How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway in Yuba City
A cracked driveway does not always need full replacement. Small stable cracks can often be repaired, while wider cracks, settlement, and broken sections may point to a problem below the concrete.
Before choosing a repair product, look at the size of the crack, whether the sides are level, and whether the crack appears to be growing.
Why Concrete Driveways Crack
Concrete shrinks as it cures, expands and contracts with temperature changes, and depends on the soil and base below it for support. Cracks may form from normal shrinkage, soil movement, tree roots, poor drainage, heavy loads, weak base material, or missing joints.
Yuba City summers also create large surface temperature changes between hot afternoons and cooler nights.
Repairing Small Driveway Cracks
A small crack should be cleaned before repair. Loose material, dust, weeds, dirt, and old filler need to be removed so the repair material can bond.
Depending on the crack, an exterior concrete crack sealant or cement-based repair product may be used. The product instructions should be followed for crack width, depth, preparation, and curing.
What About Wide Cracks?
A wider crack may require more preparation and a different repair material. If the crack is deep, backing material may be used so the sealant has the correct shape and depth.
Wide cracks should also be checked for movement. If the slab on one side has dropped, filling the opening does not correct the settlement.
Uneven Cracks Need More Than Filler
When one side of a driveway crack is higher than the other, the issue may involve soil movement, roots, washout, or a failed base. The uneven surface can also become a trip hazard or catch water.
A contractor may recommend replacing the affected section if the concrete has moved too far for a surface repair.
Do Not Ignore Drainage
Water can enter cracks and move through the soil below the driveway. Poor drainage can also wash out support material or keep the subgrade too wet.
Downspouts, grading, irrigation, and nearby low spots should be checked when driveway cracking keeps returning.
When Is Driveway Replacement Better?
Replacement may be the better choice when the driveway has widespread cracking, large settled areas, severe surface deterioration, or several patches that keep failing.
Removing the damaged concrete gives the contractor a chance to inspect and rebuild the base before pouring a new slab.
Driveway Crack Repair in Yuba City
Concrete 1 Decking provides concrete repair, driveway replacement, decorative concrete, coatings, and other concrete services in Yuba City and surrounding Northern California communities. Contact Concrete 1 Decking if you want a contractor to inspect the cracks and determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense.