Concrete Driveway Problem

[jman01pa]

I have a concrete driveway and the top layer is flaking off exposing the rock inside. What causes this? What can I do to repair it and end the flaking? The house and driveway is about 9 years old and I have lived here a year and a half and have seen it get worse as time goes on. Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks

J

[vass0922]

Move to Arizona.. lasts forever

kidding of course

Weather is your worst enemy with concrete, winter cold contract, summer hot expand.. do that enough times and CRACK

I believe there are products you can use to weather protect concrete to help avoid the heavy cracking and flaking.

[osprey4]

No, it's worse than that. Someone used dirty sand when the mix was prepared. I've seen a sidewalk where some idiot used beach sand and the thing just fell apart within a couple years. The only fix is to break it up and start over.

[wju425]

osprey4's right. Somebody's been cutting corners with the materials. By mixing concrete you can make different hardness and somebody made yours too soft.

\o/ Billy

[zen]

Does it snow in Kentucky?

Salt or ice-melt will do that.

[Ed_S]

A lot of driveway's built in the last 20 yrs do that after 5 -10 years, at least around here.

The builder's want to make it sooo picture-pretty that they over-work the concrete, forcing the aggregate (rock) to settle deeper for a better appearance. You see it most often on near-white driveway's with swirled finish and a smooth border around each section.
Looks great - for a little while...

For long life, go with a straight brush finish and some exposed aggregate.

[jman01pa]

It snows in KY and gets cold as well. I live in a typical sub-division with all the houses being built at the same time. Mine is the only one that appears to be doing it. It is not real bad, I just dont want it to get worse. As for breaking it up and pouring a new one? Not an option. this is double wide drive that is fairly long.

I went to Lowes and saw this coating that is used to seal the concrete and prevent this. I will give it a try when we dry out again.

I am wanting to repair the damage. I guess I am SOL there.