How Do You Fix Cracks In Concrete Driveways?

Cracks show up a lot in concrete walkways. They may happen for some reasons, such as the soil below shifting, the concrete shrinking as it cures, car loads that are too much for the structure, inadequate joint spacing during installation, or exposure to the elements.

The cracks in the concrete are not only unsightly, but they can also become dangerous if you don't fix them. Cracks in the pavement can get bigger over time, which might hurt people and cars on your property. You should fix cracks in concrete right away.

There are few methods to fix cracks in concrete, ranging from easy do-it-yourself fixes to hiring a professional sidewalk repair contractor NYC for major issues. The best way to fix cracks in concrete depends on how bad they are, what kind of cracks they are, and where they are. In this article, let's find out why your concrete driveway is breaking, and how to fix it.

Why Do Concrete Driveways Crack?

Cracks in sidewalks, patios, and driveways may look like an impossible problem to solve for property owners. But why? Let's talk about a few reasons that can cause cracks in a driveway. 

Before beginning the process of repairing your concrete driveway, it is essential to determine the size and nature of the cracks that have appeared in the driveway. 

Hairline Cracks

These superficial cracks are typically very thin and scattered across the surface, giving the impression that they are a spider's web pattern. Even though they may look bad, hairline cracks usually do not pose a structural threat and are only there for looks.

Mid-Depth Cracks
Mid-depth cracks go deeper into the concrete than hairline cracks, but they do not usually go all the way through the slab. Changes in temperature, settlement, or small structural shifts may have caused these cracks.

Severe Cracks
Severe cracks are ones that go all the way through the thickness of the concrete slab and are wide and deep. These cracks can make the driveway less stable, and it may need more extensive repairs to fix them.

Tools and Materials You Need To Fix Your Concrete Driveway

Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask to protect your eyes from the concrete dust.

Cleaning Crew: Fully clean out the cracks with a wire brush, pressure washer, or air compressor, making sure there is no waste or loose material left behind.

How to Fix It: Choose a concrete crack filler or patching product that is the right size and depth for the cracks in your driveway.

Finishing Touches: To spread the filler, you will need a trowel or putty knife. For the finishing touches, you will need a broom.

Steps To Patch Up Cracks In Your Driveway

Follow the steps given below  to fix cracks in your concrete driveway:

Getting the Crack Ready: To make sure the filler material sticks well, start by cleaning the crack well. Remove dirt, dust, and other loose things from the crack with a wire brush, pressure washer, or air compressor.

Fill the Crack: Make sure the crack is filled with the concrete crack filler or patching compound you picked. With a putty knife or shovel, level the filler with the driveway's surface and smooth it out for a smooth finish.

Curing Time: Follow the manufacturer's advice and let the filler cure for the time they say to. For the most part, this means keeping people and cars away from the mended area until the filler has fully hardened.

Optional Finishing Touches For Longlasting Results

For extra protection and a more polished look, think about adding the following possible finishing touches:

Edging for a Clean Look: Once the filler is dry, use a trowel or other edging tool to make the sides of the repaired crack smooth. This will make sure that they blend in with the rest of the concrete.

Sealing to Add Extra Protection: Use a concrete sealer to cover the whole sidewalk surface. This will add extra protection against water damage, stains, and cracks.

When To Call Consult The Professional

You can fix many small cracks in a concrete walkway yourself, but there are times when you may need a professional's help:

Extensive Cracks: If your driveway has a lot of cracks or other signs of major structural damage, you should talk to a professional concrete contractors who can look at the problem and suggest the best way to fix it.

Lack of DIY Satisfaction: Talk to a professional if you're not sure if you can fix the cracks properly or if you think the repairs are too hard for you.

Why Does Professional Assistance Matter?

Professional concrete contractors have the right skills, the right tools, and years of experience in the field. They can correctly tell you how bad your driveway is, find the underlying problems, and suggest the best ways to fix them. Professionals can also make sure that fixes are done safely and correctly, which lowers the risk of future problems and makes your driveway last longer.

Conclusion

It's possible to fix cracks in your concrete driveway if you have the right tools, supplies, and knowledge. You can fix your driveway's integrity and make it last longer by correctly identifying the type and depth of the cracks and using the right repair methods. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a professional if the problem is too complicated or if you're not sure how well you can do the job yourself.

Need a professional to fix your concrete? Contact us right now!