Do Driveway Cracks Mean a Foundation Problem For My Connecticut Home?
Whether or not you know much about the upkeep of a home, you know you don't want anything to be cracked. Cracks are never good! This is why when you notice driveway cracks, you may be a bit concerned. Does this mean you have a foundation problem? Can you simply fix the cracks or is there a larger issue to address?
Asphalt Paving by GW is here to answer all of your questions! First, let's begin by addressing what driveways cracks could possibly be telling you in regards to the foundation of your home.
Table of Contents
- Never Ignore Driveway Cracks
- Poor Driveway Foundation and Base Installation
- Repeated Freeze and Thaw Cycles
- Low-Quality Asphalt Mix
- Contact Asphalt Paving by GW
Never Ignore Driveway Cracks
It's easy to brush off small driveway cracks. You may see them simply as a sign of its age. This might not be the case, though. There are many things that could cause cracks in your home's driveway that need to be addressed, such as settling, improper installation, and more. It is important to note that cracks can lead to expensive repair bills if not taken care of promptly.
Driveways cracks can be the result of several mitigating factors, including:
Poor Driveway Foundation and Base Installation
More often than not, a cracked driveway is due to faulty foundation installation. The base of your driveway should consist of tightly packed crushed stone or gravel, followed by an aggregate base, and then the driveway surface itself. If the base or foundation is not done correctly, the driveway quickly cracks because it isn't being supported in the way it needs.
Repeated Freeze and Thaw Cycles
Here in Connecticut, we have quite a few freezes throughout the year. Both concrete and asphalt will crack from repeated freeze and thaw cycles. As snow and ice melt, the cold water seeps into your driveway. If it freezes again a few days later, it expands. This puts the concrete or asphalt under a lot of stress and results in a crack.
Low-Quality Asphalt Mix
The true root of the problem may be with what your driveway is actually paved with. Spiderweb or crocodile cracking in an asphalt driveway indicates that the initial driveway installation contractor used a low-quality asphalt mix. Resealing the asphalt won't be sufficient. The only way to resolve this underlying issue is to remove the asphalt layer, compact the base again, and lay new asphalt.
Contact Asphalt Paving by GW
The three possible causes mentioned above are not an exhaustive list. To know for sure what is causing your home's driveways cracks and to learn more about asphalt paving, contact the friendly professionals at Asphalt Paving by GW.