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Is your concrete driveway looking a little worse for wear? Wondering what to do about it? Interviewing concrete contractors is the most prudent next move, but will a complete replacement be necessary? Could the existing damage simply be fixed with a repair? Winnipeg property owners may be able to save money if they opt for a patch up job, but whether or not they should depends on the extent of the damage to the concrete.
When to Repair Your Concrete Driveway
Concrete repair is ideal when the damage is primarily on the structure’s surface. A simply chipped or worn driveway can easily be fixed. Advanced repair products exist that allow contractors to patch and fortify the driveway, as well as provide an attractive finish that hides all signs that repair work was even done. Repairs that are possible on concrete driveways include:
- Filling in holes and cracks
- Levelling uneven surfaces
- Strengthening the existing structure
- Improving the look of the surface
Despite all the things that are possible with repair work, there are times when replacement is the only practical option.
When to Replace
All concrete has a finite lifespan and needs to be replaced eventually. Determining when you’ve hit that point typically comes down to one of two scenarios. In the first, the damage to the driveway is occurring on a structural level and in order to resolve the issue, the old concrete will need to be removed by contractors. The main cause of such degradation tends to be a poor installation, but a lack of maintenance in conjunction with our extreme temperature fluctuation here in Winnipeg can also lead to this level of deterioration.
The other time to replace concrete is when the cost of repairing is on par with or even more expensive than replacement. It’s always a good idea to do a cost analysis that covers not just the estimates for the two types of work, but also projected costs of potential ongoing maintenance if you opt for repairs.
Signs that your concrete may need to be replaced include the appearance of many large cracks, pitting and crumbling on the structure, misalignment of the slabs and sinking. However, only expert concrete contractors can determine the true extent of the damage and identify if the best solution is repair or replacement.
Your FREE Onsite Inspection
Sturgeon Construction is a concrete and foundation contractor in Winnipeg that fixes driveways and other types of concrete structures. Contact us today to schedule your free onsite inspection.
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