By: Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
Our concrete driveway was installed only 10 months ago, and already there is a crack more than 10 feet long. The contractor has suggested that we cut a ¼-inch deep groove along the crack and then fill it with cement. This sounds like a hokey repair to us. We think the contractor should replace the entire driveway. What do you suggest? --Jeannie
Dear Jeannie,
It is not easy to evaluate a crack without actually seeing it. If the crack is a hairline only, 1/16-inch wide or less, that is typical for concrete driveways. If the crack were wider, that would be unusual for a relatively new installation.
Most driveway cracks can be prevented by employing proper procedures prior to pouring the concrete. These include compaction of the soil, placement of an aggregate base (rock and gravel), installation of steel rebar or wire mesh as reinforcement, and expansion joints to accommodate stresses, ground movement and shrinkage. If these steps were omitted, cracking of the pavement was predictable. Attempting to eliminate the crack by cutting and filling the surface will not produce the kind of finished appearance you expect when you pay for new pavement. If agreement on an acceptable solution seems out of reach, a third party expert should be consulted. If arbitration would be mutually acceptable, a qualified home inspector or general contractor could be hired to serve in that capacity.
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