How To Repair Cracks And Holes In Concrete Driveway

Cracks in a concrete driveway are relatively common. There are many reasons cracks might occur, including: repeated freezing and thawing, tree roots, sink holes, heavy loads, etc. Big cracks are more than an eye sore; they are a serious adventure that could atomic number 82 to bigger more than costly problems.

Luckily, virtually cracks can be repaired before they become out of hand. Wait until the forecast calls for dry weather and the surface of the concrete is at to the lowest degree fifty degrees F. earlier making repairs to your driveway.

Always wearable rubber gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves and long pants when handling concrete fillers and mixers:

i. Resurface Crazing in Physical

Crazing is the term for very fine surface cracks that appear when a concrete driveway dries besides fast. They are commonly noticeable shortly subsequently the concrete is poured. Crazing cracks are often corrective and practice not signify serious structural damage.

If the bulk of your driveway is sound and the surface is primarily smoothen, y'all can repair the crazing by applying a resurfacing product. This will add a sparse repair layer over the cracks:

Prep the driveway:
- Remove leaves and other debris from the driveway earlier cleaning information technology thoroughly with a pressure washer.
Following the instructions on the label, spread the resurfacer using a long-handled squeegee. Work on one pocket-size area at a time considering the product dries quickly.
Allow the resurfacer to dry completely and cure every bit instructed on the label before using your driveway.

ii. Filling Cracks Under 1/four-Inch Broad with Concrete Crack Filler

Purchase a flexible formula so the product will mold into the one-time concrete rather than pull away from information technology when it freezes and thaws. The majority of physical crack fillers are designed for cracks upwards to ¼" wide; if you are repairing cracks wider than ¼", it is recommended to use a concrete backer rod. The backer rod is inserted into a deep crack to help create a more than compatible repair:

Prep the cracks:
- Break upward any old concrete patch materials with a hammer or masonry chisel.
- Remove droppings and broken pieces from cracks with a chisel or slotted screwdriver.
- Pull any weeds or grass growing in the cracks.
Prep the driveway:
- Remove leaves and other debris from the driveway before cleaning it thoroughly with a pressure washer.
Let the physical dry, and so use your filler inside of the cracks.

3. Pouring Over Deep, Jagged Cracks

Pocket-sized cracks tin can go bigger over time if left unrepaired. Deep cracks or cracks over ¼" wide usually signify a more serious problem. While you can fill them, the fix is likely temporary.

Large, uneven cracks larger than ¼" broad are more common in older driveways than newer ones and usually betoken underlying structural issues. In this scenario, information technology'due south all-time to contact a professional person. He/she might recommend removing and replacing the driveway to correct the deep, jagged breaks by pouring fresh physical.

Second to prophylactic concerns, driveway cracks can damage your home'southward curb entreatment if you lot're looking to sell. A few repairs could help improve the value of your home, too.

Blog Contributor Amy Ingram

Amy Casey

Social Media & Communications Coordinator

Amy joined Rockford Mutual in January of 2022 with an Assembly Degree in Marketing. Amy has a great agreement of insurance in full general as she is currently working towards an Associate in General Insurance designation.