What to Consider Before Using a Patch Kit on Concrete Driveways
When you have a small pothole or crack in your concrete driveway, you may think that handling the repair yourself may be easier than calling a professional. If you decide to go this route, you may start looking at your local hardware store for options. One of these is to use a patch kit specifically designed for concrete repair on driveways and sidewalks. Before you go with this option, there are a few things you should consider.
Intensity of the Damage
The first thing to consider is the intensity of the damage. You need to determine if it is just a small area crack or if it continues throughout the length or width of the driveway.
If it is a hole in the driveway, you need to look at the depth of that hole. If it is to the ground level, then it may be more than a patch kit is able to fix.
You should also look around the crack or hole. Check to see if there are any splintering cracks that could cause more damage later down the line. These will all tell you if you need a professional or if the damage is small enough for a kit to handle.
Cause of the Damage
Once you determine the intensity of the damage, you may want to try and figure out what caused the damage. If it was damage from a storm, you should determine if the damage was a result of falling trees or other heavy objects. These should be cleared to prevent home or landscaping damage in the future. If it was water damage, you should determine if it was caused by rain or a pipe issue. If it was rain damage overtime, then the damage may have been from a lack of proper weatherproofing to the concrete. Improper drainage could also result in damage. If it was from a pipe, the leak should be located quickly and taken care of before the patch repair is completed.
Longevity of the Repair
Once you have determined what caused the damage and how severe it is, you will need to consider how long the patch will last. For example, if you do see some fine cracks around the initial damage, then the patch may only last for a few months. The patch may last longer if the initial damage is shallow and has few cracks or lines.
By keeping these points of consideration in mind, you can make sure you are making the right choice to handle this yourself or to call a professional. If you want to gauge the cost of the repair, you can also call a concrete driveways professional for a consultation to help you make a final choice.