Your driveway is the first thing guests and passersby see. If it has major cracks or a discolored surface, your home can lose some of its curb appeal.
Repairing your driveway can be done on a budget using asphalt, concrete or gravel products. Isolated cracks less than 1 inch wide can be filled with a standard caulking gun. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston SC for professional help.
Whether they’re fine lines or wide and prominent, cracks in your driveway can put a damper on the appearance of your home as well as create tripping hazards. Fortunately, a few steps can help you prevent and repair these unsightly issues.
Concrete is an incredibly strong material, but it can still be vulnerable to a number of forces that can cause it to crack. One of the most common causes is a shift within the ground itself, especially in Florida’s sandy soils. The stress of heavy vehicles and the expansion and contraction of the concrete itself can also contribute to cracking.
While it’s important to understand why your concrete is cracking, it’s equally important to know how to address it. Taking proactive measures like avoiding exposure to sunlight, minimizing water damage, and performing routine maintenance can all help to extend the lifespan of your driveway.
If you’re dealing with narrow, cosmetic cracks that aren’t accompanied by heaving or sinking, you can usually correct them using a high-quality resurfacing product. Clean the area where you’ll be working and apply a thin coat of the product to the surface, making sure to fill in all cracks. Allow it to dry completely before allowing pedestrians or cars on the surface.
For larger cracks, you’ll need to use a different approach. First, you’ll need to install some backer rod. This is a flexible foam that goes into the crack, reducing the amount of filler needed and helping to keep the sealant from pulling away from the edges as it dries and expands. Once the backer rod is installed, fill the crack with a pre-mixed concrete.
It’s important to deal with cracks in your driveway as soon as you notice them, especially if they appear in multiple areas. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also help to protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of tripping accidents. When choosing a contractor to perform the repairs, be sure to read reviews and testimonials and ask for examples of previous work.
Potholes
You have probably seen crews on the interstate resurfacing the asphalt, and you know that it is bumpy when they remove the top layer of asphalt. That bumpiness is caused by the ridges and ruts that are left behind. If you have these in your driveway, the surface can be damaged by tires and make driving uncomfortable. A repair crew can use the same process to smooth out the ruts and potholes, so you can drive on your driveway like the rest of your road.
If you have a pothole or rut in your driveway, it is important to address the damage quickly before it becomes dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Ruts and potholes are caused by heavy traffic that compacts the gravel base layer and causes it to destabilize over time. They can also form when the ground shifts under the driveway and a part of it breaks away.
While you can fill in the potholes, a professional may be required to do a full resurfacing of your driveway to prevent future damage. This involves scraping the old pavement off and replacing it with new asphalt or concrete. This is more expensive than simply patching the cracks, but it can help your driveway last for decades.
Repairing your driveway isn’t a DIY project, but you can do some of the work yourself to save money. You will need to rent the equipment needed, so it is important to take safety seriously when working with tools and materials. If you don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to hire a professional for the job.
When you have the proper equipment, the repair process is pretty simple. Start by cleaning out the pothole or rut, and then remove any loose material from inside the hole. This will allow you to get a better idea of the size and depth of the damage. After you have removed any debris, clean the area and remove weeds that may have grown in the area.
You can then choose an asphalt patch or a cold mix patch to fill the pothole. It is important to add enough material so that it is slightly higher than the surrounding pavement. Then, tamp down the repair so that it is compacted and won’t be easily displaced again. You can use a hand tamper, vibratory tamper, or truck tires to do this.
Crack Filler
Crack filler is a simple solution for fixing hairline cracks in concrete driveways. It can be purchased from most home improvement stores and is easy to apply. Before applying the crack filler, clean the area thoroughly. This step is essential for ensuring that the filler adheres properly to the surface and helps prevent water seepage. Using a pressure washer, scraper, or brush can help clear away dirt, debris, and weeds that have grown inside the crack.
Before using crack filler, it’s important to evaluate the severity of the damage. If the cracks are large or deep, it may be necessary to hire a professional for additional repair options. For the most effective results, it’s recommended that you use a concrete crack filler that is compatible with your concrete and designed for use with driveways. If you’re unsure what type of product to choose, speak with your local concrete supplier for recommendations.
When applying concrete crack filler, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You’ll usually need a caulking gun, trowel, putty knife, or other specialized applicator tool to evenly distribute the crack filler across the damaged area. If you’re working with a large area, you can also use a squeegee or scraper to create a smooth and even finish that blends in with the surrounding concrete.
In addition to adhering to the cracked concrete, crack filler should also be flexible to accommodate movement in the surface. If your concrete or asphalt surface shifts due to temperature changes, heavy loads, or ground settlement, periodic touch-ups with crack filler can help address the issue.
After you’ve successfully filled the cracks, allow them to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. During this time, you should avoid the area for any activities that could cause the cracks to widen or further damage the surface.
Once the cracks have cured, you can further protect your driveway by applying a concrete sealant. This will help prevent moisture, chemicals, and UV rays from damaging the repaired area, prolonging its lifespan. After the sealant has cured, you can safely drive on your driveway again!
Sealant
Concrete sealants fill in the natural pores of a driveway, which help to prevent water from seeping into and freezing in the winter. The result is that the driveway becomes less susceptible to cracking, abrasion, and other damage. The best time to apply a sealant is after repairs have been completed and the surface has had time to completely dry.
There are three main types of sealants: water-based, asphalt-based, and coal tar-based. Water-based sealants are typically inexpensive but don’t last as long as other types of sealants. Asphalt-based sealants are more durable but may cost a little more. Coal tar-based sealants provide the most lasting and strongest protection for your driveway, but they also produce more harmful volatile organic compounds than other types of sealants and are prone to staining from oil and gas spillage.
When applying the sealant, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. It’s usually a good idea to mix the sealant well before starting, and to apply thin coats as opposed to one thick layer. A thin coat will dry more quickly, and the sealant will be more effective as a barrier for your driveway.
After the sealant has been applied, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance and frequent resealing. Keeping your driveway clean is crucial, and using a broom and garden hose on a regular basis to scrub it and remove debris is recommended. Stain removal is also a must, and using a degreaser to get rid of any grease or oil stains can be very helpful.
If you have a very steep driveway, it may be necessary to add sand in the sealant in order to provide additional traction. It’s also a good idea to use a mat under any parked vehicles in order to distribute the weight of the vehicle and reduce the chances of the sealant becoming damaged. It’s a good idea to reseal your driveway every two to three years in order to protect it from the elements, UV rays, and automotive chemicals. Keeping up with your routine maintenance, prompt repair of any issues, and resealing on a regular basis will extend the life of your driveway significantly.