Have you got cracks in your concrete or asphalt?

This past winter was full of snow and that meant lots of potholes for spring. Now, we’ve got to watch out for little plants pushing their way through the cracks in your pavement. The reason your concrete or asphalt might crack is two-fold. The first reason that might contribute is moisture, and we’ve had a lot of that. The second thing that can lead to cracking is a lot of changes in temperature. With this past winter, we’ve had a lot of both. So, let’s check out some ways you can minimize the cracks in your pavement.

Before You Pour

One of the best ways to minimize the damage of cracking is to create joints before the concrete is poured. Think of a joint as a controlled crack. If the concrete has a decent amount of joints, then there will be less chance of having lots and lots of cracks throughout the concrete. Large sheets are more likely to crack, simple as that.

Sealant is also very helpful

Concrete sealant can help you once the cracks have already happened. You can buy some at the local hardware store to fill in small cracks like a caulk. Now, it should be said that sealant will not completely fix your concrete. It will only provide a temporary repair. The best way to completely fix your pavement is to simply replace it. In the event that you cannot replace your driveway, you can have it sealed professionally so that you can rest assured that the cracks are going to get worse.

If you think your concrete could use replacement or a new coat of sealant then give us a call! We are more than happy to help you figure out the best way of protecting your concrete surfaces both big and small.

If you’re in need of repair for your concrete driveway then contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post How to Keep Your Driveway Free of Cracks appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Don’t let a small fracture become a large fissure.

Outside steps are always experiencing the elements. They take the rain, the snow, and all that comes with that. The day to day wear and tear of the elements can break concreate and stone structures down over time. This is particularly true after a winter with lots of ice. When moisture gets into the concrete or stone and then freezes, it creates a pocket of air within the structure. When the ice melts the pocket remains. Eventually, this causes fractures, collapse, and generally bad news.

What should I look for?

The easiest things to look for are visible cracks and crumbles on your steps. If you can see little bits coming off of the structure then you may be in for some trouble. Another thing to watch out for is some nasty weather. It may be beneficial to look carefully at your steps after some very low temperatures or some heavy rain. There’s no need to be overly cautious, but a quick glance at your steps will clue you in to any potential issues. You should also be aware of your steps as you walk on them, checking for any weak spots with your feet.

What should I do if there’s a problem?

Well, if you run into some kind of issue you need to consider whether or not your steps need a simple repair, or a full replacement. Obviously, a small fracture isn’t going to spell the end for your steps, but once you see a fracture the countdown has begun. Once the damage has advanced a bit you should look at the foundation. If it looks weak, then it might be time for a replacement. If the damage is surface or cosmetic then a simple repair should be all you need. Give us a call and we can help you figure out what you need.

If you’re in need of repair for your steps then contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post Concrete and Stone Steps: Do They Need Replacing? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.