Concrete Driveway Replacement in Des Moines: Repair It or Replace It?
A few cracks in a concrete driveway aren't unusual in Iowa. Between freezing winters, hot summers, heavy vehicles and plenty of freeze-thaw cycles in between, our driveways earn their keep.
But eventually there's a point where another patch isn't really fixing the problem. If you're trying to decide whether to repair or replace a concrete driveway, the condition of the slab, drainage and underlying base matter more than appearance alone.
How Do You Know When a Concrete Driveway Needs to Be Replaced?
Watch for Problems That Keep Coming Back
A driveway may be a candidate for replacement when you're seeing several problems at once, including:
Large or widening cracks
Multiple cracked sections
Sinking or uneven slabs
Water pooling on the driveway
Significant flaking or surface deterioration
Broken or crumbling edges
Previous repairs that continue to fail
One isolated crack may be repairable. A driveway that looks like it's trying to divide itself into its own zip codes is another conversation.
CMC Solutions provides concrete driveway removal and replacement throughout the Des Moines area and Central Iowa.
Why Do Concrete Driveways Fail in Iowa?
Water is one of concrete's biggest enemies.
If drainage directs water underneath or alongside a driveway, the base can become unstable. Then winter arrives. Moisture freezes, expands, thaws and repeats the process throughout the season.
That's why replacing a driveway isn't simply a matter of tearing out old concrete and pouring new concrete in its place.
The Base and Drainage Matter
A quality concrete driveway installation starts with proper removal, grading and base preparation. Drainage should also be considered before the new driveway is poured.
Those steps aren't nearly as exciting as fresh concrete, but they're a big part of determining how that driveway performs over time.
The Portland Cement Association provides educational resources about concrete construction and durability, and the American Concrete Institute publishes industry standards and technical guidance for concrete construction.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Driveway?
If damage is isolated and the rest of the driveway is structurally sound, repair may make sense. When cracking, settling or deterioration affects several areas, replacement can be the better long-term investment.
The easiest way to know is to have someone look at what's actually happening rather than diagnosing your driveway from three pictures and a prayer.
If you're considering a driveway replacement in Des Moines or Central Iowa, contact CMC Solutions or call (515) 505-2245 to request an estimate.
