Got concrete driveways covered in cracks, dips and potholes? It’s time to contact your local concrete contractors for a concrete repair job. This minor inconvenience can seem just that, but a little problem can become a huge issue if not looked after! Damaged and improper concrete driveways can actually cause significant damage to your car day after day, wearing out your tires unnecessarily and costing you hundreds of dollars on a yearly basis. Thankfully these nasty little elements can be easily reversed in little to no time at all — concrete repair is a booming business in the United States, with many homeowners across the country calling for a yearly buff on their sidewalks and driveways.
How Much Asphalt And Concrete Is In The United States?
This ancient creation undercuts everything we do — literally! Of the nearly three million miles of paved roads in the United States, over 90% are surfaced with asphalt — that’s the equivalent to 18 billion tons. Another 90% of American parking lots are surfaced with asphalt, as the material is perfect for reducing heat glare and is easily reclaimed. It’s estimated there are nearly 3,500 asphalt mix production sites operating across the country as we speak, producing 350 million tons of asphalt pavement every single year. If you need to repair your concrete driveway or buff your surrounding sidewalks, never fear — you’re in good hands!
What’s The Difference Between Asphalt And Concrete?
While these are both rather similar in their everyday use and application, they have a few key differences. Concrete is smooth and stocky, created through a mixture of different minerals mixed with water — these are more commonly used for sidewalks and driveways for their even coating and brilliant sheen. Asphalt, on the other hand, is widely considered an eco-friendly solution and is frequently used for roads, parking lots and even some driveways. It’s created through a combination of different sands and rocks, even able to be reclaimed and reused — the year 2013 saw nearly 68 million tons of asphalt pavement recycled, saving the country millions of dollars!
What Damages Concrete Driveways?
It’s actually a shorter answer to find what doesn’t! Concrete may be a powerful substance capable of lasting for many years, but it’s far from invincible. Everything from generally wear and tear to cold weather to the test of time can chip away at concrete and asphalt foundations, causing those frustrating cracks and holes that seem to crop up out of nowhere. These little frustrations can unnecessarily wear out your tires and send you to the car repair shop sooner than you’d like.
Can I Customize My Repair Job?
You definitely can! The benefit to a country that’s mastered the art of paving is all the options at your disposal, which include aesthetic touch-ups and physical enhancements. While your selection will vary depending on who you contact, colored concrete is available in as many as 250 different hues and shades — you can even get different textures and designs if you’re feeling particularly artistic!
How Do I Repair My Driveway?
Keep these tips in mind when repairing your concrete driveway and you won’t go wrong. The average width for a one-car drive, for starters, is eight to nine feet. A two-car driveway, on the other hand, is around 15 to 18 feet. Your finished pavement should slope at least one-fourth inch per foot to increase its durability — if properly installed and maintained, your concrete drive will have a long lifespan of around 50 years. That’s nothing to sneeze at! Contact your local concrete contractor today and check out their specials, particularly when the weather starts getting cold. You won’t regret saving money.