• LESLIE: Mike in Delaware, you’ve got The Money Pit. How can we help you today?

  MIKE: Hi. Yes, I was wondering – I’ve got a maple tree that’s growing right near my concrete driveway. And it’s starting to actually crack the driveway. I like the tree. It provides a nice shade for the house and keeps it cool during the summertime, so I was just wondering if I have any other options besides taking it down.

  TOM: Well, do you like the driveway?

  MIKE: It’s cracked, so I’d like to repair it. And I guess another question would be: if I do repair it, then how much rebar or how thick should it be in order to prevent a cracking in the future?

  TOM: Well, the options would be: take the tree down, which you don’t want to do; replace the driveway with one that can grow with the tree, like stone – like a stone driveway. Now, if you want to try to set up a scenario where it’s driveway versus tree then, yes, you would have to use some sort of reinforced concrete. But eventually, if that tree wants to lift it, it will lift even the reinforced concrete; it’ll lift the entire slab. It just won’t crack it.

  Now, it could take many years for that to happen but I think those are your options: get rid of the tree; replace the driveway with something like stone, which is going to give you some room to grow, so to speak, with that tree; or if you do replace the driveway with concrete, you’re going to have to reinforce the heck out of it.

  MIKE: Suggestion on the thickness of the concrete? How much?

  TOM: Probably about 5 inches minimum – 5 to 6 inches, I would think – and with woven wire mesh throughout the entire thing.

  MIKE: Alright. Thank you.

  TOM: You’re welcome. Good luck with that project. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.

Concrete Driveway Cost

Concrete Driveway Miami

Your driveway is trying to tell you: Your asphalt is getting old, but don't worry. Over time, wear and tear from rain, sun, and vehicle traffic can deteriorate a driveway's surface, causing. Over time, your concrete is susceptible to cracking. Here's what you can do to prevent it and protect the look of your sidewalk or driveway. When the temperature reaches 18 degrees, the concrete will freeze. At 35 degrees, it will melt and cause the cracking, pitting, crazing and scaling. Concrete also cracks in the extreme sun, as it heats the concrete and causes it to expand. At the end of the day, the concrete contracts and regresses to its original, unbaked position. Cracking is a normal occurrence when it comes to asphalt driveways and is really nothing to be alarmed about unless it’s excessive. Asphalt driveway cracks will need to be sealed to prevent further damage to the asphalt which is part of the ongoing maintenance of an asphalt driveway that will need to be performed on a regular basis. Crack Repair and Resurfacing Concrete Driveways. Take extra pains to clean out all the cracks and crevices you may see, no matter how small or thin. You want your concrete patching to have a good surface to adhere to. Once the concrete is completely dry. Prime the concrete with 1 coat of PermaFlex (240 sq ft per gal) using a roller or squeegee.