Cracks in the pavement are inevitable. Every property owner will find a crack in their home and will have to fix it. S, do all cracks require the same fix?
In this blog post, Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC will look at the different cracks and crack repairs they might require. We’ll also offer some advice on how to best deal with this common problem. So read on if you’re curious about cracked walls and the fixes involved!
Hair Line Crack:
It is the most common type of crack and is usually nothing to worry about. Hairline cracks are often caused by changes in temperature or humidity and don’t typically require any repair.
Repair Suggestion:
Hairline cracks are not a structural concern and can be easily repaired with caulk or putty.
Stair-Step Crack:
Stair-step cracks are horizontal cracks that follow the block or brick courses. A settling foundation usually causes them.
Repair Suggestion:
One can use masonry sealant or caulk to repair stair-step cracks. If the crack is large, you may need to use a mortar or concrete patching compound.
Heaving Cracks:
These are the opposite of settlement cracks and occur when the soil around the foundation expands. This expansion can be due to things like excessive moisture or poor drainage. Heaving often requires professional help to fix. They can be Diagonal, Vertical, or horizontal.
Diagonal Heaving Crack:
Oblique cracks are usually caused by foundation movement.
Vertical Heaving Crack:
Vertical cracks are usually caused by the expansion or contraction of the foundation.
Horizontal Heaving Crack:
Horizontal Cracks are usually caused by poor drainage around the foundation.
Repair Suggestion for Heaving Crack:
The best way to repair a heaving crack is by excavating the area and installing drain tile. Installing a sump pump can be a good solution for a heaving crack. You can repair vertical cracks with caulk or putty.
A horizontal crack is repaired with masonry sealant or concrete patching compound if you have a horizontal crack. For larger cracks, you will need full-depth IR asphalt repair.
Thin Stress Cracks:
These stress cracks are usually thin and often radiate out from a corner. They’re caused by structural problems and typically require the help of a professional to fix them.
Thin cracks are usually caused by surface shrinkage as the concrete dries.
Repair Suggestion:
It would help if you had a sealant to flex and expand with the concrete for thin cracks. The best sealant for this type of crack is an epoxy-based sealant.
Wide Settlement Cracks:
These occur when your foundation settles and can be caused by poorly compacted soil, building on expansive clay, or even drainage problems. Settlement cracks are usually repaired by stabilizing the foundation.
Repair Suggestion:
You will need to use fill and seal repair or overlay for wide cracks. A good option is a concrete resurfacer, a type of cement that you can apply to the surface of the concrete to cover up cracks and defects.
Conclusion:
So, what’s the best way to fix a crack in your asphalt driveway? The answer may surprise you. It depends on the type of crack and the material you use to patch it. Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC offers free quotes for all types of concrete paving and seal coating projects in Medford, NJ.
So, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
