Melbourne's Trusted Concrete Driveways Expert

You can repair minor cracks on your concrete driveway by yourself. All you need to do is apply some sealing compound, and your driveway is good to go. However, concrete driveways in Melbourne with larger cracks need to be addressed by experts. Taking matters into your own hands will only make it worse. Experts will assess the severity of cracks and take suitable action. They may even advise a complete resurfacing if the cracks are deeper.

• Poor foundation and installation: If the base of your driveway is not strongly packed with crushed gravel and a high-quality aggregate base, your driveway may crack. 
• Too much weight: Parking a heavy or oversized vehicle in your driveway can also lead to cracks. 
• Root growth: You may have seen small weeds or plants growing on your driveway. If you don’t remove them promptly, it may lead to cracking.
• Expansion: Concrete driveways in Melbourne are susceptible to cracks because of heat expansion.

To maintain your concrete driveway and make it last longer, use concrete sealer every 2-3 years to protect it against moisture and stains. Moreover, remove debris and leaves from the driveway with the help of a mild detergent and water. Another thing to consider is to fill any cracks with concrete paths to prevent them from expanding. Additionally, your concrete driveway in Melbourne is also susceptible to oil spills. Hence, ensure you clean them promptly to avoid damage. 

A concrete driveway is durable and made of robust material that can withstand heavy traffic. However, the lifespan of a concrete driveway in Melbourne can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, maintenance, and quality of installation. If you install a top-quality concrete driveway, it lasts 25 to 30 years. Moreover, regular sealing and repairs can help extend its lifespan even more. Hence, regular care and maintenance can make your driveway last even 50 years.

Australian Standards AS 2870 and AS 3600 must be followed in Australia. Slabs are typically between 85 and 100 mm in thickness. Generally, the pavement between the “kerb-and-gutter” and property boundary must adhere to the local authority’s standards. The prescribed minimum slope or cross-fall for a driveway is typically 1% or 10 mm per meter for appropriate surface drainage. The maximum grade shouldn’t be more than 5% near a footpath or 25% near a property line. Since standards differ based on the construction, refer to this datasheet for more details.

Due to its excellent drainage and ability to prevent slips and falls, pavers are four times more durable than concrete slabs and safer to use. However, concrete slabs are affordable and easily accessible. Concrete may be made to resemble pavers with ease using contemporary technology. Moreover, concrete is available in a huge selection of hues, patterns, and patterns. Although concrete is also 15% less expensive than pavers, it is more prone to cracking and staining. So even though concrete would be a cheaper option, in terms of durability and maintenance, pavers would prove to be a more economical decision in the long run.

The price of constructing a concrete driveway in Melbourne would depend on the design and your requirement. However, a simple driveway costs $60 to $85 per square meter. In comparison to a flat surface, a sloping surface costs $10 more per square meter. Coloured concrete ranges from $75 to $95 per square meter. In addition to the price of concrete, a decorative driveway made of pebblecrete, stencilled, or stamped concrete would cost $100 to $150 per square meter. You should budget between $1,080 and $1,530 to commission a pathway for a tiny, single-car driveway with a 3m width and 6m length.