Altadena Concrete Contractors
626-414-4418
Concrete Driveways
Concrete Driveway Installation and Replacement
You may not realize how important a driveway is to your home. Often a concrete driveway is one of the most essential features outside of a house, as it provides for access for vehicles and people, and contributes to the overall appearance of the site. Over time, driveways are affected by weather, traffic load, moisture, soil movement, and wear and tear that we may think of as aging. Evetually these stresses can lead to cracking, uneven settling, drainage problems and surface deterioration.
Homeowners will often start to wonder about options like repair or replacement when they begin to notice damage or when a driveway is breaking down to the point that it is not fully functioning anymore. Sometimes a driveway just needs repair of an isolated issue. Other situaltons will need complete replacement of the driveway as a better resolution that will last long-term. The best solution depends on the condition of the driveway, on-going stress in the situation, and the goals of the homeowner.
Understanding the causes of damaged driveway concrete can help a great deal with making informed decsions that you are happy with.
What a Concrete Driveway Does
A driveway is a place to park, of course, but it is also much more than that. A driveway is usually the main access to your home and property, it affects drainage patterns, and it also contributes to the positive appearance of your home and yard.
A well-designed driveway will
- Support vehicle traffice, access and parking
- Assist overall drainage for your home
- Provide a positive appearance
- Resist weather and hold up to normal wear for long-term use
When You May Need Driveway Repair
Some sorts of driveway wear and damage will not require complete replacement of the driveway. Sometimes concrete repair will address localized damage, and can extend the useful life of your driveway.
Some signs that repairing the damage to an existing driveway may be appropriate are:
- Small cracks
- Surface damage in a limited area
- Some minor deterioration of edges
- Limited settlement
- Isolated or small problem areas
Repairing your existing driveway is more likely to work well if the underlying structure of the driveway is stable and solid and the damage is in a limited area.
Why Concrete Driveways Crack
Cracking is one of the most common types of damage that homeowners notice in driveways. Concrete is certainly extremely durable, and still several conditions can result in cracking over time.
Common causes of cracking include:
- Soil movement, ground settlement
- Drainage problems
- Tree roots
- Very heavy vehicle loads over extended time
- Eventual aging of the concrete
Some cracks can remain stable for years, not getting worse. Other cracks will continue to grow. Understanding the conditions and the causes of stress and damage can give you important information for deciding whether to repair or completely replace a driveway.
Drainage Problems and Driveway Damage
Drainage problems are often a part of how issues develop with a concrete driveway. If water is collecting around or under a driveway repeatedly that can contribute to erosion, settlement, and cracking of a driveway.
Some things you may see that can indicate drainage problems include:
- Standing water
- Low spots in the cement
- Uneven sections of cement where edges are higher or lower
- Recurring cracks
If drainage issues remain unresolved, sometimes repairs are not able to prevent continuing damage. Considering how water moves across the property can be important when planning a new driveway or a driveway replacement or repair.
Driveways and Rebuilding Projects
As homeowners in Altadena begin and continue rebuilding after the Eaton Fire, driveways are often a part of rebuilding projects.
Some homeowners replace the existing driveway because of age, deterioration or fire damage. Sometimes a different size or location for the driveway is needed as part of a redesign. Changes to grading, drainage and landscaping can affect the planning for a new driveway.
Rebuilding is a time when there is often a real opportunity to improve the appearance and design of your driveway and to resolve any issues that existed prior to the rebuilding process.
What Affects the Cost of a Concrete Driveway
There are several things that can afftect the scope and the cost of a new driveway. These include
- The size of the driveway
- Site access, distance to the area where the driveway will be
- The condition of existing concrete to be replaced, demolition requirements
- What drainage improvements are needed
- What reinforcements are required
- The layout of the property and design of the driveway
Because each property and project is unique, driveway projects can vary significantly in compleity.
Concrete Driveway Repair vs. Driveway Replacement
Homeowners often ask about whether repair of a driveway is possible, or whether complete replacemetn is the better option. The answer, of course, is "it depends". Concrete repair may be an appropriate option if:
- Damage is limited
- Cracks are localized
- Settlement is minor
- The driveway is still structually sound
- Most of the surface of the driveway is in good condition, deterioration is in a limited area
Replacement of a driveway may be a better solution when:
- Cracking is widespread over the driveway
- Settlement is significant
- Drainage problems continue or persist
- Repeated repairs have failed, problems re-occur
- The driveway is breaking down due to aging, and near the end of its useful life
Your goals as a homeowner are always an important part of determining the best solution.
ConcreteHow Long Does a Concrete Driveway Last?
A skillfully-installed concrete driveway will provide many years of service without needing repairs. The lifespan of a driveway will vary depending on conditions such as weather exposure, soil stability or settling, drainage conditions and the use of the driveway.
Driveways that have a lot of heavy traffic or extremely heavy vehicles, or that have ongoing drainage problems will probably deteriorate more quickly. Regular mainteance and promptly attending to any issues early can help to extend the life of a driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Concrete Driveways
How do I know if my driveway needs repair or replacement?
Yes, many cracks can be repaired, depending on the cause and depending on the size of the crack and the condition of the cement around the crack.
Why is my driveway cracking?
No, In some cases, cracks can be repaired. In other cases replacement is needed because there is extensive damage.
Can driveway cracks be repaired?
Concrete can crack for a number of reasons, such as soil movement, drainage problems, tree roots, settling of the concrete, weather exposure, and from aging.
What causes a driveway to sink?
Some uneven concrete surfaces can be repaired, depending on how big the difference is in height, and what has caused the concrete to move.
Will drainage problems damage my driveway?
If damage is limited, and if the concrete is structurally sound, repair might well extent the useful life of the concrete and restore the surface.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
Sometimes small cracks can grow over time. Underlying issues like drainage problems, or settlement, can continue and can worsen. Having the cement evaluated will most likely determine the cause of the damage.
Is driveway replacement common during rebuilding projects?
Having damaged concrete evaluated can help you determine the best course of action. The answer depends on how much damage there is, the general condition of the concrete, and sometimes whether there are underlying conditions that can be resolved or addressed to limit continuing damage
Request a Free Estimate
Whatever your situation, whether you need a driveway repaired or replaced, whether you need a new driveway as a part of rebuilding, or whether you need help determining what is needed, we are just a phonecall away. We would be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free price quote. Callus now to get a free estimate for your project.