Solutions To Your Concrete Repair Problems Might Be Easier Than You Think
Over the years it is not uncommon for some concrete driveways, especially in the Sydney area, to get the odd crack and be in the need for some concrete repair.
The reality is every single concrete repair job can be slightly different and this is where it pays dividends to ask for professional help or at least someone who is experienced when it comes to concrete repair.
Whilst most people would think that cracks in the concrete driveway are the major issue when it comes to repairing concrete, however there are other more subtle problems that can pop up as well. One of the more common problems we get asked about is poor drainage or a previous concrete contractor hasn’t established the correct drainage for the site and so puddles of water can pool.
Here is a perfect example of a beautiful concrete driveway in Sydney that continually pooled water every time there was a heavy downpour. As you can see from the photo below this is a very large driveway which has an unavoidably large puddle after any rain, which runs about 2 inches (5cm) deep.
Correct drainage for your driveway is critical
The driveway itself is 10 years old and as you can see from the photo’s was constructed to a high standard except for the water pooling at the centre of the driveway. The concrete is 150mm thick and has an F72 reinforcing rating, however concreting does need to be completed by true professionals. The flow of water away from the home and building is crucial. It is also important that water runoff flows correctly and completely into built in drainage systems.
To ensure correct drainage is essential and “tricky to do” unless you are a professional experienced concreter. The long term cost of this not being correct can be thousands of dollars to rectify and can cause massive damage and water related problems to the structure of your home or building.
So what are the options when you need to repair your concrete driveway in this situation?
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Given the fact that many people are closely watching their budget, the most preferred solution for most concrete driveway repairs is the least expensive one. Having said that we can get around this problem with a couple of ‘Do It Yourself (DIY)’ tools from your local hardware store or perhaps a Bunnings store in Sydney.
The solution
Relatively speaking, the solution to this concrete driveway repair in Sydney is quite simple.
Firstly, you’ll want to use an angle grinder which can cost anywhere from $80 up to more than $130 but $100 should do the trick in this instance. Now that you have your new power tool it’s time to use it wisely and create a small concrete cut at teh base of the water pooling to the garden bed so that the wtaer will slowly drain from the pooled area to the garden. Keep in mind you may have to consider the best angles with which to create the cut so gravity does it’s thing.
Another solution…
Something else to consider would be to drill 2 to 3 holes right into the concrete at the lowest part in the driveway where the water is pooling. You’ll need to be sure to drill right through the concrete and into the foundation materials, allowing the water to collect below that.
The 2nd solution is by far the cheapest as you can pick up a new concrete drill from your local Sydney hardware store for around $50.
Irrespective of how simple the above solution may seem it is always wise to seek advice from a professional when it comes to any concrete driveway repair jobs. In many cases the advice you are given is free and may take less than 10 minutes to get it.
Your next step is to determine whether you are able to complete the job satisfactorily yourself or you may decide you do need to get a professional to come in and fix it.
If you need a qualified concrete contractor to quote or repair your concrete driveway and you live in or around the Sydney area then give us a call on the number below and we’ll be sure to help you.
