Driveways take a beating from the elements and traffic. Over time, they age and eventually break down.
Regular maintenance can help a driveway last for decades. But if you have problems, such as cracks or potholes, it’s important to address them promptly. Otherwise, you may need to resurface or replace the driveway. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston SC now!
Cracks in your driveway not only make it look unkempt, but they can also allow water to seep underneath the surface and cause erosion and potholes. The good news is that catching and fixing these cracks early can help you avoid costly repairs.
The best way to fix a crack in your driveway depends on its size and location. Small hairline cracks can be repaired using a concrete patching compound purchased at any hardware store. Apply a layer of primer or a concrete bonding adhesive to the old surface before applying the crack filler. Then, use a pointing trowel to work the filler into the crack and smooth it over. Make sure that you completely fill or “stuff” the crack to prevent water from getting into it and causing further damage.
Wider cracks may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires the assistance of a professional. If you notice a crack that extends to the control joint, it’s important to consult a repair expert. This type of crack is often an indicator of heaving and settlement that could require full slab replacement.
A separated control joint can create a gap that’s difficult to clean and attracts debris and vegetation. A simple solution is to fill the widened area with a concrete crack sealer like Quikrete’s Advanced Polymer Self-Leveling Sealant. Just be sure to put a foam backer rod in the crack first to keep the sealant from running down and out of the crack.
You can also prevent control joints from separating by drilling penny-sized holes into the affected area and inserting injection ports. These ports are filled with a two-part polymer foam that expands to fill the void and bonds to the existing concrete. This type of repair is quicker and more cost-effective than removing and replacing the damaged section of your driveway, and it will last longer. Regularly sweeping and mowing your driveway will also help prevent the buildup of grass, weeds, and debris that can lead to separate control joints.
Potholes
Potholes are a common sight on city streets, but they can also pop up in driveways. These holes develop when the base of the driveway begins to erode, often caused by poor drainage or crossing an area of naturally wet soil. Once these areas start to degrade, the weight of vehicles driving over them causes the pavement surface to give way.
The first step in fixing a pothole is to clear out the hole and remove any debris or gravel. This allows you to get a better view of the damage and make sure the patching material is placed properly. If you’re using an asphalt patch, be sure it’s water-activated to help with compaction. You can use a garden hose, spray bottle, or wet/dry shop vacuum to wet the patch and help it adhere.
Another thing you should look for is a crack in the side of the pothole, which is a sign that the foundation is starting to break down. You can fill in these cracks with a high-performance blacktop repair mix, which combines stone and asphalt binder. Be sure to add the material in 1.5-inch thick layers, smoothing each one out before compacting.
Rutting is another type of driveway problem that appears as long, narrow depressions in the pavement. These depressions are usually caused by heavy vehicle traffic, especially trucks. When these large vehicles drive over the same spots, the material gets shifted and broken down under the tires. As this continues to happen, ruts can become much deeper and create potholes.
The best way to prevent these types of problems is with regular inspections and routine maintenance. For example, regular wetting of your driveway can help with surface erosion, while routine grading can redistribute the gravel and keep the surface flat. You should also look into getting proper drainage to minimize surface erosion and improve water runoff. These steps will help your driveway last longer and stay safe for both you and your car! Investing in proper driveway maintenance can also reduce your risk of costly repairs down the road.
Overspray
Overspray is any airborne foreign contaminant, usually the result of painting projects or industrial fallout, that can blow miles away and land on any surface. This includes a car’s painted surfaces, as overspray can prevent sealants and waxes from fully bonding to the clear coat and protecting the paint job. It can also prevent the paint from absorbing sunlight and heat, leading to fading or discoloration. Overspray can be a serious problem for repair shops, especially those that do spray painting jobs for commercial clients. If the overspray isn’t removed properly, customers can be extremely upset and may even refuse to come back.
Overspray can also be a major issue for concrete, as it’s porous and can easily absorb paint pigments and leave unsightly marks on the surface. These stains can detract from the overall appearance of a driveway, sidewalk, or other concrete structure and require specialized cleaners to remove.
One way to prevent overspray is by using plastic and tape to protect walls, floors, fixtures, and other items during a painting project. Another option is to use electrostatic spraying, which attracts the paint to the metal surface it’s being applied to and very little will blow past the intended target area. Urethanes, which are often used in commercial and residential painting projects, are particularly prone to overspray as they set very quickly, so using a HVLP gun can help cut down on the amount of overspray that ends up on nearby cars and other items.
Another way to minimize overspray is by using a clay bar. This is a simple tool that’s available at most auto parts stores and can be used to loosen and remove excess paint. Applying a clay bar is relatively easy: spray a generous amount of lubricant onto the affected area and gently glide the clay over it. Repeat as needed until the area is free of overspray particles. It can take longer than other removal methods, such as using a razor blade, but it’s a safe and effective way to eliminate stubborn overspray.
Stains
Stains in a driveway are caused by an assortment of different things, from oil leaks to paint spills. Fortunately, many of these unsightly blemishes can be dealt with using common household products. Some require more elbow grease than others, but with persistence, any stain can be made less noticeable.
Oil Stains
Oil stains on concrete are not only unsightly, but they can also create an unsafe and slippery surface. It is important to treat oil stains immediately to prevent them from sinking into the concrete and becoming more difficult to remove. To tackle an oil stain, first use paper towels or a cloth to blot up as much of the grease as possible. Then, mix powdered laundry detergent and warm water to form a paste. Apply this to the stain and scrub it with a brush, then rinse the area with clean water. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
Another way to get rid of oil stains is to spray them with white vinegar. However, this method should only be used on light rust stains, and only as a last resort because too much repeated use can weaken the internal cement bond in the concrete. If you want to try this method, be sure to move any flammable objects away from the spot and use caution when applying the vinegar.
Gasoline Stains
When gasoline stains on a concrete driveway appear, it is important to deal with them quickly. Not only does this prevent the stains from etching into the concrete, but it can also prevent damage to your vehicle’s engine. To remove a gasoline stain, start by absorbing as much of the liquid as possible. Sawdust, cat litter and baking soda are ideal absorbant materials. You can also use a rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn stains.
Paint Splatters
Whether the stains are from an automotive project or the result of a DIY furniture renovation, dealing with latex-based paint stains on concrete or asphalt is fairly easy. A commercial product like 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner can be sprayed directly onto the stained area and scrubbed with a stiff-bristled brush before being rinsed off.
