How many years should a concrete driveway last?

The average life of your concrete driveway will depend on installation methods, environmental conditions and temperatures. However, you can expect your surface to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years with proper care. The key to prolonging the life of your investment is to pay attention to wear and tear each season.


When should you replace your concrete driveway?

Typically you'll need to replace an asphalt driveway after 20 years and a concrete drive after 25 years. Repairing a driveway nearing this age is not considered a wise investment. Beyond the condition of your driveway, many old driveways could do with an update just as a home benefits from renovations.

How often should you resurface a concrete driveway?

Extends its lifespan: if you care for your driveway correctly, it should last for up to thirty years. However, you run the risk of it deteriorating if you decide not to resurface. If that happens, you'll need to tear the entire thing up sooner than you expect.


How often should a driveway be replaced?

In general, you should plan on replacing your asphalt driveway every 20 years. But how long your driveway lasts will depend on how much maintenance it's received over the years as well as the conditions it's endured. For example, you may have to replace your driveway sooner if you didn't invest in sealcoating.

How do I extend the life of my concrete driveway?

A sealer can be used to reduce the moisture and protect the concrete surface. Concrete should be sealed after being cured for twenty eight days at least to increase its longevity. Use a quality sealer with chemical resistance on your concrete before the first winter.


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Should I seal my concrete driveway every year?

As a general rule of thumb, you should seal your driveway every one to three years. Here's a look at expert recommendations based on pavement type: Concrete. More durable than asphalt varieties, concrete driveways tend to last longer between sealing.

Is it worth it to resurface concrete driveway?

Resurfacing a driveway will extend its lifespan. Adding an overlay above the existing concrete makes it incredibly durable so it can withstand its usual daily pounding from vehicles, foot traffic and harsh weather.

What driveway will last the longest?

Concrete, cobblestone, asphalt, brick, and interlocking pavers are the most durable driveway installation options available today. Apart from their lengthy lifespans, these materials also hold up well in any climate, require minimal maintenance, offer a smooth drive, and elevate your home's first impression.


Is it worth it to redo driveway?

It really depends on the condition of your driveway and the market you are in. If your neighbors have pristine driveways, repairing your concrete driveway should be your top home improvement priority. A new driveway will improve your home's curb appeal and increase property value.

What time of year is best to replace driveway?

The best time of year to pave asphalt is during the spring and summer months because the best temperature for hot paving is generally 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It's possible to lay asphalt at temperatures as low as 50 degrees, but doing so isn't likely to bring about the best results possible.

Is it better to resurface or replace concrete?

A general rule of thumb is that if a repair requires more than two inches of material then it probably is better to use the replacement method. But being able to repair rather than replace concrete can be a more sustainable route that reduces the carbon footprint.


Can you pour concrete over old concrete?

Since cement lacks any natural bonding agents, newly-poured concrete won't naturally bond to the existing slab. You'll need to either use a bonding agent to adhere the two layers together or use an unbonded overlay method.

How long should a concrete driveway last before cracking?

A concrete driveway should last a minimum of 20 years, but a full replacement is necessary when cracks and pits are interconnected. If your foundation is lifting or there are numerous potholes across the surface of the concrete leading to drainage issues, it's time to replace the driveway.

Do you need to maintain concrete driveway?

Clean and reapply sealer as needed.

How often you clean and reseal will depend on the weather conditions the concrete is exposed to and the amount of vehicle traffic it receives. Generally, you should reseal a concrete driveway every two years or so, or when the finish begins to show wear.


Why is my new concrete driveway crumbling?

If your driveway surface has spalling concrete, the most likely cause is an installation mistake. Common mistakes include adding too much water to the mix, to make it easier to pour; sprinkling the surface of the concrete with water, to extend finishing time; and not curing the concrete properly after installation.

What is the cheapest way to renew a driveway?

Generally, gravel is the cheapest material, with resin and concrete being the most expensive.

Is it cheaper to do a concrete or asphalt driveway?

The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 and $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.


How do you know when your driveway needs to be replaced?

Here are five signs you may need a new driveway.
  1. Cracks. Cracks are known to form on concrete and asphalt driveways over time. ...
  2. Potholes. Potholes can be dangerous for your car and other vehicles that enter your driveway. ...
  3. Drainage Problems. ...
  4. A Rough Look. ...
  5. An Old Driveway.


What is the most low-maintenance driveway?

Low-Maintenance Driveway Options
  1. Paving Stones. Paving stones are known to last up to a full century if properly laid. ...
  2. Concrete Grass Pavers. An interlocking concrete grass paver driveway made may be an option for your driveway. ...
  3. Plastic Permeable Pavers.


What type of driveway adds most value?

Why Is An Asphalt Driveway The Best Option? Pound for pound, asphalt is the building material that gives you the most bang for your buck. Concrete can cost $6.00 to $10.00 per square foot whereas the price of asphalt typically ranges between $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot.


What type of concrete is best for a driveway?

Portland Cement: Portland cement is a material commonly used to create concrete. It acts much like a strong glue, providing a reliable bond that makes it a popular choice for laying driveways and pathways.

How do you make an old concrete driveway look new?

3 Ways to Make Old Concrete Look New Again
  1. Power Wash. Over time, your concrete will accumulate grime and dirt. ...
  2. Resurface. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to improve your curb appeal, resurfacing your concrete steps and driveway is a great way to start. ...
  3. Add Stain or Sealing Coats. ...
  4. Revive Your Old Concrete.


Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

The Cure for Crumbling Concrete Steps

As long as the steps are structurally sound—meaning, they're not spalling, flaking, or broken all the way through—you can repair most surface issues.


What is a cheap alternative to concrete driveway?

Brick is one of the alternatives to a concrete driveway that looks great and won't cost you much. It can be semi-permeable if laid over sand and comes in many styles. Loose gravel makes for one of the cheapest driveway alternatives, though it can be high-maintenance when compared to other asphalt driveway alternatives.

Is it worth sealing old concrete?

Sealing concrete increases its longevity.

Typically, a concrete driveway can last anywhere from 25-30 years unless it becomes damaged. In that case, it will likely need to be replaced sooner. Sealing your concrete not only ensures your concrete surface is protected, but that it is long lasting.