4 Common Causes of Driveway Pitting
- Climate exposure. In cold and harsh climates, a driveway’s exposure to snow, rain and/or sleet during the winter and spring months can spell doom for the top layer of the ...
- Bad concrete mixing. ...
- Incorrect concrete curing. ...
- Aging. ...
Why does my driveway have pits on the top?
4 Common Causes of Driveway Pitting. If, for example, snow melts on the top of the driveway after a blizzard, the concrete will absorb the liquid that results, and weaken over time because of that absorbed water freezing and thawing over and over again. This freeze-thaw cycle causes small pits to form on the driveway’s surface.
Can pitting on a concrete driveway be fixed?
Heavy use of a driveway, combined with the concrete’s aging, can cause damage such as serious pitting. In this case, installing a new driveway may be your only option. Concrete pitting repair is fairly simple to fix yourself.
Why does my concrete driveway keep spalling?
Bad concrete mixing. Should your concrete mix be wrong for your location and climate, it may come back to haunt your driveway later in the form of spalling. In order to make sure you mix the right type and proportions of concrete, be sure to consult local building codes for your city, town or geographical area. Incorrect concrete curing.
What does it mean when your driveway has holes?
Pitting, also known as spalling, is when small holes, or “pits,” show up on a driveway’s surface and make it look uneven and worn. Climate exposure. In cold and harsh climates, a driveway’s exposure to snow, rain and/or sleet during the winter and spring months can spell doom for the top layer of the concrete.
How do you fix pitted driveway?
0:454:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concreteMoreBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concrete resurfacer that has been mixed to a triable consistency.
What causes pitting in a driveway?
0:091:28Pitting and Flaking Concrete on Driveway: Why does this happen?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd one thing i noticed right when i pulled up was there's a significant amount of pitting andMoreAnd one thing i noticed right when i pulled up was there's a significant amount of pitting and flaking going on throughout the driveway. Now it's 29 degrees this morning you can even see it there's
What causes pits in concrete driveway?
During a pour, if too much accelerator is used, used so the concrete sets before bad weather comes, it can cause a pitting to occur. The accelerator will force water to dry faster inside the concrete, and this creates the dimpled, pitted surface in driveway.
Should I repair small pitting in driveway?
Those cracks and pits allow moisture to seep into the concrete. Over time, the driveway will deteriorate beyond just cracking and pitting, and need to be replaced entirely. Resurfacing the driveway now is the best plan of action. It's a job you can do yourself, and for a lot less than what a new driveway costs.
How do you stop concrete pitting?
If you are dealing with a series of small pits, fill the pits using a caulking gun loaded with premixed epoxy, formulated specifically for concrete. Level off any epoxy that has risen from the holes so that it's flush with the concrete surface.
Can you fix pitted concrete?
Once the surface begins to pit, filling the divots with concrete is usually a temporary fix that loosens over time. You can fill pits with a bonding concrete repair material, which is similar to caulk. Restoring the porch to a more original appearance requires dressing it with a special resurfacing concrete mixture.
What does concrete pitting look like?
Concrete Pitting Problem Signs Concrete pitting often looks like a very thin layer of the concrete's surface was scraped and torn off. The edges of the craters are almost always jagged, though smooth edges can be found on concrete that is constantly used or walked on (driveways, basement floors).
What causes little holes in concrete?
The most common causes for surface voids are entrapped air, the improper use of release agents or excess water within the concrete mix. Air can create blowholes and air bubbles in the concrete when air becomes trapped within the concrete mix.
Why does my concrete have little holes?
Air. Air becomes entrapped in concrete during the mixing and pouring process. While some air is necessary to avoid damage when the concrete experiences freezing and thawing temperatures, too much causes blisters or bubbles on the surface that then erupt into holes.
Why is my new asphalt driveway pitting?
If your finished asphalt paving is lumpy and bits are chipping off this could be because there wasn't enough asphalt used to keep all the aggregate together. When repaving in the future make sure that you're using enough asphalt to completely cover and bind the aggregate together.
