The Consequences of Delaying Concrete Driveway Crack Repair
In an ideal world, anything made of concrete should last a lifetime. But we live in the real world, where crack-free concrete structures are rare. If you want your driveway to last more than 30 years, see to it that it is installed properly, maintained well, or repaired right away when the time comes.
Concrete is known to be a long-lasting and economical material used in the construction of many structures, and this includes driveways. Unfortunately, while concrete driveways are resilient and tough, they can still be susceptible to damages that come in cracking.
Repairing cracks is among the many procrastinated home repairs. But you won’t be stopped by the many factors that will arise in the need for you to avail services on concrete driveway crack repair. Once your driveway cracks, make it a point that you tend to it right away, or else, you will experience the following consequences we have enumerated below.
Why Concrete Driveways Cracks?
Concrete driveways may be durable, but it doesn’t mean that they won’t crack. Concrete, in general, cracks as it ages. Driveways are exposed to various elements that can cause damage. That includes the ever-changing weather and both foot and vehicle traffic. Another factor is the natural shifting of the ground.
Many factors can cause the cracking of concrete driveways, and most of these are caused before the concrete being poured and during the drying process. These are just some of the factors:
- Excess water
- Rate and amount of drying
- Improper strength poured
- Lack of control joints
- Concrete poured on frozen ground
Common Consequences of Delaying Concrete Driveway Crack Repair
Concrete driveway crack repair is among the home repairs that are often overlooked for various reasons. So, what exactly happens if you keep on delaying the much-needed repair of your driveway? We have listed some of the expected consequences that are easy to avoid, but many property owners are still having difficulties in avoiding them.
1. Cracks, no matter how thin, can still expand into more significant problems.
Did you notice hairline cracks on your driveway? Did you shrug them off, thinking they’re just thin anyway? Well, here’s bad news for you: these cracks can still expand. They expand because of various elements, and this includes foot and vehicle traffic and the ever-changing weather. The more the driveway is exposed to these elements, the chances of its further expansion increase.
Your concrete driveway’s quality will remain barely unaffected if it is in conditions that are dry and stable. That is why, for those who live in countries with dynamic climates, driveway cracks are a common phenomenon. Case in point, the melted snow can go straight to thin cracks that will cause further crack expansion.
Just like with any problems, ignored ones are often those that will cause more significant problems later on. So, if you start noticing that your driveway is getting cracks, take action right away before it worsens over time and becomes potholes.
2. Cracks will eventually cause injuries and damages.
Let’s say you ignored the cracks on your driveway, and they already expanded into larger cracks. Now, these cracks will become a risk to those who will use the driveway. They will cause trips or falls that will cause minor scratches or bruises, or worse, broken arms or legs for the people and even animals who will walk on the driveway.
Apart from that, the tires of your cars or even bikes can get affected by the damages caused by the unrepaired cracks on your driveway. The bigger the cracks you’re ignoring, the more they can cause serious damage to your car. The lifestyle of your vehicle’s tires decreases, and along with it is its functionality.
In addition, if you built your home on a concrete slab, it can cause problems on its very foundation. And it may likely cause shifting, and, as a homeowner, you surely would not want that to happen.
3. Cracks affect your driveway’s curb appeal.
While this consequence shouldn’t be a primary cause of concern, it can still affect you in more ways than one. You have to admit that cracked driveways do not look good. If the cracks expanded to a certain degree, you could see weeds and roots sprouting out from it, and that is certainly an eyesore.
If you are planning to sell your home or if you simply want to make your entire home look presentable, then see to it that you fix cracks on your driveway. And if you are indeed planning to sell your home, the cracks will negatively affect your home’s selling price.
What Can You Do with Your Cracked Concrete Driveway?
In avoiding any of the consequences cited above, you should do only one practical thing: not ignore it. Figure out ways to close the hole right away. You can make use of a concrete patcher to seal the cracks.
But suppose you are not confident enough to cover up cracks on your own. In that case, you can always seek help from professionals, who will not only help you identify the fixing that your driveway needs, but also help you cover up the cracks themselves.
Entrusting your driveway to professionals will help you avoid the possibility of prematurely replacing your driveway altogether. If the cracks you have noticed on your driveway are no more than a quarter-inch wide, you can still avoid the costs of replacement.
Get Quality Concrete Driveway Crack Repair at Decorative Concrete SEQ
Driveway cracks sure are distracting and unsightly to look at. But beyond aesthetics, cracks will eventually cause severe hazards if you keep on delaying their much-needed repair. Soon enough, you will experience the consequences cited above.
If you finally decided to prioritise repairing your cracked concrete driveway, you know who to call—Decorative Concrete. If you want to avail of our crack repair services today or for a free and quick quotation, be sure to visit our website or contact us anytime on 0473 146 366 today!