Crumbling concrete driveways are caused by concrete spalling – one of the most inconvenient problems those with concrete driveways will experience. Since concrete driveways are exposed to various elements like rain, flooding, and the weight of the car going in and out of the driveway, it is susceptible to damage. Spalling is like a ripple on a large pond caused by a small drop of water. If left untreated, the surrounding concrete also crumbles, which causes further damage to the driveway.

That's why spalling should be fixed and patched up before it worsens. And so, how do we fix crumbling concrete driveways before it gets worse? This post will help you solve that problem.

Here's how to do it:

1. Determine the problem areas

The process of fixing the crumbled concrete driveway begins by determining the problem areas. If it has minor damage, then you can do it yourself. Otherwise, call a professional to fix your driveway.

2. Check if it's the ideal weather to fix the driveway

If the weather's going to be sunny or rainy, then postpone it to another day. For the concrete to achieve its full strength, you should patch up your driveway during clear weather.

3. If you plan to do it yourself, start by thoroughly cleaning the working area

The patching process begins by making sure the working area is cleaned. Remove the crumbled concrete, and sweep off the dust and foreign materials. You can also use a pressure washer to blast off difficult-to-remove dirt. If you used a pressure washer, make sure the area dries first before proceeding.

4. Prepare the concrete mixture

While the driveway pavement is drying after the pressure washing, prepare the concrete mixture. Be sure to use concrete with high strength to make it long-lasting. Before mixing, make sure the water ratio is enough to make it have a consistency similar to peanut butter. Then, mix it on a cement mixer, a wheelbarrow, or an area you readied so that you can mix concrete by shovel.

5. Fill the damaged area with concrete

Use a shovel to fill the damaged area with the concrete mixture. Using a trowel, make sure to even the surface to the driveway's elevation. Let it dry for a few hours, then apply the second concrete coating. However, the second coating should have a wetter consistency for a smoother finish.

6. Use a concrete finishing broom

Using a concrete finishing broom is a must, since it will give the newly patched driveway area a non-skid surface, which is essential to prevent problems while driving. Make sure to drag the finishing broom in a direction along the width of the driveway.

With this, you can patch up your crumbling concrete driveway with no need for a professional's help! However, if the damaged area is too big or you also have a unique design for the pavement, it's much better to let the professionals deal with the problem. Hopefully, this post has helped you do so. If it did, then please don't hesitate to share it with others!