If properly cared for, driveways can last a lifetime. Regular cleaning, crack filling, lifting sunken slabs, and sealing can help your concrete driveway keep its structural integrity and look great.
Patch cracks promptly and remove weeds with a commercial weed killer for the best appearance. You can also resurface your driveway for a new look at a fraction of the replacement cost. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston SC now!
Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials, but it can develop cracks as it settles. It’s important to repair cracks as soon as they appear because, over time, they can get bigger and cause the driveway to crumble. If you don’t deal with them immediately, your driveway may need to be replaced.
Narrow cosmetic cracks are a normal part of the process of settling and can be easily repaired with a high-quality resurfacing product like Quikrete’s Concrete Resurfacer. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the cracks and etch them (create a shallow acid wash) before applying the resurfacer. This will help the new material bond with the surface of your driveway, giving it a smooth appearance that lasts.
Other, wider cracks may be caused by a poor foundation or base for your driveway. Even if the contractor used proper mix design, compacting and steel reinforcement, the soil underneath might not be able to support the weight of your driveway. This can lead to cracks that are more than cosmetic and should be addressed by a professional driveway specialist who can remove the existing concrete, recompact and backfill the area and then lay a new foundation, including brick edging for an attractive and long-lasting solution.
Rapid changes in temperature can also cause your concrete to expand and contract, causing it to crack. The best way to prevent this from happening is by ensuring that the percentage of air in your concrete mix is correct when it’s poured.
Larger cracks that are accompanied by heaving and sinking are more serious than narrow surface cracks and usually indicate that your driveway needs to be completely replaced. Wide cracks that span the width of your driveway or aren’t in a control joint can also be dangerous, as they can allow water to seep into the subgrade and freeze and thaw repeatedly, which can weaken your entire driveway slab. Professional driveway specialists can assess the severity of your cracked driveway, recommend a replacement solution like concrete lifting, and offer permanent repair solutions that are guaranteed to work.
Potholes
Potholes are damaged sections of a driveway that create deep depressions. They are a common problem for paved streets and driveways, especially during the spring when melting snow or rain can displace the surface and cause water to build up underneath.
When you hit a pothole, it can damage your car or cause you to lose control while driving. It is important to fix them immediately to lower the risk of injury or property damage.
Almost all potholes are caused by water buildup in the pavement, so the first step is to remove any standing water and improve drainage. Next, you need to fill the hole with a material that is resilient enough to last. Asphalt patch is a good option for pothole repair, but you can also use gravel or dirt. Fill the hole so that it rises a few inches above the surface of the driveway, and then compact it with a steel tamper or 4×4 wooden post.
If you have a large number of potholes on your driveway, it may be more efficient to hire a professional. They can make the repairs much faster and ensure that the new material is durable enough to stand up to traffic. In addition, professionals have access to tools like a wheelbarrow, which makes it easier to transport heavy materials and tools.
While potholes may be inevitable, you can reduce their frequency by regularly inspecting your driveway for any signs of deterioration. This will help you catch problems before they become serious, and you can also take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
A puddle is the most obvious sign of an issue, but a crack or chip in the surface is also a warning. If you notice any of these issues, it is a good idea to wet your driveway with a hose. This will soften the surface and make it easier to see any imperfections. You can also use a shovel or rake to get a closer look at the condition of the driveway. Once you have found any areas that need repair, be sure to use a driveway sealer afterward.
Weeds
Weeds growing in driveways are not only unsightly, but they can also damage the gravel surface and underlying soil. Moreover, their roots may spread into cracks and crevices to further split the pavement slabs. Therefore, it’s important to keep weeds at bay by employing regular maintenance strategies.
Weed removal can be done by hand or using chemical solutions. For the former, it’s best to do this on a non-rainy day so that the weed killer doesn’t get washed away or seep into nearby plants or lawns near your gravel driveway. If you choose to go the chemicals route, there are a number of weed killers available for home use such as contact, systemic and residual. These work by either killing the weeds on contact, absorption through their leaves or by blocking the plant’s growth.
A common weed found in driveways is nutsedge (aka quack grass). It grows in thick patches and produces a lot of seeds. It can be very difficult to pull from the ground and is resistant to weed killers. It also has a deep root system making it even harder to remove.
Perennial weeds like thistles and dandelions are also common in driveways. They can grow and flower quickly, producing many seeds. They can be removed by hand or with a weed killer, but their long roots can make them hard to remove from the ground.
Another common weed is annual ryegrass. This is a common lawn weed but can also be a problem in gravel driveways. It can spread to paths and patios and is a challenge to control with regular mowing and other gardening methods.
If you’re not up to pulling the weeds by hand or using homemade weed sprays, professional weed removal is a great option for total weed control and long lasting results. They have the expertise and equipment to safely treat the weeds in your driveway, ensuring they don’t return.
If you’re still concerned about the environmental impact of chemical weed killers, try a more natural approach by using a weed burner. This is a torch-like tool that essentially burns the weed to the ground, removing it from the root and preventing it from growing back.
Curb Appeal
The driveway is one of the first things that visitors and passersby see, and its look can set the tone for their expectations going forward. Many of the same curb appeal ideas that make the yard and front entryway look great can be used to enhance the drive, walkways and other hardscape elements in your front yard.
If your concrete driveway is cracked, stained, or overrun with weeds, start by cleaning it thoroughly and repairing the damage. Then, consider resurfacing the surface to improve its overall appearance and add eye-catching texture. Using decorative concrete resurfacing materials like brick or pavers can give your driveway a custom look that’s a step above traditional asphalt. You can even add lighting to your new driveway design for additional visual interest that’s sure to impress.
A well-designed walkway can frame your front yard and create a nice transition from paved surfaces to the lawn and plantings. For a quick curb appeal upgrade, try resurfacing a worn or damaged sidewalk with a concrete resurfacer and adding border materials. You can also widen a narrow path by adding pavers, flagstones, or bricks, or you can opt for an entirely new walkway built with stone or brick.
In addition to enhancing your home’s exterior look, curb appeal can help you sell your property more quickly and at a higher price. Many real estate agents will recommend curb appeal upgrades based on their experience in the local market and how they can impact a potential buyer’s perception of your property.
A fresh coat of paint or other simple exterior improvements can dramatically boost your home’s overall aesthetic. You can also improve the appearance of your entryway with a new door lockset, wall-mounted mailbox and stylish pavers that coordinate with the architecture of your home.
Curb appeal is also a highly subjective concept that may vary significantly on a neighborhood- and street-by-street basis. While your favorite color scheme and front-yard plants might be a big draw for you, they may not resonate with prospective buyers. In fact, it’s best to leave curb appeal recommendations up to the professionals, who are trained to understand how a particular home will look from the street and can provide guidance on how to maximize your home’s visual appeal for maximum value.