How long should a concrete driveway last?
25 to 30 yearsThe average life of your concrete driveway will depend on installation methods, environmental conditions and temperatures. However, you can expect your surface to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years with proper care. The key to prolonging the life of your investment is to pay attention to wear and tear each season.
How do I protect my driveway from salt?
The only way to stop this type of damage is with a water repellent sealer, such as a siliconate water repellent or a silane siloxane water repellent. Water repellent sealers such as these form a hydrophobic barrier that caused water and other liquids to bead off the surface.
Why is my driveway pitting?
Snow and freezing weather are the main causes of concrete erosion. Click to see full answer. Similarly, what causes pitting in concrete driveway? Pitting however can be caused from improper finishing of the concrete, an inadequate mix, improper use of an accelerator or even old age. Pitting can sometimes cover large areas ...
Can pitted concrete be resurfaced?
Subsequently, question is, can pitted concrete be resurfaced? Results to expect. If your slab is suffering from low self-esteem because of pits, craters or cracks, you can cover up those scars. Concrete “resurfacer” is a cement-based coating that forms a smooth, new surface right over the old concrete. The cost of resurfacer for a two-car garage is typically less than $200.
Why is my concrete pitting?
Some pitting and spalling, as it is sometimes called, is from natural aging and sometimes it can be caused by abuse or misuse. Snow and freezing weather are the main causes of concrete erosion.
What can doom a driveway?
In cold and harsh climates, a driveway's exposure to snow, rain and/or sleet during the winter and spring months can spell doom for the top layer of the concrete.
Why is my concrete driveway cracking?
Too much water can wash away the soil supporting your concrete. Too little and it can cause the soil to shrink. And when water freezes and thaws over and over, it can cause the surface of your concrete driveway to crack, pit and crumble.
Why is my concrete not level?
If your concrete isn't level, it can also be contributing to the premature wear and tear. Perhaps the slabs of your driveway meet at a spot where soil loss has created a low spot where water can pool. The pooling gives water more time to soak into the concrete and more opportunity for the erosion of the concrete. If you notice areas where water might be gathering, call Thrasher to schedule a free inspection to determine if leveling might extend the life of your concrete.
What if the Damage is Already Done?
However, if the surface of your driveway has already begun to pit and crumble, concrete sealant will only protect against additional damage. For a driveway that's already plagued with unsightly surface damage, homeowners often turn to full replacement. However, there is another option: resurfacing.
How long does it take to replace a concrete driveway?
Then, new concrete must be poured and left to harden and cure -- a process that can take several weeks , during which you'll have to park on the street and avoid your garage. It's noisy, messy and incredibly disruptive.
How long does it take for sealant to dry on concrete?
Once applied, SealantPro dries in minutes and is fully cured in just 6 hours, so you can use your concrete the same day. It is simple, fast, economical and extremely effective. Learn more about SealantPro >>
Is a cracked driveway an eyesore?
The concrete around your home can make a huge impact when it comes to curb appeal. This is certainly true for the driveway, which is usually the first thing you see as you approach a home from the street. So, when you have a cracked driveway that is pitting and crumbling, it can be an eyesore that creates a bad impression of your home even before a guest sets foot inside.
Can a crumbling driveway lower your home's value?
Not only that, but a crumbling driveway can also lower your home's value along with its curb appeal. Plus, driveway cracks and pitting present tripping hazards that can be dangerous to neighbors and family members alike.
Why is my driveway lifting?
Errant roots growing under neath the driveway are the typical reason for a lifting concrete driveway. However, poor soil quality and regular erosion can also cause a concrete driveway to start lifting. While repairs can help, it sometimes can be too much to bear without replacement.
What Can You Do To Prevent Concrete Driveways From Rising?
A little bit of rising can happen to any concrete driveway, even if you maintain it meticulously. However, what you do can make the difference between calling a repairman and dealing with a very minor incline. These tips below will help you keep your driveways pristine.
How Much Does It Cost To Level A Rising Concrete Driveway?
The price to level a rising concrete driveway can be anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of the price of the overall driveway .
