Nearly every driveway in Dallas has a crack somewhere. Concrete shrinks as it dries, and the clay under it moves with every wet spring and dry August. Most cracks are only cosmetic. Some tell you the ground has given way. Here is how to tell the difference, and if you want a second opinion, call (469) 257-3979.
What the crack is telling you
Thin, flat cracks
A hairline crack that will not catch a fingernail usually comes from shrinkage as the concrete cured. It is cosmetic. Seal it if water gets in and leave it alone otherwise.
Wider cracks, both sides level
If the gap is wider than a pencil lead but both edges sit flush, the slab moved and the dirt beneath it is still doing its job. Sealing keeps rain out of the clay so it stays that way.
One side higher than the other
If one side of the crack sits up or down from the other, the dirt under the slab has moved. Someone will trip on it. That panel usually has to be cut out and poured again.
A web of cracks in one spot
Spiderweb cracking in one area means the base failed right there. It is often next to a downspout, a sprinkler head or the spot where a heavy truck parks.
Why Dallas driveways crack
- Black clay that swells after heavy rain and shrinks in a long dry spell
- Fill dirt along the house foundation that keeps settling for years
- Roots from big trees in the parkway or the front yard
- Joints spaced too far apart, so the slab cracks where it wants to
- Wire mesh lying in the dirt, or no steel at all
- Trash trucks and moving vans on an approach poured thin
Our guide to driveways on Dallas clay explains how the ground moves and what we do about it.
Call for a free look and a straight answer.
What we would do about it
Flat, scattered cracks get cleaned out and sealed, which is the cheapest fix. One or two broken or tilted panels get cut out and poured again as a driveway repair. Cracks that run across most of the slab with pieces at different heights mean the whole thing is due, and a replacement is the better use of your money. The cost calculator gives you a range for a new one.
Questions about Cracked Driveways in Dallas
- Do hardware store crack fillers work?
- On small, flat cracks they last a season or two. Dallas heat breaks most of them down. A cleaned-out crack filled with a flexible sealant holds longer.
- Will homeowners insurance cover a cracked driveway?
- Most policies leave out wear and settling. Damage from a falling tree or a vehicle is a different case, so call your agent, and we will put what we find in writing for you.
- Should I worry about a crack near the garage?
- Look at whether it is flat. A level crack there is common. A panel that has dropped toward the garage can send water at the foundation, so fix that one soon.
Call or send the form. We walk the driveway with you, measure it and write the price down before we leave.