Cracked Driveway

A cracked driveway, while common, should not be overlooked by homeowners. It not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of your home but also poses a significant hazard that can affect your property and the safety of your family.

Cracked and uneven driveway slabs can be particularly dangerous for those with mobility issues, as they may trip and fall. Additionally, these cracks can cause damage to your vehicle and even your home’s foundation.

At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we are your go-to resource for tackling this widespread problem. Our state-of-the-art concrete lifting solutions are both effective and durable, ensuring your driveway is restored to its former glory. Our commitment to excellence means you can rest easy knowing your property’s safety and beauty are in good hands.

On this page, we provide valuable information on the causes of cracked driveways and how our concrete lifting solutions can expertly repair your driveway.

What Is a Cracked Driveway?

Cracked and uneven driveways present as a concrete slab or group of slabs that have acquired cracks, fissures, or splits as time has passed. These defects can vary from small, almost imperceptible hairline fractures to more significant, prominent, and wide splits.

A driveway might exhibit one solitary crack or numerous fractures dispersed throughout the concrete. Not only are fractured driveways visually unappealing, but they can also pose considerable safety hazards, potentially resulting in trips, falls, and subsequent injuries.

Should you notice cracks forming in your driveway, it’s possible that other parts of your property could be suffering from damage as well, such as:

Concrete driveways can develop cracks due to multiple reasons, which often require expert inspection and repair. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists provide services to address these issues, ensuring safety and preventing additional damage. Contact us as soon as you spot any concerns.

What Causes Driveway Cracks?

Cracked concrete driveways can result from a variety of factors, including:

Soil Problems: Settling or eroding soil underneath the driveway causes uneven stress and cracking.
Trees: Tree roots growing under or near the driveway exert upward pressure and create cracks.
Precipitation: Excessive rain or flooding that erodes and undermines soil.
Other Weather Issues: Freeze-thaw cycles allow water to seep into cracks and expand when frozen. Concrete also undergoes normal expansion and contraction over time as temperatures fluctuate.
Construction Issues: Poor concrete pouring or curing during original construction makes concrete driveways susceptible to damage.
Heavy Vehicles: From subcompact cars to full-sized pickup trucks, vehicles are hefty objects that can weigh several thousand pounds. This weight puts a significant strain on concrete driveways and the soil underneath, which can eventually result in cracks and settling.

These factors that impact concrete driveways can similarly influence the foundation of your home, highlighting the urgency to tackle these problems promptly with the help of a professional. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists are well-equipped to provide the most efficient solutions to address these issues.

Can You Fix a Cracked Driveway?

Yes, it is possible to repair and restore cracked concrete driveways to their original condition. However, it is essential to note that as cracks grow and spread, they can reduce the available options for repair. Hence, it is crucial to have your driveway inspected and repaired by professionals at the earliest sign of damage.

Merely filling the cracks with caulk or concrete filler, resorting to traditional mudjacking techniques, or re-pouring concrete are at best temporary fixes.

For a comprehensive repair, it is necessary to address the underlying issues such as unstable soil. Concrete lifting is the optimal solution, as it raises sunken sections and stabilizes the driveway. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists offers specialized and lasting solutions, ensuring that repairs are executed correctly.

How to Fix a Cracked Driveway

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists’ certified concrete driveway repair process involves several key steps:

Complete an initial inspection, identify the cause, and determine appropriate repair solutions like SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™.
Drill small, penny-sized holes into affected driveway areas.
Place injection ports in the holes.
Mix together a two-part, closed-cell polymer foam.
Inject foam under driveway slabs.
The foam expands, filling any voids, and cures within 15 minutes.
The slab lifts and the soil is stabilized.
Remove injection ports and fill and smooth the drilled holes.
Apply sealant to cracks and joints to prevent further damage.
Regularly maintain and monitor your concrete driveway.

At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we employ our range of innovative products, such as PolyRenewal™, customized to tackle specific customer challenges efficiently, surpassing the offerings of our competitors. This unique polyurethane foam solution is crafted to raise concrete with speed and accuracy. PolyRenewal™ restorations outlast those made with mudjacking and are less intrusive than full slab replacements.

Why Address Driveway Cracks Now

It’s important to repair cracked concrete driveways promptly for several reasons:

Further Damage: Addressing cracks early can prevent more severe structural issues.
Safety: Unaddressed cracks can pose serious safety risks, leading to accidents and injuries. Larger cracks are safety hazards for walking or driving. Narrow cracks can catch heels or bicycle tires.
Property Value: Maintaining a well-kept driveway enhances curb appeal and property value.
Repair Costs: The longer you wait, the more work and expense significant repairs entail.

Don’t settle for quick fixes. The PolyRenewal™ system has the capability to rejuvenate your driveway, restoring it to a near-new condition. Our specialized concrete lifting methods effectively stabilize and correct uneven concrete and cracks. Reach out to AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists now to schedule your complimentary inspection.

Contact AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

Don’t let a damaged driveway compromise the safety and attractiveness of your home. If you have a cracked, sunken, or uneven concrete driveway, the expert team at AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists is here to assist you. Reach out to us today to arrange for a complimentary inspection and quote.

We recognize the annoyance that can come with having a cracked driveway. That’s why we’re pleased to provide top-notch, dependable concrete lifting services designed to endure. Our PolyRenewal™ technology can efficiently and accurately raise and stabilize settled concrete slabs, ensuring the job is done correctly from the outset.

FAQs

Is it possible to resurface an existing concrete driveway?

Yes, existing concrete driveways can be refinished or resurfaced to enhance their visual appeal. However, it’s important to note that resurfacing may only temporarily conceal problems such as cracking and uneven surfaces, which can worsen over time. It is crucial to have any cracking or sinking professionally assessed and rectified for enduring results. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists offers durable polyurethane injections to elevate concrete surfaces. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection.

What is the expected lifespan of a concrete driveway?

When properly installed and maintained, concrete driveways can last 20 years or more. However, it is not uncommon for driveways to exhibit minor cracks and imperfections over time. At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we specialize in mending damaged concrete driveways and prolonging their lifespan with our exhaustive repairs and exclusive PolyRenewal™ process. Get in touch with us today to discover more and arrange a free inspection.

How long does concrete leveling take?

The timeline can range from 1-3 days depending on the size of the job. Professionals work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property. Setting materials like polyurethane expand quickly while concrete and mudjacking materials take longer to cure. You’ll receive a more accurate timeline after a free concrete inspection from AFS.

_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AFS does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}