How to keep a concrete driveway from cracking
Concrete driveway is a great choice for your house or commercial establishment because it is strong and functional. But when not well maintained, the walls may begin to crack all over. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize the chances of cracks appearing and to maximize the life span of your driveway. Allow me to take you through some of the most basic things that you need to do to ensure that your concrete driveway remains perfect.
Begin with the Right Installation
It is for this reason that crack prevention starts with the right construction of the driveway. They also have to have a strong base and high-quality materials.
Prepare a Stable Base: Make sure the land on which the driveway will be made is compacted and leveled. If the soil is loose or even uneven, then the structure will settle and this will cause cracking.
Use Reinforcement: Strengthen the concrete with steel bars or mesh. This also helps to reinforce the slab and at the same time reduces the possibility of cracks developing under pressure.
Correct Concrete Mix: It is recommended to use the mixture intended for the construction of driveways. Proper proportion of cement, water and aggregates leads to the durability of the structure.
Control Joints: Place control joints where you want the cracks to appear because they are inevitable. These joints enable the concrete to expand and contract without developing random cracking.
You can also check our concrete repair services for expert fixes.
Do Not Overload The Driveway
Concrete is strong in bearing capacity however frequent application of excessive loads on concrete can cause the material to degrade gradually. Spread the load if the driveway has to accommodate heavy equipment. This way you will avoid putting extra weight on the structure, which puts pressure that results in cracks.
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Weather Protection
Weather conditions are a major factor that leads to driveway cracks. The major causes include high temperatures and humidity. To protect your driveway:
Seal the Surface: Use a good quality concrete sealer at least once in two to three years. Sealing also helps to keep water from penetrating the surface and in the process forming cracks due to freezing.
Prevent Water Accumulation: It is also important to ensure that water does not accumulate on your driveway and therefore good drainage.
Shield Against Ice: Do not use high-impact de-icing chemicals. However, sand or any other non-corrosive material should be used to control ice and snow on the parking lots.
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Maintain Proper Thickness
It is also important to note that in pouring a concrete driveway, the thickness does count. A driveway should be made of 4 inches thick concrete while the locations that is frequently used should use 5-6 inches of concrete. If the slab is made thicker then it can bear more pressure without cracking.
Our team can also assist with concrete steps and thickness adjustments.
Perform Regular Maintenance
To avoid getting cracks on your driveway it is recommended that you should maintain it often. Here’s what you can do:
Clean Regularly: Clean surfaces from dirt, dust, and grease. These can gradually reduce the strength of the surface.
Fix Small Cracks Immediately: It is recommended to repair small cracks that appear on the wall using a concrete filler or a patching compound.
Inspect for Damage: Sometimes, it is necessary to look for deterioration signs, for example, the edges of the plates may be crumbling or there may be uneven areas.
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Control Tree Roots
Trees around your driveway are a nuisance since their roots expand and exert pressure on the concrete as they grow. To prevent this:
You should plant trees off the driveway to avoid interference by the roots.
Use root barriers to guide the direction of the roots in a way that they will not affect the slab.
Cut or maintain the height of vegetation in the surrounding area.
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Allow Proper Curing Time
After installation, allow your driveway some time to cure. Whereas concrete needs seven days to cure, a full twenty-eight days provides the most strength to the material. During this time:
Do not let the surface dry too fast, the surface should be moist.
Do not park cars, trucks, or place equipment or any load on the driveway.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some of the most common culprits are de-icers and some cleaning solutions that can erode the concrete. Avoid using any abrasive products or anything that will cause the material’s surface to wear out easily, by using only products that are soft and safe for concrete.
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Conclusion
To avoid cracks in the concrete driveway, it is important to follow some installation procedures and repair measures. Lay a strong base, employ the right material, and strengthen the concrete. They should prevent the driveway from getting damaged by the weather and should not overload it. Maintenance such as cleaning, sealing, and fixing any damages that are noticed on the driveway can help you maintain your driveway in good condition for years. These steps will help you avoid spending money and your driveway will remain strong and without cracks.
Need help from professionals? Connect with masonry contractors in Brooklyn.