Use These Tips To Determine Whether to Replace or Repair Your Concrete Driveway

How To Tell If You Should Patch or Replace Your Concrete Driveway

While you may enjoy winter weather, the ravages of the colder months of the year can stress certain parts of your home. Concrete driveways can take a lot of punishment, but they're also vulnerable to damage over the years, especially during the winter when condensation coats your driveway's surface. RTS Construction wants to help you decide whether to repair or replace your driveway to retain its looks and overall functionality. 



Common Signs of Damage

Do you know what damaged concrete looks like after a winter storm? One of the most apparent signs is cracking running along the surface of your driveway. If left unattended, small cracks become big cracks. Worse, depending on the substances you use to clear your driveway of dangerous snow and ice, you could inadvertently make cracks and other concrete damage worse. Even without harmful chemicals, ice, snow and other forms of wintertime condensation can work their way into the cracks and trigger damage, which only worsens when the condensation freezes and thaws again. If you notice loose asphalt around your driveway after shoveling snow, it could be harm caused by your metal snow shovel. 

Other than cracks, another common sign of concrete damage is divots or sagging areas. Whoever prepared your driveway's subgrade may not have done a great job, which you may notice if you see sunken areas in the concrete. Your driveway needs dependable, durable support and protection against ice and snow to remain free of dimples. 

Gauge the Damage

If you notice signs of damage in your concrete driveway, try not to think of the worst-case scenario. Over the years, we've learned it's vital to handle concrete damage on a case-by-case basis. That experience also taught us that cracks deeper than two inches need replacement rather than repair. Anything less than that may only need resurfacing.

Other than the depth of the divot or crack, you must also consider your damaged driveway's age when deciding whether to replace or repair it. If your driveway's younger and already shows signs of damage, then you may have an installation problem. Unfortunately, signs of cracking on newer driveways usually continue cracking over the years. After an inspection, our technicians can better determine if repair offers a viable solution.

Final Decision

Even after learning the most common signs of damage to a concrete driveway and understanding which factors to consider, you may still struggle to decide whether it makes more sense to opt for a repair or replacement. Rather than spin your wheels, let a concrete professional come out to your home for a thorough inspection. They can take the details you've noticed, assess the damage and work with you to develop an effective solution. 

One essential reason we recommend contacting an expert to make a final assessment is your driveway could have other signs of damage that you may not notice, signs that help you make a well-informed decision. An expert opinion can give you peace of mind and take proper care of your driveway, no matter the season. Don't trust DIY solutions, as they may not account for or address every issue damaging your concrete.

Contact Us Today

RTS Construction is here to take great care of you and your driveway, no matter if it's for your home or commercial property. Our specialists are licensed, bonded and insured for your protection, and so they can deliver unbeatable results. No matter the season, we're here to bring out the best in your driveway and help ensure it lasts for years to come. If you have questions about concrete driveway repair or replacement, speak with a representative by calling 707-318-4430. If you prefer, you can also submit a Contact Us form.