Concrete is a very durable material, which is why it is used for roads. Although the enormous weight of the metal passes over it every day, it manages to withstand damage, at least for a while. However, regular maintenance of your concrete driveway is necessary if you want it to adequately perform its function, as well as if it is essential for you that concrete looks aesthetically beautiful for a long time. After many years of use, you may notice cracks, stains, and other damage to the concrete surface. If you are wondering whether it is better to resurface or completely replace your concrete driveway, here is detailed information that can help you make a decision.
Source: Medium
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Concrete driveway resurface
If your concrete driveway is not significantly damaged, you do not necessarily have to replace it immediately, but it is enough to resurface it. This means that a new layer of concrete is poured over the existing concrete driveway. Then the desired texture is added and the driveway is done. If necessary, the top layer of concrete is removed to make room for new concrete to be added. This method is great for minor damage to concrete. For example, if you want to remove stains from your driveway and make it more aesthetically pleasing, resurfacing can achieve that effect. However, if there are some significant cracks in the concrete or damage to the foundation itself, then you cannot expect the resurfacing to significantly improve the situation. This is a great approach for slightly refreshing a concrete driveway that has been performing its function for several years.
Concrete driveway replacement
Replacing the concrete driveway is also one of the options, which makes sense when the concrete is completely worn out and it is time to eliminate the old concrete and install a new one. If you notice that your driveway is very damaged and that the cracks are so deep that they cannot be permanently repaired, you should replace the old concrete driveway with a new one. Although you will have to spend the most money to replace the concrete, sometimes it is the only option that makes sense. However, you can also look at this from a brighter side. If you want to completely change the texture, design, aesthetics of your concrete driveway, or expand it, replacing it with the new one is the right choice.
Source: Dengarden
What is the better option?
1. Consider how much the concrete driveway is damaged
If there are only a few cracks on your concrete attachment and if they are not too deep, there is no need to replace the entire concrete. The restoration of the surfaces will be quite sufficient and the result will be satisfactory. However, if the concrete driveway is damaged in many places and the cracks are very deep, then it is best to completely replace it. Although it will cost a little bit more, at least you will know that concrete will be able to perform its function in the next few years. If you only resurface it, it is only a matter of time before that worn-out concrete shows damage to the new surface again.
2. Do the holes pose a danger to your car
One of the biggest threats to your car is definitely potholes. If they are too big, they can significantly damage your car, as a result of which they will need repair, and you will have to set aside a certain amount of money for that. That is why it is best to prevent such high costs, as well as unnecessary stress. In case that different recesses are present on the concrete driveway, you can choose to resurface or replace the concrete, depending on the specific situation. If the holes are too deep and represent an obstacle for everyday driving, we suggest that you replace the concrete driveway. But if the holes are shallow and resurfacing could help, you can save some money and choose this option. Regardless of which option you choose, we suggest that you hire professionals who will do the job as best as possible and in the shortest time. On www.corpuschristitxconcrete.com you can find various services that could suit you, including resurfacing and replacing the concrete driveway.
Source: LBL Construction
3. What is your budget
One of the main factors that will influence whether you choose to resurface or replace a concrete driveway is your budget for these works. The difference in the price of these procedures can be significant, which is crucial for many people, so they choose a cheaper option. On the other hand, you should definitely consider long-term costs. It may be a more expensive option at the moment to replace a concrete driveway, but if such a driveway stays in excellent condition for a long time, then in the long run it pays more to replace the concrete than to just resource it. And in case your initial budget is small, then the best option is to postpone the replacement of concrete as long as possible and choose to resurface.
4. How long has your concrete driveway not been replaced?
Lastly, in some situations, resurfacing is no longer an option and you need to choose to replace your concrete driveway. This happens when the concrete is already worn out and needs to be completely replaced, which is usually the case 20-25 years after its last replacement. After all this time, it is necessary to pour new concrete in order for the driveway to remain functional, and you will certainly contribute to its better appearance.
Source: DiFranco Contractors
Conclusion: Regular maintenance of your concrete driveway is essential so that it can continue to fulfill its purpose. After a few years, the concrete starts to wear out and it is necessary to do something about it. There are two options: to replace the concrete or to resurface it. Depending on various factors, you can choose one of these two options, but keep in mind that concrete must be replaced every 20 years. Proper maintenance of the concrete driveway will ensure that potholes on the road will not damage your car, and your entire home will look neat and aesthetically pleasing.
