If your driveway is starting to crack, it’s likely time for a seal coat. However, it’s also time to resurface the driveway if there are major gaps or areas of unevenness.
Small cracks and holes less than 1/4″ wide don’t pose a structural threat and can be filled or patched. Larger cracks and fissures can lead to heaving or sub-surface damage that will require replacement. Contact Driveway Repair Charles Town WV for professional help.
Cracks in your driveway may be a sign that the asphalt or concrete is deteriorating. In some cases, a major crack may indicate that the entire slab needs replacement. But in general, the sooner you catch and repair cracks in your driveway, the longer your surface will last. Cracks that go untreated allow water to seep underneath the surface, which can cause further damage. Cracks are also an invitation for weeds, grass, and moss to grow.
Hairline Cracks
Small, fine lines up to 1/8 inch wide on your driveway’s surface are called hairline cracks and often result from shrinkage or minor settlement. While they look unsightly, they aren’t a huge problem, except for the fact that they can allow water to enter and freeze, which damages the concrete further.
Wider, jagged cracks indicating that the driveway has settled or heaved are more serious. They usually indicate that a more serious structural problem exists beneath the surface and should be repaired by a professional.
Cracks wider than 2 inches may be caused by heavy or oversized vehicles that shift the ground under the surface. They could also occur from a poor base and foundation installation, or from improper spacing of control joints. Control joints are designed to encourage cracking in specific areas, rather than allowing random concrete expansion and contraction throughout the slab.
Repairing these types of cracks involves removing the existing filler, recompacting the aggregate base, and resurfacing with new material. This will not only repair the cracks, but apply an overlay to the entire driveway for a seamless, uniform appearance.
Before you begin, thoroughly clean the area of your driveway where you’ll be working. This includes sweeping, blowing, and vacuuming to remove dirt and debris. It’s also a good idea to use a wire brush to remove any weeds growing in the cracks.
You can find a concrete crack repair product at your local home improvement store that is specially formulated to work with all types of concrete. The product dries to a light gray and is textured so it blends in with your driveway surface, disguising the fact that there ever was a crack.
Potholes
A pothole in your driveway is not only unsightly, but it can damage your car if you drive into one. The best way to avoid potholes is to catch them when they are small and fix them before they get larger. Potholes can form from a variety of reasons, including a lack of proper driveway maintenance, water penetration and ground movement.
The most common method of repairing a pothole in a gravel driveway is to loosen the surrounding area and then fill the hole with some of the loose gravel from the driveway. While this seems like an effective solution, it rarely lasts more than a few days and often results in the pothole returning. This is because the loose gravel is not compacted and does not provide a strong base for asphalt.
If you have a dirt or gravel driveway with potholes, the first step is to clean out the holes by using a shovel and a rake. It is also important to remove any debris that is in the pothole. Once the area is clean, you will need to add a layer of coarse gravel at least three inches deep in the pothole. The gravel should be tamped down by hand or with a commercial tamper. A tamper can be purchased at most hardware stores or you can make your own inexpensive tamper by nailing a piece of plywood to the bottom of a four-foot long 2×4.
After adding the coarse gravel, you will need to cover it with a layer of blacktop repair material. It is recommended that you use a product that contains both sand and crushed limestone as this provides the most strength for your pothole repair. This type of product can be purchased at most home improvement stores and is usually fairly easy to apply with a brush or a sprayer.
The final step is to seal the repaired pothole. This will help to prevent further damage and keep the water that caused the pothole in the first place from getting back under the surface of the driveway. It is also important to ensure that the surface of your driveway is free from any weeds or other unwanted growth that could interfere with your sealer.
Stains
Concrete and asphalt are susceptible to stains from oil, gas, and other petroleum-based products. These stains can be unsightly and may even lead to other problems such as moisture absorption, cracking, and deterioration. It is always best to address these stains as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, most stains can be removed with common household products like cat litter, baking soda, detergents, and vinegar. First, start by removing as much of the staining material as you can with a utility brush or shop broom. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of non-clumping cat litter over the affected area and let it sit overnight to absorb the oil. Next, mop or scrub the area and rinse with a hose. Repeat as needed until the stain is completely gone.
Oil stains are most often caused by motor oil that leaks from your car over time, but gasoline, transmission fluid, and other auto-related oils can also cause unsightly concrete or asphalt stains. If you are unable to remove the stains using the methods above, consult a local power washing professional to get your driveway looking like new again.
Rust stains are also a common problem for both concrete and asphalt driveways. These stains are typically reddish-colored and can appear from patio furniture, tools, or other metal objects that have been left sitting on the surface of your driveway. While it is not feasible to prevent these stains, you can help them fade faster by cleaning your driveway with a concrete cleaner, such as ACT Microbial Concrete Cleaner, every week or so and rinsing thoroughly.
Many homeowners use a mix of stone dust and rubberized crack filler tape to repair large cracks in their concrete driveway. This method is inexpensive and works well. It is important to note that this is a temporary fix and should be followed by sealing the concrete or asphalt annually.
Some long-held beliefs about repairing your driveway include pouring two liters of Coca Cola over the stain to remove the oil, but this is only a myth and is more likely to produce an unwanted ant infestation than it is to remove the oil stain. However, using oven cleaner, WD-40, or dishwashing liquid on the stain and then scrubbing is an effective method to quickly remove oil stains from concrete.
Age
Homeowners usually think about repairing or replacing the roof, windows, furnace and other big ticket items in their homes, but often overlook their driveways. Unfortunately, neglecting the driveway can lead to major problems down the line like cracks and potholes. It’s important to know the early warning signs and act quickly if you notice them.
Regular maintenance and minor repairs to your driveway can delay the need for a full replacement. There are many options for repairing and enhancing your asphalt driveway from patching to resurfacing and even engraving and colorizing. Depending on your budget and the condition of your driveway, you may need to do a little or a lot of work to keep your driveway looking its best.
Small hairline cracks, fading and a puddling of water after rainstorms are all good indicators that it’s time to sealcoat your driveway. A fresh coat of sealer protects your asphalt from oil spills, salt stains and chemicals. Sealer also prevents the sun’s UV rays from damaging your concrete. You should plan on resealing your driveway every few years or as needed to maintain it’s life and appearance.
If your driveway has large cracks and holes over 1/4″ wide, spalling (horizontal peeling or chipping of the surface), or discoloration, you’ll probably want to consider resurfacing your driveway with a concrete overlay. A concrete overlay is a cement-based material applied directly over the existing asphalt for a new look without the cost of tearing out and replacing the entire driveway.
Another option is a slabjacking procedure that involves injecting a pressurized fluid into the concrete to raise and level it. This is an effective and affordable alternative to full replacement and is recommended for flat and sinking driveways.
A well-maintained driveway can last for decades, but it’s always a good idea to be vigilant and watch out for the earliest signs of damage. Cracks, potholes and fading are all common problems that can be easily avoided with early detection and repair. If you’re not sure what the best solution is for your driveway, contact a professional for advice.