June 4, 2021
For the most part, you can expect a well-made concrete driveway to last a long time. Still, after some time, your driveway will need to be replaced. There's no way around it! Old and worn-out or damaged driveways can pose safety risks, so it’s better to have them replaced on time. In this article, we will help you determine when it’s time to bite the bullet and invest in a new driveway. Read more to learn about the most common types of damage such as old age, standing water, potholes, and deep cracks. Different Types of Driveway Damage 1. Old Age As with everything in this world, your driveway will age with time, even if you don’t use it all that much. Weather conditions play a big factor in how long the concrete will last. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, then your concrete driveway might not last as long as you had hoped. While most driveways last up to 30 years, you may begin seeing damage on yours after just 20 years if it’s constantly exposed to rain. If you notice any signs of water damage, it may be time to talk to concrete contractors . 2. Standing Water Standing water typically occurs after heavy rainfall. As a result, puddles of water gather in your driveway, threatening to damage your property. In most cases, the water accumulates because of drainage problems; however, if your driveway is already showing signs of damage, it could worsen the situation. Property damage is not the only negative repercussion of having standing water. When stagnant water is left for long periods of time, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Coming into contact with this water could cause infections and other adverse effects on your health. You also have to consider the potential danger of slipping over the puddle and injuring yourself. In addition, standing water tends to collect a lot of moss, which can be slippery. 3. Potholes Like most driveway issues, potholes typically form after a period of heavy snow or rain. These conditions weaken the concrete, paving the way for potholes to begin appearing. Potholes cause damage not only to your car, but they can also cause people to fall over and injure themselves. Worse, when left untreated, they become larger, deeper, and more prominent as a risk to your limb and vehicle. 4. Deep Cracks As the years go by, you may notice cracks starting to appear in your concrete driveway. Once again, the most common cause of driveway cracks is bad weather. However, that’s not the only reason your driveway may be falling apart. It’s also worth mentioning that heavy vehicles play a major factor in creating driveway cracks. This doesn’t apply for smaller vehicles, but if your driveway is constantly supporting over 10,000 pounds in vehicle weight, then it’s something to keep in mind. Alternatively, a bad foundation could be to blame. Regardless of what’s causing the cracks, it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible; otherwise, you may need to pay out for a new driveway. Call Us Today for a Free Quote Whether you have noticed potholes, standing water, cracks, or your driveway is looking a little old, it’s important to talk to a professional to avoid further damage. If you neglect it for too long, you may need to replace your entire driveway. If it so happens that the concrete in your driveway has actually reached the end of its life, then talking to a professional contractor becomes even more imperative. Repairing your own driveway can be a pain, but Prosperity Construction Services can help. Call one of our experts today at 602-469-8569 for a FREE quote, or reach us through our website so we can bring your new driveway ideas to life.