Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs does considerable work to keep driveways in good condition. Stains, cracks, and holes are unsightly and indicate structural damage.
Wide cracks accompanied by sinking may require full slab replacement. Mudjacking is an alternative but it doesn’t address the root cause and is likely to fail.
If a concrete driveway has wide cracks or large holes, you want to hire a professional to repair these areas. A major crack that is more than a couple of inches wide is an indication of a structural problem that will likely require full slab replacement. Likewise, any crack that is accompanied by sinking or heaving in the rest of the driveway must be replaced.
If you only have a few hairline surface cracks, filling them with concrete caulk is a good short-term solution until the weather warms enough for more permanent repairs. To do this, chisel the crack to make it wider at the top than the bottom, then clean the area and brush on a latex bonding adhesive. Apply the caulk and “feather” it, even with the surrounding surface.
A more long-term fix is to use a product like Quikrete’s Polymer Modified Structural Repair to fill the cracked or crumbling edges of your driveway. This repair material can be sculpted and molded to reform the edge of your driveway, and it is designed to form a strong, durable bond with concrete. The best time to perform a structural repair is in the spring or summer when the weather is warm and dry.
Although some products can reduce random cracking in concrete, the only way to prevent cracks is to correctly design and construct your driveway. That means excavating to the proper depth, using the correct fill and compacting thoroughly, concreting at the appropriate depth with reinforcement, and incorporating expansion joints.
Mudjacking is a popular technique used to address some types of settlement in concrete. Still, it is messy and expensive and requires several days for the material to cure, leaving your driveway unusable during this time. It also doesn’t address the root cause of the settlement, so your driveway will likely sink or crack again over time. For these reasons, it is typically better to do a full replacement when necessary.
Concrete surfaces outside the home can become uneven, especially if a portion of a driveway or patio sinks. That can create tripping hazards that are particularly dangerous for elderly individuals and children who may not be paying attention. It is also unsightly and can make the entire property look unkempt. Luckily, there are several ways to deal with underwater sections in concrete.
One option is removing and replacing the concrete with a new pour. That can be expensive and time-consuming. However, it can produce a beautiful and long-lasting result. It is also important to address the cause of the hollow section to prevent it from recurring. A professional can help you determine what is causing the problem and offer solutions to keep it from happening again.
A common way to repair a sunken section is using a sand-concrete mixture. A hammer or chisel is used to chip away the old concrete and fill the holes with the sand mix. That is a quick fix that will raise the section back up. However, it will leave the surface looking patchy and different from the surrounding concrete.
Another option is to use a polyurethane injection method. That involves drilling holes into the existing concrete and pumping a liquid fill material into the gaps underneath. It can raise concrete and mudjacking, but it is considered a more long-term solution because the rigid expanding foam does not wash or shrink over time.
If you have an older concrete driveway, getting sunken sections repaired as soon as possible is important. That will help to prevent tripping hazards, car problems, and general damage to the surface. By contacting a professional concrete repair company, you can get the help you need to restore your driveway or patio to its former glory. They can advise you on the best repair method based on your unique situation and budget. They will also offer suggestions for keeping your concrete looking good and preventing future damage.
Concrete driveways tend to develop rough surfaces due to settling and the weight of cars on top. At the same time, many options for smoothing these uneven sections require specialized products and are best left to a professional contractor who knows how to use them properly.
Rough, pitted concrete can be repaired by filling the pitted areas with a cement patch mix that includes Portland cement, sand, and a polymer-based bonding agent. Before applying the patch, cleaning out the area to be filled and removing any loose debris is important. The patch should then dry before vehicles are driven over it.
Alternatively, you can pour a new layer of concrete to fill the hollow section. That can be done in a few different ways, including mechanically lifting the slab with some jack system and then refilling it; pumping material under the concrete to lift it and then filling the space underneath to keep the concrete from sinking again; or resurfacing the entire driveway with an overlay.
If you’re dealing with a large amount of uneven concrete, it might be time to replace your driveway. A concrete driveway professional can help you determine the issue’s underlying cause and whether repair or replacement is more appropriate.
Narrow cosmetic cracks less than a quarter inch wide don’t pose a structural threat and can often be repaired with a concrete resurfacing product. Wide, jagged cracks accompanied by heaving or settling indicate a more serious problem that must be addressed by replacing the entire driveway.
Whenever you’re working with concrete, wearing a face mask and nitrile gloves is important. Direct contact with concrete or its repair materials can lead to chemical burns and other serious injuries. Additionally, if you’re using a power tool, always ensure it’s turned off and isn’t running over the area where you’re doing repairs. That will prevent accidental damage to your vehicle or other property while attempting to repair your concrete driveway.
If a driveway needs repair, consider resurfacing the entire surface. Resurfacing involves putting on a new layer of concrete over the top of the existing concrete, and it is usually a better option than simply filling in cracks and patching holes. It can also improve the driveway’s appearance, and there are many different colors and patterns from which to choose.
Before you begin repairing and resurfacing your concrete driveway, it’s important to do a thorough inspection to determine the cause of any problems. That will help you decide whether the repairs are enough or necessary to replace the driveway. The biggest factor in determining this will be the amount of damage to the concrete. If the cracks are widespread and accompanied by spalling or heaving, it is likely time to replace the driveway.
It is also important to note that any crack in the concrete may allow water to get in and cause further damage. That is particularly true in climates where freeze, thaw, and refreeze cycles are common. When water seeps into the concrete and expands, it causes the crack to get bigger and may eventually break the concrete apart.
For small cracks and holes, using a concrete patching compound to fill in the problem areas is a good idea. The compound will seal the cracks and make it more difficult for water to penetrate them. For larger cracks, you can use a concrete patching kit with all the tools and materials needed for the job.
Once the repairs are done, you’ll need to wait a week before driving on the concrete and a month or so before parking anything larger than a small car. That will allow the new concrete to be set before the added pressure is applied. By getting ahead of these issues, you can save yourself from the headaches and expense of a full replacement in the future.
It’s important to understand that although a concrete driveway is a durable and strong material, it will still need regular maintenance. If left unattended, even minor cracks and holes worsen over time. By identifying the signs of needing concrete driveway repair and taking prompt action, you can keep your concrete surface looking good for a long time.