Concrete is a great material for paving and is the longer lasting alternative to asphalt. However, There is a catch whenever you install or have a contractor install a concrete pavement. Concrete might last longer than asphalt on average, but it also isn’t as easy to fix as asphalt. A damaged concrete driveway usually means you need to replace it. Simply putting more concrete on top of the damaged section will not only make it look worse but is only prolonging the inevitable end.
What Should You Avoid With Concrete Paving?
Concrete paving is a very durable type of paving. It’s lifespan can easily last up to half a person’s normal lifespan. However, despite concrete’s resilience, there are ways owners end up cutting the life of their concrete driveway’s lifespan short. You might be unknowingly doing this to your concrete driveway as well. We’ve put together a list of things you need to keep in mind if you have, or are planning to have a concrete driveway or patio.
Not Putting Enough Sealer
Sealer is an important part of any driveway, whether it be an asphalt or concrete driveway. This keeps water and other chemicals from getting into your concrete and ripping it from the inside out. Ideally you’d want to have sealer added on to your concrete as soon as it dries in order to minimize the amount of water that gets into your concrete driveway while it is unprotected.
Leaving Oil Stains
You’re working on your car and out of nowhere leak causes some oil to spill on to your driveway. These types of stains should be cleaned as soon as possible and not left to dry up on your concrete. Asphalt might be more susceptible to damage from oil spills, but concrete also doesn’t do well with oil on top of it.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals like acids and de-icers should be avoided whenever you’re trying to clean your driveway. These will slowly corrode the integrity of the concrete. This will make it easier for it to crumble and degrade. You should consider using less harsh alternatives when dealing with stains on your concrete. Use soap and a pressure washer instead of anything acidic like bleach when you’re cleaning your concrete.
Too Much Weight on Your Concrete
Everything has a breaking point and concrete is no exception. Before paving you should take into account what types of vehicles will be driving and parking on your driveway. The edges of the driveway are particularly vulnerable to cracking. Just remember that the heavier the vehicle, the thicker the layer needed to make sure that the driveway stays in top condition.
Leaving Water to Pool on Your Concrete
Water is the enemy of any household despite being the family’s best friend. Water can be a problem for many concrete driveways as these tend to pool in certain areas. Water pooling here can seep into the driveway itself and make it crumble from within. If you’re in an area that experiences extreme cold or extreme hot, this water can make expand and contract in your concrete driveway, leaving it brittle and easy to break.
Water also promotes the growth of plant life. These plants will start taking root in the concrete and punching small holes in it that will eventually cause it to fail. Take note of any problem spots on your driveway and try to ensure that water doesn’t pool in those areas.