Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so it’s a serious decision and one that comes with a lot of questions. The team at Singletary Construction can answer those questions for you.

Question: My new driveway has a crack in it. Is this normal?

Answer: It is commonly said that there are two guarantees when it comes to concrete: first, it will get hard, and second, it will crack. Here are some reasons why we can expect newly poured concrete to crack.

  • Plastic-shrinkage cracks: These cracks are caused during the drying process on days when there is wind, low humidity or high temperatures. Surface moisture evaporates faster than the interior moisture can rise to the surface, causing the surface to shrink faster than the interior.
  • Drying shrinkage: Some cracks will occur after the concrete has hardened but continues to dry. As it dries, concrete will typically shrink about 1/16 inch per 10 feet of length.
  • Thermal expansion and contraction: It isn’t uncommon during the summer months for concrete poured during hot midday temperatures to undergo a drastic shift in temperature as temperatures drop throughout the night. These temperature shifts can cause concrete to expand and contract.

The hard truth about concrete is that cracking is unavoidable. It may be unsightly, but it doesn’t mean that the slab is structurally unsound. However, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your driveway.

  • Sealing: Every few years, sealing the concrete can help prevent water penetration and UV damage and increase resistance to oil spills and stains.
  • Regular cleaning: Sweep or pressure wash your driveway to remove dirt, oil or grease. During winter months, take care to wash away any salt that may have splashed onto your driveway from a passing salt truck as salt will eat away the surface, causing pitting and erosion.
  • Avoid chipping: Concrete may be hard, but using sharp objects on it could scratch or chip the surface. During winter months, be sure to have a plastic shovel on hand for chipping away ice and snow.
  • Avoid heavy loads: Minimize the amount of time you allow heavy trucks or equipment to sit on your driveway as this can put stress on the concrete and cause cracks to worsen.

For all of your new home questions, contact Singletary Construction by calling 931-542-9931 or email MyNewHome@SingletaryConstruction.com.