Concrete structures such as pavements and driveways are becoming increasingly important for both functional and aesthetic reasons in many homes. However, one of the problems that most people face with them is the fact that they can become damaged fast. Some of the reasons that result in this include the improper use of the facilities, such as when you use heavy machinery on a pavement that was not designed to withstand this. Another important factor is how much water is in contact with the concrete structure.
How does water damage a concrete driveway?
There are various mechanisms through which water can damage a concrete driveway. The first is if this is through a chemical reaction. When rain falls, it tends to accumulate substances from the air. In most urban center, this happens to be oxides of nitrogen and carbon, and these then form acids when they combine with the water. When the rain falls, it will have an acidic pH, and this might react with the components of the concrete driveway to result in damage.
In addition to that, the water can also damage the concrete driveway through physical means. When the water flows along the concrete, it could gradually wear away the surface, resulting in cracks and potholes. In addition to that, the regular freezing and thawing of water that stands on the concrete surface could result in the gradual expansion of cracks within it.
Prevent Water Damage on a Concrete Driveway
The most effective way of preventing concrete damage by water is by having it designed with this in mind. When constructing the pavement for the first time, you should ask the contractor to put in place adequate drainage facilities. These often include underground water conduits or furrows on the side of the pavement. One of the major advantages of including the drainage in the initial design is the fact that it tends to work very well, and maintenance might not be that difficult. It’s also cheaper to do it this way.
Professional help for Concrete Driveway Drainage Problems
Some of the signs that an existing concrete driveway needs proper drainage include noticing that water stands on it for too long after it rains. You may also find that you increasingly spend time and money on fixing cracks and other defects on the surface, mostly attributable to the presence of too much water. In some cases, a discoloration of the concrete could be an indicator that it’s subjected to too much water.
In all such settings, you can ask a contractor to come and assess your needs before deciding on how you are going to include the drainage. This can be slightly more expensive than constructing a concrete pavement that already has the drainage in place, but it’s still well worth it. The only thing you need to insist on is working with a high quality contractor to ensure that the project is carried out in the most thorough manner possible.
All in all, if you own a concrete driveway, always make sure that it has a proper drainage system. This will go a long way in maintaining its looks, as well as ensuring that it lasts as long as you expect it to.
Call Classic Concrete Perth to discuss your concrete driveway drainage requirements.