Driveway Repair Charleston SC is an essential home maintenance task that improves the look of your property and extends the lifespan of your driveway. Whether you have an asphalt, concrete, or gravel driveway, you can make several driveway repairs to improve its condition. Repairs range from filling small cracks and holes to resurfacing. Depending on your driveway’s condition and budget, you can decide which type of repair best suits your needs.
Cracks are among the most common and irritating problems a homeowner can face. They look ugly, make getting around on the driveway more difficult, and can cause various issues down the road. The cause of the cracks can vary from a minor installation errors to major foundation issues. Concrete is the most durable material for driveways but can still develop cracks over time.
Moisture seeps into the base of your driveway and erodes it over time, Hansen says. Ground movement due to seasonal thaw and frost, and natural disasters like earthquakes can also cause cracks.
Overextension of the driveway’s edge: When heavy vehicles drive along a concrete driveway, they often put pressure on the outside edge, which can cause cracks or even entire corners to break off. These are usually limited to a small area and can be repaired with a product like Quikrete’s Quick-Setting Cement mixed with Acrylic Fortifier.
The asphalt surface of driveways and parking lots can develop potholes over time. These holes are often unsightly but can also be dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. They occur when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and erodes the ground underneath. This can happen due to a number of things including aging, poor maintenance, and faulty drainage.
Whether you are the property owner or someone else, preventing potholes from developing in your driveway is important. The best way to prevent potholes is to seal cracks in the driveway or parking lot as they occur. This will keep them from developing into larger problems later. This is much easier and less costly than repairing one once it has developed.
Sinkholes are one of the most frustrating driveway problems to deal with. They don’t just look bad, but can damage your vehicle and pose a trip hazard. These sinkholes can quickly become larger and even cause structural damage to your home if not repaired promptly. If you notice a sinkhole, it’s important to call in a professional to handle the repairs.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid sinkholes from forming in your driveway. The first step is to understand why they appear in the first place. Water infiltrating the ground below your driveway causes sand and sediment to push out from underneath. This erosion wears away the foundation of your driveway. Proper poured, packed with a stone base, and covered driveways tend to last for years. However, when builders do not use proper compaction techniques, the driveway will start to erode and sink.
If you have a concrete birdbath, the chances are good that it’s cracking. Fortunately, these cracks are easy to repair and will not affect the performance of your bird bath. A common reason that birdbaths form is due to the freeze and thaw cycle of concrete. When water freezes, it expands until it strains the concrete.
Then, when the water thaws, it can cause cracks to form. To repair these cracks, you’ll need to clean the concrete thoroughly and remove any stains or dirt. Once the cracks are cleaned, you can apply a waterproofing concrete sealer or epoxy to them. The sealer will prevent water from entering the cracks, thereby preventing more cracks from forming in the future. If you want to make the sealant even more effective, you can add a polyester resin to the mix.
One of the benefits of driveway pavers is the durability of the surface. Unlike concrete, driveway pavers need less maintenance. While asphalt driveways will require maintenance, most contractors will try to avoid cracks by using special joints. Even so, if a crack does occur, it can be repaired by simply replacing the damaged paver. Pavers can last up to 50 years, whereas concrete slabs only last a few years.
Concrete pavers are made of blocks that interlock. This allows water to drain between the pavers, while also preventing water from ponding in between the pavers. This prevents water from weakening the material of the driveway. Pavers typically last 50 to 100 years, depending on usage. Unlike asphalt, pavers are much more durable than poured concrete. They come with a lifetime warranty, too. For this reason, they are a popular choice for driveways.
