Factors That Impact the Lifespan of Your Kansas City Concrete Driveway

Most homeowners do not pay much attention to their driveway. However, they can add to your curb appeal when well maintained and in good repair. After all, this is one of the first things people see when pulling up at your home. This is one reason why an unkempt or damaged concrete driveway is such a huge detractor to your property’s value. This is why it is so important to keep your driveway in good condition. Unfortunately, some factors can impact the appeal, look, and lifespan of your driveway. Keep reading learn what some of these are.

Improper Installation

If concrete driveways are not installed properly, they may crack or experience other damage. Many factors can impact the installation. For example, the foundation may not be packed properly, or the materials may be of low quality.

Also, the contractor may have mixed too much water with the cement. While concrete is easier to install when water is added, if too much water is added, it can cause shrinkage.

Shrinkage is when the concrete contracts as it dries and hardens. The more liquid the mix is, the greater the shrinkage is going to be. This can cause larger cracks.

Also, the curing process may go wrong if the sun is too hot while the concrete dries. If it dries too quickly, it will not have enough time to strengthen the structure. Over time, this will make the surface more prone to damage.

Heavy Loads

Driveways that are designed properly can support significant weight. However, this does not mean they are indestructible. Heavier vehicles, such as garbage trucks and delivery trucks, cause more stress and put excessive weight on the driveway’s surface. This can cause serious damage, including potholes, breaks, and cracks.

Weather Conditions

Your driveway is exposed to all types of weather conditions. This includes excessive moisture, hail, extreme temperatures, and even serious weather events in some cases. If you don’t have good Kansas City gutters with a drainage system installed around your house, and puddles linger on the surface of your driveway, it can wear down the seal coating and let moisture seep in. If this happens, serious damage may occur to the layers underneath and affects the lifespan of the driveway.

The sun can also cause significant damage to older driveways. The harmful UV rays can break down the concrete components, causing minor cracks and hairline fractures.

It is possible to reduce damage caused by weather by reapplying a higher quality sealer to the driveway from time to time. The additional layer of protection provides a buffer against the elements and helps to maintain structural integrity. It is a good idea to have the driveway resealed every two years.

Hire a Concrete Professional for Help

If you want to extend your concrete driveway’s life, be sure it is installed properly and maintained through the years. Unfortunately, some issues cannot be prevented. While this is true, a concrete professional will be able to fix the problems present or recommend installing a new driveway, which is sometimes the only option. This depends on the damage present.