It’s easy to think of concrete driveways as fairly indestructible, but the truth is that wear and tear comes for everything eventually, including your concrete driveway. When it starts developing cracks or begins to show wear, it’s very tempting to tackle these repairs yourself…
But there’s a problem. While there are plenty of how-to guides online that break down a few quick fixes for concrete driveway repair, the truth is that these DIY fixes might be a quick, short-term solution, but they can end up costing more in the long run. Repair costs compound, and there’s nothing more disappointing than trying it out for yourself only to find you have actually exacerbated the situation once you’re done.
In this blog post, we’re breaking down why a DIY concrete driveway repair might cost more in the long run (and what you might want to consider instead).
The Downsides of Taking On a DIY Concrete Driveway Repair
You’re probably missing a tool or two.
Fixing a concrete driveway isn’t quite as simple as hammering a nail into the wall. Repairs generally take proper tools and high-quality materials, much of which you likely don’t have on hand. Without professional-grade gear like mixers and tampers, you might end up with a patch job that looks fine at first but falls apart later.
If you’re not interested in buying expensive equipment, there are some cheap DIY repair kits, but they often come with basic materials that don’t apply to larger problems or last under heavy use.
You might not know the full extent of the problem.
Sure, those cracks on the surface might seem like the only issue, but they’re often just the tip of the iceberg. The real problems, like soil movement, water damage, or bad installation, could be lurking underneath. If you only patch what you can see, those cracks will probably show up again (and worse) in no time.
Unsettled New Zealand weather.
In places like Auckland, where rain can show up out of nowhere, timing your concrete repair perfectly is critical. If you don’t protect your driveway from the rain or let it cure properly, your repair could weaken fast. You don’t want all that hard work to literally wash away.
Mistakes can cost more than the initial repair.
Unfortunately, if you’re not an expert, things can go wrong. Uneven patches or cracks that come back even bigger are common DIY headaches. Not only does that mean more work, but it could also cost you more money to fix it properly later. Plus, if someone trips over your botched repair, you might be dealing with even bigger problems.
Each of these issues can add up to a lot of money out of your wallet in the long run. These things can quickly add up. The cost of buying what you need for the initial DIY repair doubles down as soon as you need a systemic issue addressed down the road or a mistake corrected.
This isn’t always the case. In some unique cases, a DIY approach can be a great way to tackle small or cosmetic issues, but it’s important to be careful that you’re calling the pros when you need to. To help you out, we’ve put together a checklist.
Your Checklist for Calling in the Pros
To keep things simple and straightforward, we’ve condensed a few signs that you should skip the DIY driveway repair and call a professional. If you notice any of the below, it will likely be better for your wallet (and your stress levels) to trust an expert instead of tackling the patch yourself:
- Wide or deep cracks (which might indicate structural problems).
- Potholes that worsen the more you use the driveway.
- Repeatedly needing to repair the same spot (which suggests a deeper problem).
- Water pooling, which can be a sign of poor drainage.
- If your driveway supports a lot of heavy loads, like trucks or construction vehicles.
Across the board, it’s clear that your concrete driveway is a significant investment. Maintaining it properly will save you a lot of money in the long run, and while a DIY solution can be useful for a quick touch-up, extensive repairs require a professional’s touch.
When in doubt, get in touch with a repair specialist to have your driveway assessed. That way, you can make an informed decision and take the next best step for you!
Access the highest quality concrete driveway repairs in Auckland.
For the team at Asphalt & Civil, concrete driveway repair is an art form and one we’re proud to be experts in. After years of tackling both commercial and residential driveways in both concrete and asphalt, we’re equipped with the equipment, expertise, and experience to flawlessly construct and care for your driveway.
To save you time, money, and stress, it’s worth working with the pros. If you’re ready to get your repair sorted quickly, get in touch with our team for your driveway repair today.