Driveway replace or repair? What should you do?

How many times have you stepped over that crack in your driveway to suddenly realize one day that that gap has become more like a ravine? Maybe you even tripped over at a time or two! Your driveway can seemingly crumble overnight leaving you with large cracks and potholes. You have a few options when it comes to fixing your driveway other than ripping it apart and replacing it. If you are not sure if you need a driveway repair a section replaced or the whole thing demolished and re-poured the rest of this article may help you make your decision.

Driveway repair:
The most cost-effective way to improve your driveway is with a driveway repair. Because there is less material involved  as well as less labor it can keep the cost to the homeowner down. A driveway repair is recommended when the issue is sagging of the base rather than the age of the concrete.  Shifting can show itself in the form of uneven slabs, fading color, crap or puddles of water that gather.

A few options that are available to you are 
1) Replace a section of the driveway- If the control joints have done their job then maybe on one "square" of the slab is in need of repair. We can cut the concrete and replace a section to save costs for the homeowner. 
2) Lift the concrete- Depending on the age and integrity of the concrete you can opt to have it raised. This is typically the solution if the driveway is still in one piece but the sub-base material has shifted or settled. 
3) Use concrete crack filler- If you have minor cracks and want to avoid larger issues down the road you can use concrete caulk to fill minor cracks. The caulk will stop water from entering the crack and from causing more issues down the road (or the driveway technically).

Driveway replacement:
The main factor we consider when deciding whether to replace a concrete driveway is the age. If your driveway is over 20 years old this can lead to crumbling and sagging that will require a complete tear out and replacement to achieve the desired results.  You should always have a concrete professional assess the driveway before coming to any decision.

Schedule your free consultation we will assess your driveway. Driveway Contractor Milwaukee will find the most cost-effective solution for your driveway issues. Call today 414-600-6861

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