Hey everyone, I've got a section of my driveway that remains damp days after a snowmelt and some rain, and I'm puzzled about it. I noticed this problem more prominently in a specific area (here's [a photo of it](https://ibb.co/Xx28Dq5c)). Although we've had a fair bit of moisture in the ground due to recent weather changes, this dampness seems more than just leftover water. The temperatures have been fluctuating between cool nights and warm days, but I haven't seen similar moisture issues in other driveways nearby. There's a crack with some crumbling in the upper left part of the sidewalk in the pic, and the damp area sort of concentrates there. We've only lived in this house for a few years, and I haven't experienced anything like this before. Plus, I've checked the water meter, and there's no flow when everything in the house is turned off. I don't think the main water line runs under this part of the driveway. Can anyone share insights on what might be causing this or any potential issues I should watch for? Our neighborhood is on a slight hill and the grading seems fine, with an incline that leads into this area. Thanks for any help!
4 Answers
My entire carport does that "sweating" thing whenever there's a big temperature change. It's an old slab too, over 60 years, and it's holding up just fine. I wouldn't be too concerned about yours either!
Yeah, concrete is hydrophilic, meaning it likes to absorb water. It can take a while for it to dry out. Just give it time and watch how it behaves with changing weather!
I had the same issue on my back patio, especially in shaded spots. It was like my concrete was sweating when the temperatures shifted from cold to warm. It did take a bit for it to dry out, so it might just be condensation. I wouldn't stress about it too much!
Honestly, I wouldn't worry unless this dampness is still visible in May or June. It’s likely just the concrete holding onto some moisture. Concrete can absorb quite a bit of water, and it might take time to dry out completely.
That's good to hear! I guess I'm just a bit overthinking it since it's sticking around longer than usual.