Most homeowners tend to ignore their concrete driveway whenever it has a crack. Sometimes, they don’t notice, other times they choose to overlook a visible crack in the concrete driveway. A cracked driveway has lots of disadvantages; first, it’s aesthetically displeasing, then it could cause an accident or hazard and lastly disrupts the soil composition beneath the concrete.
In this case, should you leave your concrete that way, level the concrete or replace it completely?
Concrete Leveling
A damaged concrete driveway happens due to a certain soil condition known as low soil compaction; low soil compaction causes voids in the soil which then results in the breaking of the concrete above.
Low soil compaction is often caused by weather change; and weather changes abruptly, especially in certain areas and locations. Concrete settles may also be caused by not filling and compacting the concrete slab thoroughly before installing it initially.
Hence, concrete leveling is done to fill the void in the soil. This brings back the concrete to its original position on the surface and prevents the concrete from breaking or sloping again in the future.
Concrete driveway leveling cannot be done by just anyone. It requires the skill and experience of a professional technician to drill a small hole into the concrete slab and pour some mixture or a cement slurry into the hole using professional tools. Once the mixture becomes solid, it creates a strong and stable surface that prevents concrete from settling or sloping in the future. This process doesn’t require too much time to get done as it can be done within a day.
Concrete Replacement
Concrete replacement is another option or solution for a damaged concrete driveway. Using this method, the technician has to remove the entire section of the slab and install a new one. This process is usually long, tedious, and expensive. New materials will be needed, more time will be spent and the driveway may need to shut down throughout the completion of the task.
Concrete Leveling vs Replacement
The two options apply to different situations. In a situation whereby the crack extends from one section of the slab to the other, concrete replacement may be needed. And in a case where there’s damage in the concrete due to tree root intrusion, concrete leveling may be needed.
However, most concrete repairs can be done through concrete leveling, and replacement is only required in extreme situations. And concrete leveling is a better option because it doesn’t disrupt the design and formation of the former concrete installation. Also, concrete leveling doesn’t require much machinery and materials to get done.
For effective concrete leveling or replacement, you need to hire the best technician. At Acme Concrete, we provide efficient driveway leveling and garage floor leveling services. You can also contact us for an evaluation and estimate of your concrete leveling project. We will send our expert to take a look at your concrete driveway and determine the best course of action.
Contact us today to learn more about our services!
