The Cons of a Concrete Driveway
Concrete is one of the most popular materials for landscaping but it’s also one of the most durable. We wrote an article about the pros of concrete. We decided to follow up with the drawback of concrete. Concrete can withstand even the most intense weather conditions and will last for many years to come. However, there are some drawbacks to using concrete that homeowners should be aware of before committing to this material. Here are some of the cons to consider when installing a concrete driveway.
Concrete Cracks
Cracks in concrete surfaces can be unsightly and dangerous. They are often caused by uneven expansion and contraction, which can occur if your driveway is not properly maintained. Cracks can also be caused by water, frost, or other weather conditions. However, regardless of the cause, cracks can be repaired with a concrete sealer that has been specifically formulated to fill in cracks in concrete surfaces. Concrete sealers are available in a variety of colors to match your existing concrete surface. They are also durable and long lasting, so you can be confident that your repair will last for many years to come.
Uneven surfaces and edges
- Concrete is not always level. Concrete is made up of tiny rocks and sand, which can cause uneven surfaces. This makes it difficult to level the driveway properly.
- Cracks can be caused by uneven surfaces. If your driveway has cracks in it, they will need to be filled in before you drive on them, or else they could damage your vehicle’s tires and rims over time.
- The concrete needs to be leveled before it sets completely (about two weeks). This is done using a vibrator machine that vibrates the surface until all air bubbles have been removed from between particles so that there are no gaps between them anymore; otherwise they leave potential areas where water could seep through later on down the road!
Rough Surfaces
- Concrete is porous, which means it’s able to absorb moisture. This can cause cracks in your driveway and other places where you need a smooth surface.
- You can fix this problem by sealing your concrete with an epoxy sealant, but be sure to take precautions before applying the product so as not to damage the surface of your driveway or walkway.
- If you already have a pockmarked driveway, there are ways that you can prevent further damage from happening down the road.
Spalling
Spalling is the unsightly crumbling of concrete. It happens when water seeps into the cracks in your driveway, causing them to expand and break off in large chunks. Spalled concrete can be difficult to remove, but there are ways you can prevent spalling from happening by keeping your driveway well-maintained.
To prevent spalling from happening:
- Make sure that there aren’t any gaps between the driveway and base course (the layer below it). If there is an air gap or crack, simply fill it with something like gravel before applying concrete overtop; this will keep water from getting in through these cracks and causing damage elsewhere down at ground level!
Concrete Stains
Concrete is a durable and low-maintenance material that can be used for a variety of applications, from patios and walkways to driveways and garage floors. However, it is not immune to staining, and even the most carefully sealed concrete can eventually succumb to oil, grease, or other common substances. If you do find yourself with a stained driveway, there are a few ways to clean it. You can use a pressure washer with a mild detergent, or you can sand and polish the surface until the stain is gone. There are also specially formulated concrete cleaners that can be effective in removing tough stains. Whichever method you choose, be sure to take care not to damage your driveway’s finish.
There are ways to prevent stains and even remove them if they do occur. Sealing your concrete will help to create a barrier against staining agents like oil, grease, and dirt. If a stain does manage to get through the sealer, you can usually remove it with cleaning products designed for concrete. If you interested in having us help then see our other concrete services. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try sanding or polishing the surface until it’s gone. Just be careful not to damage the finish of your driveway in the process. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your concrete looking like new for years to come.
Conclusion
Concrete is a great material for driveways, but it does have its drawbacks. Thankfully, most of these problems can be avoided with proper sealing and maintenance. By keeping your driveway in good shape, you’ll be able to enjoy your home for many years to come! Please give Dallas Retaining Wall and Masonry a call if you are interested in driveway installation, concrete maintenance, or other concrete services.