Maintenance of pavements is a challenge for many homeowners. All paving materials can suffer damage or degrade under some conditions. Some materials have a greater durability problem than others, but this doesn't mean that the options we consider durable are immune to damage.
For example, concrete is widely considered to be a very durable paving material. However, there are many things we do that damage the concrete. The damage can be visible, but in some instances, the damage will go unseen until the final moment.
Heavy Loading
Concrete pavements can be installed with the capacity to handle significantly heavy loads. However, every type of concrete still has its limits, and subjecting the pavement to loads that exceed its limits can lead to rapid deterioration. You should be careful with heavy vehicles such as RVs and construction trucks especially if they sit on your driveway for a long time. It's a better idea to park them out on the street. Concrete leveling may be needed for concrete that has been subjected to heavy loads and is showing resulting unevenness or cracking.
Using Studded Tires
Although concrete pavements aren't as susceptible as asphalt pavements in this regard, they still suffer a certain degree of damage when you use such tires. These tires are usually used by those trying to drive safely on snow-covered trees. If your concrete is already aging, it can suffer increased wear and tear.
Use of Metal Shovels
Shoveling snow from driveways is such a common activity during winter that it's unlikely most people ever considered they could be damaging the pavement in the process. When you use metal shovels, there is a high likelihood of scratching and damaging the surface of the pavement. As this is repeated every time the snow falls, your pavement becomes even more compromised. Try using plastic shovels instead and avoid using sharp blows when shoveling the ice.
Water
Many people are probably aware that water causes a lot of damage to all kinds of pavement; however, they may not be aware that even having a pool near the pavement can lead to saturation and deterioration of the bedrock. Rainwater can wash away soil from underneath the concrete.
Tree Roots
Having trees lining your driveway can create an amazing visual effect. Unfortunately, if the trees in question have deep roots, they might be going underneath your driveway. When these tree roots grow bigger, they will damage the concrete from the underneath. If the tree dies and the roots rot, they can leave spaces underneath the driveway as well.
For more information, contact a company like Crackerjack Mud Jacking Inc.
