The weather is something nobody can avoid. However, protecting the house and environment from extreme weather is a good decision to make them look good and remain in the best condition possible. Winter is a time of year that can affect concrete surfaces if they are not protected or winterized. From the concrete driveway to sidewalks, patios, and concrete statuary, they can all be affected by extreme temperatures.
When exposed to extreme winter cold, snow, and ice, the concrete driveway may crack, sink, or rise. It is unarguably true that a cracked, sunken, or risen concrete driveway creates an eyesore and becomes a hazard to everyone. You will unavoidably have to hire a concrete contractor to fix it. On the contrary, you can avoid this unexpected expense by winterizing your concrete driveway properly to prevent it from rising.
Why Does a Concrete Driveway Rise?
There are several reasons why a concrete driveway or surface may rise, especially as winter approaches. Here are some of the causes of a concrete driveway rising.
1. Tree Roots
The first cause of concrete driveway rise is the snaking or bulging root working its way to the sites of cracks and services in the concrete in search of water or moisture. In winter, a concrete driveway that has cracks can end up rising when roots are searching for moisture trapped in cracks and crevices.
2. Fill Soil
If the fill soil around the concrete is clay or contains substrate and other types of dirt, the poor soil condition can cause the concrete surface to rise after absorbing water from snow. The poor soil, if not mixed properly, will swell and cause the driveway to rise.
3. Cracks
Concrete is porous, and when there are cracks in the concrete driveway, moisture will seep through the cracks into the soil to feed the snaking roots. The concrete will swell eventually.
How to Prevent Your Concrete Driveway from Rising?
The first step you need to take is to hire an experienced concrete contractor to repair the cracks in the concrete driveway. Besides, the driveway’s surface should also be sealed to prevent water and moisture seepage. This task is best left to a professional concrete contractor.
Also, look around the concrete driveway for roots that may be moving close to them or the driveway. Get rid of the root and protect the driveway by pouring well-mixed concrete on the soil around the driveway to avoid swelling.
Takeaway
The winter is here; follow the tips shared above to protect your concrete driveway from rising. It is helpful to hire an experienced concrete contractor.
