Concrete Driveway Repair

loosescrew · 06-30-2009, 11:31 AM

Hello everyone,

I am going to attempt a DIY repair of the 1 x 12 section of my driveway which connects my garage floor to an aggregate drive. There is approx a 2-foot section which started out as large cracks, and I have since chiseled away all the loose material leaving a "pothole". This hole is 2 1/2" at it's deepest point, and approx 1 1/2" deep at the most shallow point.

I have attached some pics which should explain my repair in much better detail. My questions are:

1. What type of concrete mix should I use?
2. Are there tricks to edging the patch so that it matches the surrounding material?
3. Is resurfacing the entire 1' x 12' area after the initial patch is cured the best bet to make for a cosmetically pleasing result?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Ben

glennjanie · 06-30-2009, 12:28 PM

Welcome Ben:
I would use an epoxy bonding agent for concrete, brushed on the un-even surface and a 4000psi mix worked into the opening very agressively. Trowell the concrete and use an edger next to the exposed agregate part. In the future, make sure there is no salt used on the driveway; it has a chemical reaction with the concrete that causes it to disintergrate.
Glenn

loosescrew · 07-03-2009, 02:23 PM

Excellent info. Thanks for the help Glenn.

homefish · 07-03-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennjanie

Welcome Ben:
I would use an epoxy bonding agent for concrete, brushed on the un-even surface and a 4000psi mix worked into the opening very agressively. Trowell the concrete and use an edger next to the exposed agregate part. In the future, make sure there is no salt used on the driveway; it has a chemical reaction with the concrete that causes it to disintergrate.
Glenn

I just thought that it has something to do with getting in the cracks and expanding them. Didn't think it was some chemical thing.

mudmixer · 07-03-2009, 05:18 PM

Does the garage drain toward the front?

If so. it could be a result of salt drippings from the car that collect at the joint and decrease the durability of the apron. Do you have air entrained concrete in the exposed aggregate slab?

Around here they will not sell or deliver exposed aggregate mixes for external use (patio or driveway) unless it is a minimum of 4000 psi (some producers have a 4500 psi minimum) plus 5% air entrainment. - Same applies to all driveways.

Patching materials are not always durable when it comes to deicers.

ccarlisle · 07-04-2009, 06:37 AM

Deicing products react with the rebar, then that causes the concrete to crack.