There are many different types of cracks that can plague your driveway. Oftentimes, cracks are a normal sign of wear and tear and should be left alone in many cases. However, there are times when cracks should be addressed as soon as possible. Read on to learn more about driveway cracks and concrete driveway crack repair in Minnesota
Expansion Cracks
Heat causes expansion, and concrete driveways can attract and absorb heat from the sun as well as ambient heat. When it expands and has no room to flex, the force generated can result in cracks. To combat this, some driveways are built with expansion joints, which isolate or separate surfaces and lead to less cracking.
Heaving Cracks
Freezing and cold temperatures, on the other hand, cause damage of its own as well. When the ground freezes, it can raise many inches and then settle once thawing occurs. This continual cycle of freezing and thawing under a concrete slab can cause cracking if the slab can not move freely with the ground. Nearby trees and plants can have the same effect as the cold by causing the ground to rise.
Settling Cracks
If the ground beneath the concrete is not properly compacted, then it may settle over time. This settling will, in most cases, result in cracks in your concrete. This often happens when the roots of a large tree below the concrete dies and decomposes. A pocket is then formed and the ground will subsequently settle and potentially crack the concrete.
If you notice the above-mentioned types of cracks, then it’s a good idea to look into concrete driveway crack repair in Minnesota to avoid further damage.
