Sure, a cracked driveway is an eyesore for your home, but it can compromise the safety, functionality, and longevity of your property.
Driveway cracking is a common issue caused by wear and tear, ground shifting, or weather extremes, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about professional driveway crack repair and why taking action sooner rather than later is essential.
Signs You Need Driveway Crack Repair ASAP
- Spreading or widening cracks – Indicates ongoing damage that needs immediate attention.
- Uneven surfaces – Could signal underlying soil issues causing instability.
- Pooling water – Suggests improper drainage that can weaken your driveway.
- Weeds growing through cracks – Points to neglected damage that may worsen over time.
- Cracks after heavy vehicle use – May indicate the driveway needs reinforcement or leveling.
Addressing these signs early can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
The Driveway Crack Repair Process
Driveway repair requires careful attention and a thorough process to ensure lasting results. Here’s a detailed look at how Leveled Concrete approaches driveway crack repair.
1. Inspection and Diagnosis
Every repair begins with a thorough inspection of your driveway. An expert will assess:
- Crack depth and width – Narrow cracks (hairline fractures) may only require filling, but wider or deeper cracks often indicate structural issues that need additional attention.
- Underlying causes – The surrounding soil and subsurface are examined for problems like erosion, voids, or soil movement, often caused by factors like clay-rich soil.
- Water intrusion – Cracks can allow water to seep underneath the driveway, potentially destabilizing the slab. Inspecting for signs of water damage helps prevent further issues.
By understanding the cause of the cracks, repair strategies can be customized to address both surface damage and underlying foundation concerns.
2. Surface Preparation
Preparation is critical to the success of the concrete repair. The cracked areas are meticulously cleaned using compressed air or wire brushes to remove debris, dirt, or vegetation. For narrow cracks, experts may use a crack chaser blade to slightly widen the opening, creating a uniform groove that ensures better adhesion for the repair material. Any moisture in the area is carefully dried to prevent interference with the bonding process.
3. Filling and Sealing Cracks
Once the area is ready, specialized materials are used to fill the cracks. Epoxy or polyurethane sealants are injected into the cracks, starting from the bottom and working upwards to avoid air pockets.
Epoxy is particularly effective for structural repairs, while polyurethane provides excellent flexibility and waterproofing to prevent future water infiltration. For larger or more severe cracks, hydraulic cement may be applied due to its unique property of expanding as it cures, creating a tight, lasting seal.
4. Surface Refinishing
After filling the cracks, it’s time to address any surface irregularities. If the soil beneath the driveway has shifted, causing uneven slabs, we use polyurethane foam lifting. This involves injecting expanding foam beneath the concrete to lift and level the surface, restoring its original position.
The repaired areas are then blended with the surrounding concrete, ensuring a seamless appearance through careful sanding or light grinding.
5. Final Assessment
Before the job is considered complete, the specialist will conduct a final inspection:
- Durability testing – Verify that the repairs can withstand normal wear and tear, including vehicle loads.
- Waterproofing check – If water infiltration was a concern, test the area to confirm it’s properly sealed.
- Surface clean-up – Remove any residual materials or tools, leaving your driveway neat and ready for use.
The Risks of Ignoring Driveway Cracking
We get it, driveway cracks might not seem like a big deal at first, but putting off repairs can end up causing you bigger headaches down the road. Here’s what can happen if you ignore those cracks.
Cracks Just Keep Getting Bigger
What starts as a small crack can easily grow into a big problem. As time passes, the cracks can spread and deepen, making it harder (and more expensive) to fix. What was once a simple repair could turn into a major project that’ll cost you much more than if you had dealt with it early on.
Foundation Issues
If cracks let enough water seep in, that moisture can affect the soil under your driveway. Over time, this can mess with the stability of your driveway – and potentially even your home’s foundation. So, what might seem like a cosmetic issue could end up causing serious structural problems down the road.
Safety Concerns
This may be an obvious one, but cracked or uneven driveways can be a tripping hazard. Whether it’s you, your family, or visitors, those cracks can catch people off guard and lead to falls or injuries. Safety first, always!
Fix Your Driveway Cracks Today with Leveled Concrete
The longer you wait to address driveway cracks, the worse things can get. It’s always better to deal with them sooner rather than later.
If you’re in the Great Houston area, you can count on the team at Leveled Concrete. We’re pros at fixing driveway cracks with solutions that are quick, long-lasting, and customized just for you. Whether it’s a few small cracks or a bigger issue that needs attention, we’ll make sure your driveway looks great and stays strong for years to come.
Call (832) 995-2000 today to schedule a consultation ASAP!