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Concrete Driveway Montclair New Jersey
Is your driveway uneven and you're perhaps concerned that it could cause damage to your car over time? Concrete is a low-maintenance material compared to other ones that might be used for a driveway. If the reason you are calling is because of an issue already occurring with your concrete driveway than we will make sure to assess the root of the problem to ensure that this will not be a situation where you need to redo your driveway every few years. There are several things we can and will do to help put your driveway in the best situation possible, but we also thought it would be helpful to include some things you can do as well to help avoid needless driveway wear and tear.
Factors on Driveway Lifespan
1) Installation Errors
When concrete driveways are built incorrectly, they will crack oftentimes. The installation process can be influenced by a variety of things. It's possible that the foundation wasn't packed properly or that the materials utilized were of poor quality. Both of these factors cause weaker concrete, which makes the driveway vulnerable to cracking.
2) Heavy Duty Loads
Inquire with your contractor (preferably us!) about the load-bearing capacity of your driveway. Depending on the strength of the concrete used, the capacity may vary. The contractor will inform you which vehicles are allowed to park in your driveway for extended periods of time and which are not.
3) Climate Conditions
Your driveway is subjected to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy dampness, hail, and, in some areas of the country, tornadoes.
By reapplying a high-quality sealer to your driveway on a regular basis, you can reduce the damage caused by weather conditions. This additional layer of defense functions as a buffer against the elements, ensuring the structure's structural integrity. You should reseal your driveway every two years as a general guideline.
4) Movement of the Soil
You can make your driveway more secure by constructing it on a stable piece of ground. Make sure your driveway isn't built on swollen soil or it will be more likely to crack or heave.
5) Tree Root Growth
If trees are planted to close to the driveway, as the roots extend beneath the ground, they will continue to push upward on the foundation. The concrete is bound to crack at some point. This problem can easily be avoided if you grow trees in the right places. Root barriers can also be used to protect your driveway from damage.
6) Tires with studs
Asphalt driveways are more susceptible to damage from studded tires, but even concrete lanes can be punctured by snow tires, especially if they're in poor shape to begin with.
Keep in mind that your driveway should be resealed every two years. The spikes from the snow tires will punch directly into the concrete if the seal has worn down, most likely resulting in small holes.
7) Shoveling
Instead of using a metal shovel, use a hard plastic one. Also, when shoveling snow, be cautious. Digging all the way down to the driveway surface is not a good idea. Shoveling should come to a halt around half an inch before the surface. If the snow is thin enough, you can blow it off your driveway with a powerful leaf blower.
8) Ice Melters and Rock Salt
If you want to keep your driveway in good shape, avoid using rock salt. Concrete driveways are harmed more than helped by rock salt. Although it may thaw snow and ice as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting process can erode the concrete layers as well.
9) Water
Finally, one of the worst enemies of concrete driveways is water. You likely know that standing pools of water can seep into the pavement, but you also have to worry about groundwater running beneath your road.
Ask the contractor to look for adjacent water drains before installing a driveway. To avoid water damage, make sure your driveway is far enough away from groundwater sources.
Takeaways: Although concrete is extremely durable, it is not impervious to damage. The installation of a concrete driveway is a layered operation that necessitates several considerations in order to provide a solution that will be optimal for its overall longevity and performance.
As a result, it's critical to leave the driveway installation to a reliable, competent contractor like us! Call today!
When concrete driveways are built incorrectly, they will crack oftentimes. The installation process can be influenced by a variety of things. It's possible that the foundation wasn't packed properly or that the materials utilized were of poor quality. Both of these factors cause weaker concrete, which makes the driveway vulnerable to cracking.
2) Heavy Duty Loads
Inquire with your contractor (preferably us!) about the load-bearing capacity of your driveway. Depending on the strength of the concrete used, the capacity may vary. The contractor will inform you which vehicles are allowed to park in your driveway for extended periods of time and which are not.
3) Climate Conditions
Your driveway is subjected to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy dampness, hail, and, in some areas of the country, tornadoes.
By reapplying a high-quality sealer to your driveway on a regular basis, you can reduce the damage caused by weather conditions. This additional layer of defense functions as a buffer against the elements, ensuring the structure's structural integrity. You should reseal your driveway every two years as a general guideline.
4) Movement of the Soil
You can make your driveway more secure by constructing it on a stable piece of ground. Make sure your driveway isn't built on swollen soil or it will be more likely to crack or heave.
5) Tree Root Growth
If trees are planted to close to the driveway, as the roots extend beneath the ground, they will continue to push upward on the foundation. The concrete is bound to crack at some point. This problem can easily be avoided if you grow trees in the right places. Root barriers can also be used to protect your driveway from damage.
6) Tires with studs
Asphalt driveways are more susceptible to damage from studded tires, but even concrete lanes can be punctured by snow tires, especially if they're in poor shape to begin with.
Keep in mind that your driveway should be resealed every two years. The spikes from the snow tires will punch directly into the concrete if the seal has worn down, most likely resulting in small holes.
7) Shoveling
Instead of using a metal shovel, use a hard plastic one. Also, when shoveling snow, be cautious. Digging all the way down to the driveway surface is not a good idea. Shoveling should come to a halt around half an inch before the surface. If the snow is thin enough, you can blow it off your driveway with a powerful leaf blower.
8) Ice Melters and Rock Salt
If you want to keep your driveway in good shape, avoid using rock salt. Concrete driveways are harmed more than helped by rock salt. Although it may thaw snow and ice as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting process can erode the concrete layers as well.
9) Water
Finally, one of the worst enemies of concrete driveways is water. You likely know that standing pools of water can seep into the pavement, but you also have to worry about groundwater running beneath your road.
Ask the contractor to look for adjacent water drains before installing a driveway. To avoid water damage, make sure your driveway is far enough away from groundwater sources.
Takeaways: Although concrete is extremely durable, it is not impervious to damage. The installation of a concrete driveway is a layered operation that necessitates several considerations in order to provide a solution that will be optimal for its overall longevity and performance.
As a result, it's critical to leave the driveway installation to a reliable, competent contractor like us! Call today!
