What is the best way to repair cracks in your concrete driveway?

If you’re like most home or business owners, you are likely to have a concrete driveway.

Driveways are one of the first impressions of a home or business, so it’s essential to keep your driveway in its ultimate condition to keep up the appeal.

While small cracks in your driveway may be a sign of old age, there may be many other things causing these cracks, which can lead to expensive repair bills if not taken care of quickly.

So, what is the best way to repair cracks in your concrete driveway?

Let us tell you!

What can cause cracks in your concrete driveway

Cracks in concrete can be expected and caused by many things such as:

• Poor driveway foundation and base installation
• Too much weight, like heavy vehicles, can easily crack your driveway
• Concrete is prone to heat expansion, which can cause cracking. As it heats up, concrete expands and pushes outwards, which will break to relieve the pressure build-up
• Tree roots and soil movement can grow and spread beneath your driveway. Therefore, to release the pressure it causes, cracks will begin to surface
• Plastic shrinkage. When the concrete is still in its plastic state before the hardening phase, it is full of water. This water takes up space and makes the slab a certain size. As the slab loses moisture while curing it gets a bit smaller
• If the concrete dries too quickly, it will lose moisture which can cause fine cracks throughout the concrete
• The use of an inadequate concrete mix or improper application
• Extreme weather conditions

How to tell your concrete driveway needs repairing

Cracks appearing in the concrete

The most obvious sign that your concrete may need repair work is the appearance of cracks. Cracks in concrete can be caused by the soil underneath expanding and contracting due to weather conditions. If you have noticed cracks in your concrete, repair them promptly or seek professional advice.

Signs of aging

Like everything, expect concrete to age over time. A combination of cracks, pooling water, potholes, and unevenness are all signs of damage caused by aging. The concrete will have noticeable signs of aging and will look worn out. 

An uneven appearance

Another sign that concrete repair is necessary is if your concrete floors, external areas, or walls seem uneven. If you fail to take action when you notice your concrete areas are no longer even, you could end up with a serious issue. This includes crumbling and breaking, which causes instability and could also lead to injury. 

Potholes

Like cracks, potholes are caused when the ground underneath it expands and contracts, as well as by the constant pressure from your vehicles. A pothole is more hazardous than a crack, as the hole can cause serious damage to not only cars but to people who use the driveway.

What is the best way to repair your concrete driveway?

Though concrete is a durable surface, concrete driveways deteriorate and will develop cracks over the years. Instead of going through the expense of removing the concrete altogether, you may be able to repair the cracks yourself while saving you some money. 

It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves, and long pants that will help protect your skin.

Before the driveway can be repaired, it must be thoroughly cleaned. Clean out all loose chunks or debris using a stiff broom or a leaf blower to achieve a good surface to bond with.

For top-quality results, we recommend using Cohe Quick Clean that will remove mold, mildew, and dirt. 

And, now it’s time to repair those concrete cracks in your driveway, and the best way is by using MG-KRETE.

Repair your cracks with MG-KRETE

MG-KRETE is ideal for an unlimited range of concrete repairs, including:

• Roadways
• Potholes
• Footpaths
• Driveways
• Industrial Floors
• Parking Decks
• Trip Hazards
• Access Ramps
• Steps & Stairs

It cures rapidly, so most applications can be returned to service within 45 minutes!

MG-KRETE lasts much longer and withstands wear and heavy traffic superior to traditional cement-based patch material. Not only does it repair damaged concrete, but it restores structural integrity, whether in thin overlays or pouring into forms, and it can be troweled vertically or overhead.

It has a tenacious bond and does not shrink, creating a surface that is more impervious to moisture, salt, gas, and oils, and requires no long-term maintenance.

MG-KRETE is your perfect solution for all domestic, commercial, and industrial concrete repairs. 

Download our free and simple application guide along with other helpful information that will get your concrete driveway looking its best this summer!

For more professional advice, you can contact us, and one of our friendly and experienced team members will be happy to help you with your DIY project.