Cracks in your driveway aren’t just an eyesore—they can quickly lead to worse, more expensive problems if you don’t fix them in time. Most think that this requires professional help, but more often than not, it just needs the right tools and a can-do approach.

This step-by-step guide will give you a complete overview of fixing cracks in concrete driveways in Melbourne. From the common types of cracks to the materials you’ll need and the preparation techniques, we will cover all the steps that will help you fix that eyesore out there, in no time.

Types of Cracks in Concrete Driveways

Before fixing cracks in concrete driveways, you must understand what you’re dealing with. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY artist or just someone looking for a crafty weekend project, knowing the common types of driveway cracks will help you understand what has happened and how to fix it accurately.

Here are the most common types of cracks that usually occur in concrete driveways:

Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are minor and form as the concrete settles when curing. You commonly find them in driveways. They’re usually 1/8 inch wide or less, but they can run deeper in the concrete slab, which poses a risk for further cracking once the concrete hardens.

Structural Cracks

Structural cracks are more concerning than hairline ones, often compromising the entire structure’s integrity. They’re wider (1/8 inch or more) and usually go deeper across the structure’s thickness. These cracks can widen over time and cause water leakage and instability. Structural cracks can occur due to design flaws, overloading, soil movement, or poor construction.

Expansion Cracks

Expanding and contracting concrete due to weather changes can lead to expansion cracks on your concrete driveway. These cracks often resemble straight lines running across the concrete surface, caused by temperature fluctuation or improper joint placement. Typically, these cracks aren’t a serious concern, but they can still let water seep into the concrete, which can cause further damage.

Heaving or Sinking Cracks

Heaving or ‘sinking’ cracks typically occur when the ground beneath the concrete driveway shifts or swells, which causes the surface above to sink or heave. Extreme moisture levels, temperature changes, or fluctuating freeze-thaw cycles also cause heaving cracks. Moreover, these cracks are notorious for damaging the concrete and the surrounding structures, like foundations and walls.

Tools and Materials Needed

Various tools and materials are required to fix cracks in concrete driveways. The most common ones include:

Concrete Caulk

For crack sealing, choose a flexible polyurethane concrete caulk (crack filler), typically available in two variants: non-sag or self-levelling caulk. Non-sag caulk is thicker, retains its shape, and requires hand smoothing. Meanwhile, self-levelling caulk is thin and runny.

Caulk Gun

Once you select a caulk, you need a caulk gun for application. Pro tip: purchase a caulk gun that matches your caulk tube sizes.

Epoxy Injection Kit

For wide cracks, you may require an epoxy injection kit designed to seal concrete cracks permanently. The epoxy injection resin is applied using the caulking gun.

Backer Rod

Consider buying a backer rod if the crack is deep, like a structural or sinking one. It’s a simple foam addition that reduces the caulk needed to fill such cracks and saves you money.

Soapy Water

Take a spray bottle and fill it with soapy water. Doing this will help you get a smooth finish after sealing the cracks, especially when you use non-sag caulk.

Safety Gear

Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, like masks, goggles, and gloves, to stay protected while repairing. Choose high-quality gear that protects from sharp objects, chemicals, and dust.

Dry Sand

Keep some dry sand handy to blend the caulk with the concrete crack.

Preparation Steps

The first step for fixing cracks in concrete driveways is to do the necessary prep. Follow these steps:

Clean the Crack

Use a chisel or a wire brush to clean the crack thoroughly. Doing this will remove dirt, debris, or loose concrete material hindering a smooth seal. You can also use a pressure washer to rinse cracks and remove all remaining particles.

Widen the Crack (if needed)

You can also widen the crack, which is typically required if it’s too thin to apply any filler or caulk. You can simply use a chisel and hammer to widen it.

Dry the Area

Once cleaned and rinsed, let the concrete surface dry completely before fixing the cracks.

How to Fix Small Cracks

If it’s a small crack, like a hairline one, follow these steps to fix it:

  • After preparing the crack, use the caulk gun to fill it with your chosen filler, which can be the caulk or epoxy resin. Here, you must ensure that the filler reaches the crack’s depth as much as possible. If you’re using the self-levelling caulk, remember first to use non-sag caulk to seal the ends of the crack.
  • After applying the filler, smooth the surface using your finger or a putty knife. For non-sag caulk, you can also use soapy water to smooth it out—spray it first, then gently rub it with your finger or putty knife.
  • You can use dry sand to create a textured finish to match your driveway. Sprinkle some over the wet caulk and let it dry.
  • Now, allow the filler to dry completely, typically taking a few hours.
  • Once the filler dries completely, apply concrete sealer over the crack to prevent future cracks. Let this sealer dry completely before you start using your driveway.

How to Fix Larger Cracks or Holes

You’ll typically need to use the epoxy injection kit for larger cracks like expansion or heaving ones. Once you’ve prepped the crack, use the injection in the kit to fill the crack with epoxy resin. After this, the steps are similar to what you’d do for more minor cracks. Let the epoxy filling dry thoroughly and apply a sealant if you want added protection. Let the crack dry completely, which may take a few days, before using your driveway.

Larger cracks aren’t always a DIY fixing project. While you can apply fillers and dry them to seal cracks, that’s easier said than done for bigger ones. Such cracks may also require slab replacement to repair the concrete properly. Hence, the best approach for large cracks causing considerable damage is getting professional help, especially if you don’t want your repaired crack to look like a fish out of water.

Need Help with Cracks? Contact Cura Concrete

Fixing cracks in concrete driveways becomes a breeze with experts like Cura Concrete. We’re a fully licensed and insured company with a team of skilled professionals specialising in fixing concrete cracks with fast turnaround times. We repair cracks hassle-free and strive to create stunning driveways that elevate the look of the space and require minimal upkeep. Simply contact us for a consultation, and we’ll handle the rest.

Conclusion

Fixing cracks in concrete driveways should be a priority for every homeowner. If left untreated, as harmless as they may seem, such cracks can cause structural damage and burn a hole through your wallet. Identifying the type of crack and fixing it promptly ensures longevity and also helps you keep your driveway looking beautiful. More importantly, if you need professional help, don’t hesitate. Contact us at Cura Concrete and watch as we make those cracks vanish quickly!