Concrete cracks are inevitable. What matters is how you repair them. As concrete repair experts in Wichita, KS, Arise Concrete Leveling knows the ins and outs of concrete repair methods.
Which one should you use for your driveway repair project? We carefully evaluate your property when determining the best approach.
Why the Concrete Cracks
Although we mentioned ground movement, concrete can crack for other reasons as well, including:
- Sinkholes
- Invasive tree roots
- Heavy vehicle loads
- Frequent freezing and thawing
The cracks may start small but can grow when you don’t address them. If you have no plans on replacing your concrete driveway with another type, a long-lasting repair will cost you less over time.
Preparing the Driveway
All qualified concrete repair specialists should prep your driveway before doing any work. This includes sweeping away leaves, debris, and other loose materials. We may also use a pressure washer at a light setting to remove grime.
Leaving any of that material before the repair could cause issues later, like poor sealing or shifting. All concrete resurfacing techniques work best on a clean surface.
Types of Concrete Damage
Here are several types of concrete damage we see when asked how to fix cracks in the driveway.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks usually form during the curing (initial drying) process. They are most often superficial. Many hairlines appear around the concrete expansion joint cuts.
Structural and Thermal Cracks
Structural and thermal cracks can be much more problematic. These occur from installation problems or excessive temperature changes. They are larger and deeper, often indicating underlying issues, and water proliferation can lead to corrosion, worsening them over time.
Popular Driveway Crack Sealing Methods
Hairline cracks often need only a thin resurfacing material to fill them and increase curb appeal. Self-leveling or non-sag caulk often works well when repairing concrete expansion joints. The caulk fills the joint with a flexible material that doesn’t negate the joint’s purpose.
We may use a polymer-based filler for structural or thermal cracks for the same reason. These fillers seal the cracks while adding flexibility to reduce the chances of more cracks appearing.
Call a Professional Concrete Crack Repair Contractor
Arise Concrete Leveling repairs cracks, unevenness, and structural slab damage. Our experts evaluate the amount and severity of the damage before deciding how to fix cracks in the driveway. While we can replace the concrete, our repair options can be a longer-lasting solution at a lower cost.
Are you dealing with a settling driveway and want to fix it? Call Arise Concrete Leveling at (316) 867-6565 for a free estimate today.
