Experienced Concrete Driveway Repair in Dallas
A concrete driveway is a great way to add curb appeal to your home and make it more accessible for all of your vehicles, but over time, driveways become susceptible to the elements and thus develop chips and cracks while sustaining other forms of damage as well. While most people don’t think of their driveway on a daily basis, the significance of driveway maintenance cannot be overstated. FCS Concrete Driveway Repair in Dallas
It’s important to take a moment every so often to examine your driveway’s integrity and address any problems present. To that end, if you’ve noticed that your driveway isn’t looking as great as it used to, it may be time to consider a concrete driveway restoration or repair.
Concrete Driveway Maintenance: Types of Damage
There are several ways to repair a concrete driveway, but the best method for you will (at least partially) depend on the severity and type of the damage, the most common of which include chips, potholes, and cracks.
Chips
When small chunks of concrete dislodge from cracks in the driveway, chips can form. Falling objects like tools and rocks can cause chips as well, as can consistent vehicle traffic over the years.
Potholes
Potholes are large holes in driveways that are most often caused by vehicle traffic and water. Water can seep into cracks in the concrete and expand them, causing potholes. The simple flow of water can also cause erosion, exacerbating damage that is already present. Regardless of how they form, though, the appearance of potholes calls for an immediate concrete driveway repair in Dallas.
Cracks
Cracks are often caused by many factors, including heaving, shrinkage, and tree roots. Heaving is caused by the natural contraction and expansion of the soil that lies underneath your driveway, and shrinkage is caused by drying concrete. Tree roots can grow into the concrete that makes up your driveway, dislodging it and causing it to shift and crack.
Cracks are usually the first signs of damage people catch in their driveways, and once noticed, concrete crack repair should be completed immediately.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Methods of Concrete Driveway Repair in Dallas
There are a few different ways through which professionals go about performing concrete driveway repairs. The tactics that will be most effective will ultimately depend on the scope and form of the damage, the materials needed to complete the repairs, and the budget the property owner has to work with.
They can also depend on the extent to which the owner wants the problem remedied. For instance, the owner may want a crack filled in or an entirely new driveway section poured, even if it’s unnecessary.
Finally, the tactics also depend on the capabilities of the concrete professionals who perform the repairs. In any case, the following are four of the most common types of concrete driveway repair:
4 Most Common Types of Concrete Driveway Repair
Crack Sealing
Crack sealing is a simple, quick, and inexpensive way to perform concrete driveway repairs appropriate for small cracks in concrete. It involves filling them with a sealant that prevents water seepage. When the water cannot penetrate the cracks, further water-based concrete expansion won’t occur.
Patching Driveways
Patching is a bit more elaborate than crack sealing, often used for larger areas of damage. The process involves filling damaged areas with new concrete that is smoothed to match the surrounding driveway as much as possible.
Overlaying
Overlaying is a more advanced method for concrete driveway repair and restoration that involves placing a new layer of concrete over an existing driveway. It is the best method for driveways with large areas of damage and those in exceedingly poor conditions.
Replacement
The most extensive method of repairing concrete driveway damage is a total replacement. With this method, all or part of the existing driveway is destroyed and removed, and then a new one is installed to replace it. A replacement is best for driveways in very poor condition that are simply not worth repairing with the other methods. It’s also often used when a property owner prefers an entirely new driveway in the first place.
What Are the Costs of Concrete Driveway Repair in Dallas?
The costs for these methods will vary depending on many factors, some of which include:
- The type of damage to be remedied
- The type of concrete driveway repair requested
- The budget and preferences of the owner
Also, keep in mind that every company sets its own prices for the services it provides.
Expert Affordable Concrete Driveway Repair by FCS
At FCS Foundation and Concrete Services, we put over 25 years of experience to work for you. Whether you have a single small crack in your driveway or you suspect you need a brand-new one, we can help. Don’t trust such an important task to just anyone; reach out to our team at FCS today for a free evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to repair a badly cracked concrete driveway?
No. If your driveway is badly cracked, it’s likely better, more affordable, and more efficient to replace either the section of the surface that’s cracked or even the entire driveway. Minor cracks can be repaired, but deep or large cracks cannot be suitably filled.
How can you determine when your driveway needs a full replacement?
Carefully examine your driveway, and see if you notice signs that it needs a full replacement. These signs include loose or crumbling concrete, sinkholes or depressions, exposed aggregate, and large or deep cracks. If your driveway’s surface is very uneven or there is extensive spalling (flaking), you may need a replacement.
Does a cracked driveway mean foundation problems?
No, a cracked driveway doesn’t necessarily mean that you have foundation problems. In most cases, driveway cracks are caused by normal wear and tear. However, if the cracks are very large or deep, it’s a good idea to have FCS Foundation and Concrete Services inspect your foundation, just in case. This is especially true if these cracks are accompanied by other signs of foundation issues, like sloping floors and cracks in interior walls.
What is an acceptable amount of cracked concrete on a driveway?
Typically, the amount of “acceptable” driveway cracks varies depending on how significant the cracks are. Small hairline cracks are usually not a cause for concern, but keep in mind that small cracks generally turn into large ones. Larger cracks that are more than a quarter-inch wide and more than 12 inches long should be examined by our team of professionals. After all, it’s easier and cheaper to repair small cracks early than to wait until they are larger.