If your driveway has cracks, heaves or other damage that threaten the integrity of your blacktop or concrete, you should take action quickly. Otherwise, more serious problems may develop, including potholes and the need for replacement.
A free and easy test of your driveway is to pour water over it. If the water beads up, your driveway is in good shape. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston now!
Cracks in driveways aren’t just unsightly, they can actually cause damage to your home and be a trip hazard for pedestrians and drivers. They can also indicate underlying issues like structural weakness or a failure to support the weight of your car. Repairing cracks promptly is the best way to reduce their impact and extend the life of your driveway.
Hairline cracks are not a cause for concern, but wider openings and heaved edges are. They can allow dirt, sand and other debris to enter and degrade the surface of your driveway. Over time, this may lead to the deterioration of the concrete or asphalt, leaving it in a crumbling state. They can also attract weeds and other nuisance plants, creating an unattractive, unkempt look.
Wider cracks are more problematic, especially if they appear in heaved areas of the driveway where water can pool and freeze. As water seeps into these cracks, it can expand and heave the concrete, resulting in deeper and more severe cracking and damage. This is particularly true in climates with freezing and thawing cycles.
To repair cracked driveways, use a quality concrete filler or masonry crack elastomeric sealant that is compatible with the material of your driveway. Use a caulking gun to apply the crack filler and press it into the crack, working it deep into the damage. For a smoother application, use a pointing trowel to level the filler and remove any excess.
Cracks in the sides of your driveway are common and can be caused by driving over uneven ground or poor soil compaction. They can be repaired with a product called Quikrete’s Quick-Setting Cement mixed with their Acrylic Fortifier. This material can be sculpted and shaped to reform the edge of your driveway, making it as good as new.
If your driveway has sunken sections, a professional concrete lifting specialist can help restore it to its original condition. The same factors that affect these driveways will also impact your foundation, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues quickly with a company like Ohio Basement Authority.
Potholes
If you have a pothole in your gravel or asphalt driveway, it’s important to repair it right away before it gets worse. It can damage your car and be a tripping hazard for pedestrians. To make the repairs, it’s best to hire a professional, as they can ensure that the work is done correctly and that it lasts.
The first step is to clean out the potholes and cracks by shoveling any loose material from within and around them. You can also use a pressure washer to blast the surface, which will help to get rid of any dirt and debris that may have fallen into the cracks or holes from other parts of your driveway.
Once you have the area free of any loose materials, fill the potholes and cracks with coarse gravel, up to about three inches below the surface level of your driveway. Once the gravel is in place, tamp it down using a commercial tamper or a homemade substitute made out of a 4×4.
Potholes often indicate a serious problem with your driveway’s base. It can be caused by poor drainage, a lack of a proper “crown” (the part of the driveway that falls smoothly from the center to the edges), or simply the presence of too many large rocks in your drive’s base layer.
It’s best to fix any potholes in your driveway in late summer or early fall. This is because the ground is typically drier, making it easier to work with the gravel. Plus, it will have had time to settle since the winter freeze-thaw cycles and spring rains.
Once the potholes and cracks have been filled, it’s a good idea to apply an asphalt sealant. This will help to protect the repaired areas from future water and UV ray damage. After the sealant has had a chance to dry, you can drive over the driveway normally again. But don’t do it too soon – the new asphalt should be allowed to cure for about four weeks. You’ll want to avoid heavy machinery and traffic during that period.
Stains
A stained driveway is a huge turnoff for visitors and can significantly reduce your home’s value. Fortunately, these unsightly blemishes can be prevented and repaired with a little knowledge. The key is to act quickly. The longer stains sit, the more difficult they are to remove.
Several issues contribute to the staining of concrete and asphalt. Organic material, such as grass clippings and weeds can leave embarrassing marks when they decompose on the surface of your driveway. Water stains can occur due to hard-water areas, sprinklers or even improper concrete mixing and pouring techniques during the construction process. Acidic cleaners can react with the cement and create discoloration.
Stains also can be caused by automobile fluids, including gasoline, transmission fluid and gear oil. Typically, these types of stains are light in color and are easily identified by their distinctive smell. To avoid these stains, be sure to keep up with your car’s maintenance needs and use a tray or mat under your vehicle to catch any drips.
Grease stains can be very tough to eliminate, but there are some things you can try. Sawdust, kitty litter and baking soda are ideal absorbant materials that can be sprinkled over the grease stains to soak them up. Alternatively, bleach is an effective cleaner for grease. Mix equal parts of bleach and warm water in a bucket and spray the solution on the stain. After letting the solution rest for 30 minutes, scrub the stain and rinse thoroughly.
Oil stains are another common type of driveway stain that can be tricky to remove. The quickest way to determine which type of oil is causing the stain is to use your nose. Gasoline smells like gasoline, brake fluid is a light reddish-brown and transmission fluid is darker in appearance and has a distinct scent. To avoid oil stains, be sure to service your vehicle regularly, lay down cardboard under the vehicle when filling it with oil and consider using mats or trays to catch spills when servicing your vehicle.
Paint stains can be very stubborn and may require multiple applications, but they can usually be removed by scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush, mixing a few drops of laundry detergent into a gallon of water and applying it to the stain. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove any residual soap.
Unevenness
Your driveway needs to be flat and level in order to protect your car from damage and make it easy for you to get in and out. If your concrete is heaving or uneven, it may be time to hire a professional to repair the problem before it gets worse and causes more costly issues for you and your vehicle.
Uneven driveways can be caused by a number of factors, from soil erosion to poor construction to heavy vehicle or equipment loads. The first step in repairing a sunken driveway is to remove the damaged concrete using a jackhammer or a power grinder. Once the concrete is removed, it’s important to clean the area using a stiff broom or a pressure washer to ensure that you have a clean surface for the patching process.
After removing the concrete and cleaning the area, you can begin to fill in the cracks with cold patch concrete. It’s important to use a patching compound that is made for concrete and that you apply it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the cracks are filled, it’s time to add an asphalt layer over the surface of your driveway. It’s best to let this layer dry completely before you start driving on it.
In the case of major unevenness, your best bet is to hire a contractor who offers concrete leveling services. This is a fast, efficient way to turn wobbly concrete surfaces into stable and safe pathways.
Uneven pavement is not only unsightly, but it can also cause problems with your vehicles and create tripping hazards. Uneven driveways can even affect the performance of your tires, leading to accelerated wear and tear. The good news is that a reputable concrete contractor can help you resolve these problems and restore a smooth, even surface for your home or business.
If your driveway is uneven, contact us today to schedule a free inspection. We can provide you with a concrete leveling estimate and help you decide whether mudjacking or polyjacking is the right solution for your needs.