tear or puncture to your car’s tires
- Car alignment problems
- Damage to the suspension system
- Damage to the belts and sidewall
If potholes aren’t repaired fast enough, structural damage to the concrete driveway might occur. In such cases, you’re left with no option but to replace the concrete driveway.
- Lack of Resealing
Resealing must be applied on concrete driveways every two to three years. Doing so helps prevent damage to the driveway’s edges from minor to moderate cracks. Ignoring the application of resealing after several years will eventually cause extensive damage to the driveway. As a result, your entire driveway may have to be replaced.
- Presence Of Weeds
It’s normal for your driveway to be surrounded by weeds or grass. But if you start seeing weeds growing on your driveway’s surface, it’s a clear cause for concern. When this happens, the foundation has aged, and cracks will start proliferating on your driveway. This damage creates a conducive environment for the weeds to thrive on the driveway’s surface.
Takeaway
While the concrete driveway can last 10, 20, or 30 years, a time will come when you’ll need to replace it. Usually, the signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, are visible and ruin your home’s curb appeal. Detailed above are the signs that it’s time to replace your concrete driveway. If you see any of the signs featured here, you can consider scheduling the driveway’s replacement to restore its look and function.
