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kiyo_wurglitz

Concrete driveway

7 months ago

We had a concrete driveway installed in August 2024. It's only been a year and a half, but it's already severely chipped.

The contractor said it was due to salt. However, we rarely park our car outside, so we find that hard to believe.

This year, we're planning to install a concrete patio in our backyard. The contractor says they can repair the driveway if we have them install the backyard patio. They can't repair it without the backyard work, but they'll do the sealing free of charge.

My questions are:

  1. Do you really think salt is the cause? Another contractor said it will get worse and will need replacing in a few years.
  2. If you were in our position, what would you do?



Comments (7)

  • 7 months ago

    My understanding is that if you aren't putting salt on your driveway - and rarely park your cars in the driveway, the spalling is most likely due to poor installation techniques like improper curing or high-water content. This is based upon what my BIL told me after I shared your photos + info. He has had quite a bit of experience working with concrete due to a business he owned for 30+ years.


    The key to keeping your concrete driveway in good condition is to (i) address cracks as soon as possible, (ii) ensure that you have adequate drainage to avoid standing water, and (iii) remove excess road salt and ice melt during the winter season.

    K thanked dani_m08
  • 7 months ago

    Salt can damage concrete but not that fast in a year and a half. That looks like a bad pour. Too much water in the mix or it froze before curing. The contractor is blaming salt because it's easier than admitting they did a bad job. Get a second opinion in writing.

    K thanked Ajury Munomendy
  • PRO
    7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    There's no way I'd have that guy back to do another job. It sounds like he's using his bad work to get you to hire him again. Tell him to fix it, and if he won't, then say buh bye.

    Get recommendations for someone who can do your patio properly.

    K thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
  • PRO
    7 months ago

    Before knocking the work down, the question is, were there any issues after the driveway was installed? Did you use any salt during the winter months? Can you post a picture showing a larger portion of the surface area?



  • 7 months ago

    @GN Builders L.L.C we noticed the concrete was chipping just a little bit in Aug 2025 (a year after installation), but it didn't bother me much. Now its way worse. We did not put any salt. ive attached pictures.



  • PRO
    7 months ago

    Salt might have played a role, but chips that happen so quickly usually mean that the installation or materials were bad. Get an independent opinion and don't feel like you have to do repairs at the same time as new work.