5 Tips on How to Increase Concrete Driveway Lifespan?
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Installing a new driveway is expensive, so it is natural to worry about the concrete driveway lifespan.
Concrete is an extremely durable building material but on the other hand a driveway is subject to a fair amount of wear & tear, harsh weather conditions and general misuse. All this can reduce the average life of a concrete driveway.
In this post I share 5 expert tips and proven techniques to help you increase concrete driveway lifespan and protect your investment.
1. Follow Best Construction Practices
As they say, it all starts in the beginning. For a long-lasting concrete driveway the driveway must be built using the right materials and best construction practices.
Using high-quality materials, such as well-graded aggregates and the correct concrete mix is essential to achieving a high concrete driveway lifespan.
Make sure that all of the construction steps, listed below, adhere to industry best practices.
| Construction Process |
|---|
| 1. Planning and Design: Determine dimensions, slope, and layout. |
| 2. Site Preparation: Clear area, excavate soil, and compact subgrade. |
| 3. Installation of Forms: Use sturdy forms and check alignment. |
| 4. Placement of Base Material: Add well-compacted gravel or crushed stone. |
| 5. Reinforcement: Consider steel mesh or rebar for added strength. |
| 6. Pouring and Finishing: Order ready-mix concrete, pour evenly, and screed. |
| 7. Curing and Protection: Cover with plastic or curing compound, keep moist. |
| 8. Control Joints and Expansion: Install joints and apply joint sealer. |
| 9. Final Finishing and Sealing: Smooth surface, apply concrete sealer. |
Remember Control Joints and Expansion Joints play an important role in minimizing concrete cracks and extending driveway lifespan.
2. Practice Regular Cleaning
Once the concrete driveway has been completed, you can not forget all about it. Regular maintenance and cleaning play a crucial role in preserving concrete driveway lifespan.
By dedicating a little time and effort, you can prevent small issues from escalating into major problems.
Clearing debris, leaves, and other materials from the surface of your driveway on a regular basis should be part of your driveway maintenance routine. Organic matter can trap moisture which seeps into the concrete and damages it from within.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or deicers, especially those containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate. They can damage the concrete and accelerate its deterioration. Instead, opt for non-toxic alternatives or sand for traction during winter months.
Spills, particularly oil stains, should be promptly addressed to prevent unsightly stains. The longer you wait the more stubborn they get. Use an absorbent material, such as kitty litter or sawdust, to soak up the spill.
Then, scrub the area with a mild detergent and water to remove any residue. By keeping your driveway clean and free from contaminants, you are taking proactive steps to extend the concrete driveway lifespan.
3. Protect the Driveway With Sealer
One of the most effective ways to protect your concrete driveway is by applying a high-quality concrete sealer.
Sealers act as a barrier, shielding the surface from moisture, UV rays, chemicals, and other environmental factors that can cause deterioration.
There are two types of sealers. You need both as they protect the concrete driveway in two different ways.
A penetrating sealer permeates into the concrete, filling the pores and leaving no space for water to enter into the concrete.
A penetrating sealer helps to prevent water absorption, freeze-thaw damage, and the propagation of cracks.
A topical sealer forms a protective film on the concrete sealer. Such sealers not only act as water barriers but can also be used to enhance the driveway looks.
Further you can incorporate helpful additives such as anti-skid or UV resistant additives. You can even add colors or stains to the topical sealer to change driveway appearance.
Make sure to reseal your driveway whenever the existing sealer becomes ineffective. I recommend conducting a water absorption test every fall and if water drops do not bead up, apply a coat or two of a high quality topical sealer.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio
A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.
I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.
Penetrative sealers last longer as they are not subjected to wear & tear. However, in order to increase the concrete driveway lifespan you must apply a fresh coat every 5 – 7 years.
4. Direct Water Away From Driveway
Concrete is an extremely durable material, but in spite of its rock like appearance, it is also quite porous. Water permeating into the concrete pores is highly damaging.
Proper water drainage is necessary for increasing the concrete driveway lifespan. Excessive water pooling or prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to cracks, heaving, and other forms of damage.
To prevent these issues, it is important to ensure that your driveway is designed to facilitate effective water drainage.
During the installation process, your contractor should consider the slope and grade of the driveway to allow for natural water runoff.
Ideally, the surface should slope away from your home and direct water towards the storm water drainage system or a designated area where it can safely dissipate.
Properly functioning gutters and downspouts will help channel water away from the driveway, reducing the risk of excess moisture infiltration.
5. Prevent Heavy Loads and Impact
While concrete is a strong and durable material, excessive weight and impact can still cause damage to your driveway over time.
Most residential concrete driveways are designed for moderate loads of 2 – 3 cars or light trucks. Avoid parking heavy vehicles, such as large trucks or RVs, for extended periods on your driveway.
These vehicles exert a much higher amount of stress and can lead to cracks or even major structural damage.
If you do need to park heavy vehicles on your driveway temporarily, consider using plywood or rubber pads to distribute the weight evenly and reduce the pressure on specific areas.
Similarly, take precautions when using heavy machinery or equipment on your driveway. Place plywood or other protective materials under the wheels or tracks to minimize the risk of damage.
Avoid dropping or dragging heavy objects on the surface, as this can cause cracks and fractures. It is sure to abrade the concrete surface anyway.
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
