When you drive up to your home, you hope to be met with a smooth driveway to go across. That isn’t always the case, though. It’s not uncommon to start spotting damage to your driveway over time. After years of extreme temperatures, heavy weather, oil, and vehicles driving across them repeatedly, driveways can accrue a significant amount of damage. 

When this happens, it’s time to get your driveway repaired. Our team at Concrete Solutions of Atlanta understands the importance of your driveway, and we offer advice on how to spot what needs to be repaired and why. 

A damaged driveway is not a pretty sight over time. It lowers curb appeal significantly and doesn’t offer a smooth surface to drive across. 

Aside from poor appearance and rough surfaces, though, damage to your driveway can be the start of more significant damage, or a sign of other issues. When small damages are left alone, they can become worse. If they’re left untreated, your need for driveway repair can turn into a need for a driveway replacement. 

Certain damages may also point you to other underlying problems around your property, such as drainage issues, erosion, and poor driveway construction. Getting your driveway repaired early can prevent the damage from growing and help it last longer.   

Most driveway damage is a visible or functionality issue and can be spotted when you take a look at it. There are a variety of indicators that your driveway is in need of repair and it’s best to keep an eye on them. 

It’s important to take note of irregular spots you see in your driveway and to make a plan for what you need to do in order to repair it. Here are a few common signs that you should look for when determining if your driveway is in need of repair: 

Concrete driveways have a life expectancy of twenty to thirty years. It’s understandable for a driveway reaching its final years to develop damage, but it’s an issue if you begin to see those signs in a newer driveway. 

In either situation, these can be signs of the environment or weaknesses in structure taking their toll. Strong UV rays, oxidization, and heavy weather can leave a driveway aged and dull in comparison to how it originally looked. 

For these cases, patching cracks and adding a sealant to the driveway can be a solution. If your driveway is over 20 years old, though, you may want to choose replacement over repair if the damage is extensive. 

Some problems to look out for in your driveway are loose or crumbling edges. When your driveway’s structure is beginning to weaken, or the top layer is applied too thin, the edges can begin to erode. 

Water damage can be the main cause of the damage progressing, as it will loosen and split apart the weak edges from the remainder of the driveway. When this happens, it’s a good time to start repairing it. Adding new edging to the driveway can help revive the look of it. 

Cracks along your driveway often appear from excessive use over time but can be a sign of a weak foundation. They are the start of more damage to come if they aren’t patched or sealed early on. Once cracks connect or widen, they can affect the integrity of the driveway in its entirety and create potholes. If left untreated, you may need your driveway to be resurfaced depending on how extensive the damage is. 

Potholes are a result of untreated cracks and water damage and can be a detriment to your driveway. They are also an issue for your vehicle. These are a common sight on a rough road, and can potentially damage your car if they’re driven over. If you use your driveway frequently, potholes decrease its functionality and can damage your car’s tires, suspension, and alignment. 

It’s best to fill potholes in early on when you spot them. Leaving them alone will only cause them to deepen and grow, making them more damaging and costly to fix.  

Poor water drainage can lead to pooling water on your driveway and a variety of other issues. If your driveway is unable to create proper water flow during heavy rain or snowfall, the water can erode your driveway, create slick ice on the surface, promote mold growth, or allow it to get into your garage or house. The addition of curbing or better drainage can help repair this issue before it causes too much damage. 

If your driveway has spots that are sunken in or risen up, it could be a sign that your driveway has been built unevenly. Whether it’s due to the soil not being packed down enough during construction, or poor drainage wearing it away, uneven surfaces on your driveway can leave it looking worse for wear and lacking functionality.  

When you begin to see signs of this, the best solution is lifting or leveling the concrete. This will improve the appearance and restore proper drainage and function to it. 

When it comes to damage to your driveway, it’s better to catch the problem sooner rather than later. A majority of the signs can lead to larger damage down the road, which can be more costly to repair. As you begin to notice these signs, it’s ideal to contact a professional for repairs. 

Many of the issues in your driveway require patching, sealing, or adding new concrete. While minor patches and sealants can be done on your own, there is a risk that they can be done improperly. Improper repair can sometimes worsen the damage in the long run, and end up costing you more money. 

With a team of professionals, though, repair can be done efficiently and properly. If you schedule repair services early, it can save you time and money, and ensure your driveway looks brand new in the end.  

Having a visually appealing and functional driveway is important. When you begin to see issues arise, the top priority should be getting it repaired quickly. 

Concrete Solutions of Atlanta has offered high-quality driveway repair and replacement to the North Metro Atlanta area since 1995. We strive to provide services that are built to last and to enhance your property in appearance and function. If you’re in need of driveway repair or other solutions, contact us today!