When it comes to the home, driveways are regularly used but often overlooked. Taking the time to maintain your concrete driveway, in Toronto particularly, where the weather is extreme, is easy and will save you money in the long run.
Cracks in a concrete driveway can really have a negative effect on your home’s curb appeal, so follow these three simple steps to repair cracks before they develop into a larger problem that requires professional attention. If you’re not sure if you need a professional contractor or not, give us a call and check out our concrete driveway services to see why having our experts install your driveway will save you the trouble of worrying about cracks.
Step 1: Clean out all concrete cracks
The first step is to thoroughly clean out all of the concrete cracks you’re planning to fill. You can use the most effective tool in your garden shed to remove large debris pieces, and a brush to sweep out smaller plant chunks and rubble. For a deeper, more thorough cleaning, grab a hose to spray out the cracks, or a pressure washer if you have one at your disposal. Take care to do this first step well. How well you clean each crack will make the difference in how effectively the filler adheres to your driveway’s concrete.
Step 2: Choose the right filler
When it comes to choosing the right filler, there are a few important factors to consider. Weather conditions are one: a concrete driveway in a climate that is relatively warm
year-round versus a concrete driveway in a city that experiences extreme seasonal changes, are not made equal. If you live in a location that experiences winters with ice and snow, you will want to choose a sturdy filler like caulking or sealants because they are more durable in varying climates. How you choose your filler will also depend on the size of the cracks you are looking to fill. There are options that require little prep and no mixing, which makes them ideal for smaller cracks. If you’re looking at bigger cracks that need professional attention, consider concrete parging, which is an affordable alternative to costly concrete repair.
Step 3: Fill all cracks
If you are tackling small cracks with a pre-mixed bottle of sealant, your best tool is going to be a caulk gun. Simply inject the sealant into the cracks being sure to fill all crevices. If your concrete driveway is plagued with larger cracks and you have chosen to fill them with concrete or a concrete based mix, you will want to pour the concrete carefully into the cracks – again being sure to fill all corners of the fracture. Once the filling process is complete, be sure to scrape away all excess filler that may have oozed out of the cracks.
The most important part of the process is to let the fillers set. Since each filler is made differently, you will want to follow the instructions that come with the filler you purchase.
Applying a sealant once the repair process is complete is a great way to prevent future cracks, as it helps prevent damage caused by water, ice, snow and salt.
