A concrete driveway should last for the life of your house. However, certain conditions can reduce its lifespan, such as discoloration, settlement, or scaling.
There are many ways to fix minor and major defects in your driveway, provided it is structurally sound.
Fill or patch: You can save as much as $10 by doing it yourself if you just need to fill in a few small cracks.
Before you start any driveway repair project, it is important to first determine the cause of the damage. Then, decide on the best solution. There are many options available for driveway repair depending on the concrete condition and the budget. These range from simple color enhancements with a coat or stain to complete concrete resurfacing with an overlay.
Choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you will make in this process. Here are some points to remember:
This homeowner saved money using integrally colored, broom finished concrete for their driveway main fields. Then they stamped the borders with a brick pattern border and then used a stamped edge to stamp the edges. The borders were then stained a burnt orange color to contrast with the driveway's lighter color.
Cracks and holes wider than 1/4 inch may indicate a greater problem. More investigation is needed. Are roots growing under concrete that causes it to crack, lift or split? Is there any leaky pipe under the slab that is causing erosion, which can cause it to sink, crack or get discolored. If these causes are found, it may be necessary to replace your driveway.