Exposed to the daily pressures and inclement weather patterns of Milwaukee, your driveway surface works hard. As time passes, the elements, the weight of vehicles, oil leaks, and erosion can all cause damage to your driveway’s surface material. The potholes, cracks, and stains left behind then put a damper on your curb appeal.
Minor problems in your driveway can be fixed, and it’s always a good idea to fix them right away before they become major problems. There are a few common signs that can signify it may be time to repair or replace a Milwaukee concrete driveway. If you find your driveway having one or more of these issues, it may be time to prepare for a new concrete driveway.
Driveway Cracking
If your concrete driveway has large cracks, it can be a signifier that the surface is beginning to fail. Your driveway may need some attention to avoid more significant problems occurring in the future.
As a general rule, You can repair cracks that are less than a quarter inch wide with sealant. You can then choose to resurface or refinish the entire driveway for a uniform appearance.
When the driveway cracks are larger than a quarter inch wide, repairing is a short-term solution. Large cracks can cause bigger issues because they allow water to seep below the surface. With the freezing temperatures of Milwaukee, this can be an issue as water freezes and thaws under the surface. With cracks larger than a quarter inch wide, replacing the entire driveway is recommended and can provide many benefits.
Driveway Drainage Problems
When a concrete driveway is well-designed and functioning appropriately, there shouldn’t be much issue with water. On the other hand, if you are constantly noticing water pooling in areas or running down the center of the driveway, you are likely having drainage issues.
When drainage problems are not remedied, they contribute to potholes, cracks, and the weakening of the surface.
In an attempt to repair the driveway, you can replace drainage piping or install strip drains. However, you may need to completely replace a concrete driveway if the damage done is beyond repair.
Driveway Age
Most driveway surfaces are not designed to hold up under extreme pressures forever. Generally, a concrete driveway needs to be replaced after 30 years. If your driveway is close to or older this age, choosing to only make repairs will not be a lasting solution and may not be a wise investment. Making significant repairs at this stage may end up costing you more in the long run.
Maintenance Best Practices For Concrete Driveways
Whether you decide to repair or place a concrete driveway, there are a number of things you can do to prolong the life of the surface. Routine maintenance is the key to helping your driveway last for years.
- Patch cracks as soon as you see them.
- Shovel snow instead of salting the driveway, which can contribute to driveway cracking.
- When you notice oil leaks and fluid stains, pressure wash the surface right away.
- Reseal your concrete driveway every 5 years.
Contact JBS Construction to Repair or Replace a Milwaukee Concrete Driveway
If your current driveway has seen better days and is no longer up to your standard, it’s time for a replacement. If you know that it’s time to repair or replace a Milwaukee concrete driveway, JBS Construction is here for you.
We work in a timely manner to complete your concrete projects to your specifications. Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality driveways and to request a free quote!
