Cracked Driveway

You might not think about it, but your driveway is one of the most used parts of your home. The driveway generally plays a critical role in your daily routines. 

However, normal activities (like parking a vehicle or getting mail) can become  more dangerous when cracks appear on your driveway. These cracks often indicate underlying problems, predominantly soil-related issues. 

As time progresses, the issues that lead to a cracked driveway might extend to your vehicles and even compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation. Basement Authority of West Virginia is devoted to aiding homeowners address this pressing concern. 

We provide an innovative approach to concrete lifting—one that is built to last. Learn more about what causes concrete to crack in the first place and what you can do to stop the damage.  

What Is a Cracked Driveway? 

When your driveway displays fractures or splits on its surface, it’s termed a cracked driveway. These imperfections can range from barely noticeable hairline fractures to clearly visible large gaps. 

Aside from being a visual disturbance, cracks on the driveway present genuine risks, like tripping hazards or undue strain on your vehicle. Furthermore, these cracks often suggest underlying soil disturbances on your land. 

Subsequently, other concrete structures on your property might show similar signs. If you observe cracks on your driveway, keep an eye out for: 

• Sinking porch
• Cracked sidewalks 
• Cracked pool deck
• Cracked patio
• Sinking steps 
• Cracked Concrete 
• Pitting, flaking, and staining

In West Virginia, encountering cracked driveways is not unusual. Regularly inspecting your driveway for signs of damage is advised. 

What Causes Driveway Cracks? 

Typically, the environment or construction mishaps are the culprits behind cracked driveways. While these factors might be beyond your influence, grasping them aids in effective preparation. 

Based on our field experience, here are the prevalent causes of concrete deterioration: 

• Soil Shifts: When soil underneath shifts or erodes, it leads to uneven concrete, which then sinks and cracks. 
• Tree Expansion: Roots growing close to, or underneath the driveway, can push against the concrete, causing it to crack. 
• Water Impact: Excessive rain, snowmelt, or flooding can erode the soil beneath the driveway, causing the concrete structure to crack. 
• Weather Variations: The freeze-thaw cycle makes soil absorb water, which then freezes, displacing the concrete. Fluctuations in temperature can also result in concrete expanding and retracting. 
• Construction Oversights: Mistakes during the initial concrete setup make it vulnerable to future damage. 
• Heavy Vehicles: Overloaded vehicles, such as construction machinery or large trucks, exert excessive stress, leading the concrete to crack. 

With a better understanding of these causes, you’re better positioned to install the best preventive measures. Safeguarding your home, a precious asset, against external influences is always a wise choice. 

Can You Fix a Cracked Driveway? 

Indeed, remedying cracked concrete driveways is feasible. But, as cracks expand, your remedial options narrow, emphasizing the importance of timely action. 

Regrettably, conventional repair techniques often fall short. Simple crack fillers, concrete replacements, or outdated methods like mudjacking fail to address the root problem causing the cracks. 

For durable solutions, it’s vital to tackle the underlying issues. This is why Basement Authority of West Virginia employs PolyRenewal™, a state-of-the-art polyurethane injection technique that effectively counters common concrete damage sources. 

How to Fix a Cracked Driveway 

Basement Authority of West Virginia’s PolyRenewal™ system adeptly elevates and fortifies your concrete without the need for complete replacement. Here’s what the process looks like: 

• Thorough inspection of the affected driveway sections.  
• Drill penny-sized holes into the damaged concrete.  
• Place polyurethane injection ports into these holes.  
• Prepare our exclusive polyurethane foam.  
• Inject PolyRenewal™ beneath the cracked driveway.  
• Foam fills voids in the ground and expands, strengthening weak soil and lifting the cracked driveway sections.  
• Let the foam cure to a solid state (usually 15 minutes).  
• Detach the injection ports.  

Our exclusive range, prominently featuring PolyRenewal™, is designed to meet unique challenges effectively, outperforming alternative market solutions. Compared to traditional mudjacking, PolyRenewal™ offers a longer lifespan and is a less invasive option than complete slab replacement. 

Why Address Driveway Cracks Now 

Acting promptly on driveway cracks is in your best interest. Here’s why: 

• Avoid Further Damage: Timely action can ward off severe structural issues. 
• Safety First: Overlooked cracks can result in accidents. Both large and minute cracks present hazards, from tripping to causing tire snags. 
• Counteract Water Penetration: Water might collect in portions of your cracked driveway, eventually draining toward home’s exterior or getting into your basement/crawl space. Repair stops this from happening. 
• Home Value: A pristine driveway elevates your home’s look and market value. 
• Budgeting: Procrastination can increase both the work scope and subsequent repair expenses. 

Steer clear of temporary patch-ups. With PolyRenewal™, your driveway can return to its optimal state. Our concrete leveling techniques are geared to effectively stabilize shifting and cracking concrete.  

Connect with Basement Authority of West Virginia for Dependable Concrete Lifting Solutions 

Your driveway’s condition shouldn’t jeopardize your home’s charm or safety. If you’re dealing with a cracked or uneven concrete driveway, Basement Authority of West Virginia’s experts stand ready to help. Contact us today for a commitment-free inspection and quote. 

Recognizing the challenges a cracked driveway poses, we take pride in offering reliable, proven concrete lifting solutions. With our PolyRenewal™ system, your concrete will stand firm! 

Resources

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Should You Replace or Level with Polyurethane Injection?

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Polyurethane Injections Vs. Mudjacking: Which Is the Best Concrete Repair Solution?

BAWV is Charleston, WV's concrete lifting specialist. In this guide, we offer a comparison between polyurethane foam injections and mudjacking as popular concrete repair methods.

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Basement Authority of West Virginia does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.