How long does a driveway last?
A paved driveway can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years depending on how well you maintain it and the environment that the driveway is in. To get the maximum number of years out of your driveway, you should make a point of resealing it every two to five years. This helps ensure that cracks don’t occur and that water damage is kept to a minimum.
How much does it cost to level a driveway?
Overall, you should expect a standard sized driveway to cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500 to level and tamper. This makes it one of the more expensive procedures that you may need to do to your driveway. Depending on the issue, you may also have to pay fees as high as $300 to $400 for additional work.
Can you raise a driveway on your own?
We do not suggest trying to raise a driveway on your own, especially if you are not used to working with concrete. In most cases, leveling your own driveway will not yield good results. It’s definitely a skill you need to practice to do well, and most tutorials will not cover everything that you need to know to do it well.
Can a seismic shift cause a driveway to be lifted up?
This is highly unlikely, but it’s still possible. If you had a major earthquake that cracked roads and homes, your driveway could have been lifted up.
How to tell if concrete is pitted?
As the concrete’s top layer gets worn down, the unpaved concrete gets exposed. You can instantly tell that concrete is extremely pitted when one part of it is smooth while bit s and pieces of it are rough.
What does pitting concrete look like?
The craters either show up in clusters or individually. When there’s a cluster of holes in the concrete, it looks like a thin layer of concrete was scraped and torn off. The individual holes look more like someone grabbed a hammer and chisel and made the individual craters.
Why does concrete deteriorate?
One of the biggest reasons concrete deteriorates is because of its permeability. Whatever material you choose to pave the concrete will have to be less permeable than the concrete you currently have. If it’s not, the pitting and flaking will only get worse. If you try to mix the cement yourself to make sure its psi levels are ideal, you still run the risk of mixing the cement incorrectly and ruining the mixture.
Why is oil stain so hard to get out of concrete?
The oil stains are easy to spot because they are located where you would usually park or drive your car. They are dark in color and don’t wash away easily. Concrete is porous, so the oil stain isn’t just a puddle that settled on the surface of the concrete. It permeates through the concrete, which is why these kinds of stains are so difficult to get rid of.
Why is my concrete flaking?
However, you might begin to notice after a particularly long winter. Concrete flaking is caused by freeze-thaw, so longtime exposure to water that keeps freezing and melting will have a big impact. Take a picture of your outdoor concrete before the first snowfall in winter and then compare it to what it looks like in the spring.
How to tell if concrete is structurally sound?
Besides observing your concrete to see flaking, you can also determine its flakiness using a tool. Grab a screwdriver, wrench, chisel, or any other tool with a relatively thin edge. Then, drag the tool across the concrete. If a white line appears, the concrete is structurally sound, but if it flakes off, you’ve got a problem on your hands.
What causes discoloration on concrete?
The difference between wet spots and discoloration stains is that the former is gone once all the moisture evaporates while the latter remains. These discolored spots aren’t caused by any liquids being poured on the concrete, rather by the materials used when mixing the cement. It’s an inherent problem with the concrete’s soundness.
What causes concrete to spalt?
Over the course of a winter, or over the course of years, as the internal pressure rises and falls, it stresses the surface layer of the concrete, which leads to spalling. The fix typically involves nothing more than applying ...
What is Rapid Set Newcrete?
Specially formulated to restore lackluster concrete, resurfacing products like Rapid Set NewCrete ( available from The Home Depot) make it quick and easy for homeowners to address spalling on their own, without having to hire a contractor. The resurfacing material simply spreads over the existing, spalled concrete surface to create a fresh, flawless finish.
Does Newcrete require primer?
NewCrete in particular stands out, because it simplifies and speeds up the process. For one thing, it rarely requires the use of primer.
Can you mist a driveway with resurfacer?
In especially dry, windy, or hot conditions, it may be necessary to mist the area while the resurfacer gains strength . But if you’ve chosen the right day for the project, you can apply resurfacer, drive off to do errands, and then return a little later and park your car on a pristine, perfectly smooth driveway.
