Repairing Cracks in Your Asphalt Driveway
Cracks plaguing your once-perfect driveway? Worried your investment didn’t pay out? Nothing to fear. We will outline what’s normal – and what’s NOT normal- about cracks in your driveway, as well as repair methods to help you navigate home improvement projects without calling in backup. However, if you’re experiencing more cracks than it’s worth, then we know the best driveway replacement company to help you out.
Our company works with homeowners throughout St. Paul, MN, and Western WI to deliver only the highest quality asphalt driveway – with superior customer service to match. We offer a 5-year warranty on all driveways to ensure our customers of this. Call or get in touch to schedule a free replacement or installation cost estimate.
Is It Normal For Asphalt To Crack
Cracks or movement in asphalt is completely normal, especially for driveways in Minnesota and Wisconsin that experience drastic changes in temperature and heavy rain- or snow-fall. The typical cause of cracks is expansion, often due to weather conditions. Up here in the north, we experience freeze-thaw cycles that cause hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete to crack under the pressure as the earth moves. These cracks will get bigger over time if left unsealed.
What’s Not Normal
If your new driveway shows alligator cracking within the first 5 years of installation, then you should call a replacement specialist. Alligator cracks within the first 5 years are a sign that your driveway was not installed properly and will become increasingly more susceptible to damages down the road.
This is why you should always trust in an experienced driveway installation contractor with a warranty to ensure you get a driveway that lasts upwards of 30 years with minimal structural damages.
With proper maintenance and excellent installation, your asphalt driveway should last 20-30 years despite extreme weather, even with a normal amount of cracking.
Repairing Cracks In Your Driveway
Simple cracks are pretty easy to deal with. As a homeowner, you have a lot of options as far as crack patches and fillers that help stabilize your driveway. For cracks under ¾” thick, any work as long as you prepare the surface. This means removing any dirt or vegetation, then hosing down the surface, and allowing enough time to dry thoroughly before you apply products.
For more severe cracks, like alligator cracks or potholes, you may need professional repair services. Often, driveway repair specialists will provide sealing services or overlays to help stabilize severe cracks in your driveway. If there are any underlying conditions causing the cracks, like poor drainage or foundational issues, you may need complete driveway replacement.
When To Replace Your Driveway
There are certain asphalt failure signs to look out for that help make this decision. Based on our professional experience, these are key indicators that it’s time to replace your asphalt driveway:
- Many cracks have formed in the driveway. This means that the binder has deteriorated, which completely destabilizes your whole driveway, leading to large chunks of asphalt falling away.
- Water is draining into your property and/or garage. Poor drainage could lead to more serious foundation damage, call a professional driveway contractor before it comes to that.
Trust In A Local Driveway Replacement Specialist
The Blacktop Concepts crew has specialized in residential driveway replacement projects since 1978, providing homeowners with an asphalt driveway that looks great and stands the test of time. We provide a finished driveway to be proud of and a 5-star customer service experience from quote and permits to completion. Schedule your free driveway replacement estimate today to get started on your home renovation project.
