Cracked Driveway
Cracked Driveways – What to do? Did your new concrete driveway develop a large crack, especially around the entrance to the garage? Discovering significant cracks in a recently installed driveway can be both perplexing and disheartening for homeowners. In this blog post, we delve into the specific application of Foam-jacking and Mud-jacking as tailored solutions to address issues around the entrance area for lasting results. Causes Weather Extremes and New Driveways: The vulnerability of new concrete driveways to weather extremes cannot be overstated. Temperature fluctuations, particularly in regions experiencing harsh winters and hot summers, can induce stress in freshly laid concrete, leading to the development of large and noticeable cracks. Improper Installation Practices: Large cracks in new driveways often trace back to the installation phase. Inadequate reinforcement, curing shortcuts, or issues with the concrete mix can create structural weaknesses, making the driveway susceptible to cracks, especially around the crucial entrance area. Voids Beneath the Surface: A critical factor contributing to large cracks is the formation of voids beneath the surface, particularly around the entrance to the garage. Voids destabilize the soil support, causing uneven settling and increased stress on the driveway, resulting in the formation of significant cracks. Tree Roots and Soil Disturbance: Proximity to trees further complicates the issue, as tree roots can disturb the soil beneath the driveway. This disturbance, combined with the absence of proper control joints, intensifies tension around the entrance area, exacerbating the formation of large cracks. Heavy Loads and Traffic: New driveways subjected to heavy loads or constant traffic, exceeding their designed capacity, are more prone to large cracks. The stress induced by excessive weight, particularly around the entrance, contributes to the noticeable fractures on the surface. Addressing Large Cracks Around the Garage Entrance Professional Inspection: Initiate a professional inspection tailored to the entrance area of your new driveway. Identify voids beneath the surface and assess the extent of large cracks to guide effective solutions. Foam-jacking or Mud-jacking for Entrance Stability: Using mud-jacking or foam-jacking, involving an injection beneath the concrete. This stabilizes the soil, fills voids, and lifts the driveway to its original position, effectively addressing large cracks and ensuring stability. Control Joint Enhancement: Incorporate or enhance control joints around the entrance to the garage. This step is crucial during jackings to prevent future large cracks and ensure controlled movement. Sealing and Ongoing Maintenance:After the jackings, seal the driveway regularly to protect against environmental elements and maintain its appearance. Ongoing maintenance is essential to safeguard the entrance area from potential stress fractures. Conclusion Large cracks around the entrance to your new concrete driveway demand a targeted approach to unravel the mystery behind their formation. By utilizing Foam-jacking and Mud-jacking as distinct yet effective solutions, homeowners can address voids beneath the surface and stabilize the entrance area, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing driveway for years to come. Revitalize your driveway! Contact us today for expert assessment and find out how we can efficiently repair and enhance your cracked concrete. Your smooth, restored driveway awaits! Get a QuoteExplore Costs