The driveway of your house is constantly having to withstand damage from the elements and from cars being driven up and down it all day long. There are several ways to make sure that the driveway lasts for as long as possible without sustaining any damage. This will be possible if you carry out regular inspections to ensure that there are no problems that require closer attention.
Read this helpful guide in order to learn much more about the common durability tests that are faced by the driveway.
Cars On The Driveway
Concrete driveways are susceptible to cracking. This usually happens if the concrete expands because of the high temperatures in Australia. Unlike asphalt, concrete does not have the ability to contract once it has expanded due to the heat. This will cause deep cracks to appear. The pressure of cars on the driveway can also cause the cracks to appear. The easiest way to test for cracks and to fix them at the same time is to pour sealant in areas which look like they have deep cracks in them. The special liquid will find its way in between the split and then sit in the grooves.
The cracks can also be repaired by a professional company. Exposed aggregate concrete in Perth from Walker Concrete & Civil is designed to be crack-resistant.
Rainwater On The Driveway
Rainwater can have a very negative effective on the driveway and can cause it to wash away. Surface water can damage uncovered driveways when there are heavy rainstorms in the area. An inspection should be carried out after every heavy storm. This will allow homeowners to discover whether their driveways need to be re-laid with a more durable material. Asphalt is a good material to resist the effects of rainwater and it can be easily filled in if rainwater happens to cause any damage. Keep a close eye out for any damage from rain water or acid rain.
Heavy Objects On The Paving Stones
People want their patio to be as strong as possible so that it can last for years and even decades. The most common problem in the paving stones is that they can start to crack. A few heavy objects on the paving such as chairs, tables and barbeques will cause the stones to slip or crack if the pressure is great enough. People should see how the stones respond under the pressure. If the stones are high quality and if they have been laid properly, then there will be absolutely no problems. People should keep an eye out for the first signs of any dents or cracks.
Falling Branches
Sometimes branches can fall from trees and damage the driveways. Heavy branches need to be removed by a tree surgeon before they can fall and cause any damage.
Oil Spillages
Oil spillages and other chemicals can cause damage. Check the durability of a driveway by spilling these chemicals and see how the driveway reacts.
Use this guide for driveway durability tests.
Tyler Meredith
Monday 30th of January 2017
I like what this article mentions about falling branches on a driveway. I'm wanting to get a new driveway but it's surrounded in trees and falling branches are a very real possibility. I'll have to make sure the materials used will be strong enough to withstand sudden impact as well as look good doing so.