Symptoms
- Thin cracks running across or along the driveway
- Wider cracks with slight height difference between the two sides
- Cracks that seem to grow each year, especially after winter
Likely causes
- CommonNormal concrete or asphalt aging and shrinkageBoth materials crack over time from temperature swings and the sheer size of the slab.
- CommonFreeze-thaw cycling widening existing cracksWater in a crack that freezes and expands each winter makes the crack bigger year over year.
- PossibleTree roots or soil movement underneathRoots or settling soil can lift or crack a driveway from below.
What to do
- Clean debris out of the crack with a wire brush or compressed air.
- For thin cracks, apply a concrete or asphalt crack filler appropriate for the material, following label directions.
- For wider cracks, use a backer rod first if the gap is deep, then fill with a flexible crack sealant.
- Let the filler cure fully before driving or walking on it, per the product's timeline.
- Address any nearby tree roots by consulting an arborist rather than just cutting roots blindly, which can harm the tree or worsen lifting.
- Reapply sealant to the whole driveway every couple of years as preventive maintenance in freeze-thaw climates.
- Have a contractor evaluate for repaving or slab replacement if cracks are numerous, wide, or the surface is uneven.
Tools and parts
- Wire brush
- Caulking gun
- Trowel
Concrete or asphalt crack fillerSearch: “driveway crack filler”
When to call a pro
Call a paving contractor for widespread cracking, uneven slabs, or full resurfacing.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.