Driveways are perhaps the most heavily trafficked areas of our homes. Think about how often you use your driveway each day: driving the kids to and from school and extracurricular activities, pulling in and out for errands, friends and family parking during visits, service vehicles for home repairs, and gathering places for chalk, bubbles, bike races, and much more.
Our driveways handle a lot of vehicular and foot traffic every day, so it’s no wonder they develop cracks or sink over the years. Most concrete driveways have some cracks or spalling, but do you know when it’s a cause for concern? Continue reading to learn the top signs you need concrete repair for your driveway so you can avoid further damage.
Why Do Concrete Driveways Crack?
Concrete doesn’t just crack without explanation; concrete driveways often crack because of errors during installation, soil settlement, heavy loads and excessive stress. While many homeowners become concerned when they discover cracks in their driveway, it’s a common issue, especially with concrete sinking in Kansas City homes. Concrete cracks because of the following:
- The wrong concrete strength was used during application
- Rapid drying during the curing process
- Improper control joint placement
- Poor installation conditions
- Unstable soil
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Excessive heat/sun exposure
- Heavy loads and excessive stress
Sometimes concrete develops cracks or sinks after a failed DIY concrete repair attempt or from mudjacking, which often needs maintenance.
Though minor cracks don’t often indicate you need immediate repair, there are some signs you need to be aware of.
Top Signs You Need Driveway Concrete Repair
Wondering if those cracks need immediate repair? Wondering if you can push off that sunken spot in your driveway another year? Below are some top signs you need driveway concrete repair so you can avoid further damage:
Cracks are Widening
Keep an eye on those concrete cracks. If you notice some cracks have widened, it’s time to get your driveway repaired as soon as possible. Concrete cracks start as tiny cracks that worsen over time, often growing the more they’re exposed to the elements, heavy traffic, and loads. Driveways are constantly exposed to heavy vehicles and go through rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil shifts. Concrete cracks never disappear and only worsen over time.
The Concrete is Sinking
Have you noticed any dips in your driveway or spots that are lower than others? If your concrete driveway is sinking, now is the time to get it repaired before it worsens. Sunken concrete can present many dangers, including drainage issues and other hidden costs of neglecting concrete leveling, such as increased risk of serious injury.
Water Pools on It
Whether from rainfall, automatic sprinklers, washing the car, or snowmelt, our driveways are constantly exposed to water. Driveways are installed with a slope that helps drain water away from them, directing it toward the street and the local storm drain. However, when water pools on your driveway, it indicates an issue that needs immediate concrete repair. Water that pools on the driveway can worsen cracks and sunken spots, creating significant damage and costly repairs.
Spalling
Have you noticed any of your driveway starting to flake or chip? Concrete spalling is one of the first indications that your concrete is damaged, as little pieces of concrete flake or peel from the surface. Concrete spalls for many reasons, but it often means there’s more damage to come. Repairing your concrete driveway when you notice spalling is always a great idea before it worsens.
Why Polyjacking is the Best Concrete Repair Method for Your Driveway
Those who desire long-lasting concrete repair for their driveways should consider polyjacking, a reliable concrete repair method that outperforms other concrete leveling techniques, including mudjacking and DIY repair methods. Polyjacking involves injecting polyurethane foam, a durable, fast-curing material, underneath sunken driveways. The expanding foam reacts quickly, providing durable support while resisting moisture and soil movement.
Compared to many traditional repair methods, polyjacking fortifies the soil under the concrete, never destabilizing as other methods can. It’s also the most cost-effective option because it never requires maintenance compared to temporary fixes like mujdacking and DIY concrete repair.
Trust Pro Polyjacking, Kansas City’s Premier Polyjacking Company for Over 30 Years, for Your Driveway Repair
If you need your sunken or cracked concrete driveway repaired, hiring Pro Polyjacking is the best concrete leveling solution. We have over 30 years of industry experience and have been serving Kansas City homeowners for decades. We’re a woman and family-owned local business with positive reviews and thousands of satisfied customers. Below are some of our customer reviews:
Pro Polyjacking can help with all commercial and residential concrete leveling needs in and around Kansas City, including: residential concrete leveling, commercial and industrial concrete leveling, concrete sealing and cleaning, deep injection, joint and crack repair, and farm silo polyjacking. We hold all required licenses and insurance that protect our employees. Get started by requesting a quote today!