As Michiganders we experience harsh winter weather and freeze-thaw cycles that can damage your concrete driveway. Replacing your concrete driveway can be an expensive project. So how do you know if it is time to repair it or replace it?
Driveway Repairs
Cracks that are less than a quarter of an inch wide can be repaired easily with liquid fillers which can be purchased at most hardware stores.
However any larger or deeper cracks may indicate a bigger structural problem. Although you can patch or fill in these cracks, you may only be putting a temporary band aid on the problem.
For these larger holes, you would fill them with a putty-tar like material. Remember, sooner or later you will have to completely replace concrete driveways with these types of holes. Patching simply buys you a little more time. But if saving money for a few years will help your financial situation, patching may be your best option. It real comes down to a matter of preference.
Consider the Age of Your Concrete Driveway
If your concrete driveway is older such as 25 years or more, a replacement may be the best option.
Unfortunately, after 25 years of winter weather and heavy vehicles, the concrete will simply fail and trying to patch an older driveway is not always worth the time and energy. Generally speaking, those repairs will buy you more time but ultimately the amount of work required to keep patching an older driveway is not worth it.
Driveway Replacement
The functional condition of the driveway isn’t always the deciding factor in replacing or repairing your driveway. Oftentimes, the driveway can have a lot in impact on your home’s curb appeal.
This is especially true if you are trying to sell your home. A driveway in disrepair is not attractive to buyers and can really bring down the value of your home. For these types of situations, it is better to replace than repair.
Driveway Resurfacing
There is another option in addition to patching or completely replacing your driveway. A concrete contractor can resurface your driveway by removing the top layer of concrete and replacing it.
You can think of resurfacing as the middle ground. It will buy you more time than simply patching and will look better than those patched holes as well.
At the same time, resurfacing is less than expensive than a full replacement yet the lifespan may not be as long as a concrete replacement. Consult with a professional concrete contractor to learn more about resurfacing options.
Help! I need a Sterling Heights Concrete Contractor to Repair or Replace My Driveway
If you are in the Sterling Heights area and are in need of a reliable concrete contractor, contact Flat Rock Concrete Construction at (248) 379-0250 or (586) 726-6091.
For over 20 years, Flat Rock Concrete Construction has provided concrete services for residential and commercial projects. We specialize in driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate and much more.