Cracked Driveway

You might not think about it too much, but your driveway is one of the most used parts of your home, an essential part of your everyday life.

But everyday activities can quickly become dangerous if your driveway starts to crack. Beyond that, driveway cracks hint toward a bigger problem below the surface—soil issues.

Over time, the damage causing a cracked driveway could spread to your vehicles and even your home’s foundation. Foundation Repair of Western Colorado is committed to helping homeowners tackle this problem.

With the most durable concrete lifting methods in the industry, we’ll make your concrete safe to use again. This page will help you understand why your driveway cracked and what you can do to fix it.

What Is a Cracked Driveway?

A cracked driveway is a driveway with fractures or breaks that form on the surface. These blemishes can be as subtle as hairline fractures or as pronounced as large, obvious gaps.

Beyond being an eyesore, driveway cracks pose real dangers, such as tripping or stress on your vehicle as you drive over it. Driveway cracks are also indicative of a soil issue on your property.

This means that other concrete structures are likely to be affected in the same way. If you see any cracks in your driveway, you might also notice the following:

• Cracked sidewalks
• Damaged concrete patio
• Sinking porch
• Sinking concrete steps
• Cracked pool deck
• Concrete pitting, flaking, and staining
• Sinking concrete slab

In Colorado, cracked driveways are fairly common. It’s essential to check your driveway for cracks regularly.

What Causes Driveway Cracks?

Usually, cracked driveways are caused by the natural environment or construction errors. These are usually out of your control, but it still helps to understand these causes so you can stay prepared. 

Here are the most common causes of concrete damage that we’ve seen in the field:

• Soil Issues: Shifting or eroding soil beneath the driveway results in uneven sections. The concrete sinks into the weak soil and cracks.
• Tree Roots: Root growth beneath or close to the driveway pushes concrete upwards and induces cracks.
• Rain or Melting Snow: Heavy rain, melting snow, or flooding erodes the foundational soil and barrages concrete structures.
• Weather Changes: Cycles of freezing and thawing cause soil to absorb water and then freeze, pushing concrete out of line. Natural temperature shifts also lead to the expansion and contraction of concrete.
• Construction Errors: Flaws in the initial pouring or setting of concrete renders it prone to damage over time.
• Vehicle Load: Vehicles that are exorbitantly heavy (like construction vehicles or trucks) may put too much stress on concrete, causing it to sink and crack.

With an understanding of these causes, you can take preventative measures. While you can’t control what happens outside, it’s never a bad move to prepare for the worst—especially when it comes to an important asset like your home.

Can You Fix a Cracked Driveway?

Yes, it’s possible to fix cracked concrete driveways. Yet, as cracks grow larger and more extensive, the repair options become limited. That’s why early detection and intervention are crucial.

Unfortunately, standard repair methods aren’t always enough. Filling driveway cracks with hardware store sealants, replacing the concrete, or using old methods like mudjacking will not solve the underlying issues that cause the cracks in the first place.

For lasting repairs, addressing the root causes is key. That’s why Foundation Repair of Western Colorado uses PolyRenewal™, a modern polyurethane injection system that solves all the common issues behind concrete damage.

How to Fix a Cracked Driveway

Foundation Repair of Western Colorado’s driveway repair process involves:

• Free initial inspection to identify issues and determine the best solution.
• Drilling tiny holes in the damaged driveway sections.
• Setting up injection ports in these holes.
• Injecting PolyRenewal™ into the holes where it flows beneath the driveway.
• The polyurethane solution expands, hardening and filling any voids in the soil.
• The concrete slab is elevated, and the underlying soil becomes stable.
• After the concrete is lifted, the injection ports are removed and drilled sections are smoothed out. Your concrete looks normal again.
• Applying a specialized sealant to the cracks ensures further protection.

Our exclusive product line, notably PolyRenewal™, is tailored to tackle specific challenges efficiently, surpassing competitor offerings. 

This signature polyurethane foam method elevates concrete swiftly and accurately. PolyRenewal™ solutions endure longer than traditional mudjacking and are less intrusive than total slab replacements.

Why Address Driveway Cracks Now

Addressing driveway cracks as soon as possible is always in your best interest. Here’s a few reasons why:

• Prevent Escalation: Early intervention can prevent bigger structural concerns.
• Safety Concerns: Ignored cracks can lead to mishaps. Bigger gaps are treacherous, while smaller ones might ensnare shoes or cycle tires.
• Property Appeal: A well-maintained driveway boosts home aesthetics and value.
• Repair Expenses: Delays can escalate both the scope of work and associated costs.

Avoid temporary fixes. With our PolyRenewal™ system, your driveway can regain its prime condition. Our concrete lifting methods aim to effectively stabilize uneven and cracking concrete. Connect with Foundation Repair of Western Colorado now for a complimentary inspection.

Reach Out to Foundation Repair of Western Colorado for Trustworthy Concrete Lifting Solutions

A compromised driveway shouldn’t undermine your home’s appeal and safety. If you’re grappling with a cracked, sunken, or uneven concrete driveway, Foundation Repair of Western Colorado’s specialists are here to assist. Get in touch today for a no-obligation inspection and quotation.

Understanding the challenges posed by cracked driveways, we’re proud to provide time-tested, dependable concrete lifting solutions. With our PolyRenewal™ technology, your concrete won’t sink again!

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