The process may be easier and more affordable than you think
Small driveway cracks under 1⁄4 inch wide need flexible crack filler to prevent water from seeping in and expanding during freeze cycles that weaken your driveway.
Large cracks over 1⁄2 inch require backer rods or sand as a base layer before applying flexible crack filler to protect your driveway from structural damage.
You should clean debris from cracks with a pressure washer and shop vac before applying filler to help the sealant bond properly to your driveway surface.
Hiring a local driveway repair professional provides reliable support for structural issues and large crack repairs, keeping your driveway safe and extending its lifespan with expert care.
Ever heard the age-old saying, “Step on a crack, you break your mother’s back?” Well, a busted driveway could spell ruin for your poor mom. Protect her—and the integrity and appearance of your driveway—and fix driveway cracks as they appear.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for filling small hairline cracks and teaches you when it’s time to call in the pros.
While small cracks in your driveway may seem like a small nuisance, they can actually lead to much costlier and potentially dangerous issues if left untreated.
Over time, minor cracks can hold water, which, during freeze cycles, could expand and cause further damage. Cracks can also weaken the overall structure of your driveway and create tripping hazards (and potential lawsuits).
All in all, you can save time, money, and risk by fixing a crack before it becomes a more serious issue or requires paying the entire cost to pave your driveway.
Ideally, you should fix a crack as soon as you notice it. But if you see a crack in the heat of summer or dead of winter, wait until the weather gets milder and rain is in sight to prevent other issues that may impact the final product.
Small hairline cracks (about ¼ inch wide or less) can be quickly filled in minutes, as long as you have the tools on hand.
Before you hop in, make sure the crack is completely cleared of dust and debris. That includes small rocks, weeds, dirt, dust, previous filler—anything that could impact the filler’s ability to adhere to your driveway. Even a rogue leaf could spell disaster in this project.
You can clean the area using a small shovel or rake, pressure washer, or shop vac (preferably a combination of all three).
While driveway cracks are common, that doesn’t mean you should leave them. Smaller cracks can be easily filled with crack filler, but larger cracks require a bit more effort and expertise.
Cracks under about ¼ inches in width can be filled with concrete or asphalt crack fillers (depending on your driveway). These look and act like traditional caulk, like what you use in your kitchen or bathroom, so this DIY shouldn’t be too out of your wheelhouse if you’ve tackled projects around the house before.
Cut the tip of the crack filler tube at an angle.
Fill the crack almost to the top, leaving room to protect the area from foot or vehicle traffic damage.
Smooth the caulk using your finger dipped in soapy water.
Add sand if you want the caulk to match your driveway’s texture.
Let cure based on package instructions.
Cracks over about ¼ inches (and definitely over ½ inches) are considered large and may require professional support. A large crack can impact the integrity of your entire driveway foundation and be a sign of bigger issues, so it may be worthwhile to get an inspection before you start filling the crack to rule out any costlier problems.
To fill the crack yourself, buy the recommended filler for your driveway.
Asphalt driveways: Fill the crack with sand, dirt, or gravel, packing it in tightly.
Concrete driveways: Fill the crack with a concrete backer rod, pressing it into the grooves of the crack.
Once the crack is filled, top it with a layer of flexible crack filler (the same as for small cracks) for extra protection. For concrete, you can use a concrete patching compound instead, using a trowel to spread into place. A patching compound isn’t as flexible as the caulk filler, meaning it may crack again in the future—but depending on the size of your crack, it may be necessary to ensure a smooth finish.
There are a few things you can do to prevent driveway cracks.
Regularly seal your concrete driveway every three to five years, and your asphalt driveway every two to three to protect it against harsh weather.
Make sure you have proper drainage around your driveway, like a French or channel drain, to prevent standing water.
Be thoughtful about your surrounding landscaping, as roots can quickly grow wild and cause cracks to appear. A landscaper could help with this if you’re unsure.
Fix small cracks as soon as you notice them to prevent bigger cracks down the road.
Hire a pro to install expansion joints in your concrete to accommodate movement as needed.
Most experts recommend hiring a driveway repair professional to at least inspect a crack over ¼ inches wide. While you could repair this yourself, a pro can let you know if the issue is structural or requires more intensive support than you can handle on your own. That being said, small cracks can easily be repaired with a few tools and supplies you can find at your local hardware store.
So, as long as you stay on top of your cracks (without stepping on them to prevent your mother’s back from breaking) you should be able to maintain your driveway on your own for years to come. Considering the average asphalt driveway costs $5,250, it’s easy to see the ROI of spending about $20 at the hardware store to repair a small crack to prevent further issues.
Archie did a good job cleaning up the driveway before he laid down the sealer. It looks good. He was gracious and even helped me bring up my groceries. His rate was comparable to another company who came out to give me a quote and he talked to me personally rather than just text me a quote...
Pro Seal Roofing & PavingD1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCFirst of all, the gentleman I dealt with (Cam?) was very responsive to my many questions and concerns throughout the project, which is a huge plus to me. From the first time I met him for the estimate all the way til the completion of the job, he and his crew were professional and respectful....
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesWorking with Peter and his crew was a breeze. They were exceptionally polite and did a neat job to repair and seal our driveway. I will definitely talk to them first for additional work.
Central PavingWe hired Jim to replace our hardwood floors with new hardwood. He and his helper Jerry did a fantastic job. Their work ethic is impeccable!! We would highly recommend McColl Floors!
The preformed a really good job the staff is incredible never been so happy with my home, A brand new driveway is like a face lift!!
Pristine PavingCalled Mark on a Thursday morning. Not really knowing if he could help me or not. I was having driveway, flooding issues due to a clogged channel drain and I was trying to figure out what direction to take. Heavy rains had come on Monday and again on Thursday leading to flooding in my garage...
Mark Rodgers ConstructionHad already met with 2 other contractors before Blue Ring, and Blue Ring's price quote for the work was better than either of the other 2, and the came out the next morning and cleaned up a very large fallen tree branch from a storm that was blocking my driveway. Work was completed in...
Blue Ring Residential Services, LLCHIRED TO CLEAR SNOW FROM MY DRIVEWAY. HUGE SNOW STORM COMES, THEY DON'T SHOW. MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS TO ''SNOW EMERGENCY'' NUMBER PROVIDED WERE IGNORED. UNRELIABLE, UNPROFESSIONAL. ALMOST TWO DAYS SINCE SNOW STOPPED, STILL NO WORD. THEY DID SHOW UP A COUPLE OF TIMES LAST WINTER, BUT VERY...
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