What's The Average Lifespan Of A Concrete Driveway?

When you want a sharp-looking, functional driveway, you have quite a few choices for materials. Asphalt, gravel, pavers, and other options all have their own design and cost advantages. With concrete, you can even pick from multiple different types to customize your driveway's look. If you're focused more on longevity than design, concrete typically outlasts other common materials like asphalt and permeable pavers. With proper maintenance, timely repairs, and installation techniques, concrete should last at least 25 years, with some installations potentially lasting more than 40.

Although the freezing and thawing process is a primary reason concrete driveways crumble, you can extend their longevity by using sealing products designed to keep water out of the porous material. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, this material stands up to snow removal equipment without showing damage. If you live in an area that has high temperatures in summer, concrete reflects heat and maintains its rigidity. On the other hand, asphalt can soften during periods of extreme heat because it absorbs sunlight, causing it to lose its form and negatively affecting its longevity. Additionally, concrete won't sag and compress under significant weight from large vehicles like other materials, which helps it maintain its appearance and functionality. Asphalt, by contrast, eventually weakens from the constant weight of large vehicles.

To achieve 25 to 40 years of life out of your concrete driveway, you should do regular DIY maintenance or hire a professional for maintenance help. Cleaning the material at least once a year should limit the effects of surface damage from algae, dirt, and grime. You can use a sturdy push broom to remove leaves and dirt from the surface. Pressure washing can help, too, as long as you limit the pressure of the stream and keep the nozzle several inches away from the surface.

Concrete installers will recommend sealing the material every two or three years to reduce damage from weather and erosion. Failing to apply a sealant could cause slow-forming damage when the moisture in the pores freezes and thaws. You can hire a professional to apply a sealant or purchase a product yourself and use a DIY application process. It's important to thoroughly clean the concrete before applying the seal to ensure that it adheres properly and will lock out moisture.

As a final step, make sure all your gutters and other sources of water diversion are attached and working properly. Don't let water collect along the edges of the driveway and erode supporting soil underneath, leading to stress cracks and crumbling. 

Cracks detract from curb appeal, but they can also greatly affect the longevity of the material. Inspect the driveway at least twice a year to catch issues with cracks as early as possible. Fixing the issues when they're small is easier than waiting until they eventually expand.

Homeowners can repair some small cracks on their own, but more serious problems probably need the help of a professional for a long-lasting results. One mistake people frequently make when trying to repair a cracked concrete driveway is placing gravel into a small crack. Instead, you should only use gravel as a filler base material in large cracks or holes. Buying a filler product is the best option for most medium and small cracks. For larger cracks, you need to thoroughly clean the gap to remove loose concrete sections. Add a base material before filling it with patching compound until it's flat to the level of the surrounding concrete.

If large sections of the driveway are showing their age and you need a major repair solution, consider hiring a professional to resurface the concrete driveway. Professionals can level any sunken concrete sections, seal cracks, and place a product over the top that protects the concrete underneath. This process can provide up to 20 years of protection.