Signs That Indicate Your Driveway Needs Immediate Repair

A well-maintained driveway adds to your home’s curb appeal and provides a safe path for vehicles. But over time, weather and the car’s weight could damage it. Ignoring signs of damage can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. We’ll discuss the standard indicators in this blog post—potholes, cracked foundation, cracks, and water pooling—that your driveway needs to be repaired immediately.

Potholes

Potholes are a sure sign that it’s time for driveway repair. These large, muddy depressions can damage cars’ tires and alignment systems and pose a pedestrian tripping hazard. They’re often caused by water seeping into the pavement and freezing and thawing, eventually weakening the asphalt. Unlike cracks, which can spread throughout the entire surface, potholes only appear in one or several places. If you notice these holes, contact a professional to perform driveway repairs Lexington SC, as soon as possible. Typically, these repairs involve filling the hole with gravel or crushed stone. Ensure you slightly overfill the pothole to compensate for settling, then use a hand or mechanical compactor to help the material stay in place. You’ll also want to address any areas of standing water. These areas can be caused by a poor crown (the driveway’s slope from the higher mid-point to the shoulders) or drainage problems, which force water to gather in low spots.

Cracked Foundation

A cracked foundation in your driveway is an alarming sight. It indicates a severe issue with your home’s foundation, which could affect the rest of your home. Err on the side of caution and seek professional advice to determine your options if you require clarification regarding whether or not a crack is structural. Vertical hairline cracks are typically caused by concrete shrinkage and may not pose a problem unless wider than 1/4 inch. Stair-step cracks are a sign of uneven settling, leading to excessive pressure on your foundation walls, and should be addressed immediately.

Alligator cracks are more severe and often indicate that your driveway has been compromised by water or soil seepage. These are the most severe cracks and require immediate repairs, including routing and epoxy injections. These steps will help restore your driveway’s functionality and reduce the risk of further damage. 

Cracks

Cracks are the most obvious sign that a concrete driveway needs repair. While small hairline cracks are common, any more significant ones should be addressed because they can get worse quickly. They also provide access for water to seep into the concrete and freeze, which weakens it. It may result in potholes, which are ugly and dangerous for cars and pedestrians alike.

Sunken areas of the driveway are another significant symptom that the foundation is unstable and needs to be repaired. While simple crack sealing or conventional mud jacking techniques might offer a temporary solution, the best method is to use concrete lifting. This process involves drilling penny-sized holes into the affected area and injecting a polyurethane foam that expands and lifts the void. It is a faster and more precise method than old-school mudjacking. It can also be used on various surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, and gravel.

Water Pooling

Cracking is one of the most obvious signs that your driveway needs to be repaired or replaced. This type of damage looks terrible and creates an opening that allows substances like salt, oil, and gas to penetrate the surface of your driveway and wreak havoc on its durability. Water pooling is another common sign that your driveway needs immediate repair. It can occur when the indentations caused by wear-and-tear fill with water during rainstorms. It is typically an indication that your driveway’s slope isn’t ideal or that there aren’t enough drainage systems installed to transport the excess water.

Alternatively, this issue could be caused by a leaking water main. It is a severe problem that can lead to costly repairs and other matters if addressed later. If you have any suspicions, contact a professional for assistance. They can assess the situation and recommend the best solution for your home.