A cracked driveway can be a major eyesore and also a tripping hazard for you and your guests. But fear not, there are several ways to repair a cracked driveway depending on the severity of the damage.
Read more as we’ll talk about cracked driveway repair in today’s post.
What Causes Driveways To Crack
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to repair a cracked driveway, it’s important to understand why driveways crack in the first place. The main cause of cracking is due to fluctuating temperatures that create a freeze/thaw cycle. When water gets into small cracks and freezes, it expands outward, causing the cracks to become larger.
Aside from that, these cracks can be caused by anything from extreme weather to improper installation. To be specific, harsh weather conditions can cause your driveway to crack because of the constant expansion and contraction of the ground, which in turn causes cracking in asphalt or concrete driveways. Your driveway may also crack due to poor installation or inadequate drainage. These are the signs of a poorly installed driveway:
- Uneven or Sloping Surface – Another indication that your driveway was not properly installed is an uneven or sloping surface. This could be caused by improper compaction, inadequate drainage, or a lack of gravel underneath the pavement layers.
- Pooling Water – If you notice pooling water on your driveway after it rains, this could be another sign that it was not correctly laid down and sealed off at installation time. Poorly draining water can damage your driveway over time if left unchecked, leading to further cracking and deterioration of its structural integrity.
- Weeds Growing Through Pavement – If weeds are growing through cracks in your pavement, this indicates poor workmanship during installation as well as ongoing maintenance issues with weed control products being used incorrectly or too infrequently around the edges of your driveways edge and borders areas.
In addition to making for an unsightly appearance, these weeds will also cause more damage over time if they’re allowed to take root within any crevices in the pavement.
- Loose Gravel – Loose gravel is another sign that your driveway was not expertly paved when it was originally installed. If you notice any loose pieces of stones, pebbles or dirt, this can be an indication of soil erosion and loosening of the foundation layers beneath your driveway which would need to be addressed.
- Patchy or Flaking Asphalt – If you find that the surface of your driveway is patchy in appearance or flaking off, this could be an indication that it was laid down with low-quality asphalt, not enough base preparation, or inadequate compacting at installation time which can all lead to early cracking and potholing of your driveway.
The Common Methods For Repairing A Cracked Driveway
Assessing The Damage – Before deciding which method to use for repairing your driveway, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. If your driveway has just a few small cracks, then you may be able to fix them yourself using simple tools and materials that can be found at any hardware store. However, if your driveway has larger or more complex cracks, then it may be best to hire a professional contractor.
DIY Repairs – If you decide to take on the task of repairing your driveway yourself, here are some steps to follow:
Clean Your Driveway – The first step in repairing your driveway is cleaning it thoroughly. Use a pressure washer or hose with high-pressure nozzle attachment to remove dirt and debris from the surface.
Fill In Small Cracks – For small cracks (less than ¼ inch wide), fill them in with concrete patching compound. Apply the compound evenly with a trowel or putty knife and smooth out any excess material.
Seal Your Driveway – After patching up all small cracks, seal your entire driveway with concrete sealer. This will help prevent future cracking and improve its overall appearance.
Professional Repairs – If your driveway has larger or more complex cracks, then it may be best to hire a professional contractor who specializes in driveway repair like Advanced Asphalt of SW FL in Venice. Here are some methods that they might use:
Resurfacing – Resurfacing involves applying a thin layer of concrete over an existing surface. This method is ideal when there are multiple shallow cracks throughout the surface of your driveway.
Ripping Up And Replacing – If there are large deep cracks throughout your entire driveway, ripping up and replacing the entire thing may be necessary. This method involves removing all existing concrete and pouring new concrete in its place.
Filling Large Cracks – For large but shallow cracks (up to ½ inch wide), contractors may use epoxy filler or polyurethane foam injection methods. These materials fill gaps while maintaining their flexibility during changes in temperature so that they won’t crack again easily.
Preventive Measures
To avoid future cracking of your newly repaired or resurfaced driveway, here are some preventative measures you can take:
– Avoid parking heavy vehicles on your driveway.
– Keep sharp objects like shovels away from it.
– Regularly clean debris off of it.
– Apply sealant every few years as needed.
Final Thoughts
Repairing a cracked driveway can be done by yourself if you have basic knowledge about how concrete works; however, if there are larger complex issues present then it’s best left up to professionals who specialize in this area. The key takeaway is that once repaired properly, preventative measures should be taken so that this doesn’t happen again anytime soon.