Each week, a picture of a defect observed during a routine home inspection will be presented and reviewed. The purpose is to educate homeowners, home buyers and real estate agents about important components of a residential property which, if defective, could be a personal safety issue or result in significant costs for repair. In addition, learning proper terminology will assist in the identification, communication, and review of the condition of the elements in a home.
Observation: Driveway has settled.
Explanation: Settlement is observed at the driveway. Settlement of the driveway may be due to a number of factors that include poor soil or compaction issues, ground heave, or parking of vehicles. Linear cracks indicate settling rather than typical shrinkage cracks.
Impact / Consequences: Unsealed settlement cracks will permit moisture entry, which will promote further deterioration over time. The natural affects of weather and seasonal heave and settlement will invariably lead to progressive deterioration of the driveway over time. Where cracks are from natural effects, normal maintenance should be applied to preserve the driveway in order to maximize the time required before major repairs or replacement is required.
Summary:
Cracks observed in concrete driveways are very common, especially in areas of the country that experience freeze / thaw temperature cycles. The problem is they are too common, and as a result, more serious cracks can be overlooked. Most common are shrinkage cracks which are caused as concrete cures by giving up its moisture. Driveways / sidewalks typically have control joints (intentional gaps) installed to give the concrete a suggested place to crack (release energy). Shrinkage cracks usually appear to be discontinuous, and random through the concrete; while all cracks should be properly sealed to prevent water intrusion they don’t typically represent a structural problem. Linear cracks, however, are more cause for concern, as they indicate a shifting or settling of the soil below. The concrete breaks as the sub grade settles and moves. Large linear cracks are pretty good indication of settling and have a strong likelihood of getting worse over time. The cracks should be evaluated and sealed by a professional to prevent water from entering and accelerating the fracture. They should then be monitored for further growth and heaving which can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs.
BEACHSIDE Home Inspection is a full service home inspection company serving the following areas in Brevard County, Florida: Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne, and Palm Bay.
