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4 Ways To Manage Your Cracked Concrete Driveway

If you’re like most people, your concrete driveway takes a beating during the winter. Snow and ice can quickly damage concrete, leading to unsightly cracks and potholes. If you’re looking for a way to repair your concrete driveway, read on!

Surface Solutions will discuss some tips for fixing cracks and holes in your driveway in this blog post.

What Causes Damage to a Concrete Driveway?

Your concrete driveway is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause all sorts of problems.

The most common culprits for damage to a concrete driveway are:

  • Freeze/thaw cycles: Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on the concrete and can cause cracking.
  • Inadequate concrete mix: If it is too weak, it won’t withstand the weight of cars and trucks driving over it.
  • Improper installation: If the concrete is not installed correctly, it can settle and crack.
  • Subgrade problems: An improperly compacted subgrade can lead to cracking and settlements.

Should You Repair?

If you find cracks or holes less than a 1/4 inch wide in your driveway, you can probably repair them yourself. You can stock up on materials from your local hardware store and patch or fill the cracks or holes following the instructions on the packaging.

However, keep in mind that these crack fillers are not waterproof, so they may not be a long-term solution. Also, too many patchwork jobs will ruin the aesthetics of your driveway.

Should You Resurface?

For issues such as large cracks more expansive than a 1/4 inch, significant settling, or a change in the level of your driveway, it is likely time for a resurfacing job. This involves removing the old concrete and replacing it with fresh material.

You will need to hire a professional for this job. It’s a complicated process that requires proper training to avoid further damage. You can follow the same procedure for problems like spalling, which is the flaking or chipping of concrete.

Should You Slabjack?

Do you feel like your concrete driveway is sinking beneath your feet? This can result from poor compaction when the driveway was first installed, or it may have been caused by shifting soil or erosion over time.

Slabjacking is a process in which we inject a mixture of cement, sand, fly ash, and other additives under the concrete slabs. This raises the slabs and restores the level surface.

Should You Replace?

You can only put up with a run-down concrete driveway for so long. If it has suffered damage to the point where it is no longer level or safe, you may need to restructure the entire pavement.

From the moment you begin noticing large cracks in the concrete, a few alarm bells should be going off in your head. This is a sign that the driveway is no longer structurally sound and needs immediate replacement.

Conclusion

Did you find this simple guide helpful? If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surface Solutions.

We specialize in concrete repair in Seaford, DE, and would be happy to help you get your driveway back into tip-top shape!

Schedule a free estimate today!