With the temperatures changing and winter on its way, now is a great time to take a look around the “grounds” of your home.
What is the condition of your driveway? Are there cracks that need some attention? Let’s look at this from a maintenance and prevention viewpoint. We usually think that because it is concrete, it is there to stay and is indestructible. Not so. It is what is going on under the concrete that we need to be concerned about. Concrete or any hard masonry surface gets hot and cold and expands and contracts. When it does, it moves and, therefore, cracks form. This is normal and it is the nature of concrete. Cracks can form for other reasons. also, and these are concerns that need to be addressed. If the concrete was poured on an unstable surface or uncompacted ground, then settling can occur and “off-set” cracks form. If the concrete is “watered down” and poured too wet, then it will be weaker. If it is poured in the winter and too much calcium chloride is added, then it will be weaker. If the p.s.i. of the mix is not adequate for the weight, it will not have the proper strength. There are various reasons for cracks but “What to do” and “Why do anything?”
First of all, cracks next to the house or structure create an easy path for termites to get to the wood of the house. Secondly, cracks allow water to enter and erode under the concrete. Thirdly, during the cold, water that freezes on the surface of weak or poorly finished concrete can damage the surface. And lastly, water that freezes under concrete will push it up and cause further cracking, resulting in the creation of a larger crack and thus more water intrusion.
Cracks that are only side to side, no vertical offset, are probably only expansion cracks. Cracks that have a vertical offset, one side of the crack being higher than the other, may be a sign of settling. Either way the crack should be sealed. There are products that are made for concrete and masonry that can perform in heat and cold and remain flexible to allow for the expansion and contraction. Before applying, be sure to remove any loose debris and if necessary clean with a concrete cleaner. 10 ounces (one tube of caulk) of prevention may be worth a ton of cure.
Any questions?? Let us know!