Driveway Crack Repair
What To Do About Concrete Driveway Cracks
A damaged driveway isn’t just unsightly, but can also be a hazard for individuals and their vehicles. Contrary to its hard exterior, a concrete driveway can be damaged in a number of ways. From normal wear-and-tear over time to cracks from trees or sun damage, your driveway can really take a beating. But, you don’t have to replace the entire lot to repair minor damage.
A professional foundation repair company can repair the trouble spots or level areas that sank from erosion or other causes. Stable Foundation Solutions, Inc. offers complete foundation services and solutions, including driveway repair, for residential and commercial properties throughout Florida.
How To Spot Concrete Damage
Large cracks are an obvious sign that your driveway could use a little tender love and care (TLC). However, the signs aren’t always obvious. An uneven surface or smaller cracks can be the first clues that your driveway needs foundation repair. Damage to concrete driveways can occur for a number of reasons, including the following causes.
Improper Drainage
The most common cause of damage to residential and commercial driveways is improper drainage. Water accumulation leads to erosion of the soil underneath the concrete, which can pave the way for plant life to breach through cracks.
Ground Movement
Shifting foundation is commonly caused by expanding and contracting soil beneath residential or commercial driveways. Too much water causes soil to expand, while too little water causes soil to contract, causing the ground to destabilize.
Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
The sun is a major cause of driveway cracks. As UV rays beat down upon the surface of a driveway over time, the surface slowly dries out and heats up, which causes the asphalt or concrete to degrade. Cracks appear as a result.
To Repair Or Replace, That Is The Question
Due to the cost of replacing your driveway, you may be wondering if there is another way to solve this problem. Before making the investment, ask yourself a few simple questions to make sure that a full replacement is necessary.
How Large (Or Small) Are The Cracks?
If you have cracks that are on the small side, less than a quarter-inch wide, liquid filler can be an easy option to seal them, as cracks this size normally are only surface-deep. If the cracks are larger, it could mean that you have a deeper-seated issue. If you have significant driveway problems but not quite enough to replace the entire surface, driveway resurfacing might be the best choice. This can cover the majority of holes and cracks, giving you a like-new look, but this should only be used if you have ruled out foundation issues.
How Old Is The Driveway?
Most driveways are built to last at least three decades, so if your driveway is only a few years old, it is highly unlikely that it will need a complete redo. Patches are a viable option if you just have one or two problem areas that have been damaged due to impact or other causes. However, know that these type of repairs most likely will cause water to leak in between the old and new material, which causes the damage to resurface.
Stopping Cracks In Their Tracks
Just as with home foundations, ensuring your driveway is installed properly the first time can help you avoid major headaches down the road. Hire foundation contractors with Stable Foundation Solutions, Inc. will ensure your driveway is constructed the right way. One of the easiest ways to keep your driveway in a safe and functioning condition is to repair small cracks right when you notice them before they become overwhelming.
Another good tip is to routinely reseal the concrete. This will keep it looking great, as well as stopping damage before it happens, adding to the life expectancy of your driveway. Contact us for additional tips or to schedule services.
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