There are several common causes of concrete driveway cracks in Jefferson County, MO. In this post, the experts at Arnold Ready Mix concrete delivery company reveal five of the most common causes of damage to concrete driveways and offer tips for avoiding the damage.
Loads That Are Too Heavy for a Standard Concrete Driveway
If your driveway is well-designed, it can support considerable weight. However, the driveway still isn’t indestructible. Delivery trucks and other heavy vehicles put excess weight and pressure on your concrete driveway’s surface. This can cause breaks, potholes, and concrete driveway cracks to form.
So, how can you minimize the chances of damage? The best way is to limit the kind of vehicles you allow to use the driveway. For example, don’t pull that fully loaded U-Haul moving truck into the driveway.
Poor Weather
All driveways in Missouri are constantly exposed to the weather, so it isn’t surprising that the weather can have a major impact on the appearance of a concrete driveway. If water settles on the driveway’s surface, the moisture may seep into the cracks, causing extensive damage to the layers beneath.
The sun’s UV rays may break down the components used to make older concrete driveways. This can cause hairline cracks to form. You can prevent this from happening by applying a high-quality sealer to the driveway. Properly treated driveway surfaces stop contaminants from getting into the concrete. This extra layer of protection will prolong your driveway’s lifespan.
Soil and Earth Movement
The earth constantly shifts and moves. We don’t notice it. Yet, over time, this movement can result in the soil under the driveway shifting slightly, leading to cracks and unevenness in the driveway.
Poor Quality Construction
One of the top reasons for driveway damage is poor-quality construction. When a concrete contractor installs with low-quality materials or suboptimal techniques, damage can result. Your driveway will also show premature signs of wear and tear.
The best way to avoid poor-quality construction is to choose a reliable concrete delivery company to supply the concrete. Arnold Ready Mix is proud to be a top supplier of quality concrete in Jefferson County. Thanks to our five decades of experience, you can depend on us to supply you with only the best ready-mix concrete materials.
Related: How Long Do Concrete Patios Last in Missouri?
Growth of Tree Roots
Lots of people like to have trees in their yards. However, homeowners must bear in mind how the location of those trees could affect the driveway. When the roots of a tree expand underneath a concrete driveway, they exert pressure on its foundation. This can cause fissures and cracks to develop. You can avoid this problem by being mindful of where you plant trees in the first place.
Preserving the Perfect Concrete Driveway
If you are installing a new concrete driveway, remember the above factors. It’s always best to prevent damage in the first place than to rectify it afterward. Make sure to choose a reliable concrete delivery company, take care when planting trees, and minimize heavy loads. You should also apply a waterproof sealer to protect the driveway’s surface.
Follow our expert advice, and you’ll find that your Jefferson County driveway stays looking perfect for longer.
Get a Free Quote for Ready-mix Concrete Delivery
Concrete driveways can last for generations when the job and materials are provided by proven experts. Ease your mind with the help of Arnold’s Ready Mix, Jefferson County’s premier ready-mix concrete company. With over 40 ready-mix concrete delivery trucks and 56 years of ready-mix experience, our family-owned concrete delivery company is here for you!
