Winter can be very damaging to driveways in Canada with ice, salt, plows, and the freeze-thaw cycle all taking a toll. It’s important to address these driveway issues when you notice them and do some simple repairs before they get any worse. Read more to learn about the best ways to repair your concrete driveway this spring.

1. Concrete Driveway
Resurfacing & Other
Spring Repairs

2. Winter can be very damaging to driveways in Canada with ice, salt,
plows, and the freeze-thaw cycle all taking a toll. It’s important to
address these driveway issues when you notice them and do some
simple repairs before they get any worse.

3. Hairline cracks
in your concrete
driveway are
inevitable and
fixing them is just a
part of maintaining
a large concrete
surface. The key
is to take care
of them as they
appear to help
prevent them from
widening and
creating worse
problems down the
road.

4. There are a few steps involved in repairing cracks in your driveway:
Choose a warm, sunny day with no chance of rain.
Completely remove any loose concrete or debris from
inside the crack using a wire brush.
Brush out the dust and small particles using a broom.
Choose a concrete crack sealant, and, using the
manufacturers instructions, fill the crack with the caulk.
Smooth out to ensure it fills the space completely and
doesn’t overflow.
Let dry completely before driving over it.
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5. The expansion joints in your
driveway serve an important
purpose, especially in
Canada. When the ground
moves during our seasonal
freeze-thaw cycle, expansion
joints allow your driveway to
move with it.
If the joints are not sealed
properly they can allow
water to seep into the
concrete and cause the
ground underneath to sink.
This can lead to major
structural damage.

6. If the joints are not sealed properly they can allow water to seep into
the concrete and cause the ground underneath to sink. This can lead to
major structural damage.
Attach a masonry blade to your circular saw.
Use the saw to carefully clean out the expansion joint
crack.
Purchase a silicone caulk specifically made for use on
concrete.
Using the silicone, draw a solid bead along the crack.
Smooth out to ensure it is filling the space properly and
is making contact with each side of the joint.
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7. Now that you’ve inspected your driveway, filled any cracks, and
resealed your expansion joints, the final step is to reseal it.
Concrete needs to be sealed every 3 to 5 years depending on usage
and climate. Water will bead on the surface of properly sealed
concrete. If you notice this is no longer happening, it’s a sign you
should reseal it soon.

8. When selecting your sealant there are two major categories:
Penetrating
Sealant
Penetrating sealants
go below the surface
of the concrete
and create a
hydrophobic barrier
that keeps out water
and protects against
harsh weather,
stains, freeze-thaw,
and prevents slips.
Non-Penetrating
Sealant
Non-penetrating
sealants form an
outer barrier on
the concrete and
create a sheen on
the surface that
enhances the colour.
They require a
traction additive to
prevent slips.
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9. To reseal your driveway follow these steps:
Clean your driveway thoroughly, ideally using a pressure
washer.
Using a chemical stripper, remove the previous sealant
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply a thin layer of sealant using a roller.
Allow the first layer to dry completely.
Apply a second layer, going in the opposite direction
from the first.
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10. Concrete driveways
will last for
decades if properly
taken care of,
however small
cracks and stains
can appear over
time and reduce
your curb appeal.
Resurfacing is a
relatively simple
way of breathing
new life into your
driveway.

11. To reseal your driveway follow these steps:
Allow this to cure overnight.
When the concrete is partially set, use a
broom to gently create texture on the top
to create a slip resistant finish.
Clean your driveway thoroughly, ideally
using a pressure washer.
Apply a thin layer of resurfacer over the
entire surface using a squeegee.
For cracks wider than a hairline, use the
resurfacer. Mix up a thick batch and press
the material into the crack with a trowel.
Carefully move it around to even it out, try
to avoid creating marks from the edge of
the squeegee.
Mix according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Spray down your driveway to help prevent
it from drying too quickly.
Purchase a good quality concrete
resurfacer.
The next day mix up a thinner batch of
resurfacer.1 6
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12. Concrete is
one of the best
looking and lowest
maintenance
options for
driveways, but that
doesn’t mean you
can completely
ignore it. There are
many things you
can do yourself
but know when
you can handle a
DIY, and when you
should call in the
pros.

13. If your driveway has cracks wider than a quarter inch, or dips in the
concrete lower than 1 inch you should call the concrete experts in to
take a look. Patching large cracks or resurfacing an old driveway is
simply postponing the issue and might even make the situation worse.

14. Construction season in Canada lasts from April to November and can
fill up very quickly, so don’t hesitate to call for a quote.

15. 51 LOTT CREEK LANDING
CALGARY, ALBERTA
(403) 473 - 8320
INFO@RESTOREALLCONCRETE.CA
CONTACT THE PROS AT RESTORE ALL CONCRETE TO GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY.