As a homeowner, you may be considering installing a concrete driveway on your property. If you already have one, it may be due for replacement depending on the level of wear. A concrete driveway tends to have high durability and a long lifespan, but it’s crucial to understand the environmental factors that can threaten its condition over time. In this blog post, we will discuss what can damage a concrete driveway, and we will provide insight on how to prevent damage as well as what to do if damage occurs.

What Can Damage a Driveway?

Since your driveway is exposed to the elements year-round and is constantly at the mercy of the forces placed upon it, there’s always the risk of wear and tear. While the degree of expertise during installation plays a large role in longevity, at some point over the decades, even the best driveways can show their age. Here are some of the primary sources of damage to driveways:

1. Temperature Extremes

Sudden changes in temperature can cause concrete to crack and weaken. This is especially true in the winter, when water seeps into small imperfections, freezes, and widens those openings. With freshly poured concrete in a new installation, if the weather is too warm or too cold, the concrete may not set right. To prevent this, professional driveway installers will ensure that the concrete is mixed and cured properly. Additionally, using techniques such as expansion joints can allow the concrete to expand and contract without causing significant damage.

2. Moisture

Excessive moisture can lead to erosion of soil around and under the driveway, causing cracking of the concrete. If severe enough, entire slabs can shift off their original space or become uneven. Adequate drainage and regular maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation on and around the driveway’s surface. Diverting excessive surface water or drainage flow away from a driveway will extend the lifetime and prevent possible issues with the base. For driveway installation near Nashville, Greenway takes into account the significant annual rainfall and plans for drainage solutions as part of your driveway project.

3. UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to fading and discoloration of the concrete over time. Applying a concrete sealer or coating can provide protection against UV rays, helping maintain the color and appearance of your driveway. This repellent coat can also help reduce the effects of oil and grease that may drip onto the driveway. Sealer only needs to be reapplied every few years.

4. Road Salt

In areas with snowy winters, road salt (or rock salt) is commonly used to melt ice. However, salt buildup can cause corrosion and structural damage to the concrete. Regular snow and ice removal followed by rinsing off salt residue can minimize the impact on your driveway. The previously mentioned cleaning and sealing of the concrete can also help protect it from salt-related damage.

5. Vehicular Traffic

Heavy vehicles can accelerate wear and tear on a concrete driveway. During the installation process, reinforcement such as fiber mix, wire mesh, or rebar can improve the sturdiness of the area. This enhances how well the concrete can withstand the weight by distributing the force more evenly.

6. Tree Roots

Growing tree roots can eventually cause a concrete driveway to buckle or crack. If you have mature trees in the area, these have roots with large circumferences and more offshoots. Careful planning during the installation process can help minimize the risk of root-related damage, and it may be worth considering removal of the tree if driveway installation will impact the root system significantly. Consulting with a hardscaping contractor who specializes in concrete driveway installations can provide valuable guidance on what the best options are.

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What to Do if Your Concrete Driveway Is Damaged

Even with preventive measures, a concrete driveway may still sustain damage over time. Homeowners should monitor for signs of imperfections such as cracks or deterioration. Watch for changes in the severity of those imperfections and take action to prevent further damage. When issues are discovered, there are several steps to carry out.

First, assess the degree of damage. Evaluate the extent of the issue and determine whether it requires repair or replacement. Small cracks can often be repaired, but severe damage may necessitate a full replacement. If you’re unfamiliar with driveway repairs or installation, consulting a hardscaping contractor like Greenway of Nashville will help you make the most informed decision.

When you reach out to a professional hardscaping contractor, make certain it’s someone who specializes in driveway installation and repairs. They will have the expertise to assess the damage and provide you with the best course of action. Look for reputable installers with years of experience who give you no-strings consultations and quotes, as well as people who are easy to communicate with. With Greenway of Nashville, your consultation gives you a guaranteed quote, including services and materials, so you can confidently know what it will take to get a beautiful and durable new driveway.

Depending on the extent of the damage, the hardscaping contractor will recommend either repair or replacement. Small cracks can be filled with patching materials, while larger damage may require removing and replacing part or all of the driveway. This is extremely labor-intensive, both in the planning and execution process. Removal of the existing concrete will require heavy machinery to unseat it from the ground and be hauled off. The area may need to be leveled, packed, and prepared with rebar or wire mesh for reinforcement before pouring the concrete. Once leveled, it will need to set. Ideally, this project should happen during a mild season where temperature extremes won’t cause issues with the concrete setting. In general, driveway installation is best left to professionals to ensure an outcome that lasts decades. Most hardscaping contractors will guarantee their work for a certain period of time. Using professional installers also adds the benefit of avoiding the expensive re-work that happens if the driveway isn’t installed well the first time—not to mention the stress.

After the repair or replacement, implement regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of your concrete driveway. This includes cleaning, sealing, and addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage. If needed, set a reminder in your calendar to reseal the driveway every few years, and include regular inspection of the concrete as part of your regular yard work.

Understanding the environmental factors that can damage a concrete driveway is crucial for homeowners. Repairing or replacing your concrete driveway is hard work and a big investment. Protecting the surface with regular maintenance and having the installation performed by skilled professionals like Greenway of Nashville will help it last for decades.

Anything worth doing should be done right—and that means having expert help to make your investment of time and money worth it. Reach out to our highly experienced driveway installers near Nashville by submitting a form on our website or by calling us at (615) 238-4574 to set up your free discussion and estimate.

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