When your driveway looks a bit worse for wear, it’s easy to jump to the worst possible conclusion and assume it’s time for a new one. However, if you catch driveway damage early, you may be able to save money and only need repairs from your concrete contractor in Western New York. Here are five signs of struggling driveways and whether they call for repair or replacement:
- Cracks and potholes: Small cracks that barely penetrate the surface can be repaired. Just buy a concrete repair kit to fill them or arrange for driveway repair and resurfacing. Your driveway will look as good as new! However, if you have deep cracks, broken driveway pieces and potholes, you have a much bigger problem. This damage is allowing water to leak into your driveway and cause additional issues. Arrange for replacement so any substructure issues are repaired as well.
- Puddles: Driveways should not pool water after it rains. If this occurs, there is likely a sunken spot or incline, allowing water to accumulate. Early detection allows for repair by leveling the areas and resurfacing. But if you let this continue, the water eventually leaks under your driveway and keeps compromising its structure. So, at the very least, call for an estimate and see what you can do about the puddles.
- Chipped edges: Broken-off edges are never a good sign because concrete and asphalt should not break for decades. If the broken spots are only at the edges, then you can repair those areas and know the rest of your driveway is fine. The problems arise when you neglect these chipped edges, and they start to form cracks. When that occurs, fill cracks before they expand and become deeper. Otherwise, they evolve into more significant driveway problems.
- Faded color: If your driveway fades, that is the first sign of its advanced age. In most cases, you need to replace it to return its fresh color. However, resurfacing and sealing can improve your curb appeal. It often depends on your goals—invest in a new driveway if you plan to live in your home for a long time, but if you are preparing your home for sale, use your money for cosmetic repairs only. You can restore color by hiring a concrete company to improve the surface.
- Stains: If you address stains as they appear, they will not stick around. Be careful when handling automobile fluids or pesticides on your driveway. If you spill, use cat litter to absorb the liquid, then clean with a safe detergent like Simple Green. However, if you let stains linger and become permanent, you likely need a new driveway or, at the very least, will have to hire professional concrete services to work the stain out.
Bri-Mic Construction, Inc. is a concrete contractor in Western New York. While we are primarily a foundation contractor, we also pour driveways for residential and light commercial projects and make repairs of all sorts. Call us today to schedule an estimate and learn more about our concrete services.