Concrete is a popular material to use in residential driveways. While concrete is among the most durable options for paving surfaces, it is important for homeowners to be as informed as possible about this surface so that they can maximize the lifespan of their driveway.
How Can You Prevent Concrete Driveways From Cracking?
Cracking is a common problem that most paved surfaces will eventually develop, and concrete driveways will be no different. However, a homeowner may be able to reduce the risk of their driveway suffering this problem by following some basic maintenance tips. Keeping the surface of the concrete clean can limit the amount of dirt that collects. This may not seem important, but this will ensure the concrete is drying as quickly as possible after getting wet so that the moisture does not damage it.
Can a Concrete Driveway Be Resurfaced?
When the surface of a concrete driveway becomes cracked or discolored, resurfacing is an option for restoring it. During the resurfacing process, a small amount of concrete will be applied over the existing pavement. As it dries, it will bond to the original layer of pavement. This can be an extremely efficient way of repairing shallow surface damage to the concrete. Unfortunately, if the crack is especially deep, resurfacing may not be able to correct the problem. Before attempting this repair, the concrete pavement will need to have its structural integrity inspected. If resurfacing is not able to repair the concrete damage, the entire driveway may need to be replaced.
Are There Options for Easily Managing Ice on the Concrete Driveway?
During the winter season, ice and snow can gather on the driveway and make it unsafe. In addition to the risk of you slipping when walking on the driveway, the ice could also make it harder for your tires to get traction. While snow shovels and deicing chemicals are common tools for managing these problems, both of them can cause some problems for the concrete. The use of a snow shovel can make it more likely that the concrete becomes chipped. Additionally, deicing chemicals can damage the surface of the concrete by making it brittle. It is possible to avoid these problems while still keeping the driveway free of snow and ice by installing electric warmers in the pavement. These warmers can melt ice and snow as they land on the pavement. Some of these systems will have to be manually activated, but you can also opt for automatic systems that activate once the temperature drops below the freezing point.
Reach out to a local concrete contractor to learn more.
Most people do not think twice as they drive over a nice, smooth paved road or park on a flat, well-paved driveway. But there is a lot of work that goes into creating smooth, strong paved surfaces. Paving contractors need to lay out a driveway or parking lot properly to ensure good drainage. They also need to formulate the pavement material properly for the given climate and conditions. As you start reading the articles on this website, you will gain more insight into the life and work of paving contractors. The next time you pull into a parking lot, you will definitely find yourself thinking about what lies underneath your tires.