How Long Will A Concrete Driveway Last?
How Long Will A Concrete Driveway Last?
Concrete driveways are one of the most common in Melbourne as they provide durability and beautify the look of a home and compound when applied at the entrance. On average, at what period can you expect a concrete driveway to degenerate? As earlier stated, various factors may affect the durability of a concrete driveway, and all the same, with appropriate attention and care, you may be served by a concrete driveway for decades. So let’s look at some of the important facts regarding the durability of concrete driveways and how this can be done effectively. How Long Will A Concrete Driveway Last?
Factors Influencing Durability
Quality of Materials and Installation:
Generally, the life expectancy of a concrete driveway depends on the materials used and the workers’ skills. It is for this reason that all the concrete mixes used in the construction of the driveway should be of a high quality, and executed by a professional team of contractors. In Melbourne, where the climate changes, it is better to find a concrete driveway specialist in Melbourne because the concrete driveway should be designed for the Melbourne climate.
Weather Conditions:
Melbourne’s weather can be somewhat boiling during some parts of the year, chilly during others, occasionally rainy, and sometimes dry. Such modifications may affect the concrete since concrete undergoes changes to its nature when the selected dry-mixed concrete ingredients are used. Fluctuations in temperatures lead to expansion and contraction, which will result in the creation of some cracks.
Ground Preparation
Before one is to lay a concrete driveway, several conditions should be met in the ground preparation. The land has to be levelled and compacted so that it does not sink in the future and bring about cracking and slanting floors. An expert in concrete driveways in Melbourne will know how to do this while carrying out initial surveys to prepare the site well enough for the concrete to last longer.
Traffic and Load
The frequency and the kind of traffic that your driveway receives also play a very important role in determining the life expectancy of your driveway. It is also important to note that heavy usage, such as the use of large vehicles or a large number of vehicles, shortens the life of a road. To counteract such forces, reinforcement by rebar or wire mesh in the concrete mix is advantageous.
Maintenance for Longevity
Regular Cleaning
It is also important to wash the exterior of your house, yard, and driveway by occasionally sweeping the driveway to clear any accumulation of leaves, dirt, or debris on it. This ensures that various materials, which may accumulate and swell and cause the formation of cracks, are not allowed to pile up.
Seal Coating
Generally, sealing is an effective way to maintain your concrete driveway, so, it is important to apply sealant to your concrete driveway. It affords it a layer that prevents it from being affected by water, oil, and ultraviolet light. It is therefore advisable to seal it every few years in a bid to increase the lifespan of your driveway.
Addressing Cracks Promptly
Any crack on the driveway should be fixed immediately, as they are avoidable from expanding or gaining more depth. Small cracks can easily be sealed with compounds that are sold in most hardware stores, or one can use epoxy to do this if they are not experienced enough to fill the large ones. In situations where the decision to either repair or resurface a concrete driveway is being made, you should seek advice from an expert.
Damage: Further indication of compromised integrity arises when the driveway displays deep cracking or extensive spalling which is defined as chalking or flaking of the surface layer of the concrete.
Problems with the base: The presence of water accumulation, and lumpy surfaces suggest something wrong with the foundation or when the ground has sunk.
Wear and Discolouration: Yet, severe wear and discolouration can compromise the aesthetic value of the surface and in the worst scenario call for a complete resurfacing or even a replacement.
Conclusion
Concrete driveways in Melbourne are the best compared to other materials because of their durability and many other features. Subject to the type of material and installation, and assuming the necessary maintenance is done on them, they may last over 30 years. However, such factors as environment, usage, and maintenance will be other crucial factors that define the durability of a concrete driveway.
If you are in any doubt as to the condition of your driveway or whether to repair or resurface a concrete driveway or engage the services of a concrete driveway specialist in Melbourne, it would be of great help. Thus, being keen on the care and proper maintenance of the concrete driveway means that your driveway will remain strong and beautiful for a good number of years to come.
Featured photo by Curtis Adams rom Pexels
