How to Deal with Larger Cracks in Your Driveway

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Understanding the Causes of Larger Cracks in Your Driveway

If you have larger cracks in your driveway, you are not alone. One of the most common problems that homeowners face is driveway cracks. Large cracks can become a safety hazard, especially if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Understanding the causes of larger cracks in your driveway can help you to prevent them in the future. The top reasons that you have cracks in your driveway are heavy loads, tree roots, freeze-thaw, and poor drainage. When you identify the root cause of your driveway cracks, it becomes easier to fix them.

Steps to Deal with Larger Cracks in Your Driveway

The easiest way to deal with larger cracks in your driveway is to hire a professional to fix them. However, if you are willing to get your hands dirty and work hard, you can fix them yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deal with larger cracks in your driveway:

Clean the crack: Before you start doing anything, clean the crack with a broom or a vacuum. You need to remove any loose debris, dirt, or small rocks. A clean crack allows for better adhesion of the patching material.

Prepare the crack: Use a chisel or screwdriver to remove any crumbling concrete from the crack. Make sure you remove any loose material around the edges of the crack. You need to create a clean and smooth surface for the patching material to adhere to.

Apply the patching material: Once you have prepared the crack, it’s time to apply the patching material. You can buy the patching material from any hardware store. Carefully read the instructions on the package before applying it. Use a trowel to fill the crack with the patching material. Make sure you fill the crack completely and level it.

Smooth the patching material: Use a trowel or a putty knife to smooth out the patching material over the crack. You want the patching material to be level with the surrounding concrete.

Let the patching material dry: Once you have applied and smoothed the patching material, let it dry for at least 24 hours before driving on it.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Larger Cracks in Your Driveway

Dealing with larger cracks in your driveway can be a hassle, time-consuming, and expensive. The best way to avoid dealing with large cracks is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take: Broaden your knowledge of the subject covered in this article by visiting the suggested external website. asphalt crack sealer https://pavemade.com/collections/asphalt-crack-filler, discover valuable insights and fresh perspectives to further enhance your understanding of the topic.

Reduce heavy loads on your driveway: Avoid parking or driving heavy vehicles on your driveway, such as delivery trucks or RVs. This can lead to cracks in the concrete.

Keep trees and bushes trimmed: Tree roots can cause large cracks in your driveway. Make sure to keep your trees and bushes trimmed to prevent their roots from growing under your driveway.

Proper drainage: Poor drainage can lead to water accumulation in your driveway, which can cause cracks. Make sure your driveway has proper drainage.

Seal coat your driveway: A seal coat is a protective layer that you apply on your driveway. This coating helps to prevent moisture from penetrating your driveway and causing cracks.

Conclusion

Larger cracks in your driveway can be a frustrating problem for homeowners. However, by understanding the root causes of these cracks, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. If you have larger cracks in your driveway, you can follow the step-by-step guide provided in this article to fix them yourself. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to fix them. Preventative measures, such as avoiding heavy loads, keeping trees and bushes trimmed, proper drainage, and seal coating, can help to avoid larger cracks in your driveway.

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