If you are driveway shopping and wondering how long do concrete patios last then look no further. On
On average, they can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. That’s a long time even at the younger end, but what makes the lifespan of concrete so different from each other?
We previously made an article about how long concrete lasts in general, but patios are different for a number of reasons.
Several factors are involved in how long concrete patios last. The main ones are the quality of concrete used and it’s thickness, how you take care of the concrete, what you put on it, and who uses it.
Let’s look a little more closely at each of these factors:
Factors Of Concrete Patio Lifespan
Quality Of Concrete
The main factor in how long your concrete patio will last is of course the quality that is used and it’s thickness. The old saying of you buy cheap you buy twice is very appropriate in the concrete world. Cement can be mixed badly and less strong, you won’t really know until it’s too late so make sure that you buy from a trusted trader.
Care Of Your Concrete Patio
Regular cleaning will make sure that the concrete doesn’t degrade over time. Like anything, a clean surface is a happy one. While concrete is a lot sturdier than most other surfaces, it is still subject to the elements. Moss, algae, and weeds can weaken the concrete making it more susceptible to cracking and holes forming within the concrete.
You should also consider sealing your patio to avoid these contaminants being able to take stick to it as this will remove the chances that they can eat away at your concrete patio.
What Are Putting On The Concrete Patio?
What you lay on the patio can affect the concrete underneath. For example, if you have laid a heavy item onto the concrete and one day need to drag it along the patio, you could easily damage it. If you put a hole in the patio by doing this, it opens the way for dirt to get inside and eat away at the material.
Also concrete has a weight limit and for concrete patios it’s generally 4000 pounds per square foot. This is a pretty decent weight limit but you do need to stay within that range to avoid damage.
Who Is Using The Patio?
How you use the patio will have a large impact on how long it can last. For those of us who love to lounge in the garden watching the world go by, there is no danger of patio destruction…but where’s the fun in that!?
If however, you have a busy family that is into everything and anything accidents can happen. Many a man has started a project in their back garden, and many a man has damaged said garden including their patios.
If this happens, get it fixed ASAP because one crack can lead to another really quickly and before you know it, you will have to replace a few slabs of concrete costing hundreds in repairs and removal.
Conclusion
Concrete patios are probably one of the best choices in terms of longevity. They will outlast most other materials and that’s why people choose concrete in the first place. It’s sturdy, manly, and reliable. We love concrete with a passion which is why we never take old concrete to the landfill.
Concrete patios can be recycled and used again, saving both the concrete and the environment at the same time. If you need to have some concrete removed, we can help with that.