Phaze Concrete experts reveal what signs you should be looking for this winter.
The winter season is quickly upon us, which means heavy snow downfalls in northern states. Although beautiful, the cold weather can be quite damaging to your concrete driveway. Concrete is notoriously durable, but over time, it can begin to see damage from ice, snow, slush, and sleet. Experts from Phaze Concrete explain what signs you should be looking for and what to do next if faced with the decision to repair or replace your driveway this winter.
The most apparent signs of driveway damage are cracks, whether large or small, that run across the concrete surface. When people add chemicals to melt snow off their driveways, those cracks can expand and become worse. Additionally, the experts at Phaze Concrete explain that even without the use of chemicals, cracks can deepen from water seeping into existing fractures repeatedly. As temperatures drop, water freezes again, which makes ice expand and widen the crack.
Phaze Concrete experts warn people to be aware of shoveling practices on driveways as well. If you aren’t careful, shovels can dislodge and crack concrete driveways. Another common sign of damage is sunken areas or divots. This is a sign that subgrade was poorly prepared, which means the concrete will be prone to sinking from lack of support. Phaze Concrete experts note that without proper support, even the most durable concrete driveways can give way to divots in the snow.
Once you notice the signs, the next step is to assess the damage. Every case is different, but a general rule states that cracks or divots over two inches deep will most likely need to be replaced. Smaller cracks and imperfections may be fixed with some simple resurfacing. Phaze Concrete experts also believe that the age of the concrete should be considered, as age is the most significant factor when assessing the damage. If your new driveway is already cracking, chances are, it will quickly get worse due to poor installation.
Deciding to resurface or replace your concrete driveway can be tough. That’s why its best left to the experts. Keeping an eye out of signs of damage can help you know when it’s time to call in the professionals. Get multiple opinions before making your final choice.
About Phaze Concrete:
In 2003, Phaze Concrete began as a small family-owned and operated business. The father and son duo has since grown their little company into a well-known powerhouse with a growing portfolio.
No matter the vision, Phaze Concrete is capable of meeting the client’s needs. Phaze Concrete is licensed to deliver its services to 17 states. They mainly focus on high-profile clients and big-ticket contracts in the western United States.
For more information on Phaze Concrete, and to see examples of completed projects, visit www.phazeconcrete.com.
