Concrete is a sought-after building material in Gympie when it comes to hardscape areas. It is robust, long-lasting, and requires minimal maintenance. Besides that, it is a favourite building material because it can quickly adapt to any desired shape. However, due to the extreme weather changes in Australia and the daily exposure to heavy payloads, there can be a possibility that you will have to repair or replace your concrete driveway.
Knowing if it just needs a simple repair or a total overhaul is essential to ensure that you can address the problem efficiently and save money at the same time. At Gympie Concreters, we will help you go into the signs you look out for so you can determine whether you require a repair or replacement.
Warning Signs of Damage
Knowing the warning signs of damage to look out for is an important factor in understanding what your concrete driveway really needs. That is why our team will share with you some of the most common signs to determine if your concrete driveway needs to be repaired or replaced.
Potholes
Potholes may seem like minor scratches on a concrete surface, but they may also lead to bigger issues over time. Moreover, potholes can affect the safety and curb appeal of your hardscape area. Due to that, it might be best to take care of it before it can lead to further damage.
Cracks
If you notice that your concrete driveway has visible cracks, it may be a sign that its surface is failing due to the daily wear and tear and exposure to heavy foot or car traffic. The simple cracks may not be a huge problem at first, but once water seeps into these cracks and freezes, the cracks will extend further.
Sunken Area
Our certified concreters do not just take care of your area’s surface but also the land underneath it because the longevity of your concrete driveway greatly depends on it. Once the land starts to shift or sink, you will notice sunken areas or cracks on its surface. If this happens, the functionality of your driveways may be affected.
Crumbling Edges
The edges of your concrete driveway have the possibility to crumble, especially if it is too thin upon installation. This problem can also lead to other complications because it can expose the inner material of your concrete driveway to the elements.
Faded Colours
If you decide to have coloured concrete, it is best to note that it will eventually fade after a few years. Although this problem doesn’t concern the functionality of your driveways, the curb appeal and aesthetics of your space might be affected.
Repair Solutions You Can Try
If you noticed the warning signs discussed above in its early stage, there could be a great chance it can be solved through a simple repair job. Here are some of the repair solutions you can try for your concrete driveway:
concrete resurfacing is most recommended for driveways with small cracks and holes
if the cracks and discolouration are not that visible, you can try concrete engraving
for concrete driveways with sunken areas, you can opt for slab jacking because it can raise the concrete slab to its original position
discolouration on your concrete’s surface can be easily repaired because there is a myriad of stains, pigments, coloured sealers available in the market
When Should You Opt for A Replacement?
Here are the times when you should consider replacing your concrete driveway:
if it is more than 20 years old
there was poor preparation and placement, or it is not installed properly
the sub-base is eroded
there are large and deep cracks on its surface
there are interconnected cracks that cover the majority of the driveway’ surface
when there are drainage issues in your driveway
