Now that any snow and ice have melted from the surfaces of your driveway and everyone is spending more and more time outside, the flaws and damage to your concrete driveway may be becoming more and more obvious. 

Concrete driveways are a wonderful investment to make in your Ohio home, however, they are not completely immune to damage including cracks, chips, and other wear and tear. 

If concrete damage is staring you in the face as you try to enjoy happy hour in the driveway with the neighbors then it could be time to look into concrete repair in Ohio.

This blog will help you learn more about concrete driveway damage and when to repair or even replace your existing concrete. 

What Causes Concrete Driveway Damage?

Concrete is among the most popular material choices for residential and commercial surfaces. This is because it is durable, long-lasting, and cost-efficient. But like any material, it won’t last forever. 

Winter Road Chemicals

When it comes to concrete driveways and garage floors in Ohio, winter road chemicals can really do some damage. The chemical reaction between the calcium hydroxide in concrete and the calcium chloride in salt causes cracks and a breakdown of the concrete.

Sealers can be applied in advance to help prevent damage and give your concrete a longer life. If you are really noticing the effects of winter road chemicals in your driveway this time of year, it could be time to repair or replace your concrete. 

Moisture

When moisture seeps into this porous material, the concrete will eventually deteriorate. This leads to cracking, peeling, spalling, and other forms of surface damage.

Frost Heaves

This natural phenomenon occurs when water freezes in a soil layer below the ground surface, which causes expansion and contraction of the soil. Due to this movement, concrete cracks and fissures can occur.

Tree Roots

Many homeowners run into issues with tree roots growing below their concrete driveways. Tree roots below your concrete surfaces have the ability to weaken the concrete structure which can lead to cracking or lifting of the slab. 

Wear and Tear

Because concrete driveways are exposed to many elements as well as general wear and tear, damage can be natural over time. Heavy traffic, harsh weather, UV exposure, and heat can all damage a concrete driveway over time, even with the use of a protective sealer. 

Improper Installation

We always recommend you have your concrete surfaces installed by an experienced professional on our team at Select Flooring Systems. Any small mistake in concrete installation can affect the concrete structure and lead to earlier breakdown and more repairs. 

What Does Concrete Damage Look Like?

The earlier you fix and repair concrete damage the less likely it will be to spread or grow into a bigger problem. For this reason, we want to share with you common signs of concrete damage to watch for. If you see any of the following damage in your concrete, give our team at Select Flooring Systems a call for repair:

  • Cracks
  • Chipped edges
  • Potholes
  • Uneven surface
  • Crumbling
  • Pooling water
  • Ruts
  • Discoloration

Of course, you don’t have to overanalyze every little bump or chip in your driveway but as soon as cracks start spreading or holes start growing, it’s time to act. 

Concrete Repair in Ohio

If damaged concrete is going to put a damper on your summer outdoor fun you still have time to have it repaired this spring. Staying on top of repairs is one of the best ways you can get the most life out of your concrete driveway. Contact our team today for a quote.