It is easy to forget that your driveway is put under immense strain every day. Your driveway supports hundreds of pounds from your vehicle and undergoes environmental wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to noticeable damage, such as cracks, stains, and discoloration. However, some issues with your driveway can go unseen and may point to home foundation damage. Learn the causes of driveway damage, how to protect your investment, and how the experts at WCK Foundation Repair can help protect your home’s foundation from harm.
What Causes Damage to Your Driveway?
Wear to your driveway is natural and unavoidable. For example, if your car leaks oil or transmission fluid onto an improperly sealed driveway, the liquid can leave more than a nasty stain. Oil or any other fluid can soak into your driveway and weaken it, leading to potential surface deterioration. In addition, Louisiana’s brutal summer heat and volatile seasonal storms can cause cracks to expand and contract, causing structural instability.
In some Baton Rouge neighborhoods, especially older ones, your driveway and foundation may experience damage from below, as well. Many local neighborhoods are full of beautiful trees. But, the roots from nearby trees can expand under your driveway and foundation. As they grow, they can shift the ground and affect the moisture of the soil that your property rests on. This leads to instability and can eventually lead to cracking in your driveway or foundation.
How to Protect Your Driveway and Foundation from Damage
You take pride in your home. Don’t let driveway damage lead to eyesores and further structural damage! If you notice signs of damage, it may be time for a new driveway. However, there are a few things to consider before replacing your driveway. Ask yourself these questions to help determine if it’s time for a replacement.
1. How Old is Your Driveway?
With proper maintenance, the lifespan of an asphalt driveway ranges from 15 to 30 years. And, a concrete driveway may last as long as 50 years. If your driveway is nearing or has surpassed this limit, it may be time for a brand-new driveway.
2. How Much Work Have You Put Into It Already?
Have you resealed or patched your driveway and still see cracks forming on the surface? Does pressure washing fail to revive the appearance of your driveway? You may be sinking money into a lost cause. Rather than fighting with a weak driveway with a worn-down appearance, consider investing in a new driveway for an updated appearance and reliable stability.
3. Are You Thinking About Selling Your Home in the Near Future?
Consider the curb appeal that comes with a new driveway. Is your driveway riddled with stains or patched areas? When prospective buyers visit your home, the driveway is one of the first features they’ll see. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a great first impression!
4. Does Your Driveway Need an Aesthetic Update?
Are you happy with the visual appearance of your driveway? If your driveway is a cause of frustration due to its appearance, it may be worth your while to replace it with a new asphalt or concrete driveway, free of cracks, weeds, and structural concerns.
Could Driveway Issues Be a Sign of Foundation Damage?
While a cracked or buckled driveway impacts the appearance of your property, these issues can also point to underlying foundation damage. For example, if your driveway has developed uneven surfaces, has sunken areas, or shows a visible tilt, it could suggest that the ground beneath the driveway is experiencing foundation settlement. Foundation settlement occurs when the soil beneath the foundation compresses or shifts, causing the foundation and anything built on it—such as the driveway—to sink or become uneven.
Poor drainage around the home can contribute to driveway issues, and it may also lead to foundation damage. Improper water runoff or pooling near the foundation can lead to soil erosion, which weakens the foundation’s stability. As a result, the driveway situated above the affected area may experience issues such as cracks, sinking, or unevenness.
It’s important to note that driveway issues alone do not necessarily indicate foundation damage. However, if you observe multiple signs of driveway damage alongside other common signs of foundation problems, consult a professional to determine the underlying cause.
Consult the Experts at WCK Foundation Repair
When dealing with driveway issues that could be linked to foundation damage, seek the expertise of the professionals at WCK Foundation Repair. With our knowledge and experience in foundation repair, we can identify underlying foundation issues and provide the necessary solutions for long-term foundation stability.
If you notice signs of foundation damage, such as cracks, sinking, unevenness, or concurrent structural problems, reach out to WCK Foundation Repair for a free estimate. By addressing driveway issues and potential foundation concerns, you can safeguard your investment and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is structurally sound. Call 225-664-5956 or send us a message today to ensure the stability and safety of your home for years to come.