Concrete is a great low-maintenance choice for paving your driveway, patio or walkway but to keep it looking its best, a bit of attention before cold winter weather sets in is a must. Your concrete pavement is designed to last 30 or more years, but extreme weather conditions can shorten its lifespan by causing cracks and scaling.
Take time now to inspect your driveway for cracks, settling and scaling and make repairs before freezing temperatures allow moisture to seep in and cause permanent damage. Repairing those small cracks is a simple job that will make a big difference in the life of your concrete.
Concrete maintenance — fall check list
- Clean with a basic detergent and a pressure washer to remove stains. You may choose to do this in the spring but be sure to make it an annual chore.
- Seal with a quality sealant, especially if you have decorative concrete. Every two to three years is ideal.
- Repair cracks and chips that are smaller than a quarter inch. For larger cracks or sinking, contact a professional.
- Replace your ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate deicers with rock salt or calcium chloride. Ammonium nitrates and sulfates will stain and pit your concrete.
If your driveway has more significant damage, such as cracks larger than a quarter inch and/or spalling, resurfacing may be an option. It is important, however, to first identify the cause of the damage. Your concrete specialist can tell you if your concrete is otherwise sound and a good candidate for resurfacing, which can be a great way to improve the appearance of your pavement without replacing all of it.
The average cost to resurface 100 square feet of concrete can range from $300 to $500 depending on the size and how you choose to approach the project. If you are willing to invest a bit more, a decorative overlay can dramatically change the look of your home or yard, but even a basic resurfacing will give the appearance of a brand new driveway or patio at a fraction of the cost.
Resurfacing is not only a more aesthetically pleasing way to repair your driveway, walkway or patio, it is a longer lasting solution, potentially giving you several years over patching.
If your concrete needs repair or you are considering resurfacing, contact the professionals at Lombardi Concrete. Click here to learn more about their full range of services, from foundations and walls to stamped and stenciled walkways and patios.