You have just spotted a hairline crack in your Concrete Driveway. What should you do?
Cracks in concrete driveways are common, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a cause for concern. Left untreated, they can lead to extensive damage and costly Concrete Driveways Repair.
So, what causes concrete driveways to crack in the first place? And more importantly, how can you repair them?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the causes of driveway cracks and how to fix them.
What Causes Driveway Cracks?
Cracks in your driveway are most often caused by one of three things: water, Improper Installation, soil expansion, pressure, enough weight, frost heave, or concrete shrinkage.
Water can seep into the cracks in the concrete and cause the underlying soil to become wet and soft. This can lead to frost heave, which is when the frozen ground pushes the concrete upward.
Concrete shrinkage is when the concrete dries out and contracts, causing the cracks to widen. Contacting Concrete Companies in Austin sounds well in this scenario.
Causes of Driveway Settling
As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand the causes of driveway settling and how to repair them.
The concrete base is typically compacted with a roller when a driveway is installed. Over time, this compaction can wear down, leading to the formation of tiny air bubbles. When these bubbles fill with water, they can expand and cause the concrete to crack.
Another common cause of driveway settling is tree roots. Roots can grow under the driveway and cause it to settle unevenly.
If your driveway is cracking, there are several steps you can take to repair it:
- Remove all loose concrete from the surface of the driveway
- Apply a coat of bonding agent to the surface
- Apply a coat of mortar mix over the top
- Allow the mortar to dry completely before driving on it
Repairing Concrete Driveway Cracks
If you’re noticing cracks in your concrete driveway, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Driveway cracks are a common problem, but they can be repaired.
The key to repairing driveway cracks is to use a concrete patching compound. This compound is designed to fill in the cracks and seal them up.
Once the cracks are patched, you’ll need to apply a sealant to protect the driveway from future damage. A sealant will keep moisture from seeping into the concrete, which can cause further cracking.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stamped Concrete Driveways
Stamped concrete driveways have both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, they are more durable and require less maintenance than other types of driveways. They also come in various colors, styles, and patterns that can add texture and beauty to your home. However, on the downside, stamped concrete driveways can be more prone to cracking due to their large size. As with any other type of driveway, regular maintenance is important to keep your stamped concrete driveway in good condition and reduce the chances of cracking.
How to Repair a Sloped Concrete Driveway
If your driveway is sloped, you’ll need to take extra steps to repair the cracks. First, you’ll need to fill the crack with a patching compound, which should be done with a trowel or putty knife. Once the patching compound has been applied and allowed to dry, use sand or concrete mix to fill in any remaining gaps. Finally, smooth out the surface with a broom or trowel and apply a sealant over the entire surface. This will help prevent water from seeping into any cracks and further damaging the driveway.
No matter how and where your concrete cracked from! Our contractors can help in driveway repair in Austin!
DIY vs Professional Concrete Driveway Repair
When it comes to Driveway Repair, you have two options: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. Doing it yourself can be risky and time-consuming, but could be cost-effective if the damage is minimal and the crack is easy to fix. On the other hand, hiring a professional may cost more initially, but in the long run, it could save you money because the job will be done correctly and will last longer. It’s up to you to decide which option is best for your particular situation.
Conclusion
You now know the four main reasons why concrete driveways crack and split. Armed with this knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to repair them.
If your driveway has a small crack, you can fix it with a concrete patch. If the crack is wide, however, you will need to rebuild the section of the driveway.
In either case, you will need to remove the old concrete and replace it with fresh concrete. You can do this by yourself, or you can hire a professional contractor to do the job for you.
No matter what, it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible. A cracked driveway is not only unsightly, but it can also lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. Hopefully, this blog has provided you with enough information about driveway cracks and the best solution for Concrete Driveways in Austin. Be sure to contact our team for emergencies!
