How to Protect Your New Concrete Driveway
Your concrete driveway is done and you can finally use it. While it hasn’t been as costly as your house, it’s not exactly cheap either and you want to do everything you can to prolong its lifespan. So without further ado, here are some of the things you can do to protect your concrete driveway according to our expert concreters on the Gold Coast.
But first, let’s discuss some of the common damage that can occur on your concrete driveway.
Spalling
Spalling refers to the breaking, flaking, or chipping away of the top layer of concrete. This is more common in colder areas, but it can also happen on the Gold Coast. Concreters say that spalling happens when the wrong concrete mix is used or when the labourers do not finish it the right way. It can also happen when the driveway is used immediately even if it has not cured properly.
So how do you protect your concrete driveway from spalling? Getting things right the first time is the answer. Make sure that you hire the best and most reputable concreter on the Gold Coast so you can be assured that the job and the result are up to par.
Cracking
Cracking is only normal if your driveway has been around for many years. But if it’s relatively new, then there are several reasons for this. It can be because the slab is shrinking or expanding. It can also be caused by overloading or if the slab was given enough time to cure.
To ensure that your driveway doesn’t develop premature cracking, the concreter should ensure that the slab is given plenty of time to cure before it is used. Make sure not to overload it, and repair any cracks the moment they appear. Have them repaired by a professional concreter on the Gold Coast if you don’t know how or you don’t have time to deal with it.
Fading and discolouration
A few faded spots here and there might not be noticeable at first, but blotches can be unsightly the moment they take over your driveway. Discoloration can be caused by incorrect water to concrete mix ratio, substandard workmanship, or when calcium chloride is added (a compound used to speed up the driveway’s setting time).
Prevention is better than cure, so make sure that your concreter knows the correct ratio of concrete mix to water. If the discoloured portions are too big, then go ahead and have it painted by our concreters on the Gold Coast. We recommend dark grey or charcoal to hide the faded and discoloured portions.
Tips to Make Sure Your Concrete Driveway Lasts a Long Time
- Keep it clean always. Get rid of fallen leaves and dirt by sweeping it with a broom.
- Have it resealed by a reputable concreter on the Gold Coast every two years or when necessary.
- Get rid of oil stains the moment you spot them. Don’t let them sit on the concrete’s surface for too long as they can be harder to remove.
- Do not overload your concrete driveway. If possible, don’t let very heavy vehicles sit in your driveway for too long.