Is There A Way To Resurface A Salt-Damaged Concrete Driveway?

Salt for the driveway is one of the most popular ways to keep the roads safe during winter. However, salt has a tendency to damage concrete driveways. This is because salt combines with moisture in the air and then dries out when it’s exposed to sunlight. If a concrete driveway is left unprotected by sealant or paint, it can become pitted and cracked due to this moisture process. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem quickly and properly—even if your driveway has been damaged for years!

Concrete Safe Ice Melt

Salt damage can be serious, but there are ways to fix your driveway.

Using salt for the driveway may damage the concrete. In fact, it can be hard to see because salt damage often appears as tiny cracks and depressions in the surface of your driveway. This can happen with your roof as well if you’re using salt as a roof melts.

These cracks and depressions develop over time from exposure to road salt, which dissolves in water and then freezes when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero Celsius). Because salt absorbs moisture from the air, it creates a brine solution beneath your driveway surface that causes the concrete to expand and contract at different rates than it would normally—resulting in cracks and other unsightly damage.

New Driveway in the Works? Let’s go over some details of concrete driveway installation and care to help you get a long-lasting, durable surface.

Concrete Driveway Installation

In the beginning, one must ensure good installation. Did you know that site prep can make or break your concrete driveway? Just remember to:

Excavate to the right depth, which is usually about 7-8 inches for driveways.

Pack down the base well. It cannot be emphasized enough. A solid, firm base prevents movement and/or cracking.

Use forms to hold your concrete in place while it hardens.

Concrete Driveway Tips

One important tip: think about how strong your concrete is. In the case of driveways, a mix with a compressive strength of at least 4,000 psi is often recommended. This guarantees that it will bear vehicle weight without fracturing.

Long-lasting Driveway

Would you like an everlasting driveway? Maintenance matters most. Have the concrete sealed every 2-3 years so as to protect against moisture, oil or other chemicals. Furthermore, clean up spills immediately to prevent staining and damage.

Concrete Driveway Maintenance

An ongoing maintenance program will keep your driveway looking new and greatly extend its life span. The following are some tips on maintaining a concrete driveway:

• Seal cracks as soon as they appear to prevent water infiltration.
• Avoid deicing chemicals in the first winter after pouring the concrete. If you must use them, opt for products that are safe for new concrete.
• Clean regularly. A simple hose down can keep your driveway free of debris and buildup.

DIY Driveway Concrete

Thinking of mixing your own concrete? While DIY driveway concrete can be a cost-saving option, be sure you’re up for the challenge. Mixing concrete is labor-intensive, and getting the mix wrong can be costly. If you choose this route, compare pre-mixed concrete vs bagged concrete options to see which best fits your needs and skill level.

Remember, whether you’re hiring professionals or taking the DIY route, the right preparation and maintenance can lead to a functional and aesthetically pleasing driveway. Don’t skimp on materials or rush the process—your driveway is worth the investment!

Repairing salt-damaged concrete is a bit of a process, but it’s worth it.

Whether you’re trying to repair a concrete driveway or simply make it last longer, it’s best to use a concrete repair product. 

If you’re going to do this work yourself, follow manufacturer instructions carefully and apply at least two coats of material per day —this may take three days total for small areas or up to one month for large ones! 

Avoid the salt for the driveway

One solution that won’t damage your driveway is to use an ice melt that doesn’t contain salt. Safe Paw, for example, is a granular de-icer that’s made of naturally occurring minerals and doesn’t contain any chloride or sodium compounds. It’s safe for concrete patios and driveways, but it also melts snow quickly without damaging the underlying surface. If you’re going to use an alternative to salt on your driveway anyway, consider switching from rock salt to this alternative product.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you some insight into how to repair the damage from salt on your concrete driveway. If you’re still not sure, we recommend reaching out to a professional who can help.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

Other Ice Melt Products

---