With constantly changing weather and thousands of pounds of metal moving over your concrete daily, you’re bound to have a cracked driveway eventually. As soon as small divots and cracks begin to appear on the surface, you need to start considering your options:
Replacing Your Driveway
Your concrete driveway has the potential to last up to 25 years before needing to be replaced. After several years, trying to touch up concrete is no longer worth it, because new cracks just keep appearing. Many people choose this option as a last resort, because it involves installing an entirely new foundation as well.
Replacing your driveway may also be necessary if you’re looking to sell your house. It’s more likely to sell with a nice, clean-looking driveway.
Patching the Cracks
Cracks that are less than a quarter-inch wide can be repaired easily with sealant, as they don’t usually signify any deep damage. However, cracks larger than a quarter-inch in width and a few inches in depth can represent serious problems.
Patching large, deep cracks in your driveway may seem like the most cost-effective option, but it’s a temporary solution that’ll end up costing you more later. This is not an invisible solution, however. The filler isn’t going to blend in with the color of the concrete. In the end, you will need to replace your previously cracked driveway after the patching wears down.
Refinishing/Resurfacing
This option is basically the happy medium between the aforementioned solutions. If you’re not in the market to replace your driveway, but don’t feel like constantly patching your cracks either, this might be what you’re looking for. Professional contractors can simply resurface your driveway by basically removing and replacing just the top layer—this way, the foundation remains untouched. With this solution, the driveway looks new but is cheaper than actually replacing it.
Whether patching, replacing, or resurfacing, be sure to contact a professional with any questions or help finding a solution. Port Aggregates is happy to help with your commercial or residential concrete needs!
