Driveway Repair

One of the big issues in Colorado is the soil. Bentonite expands and contracts with moisture content which can cause a lot of damage to homes if the foundation is not properly installed. It also affects our roads causing bulges and dips. One of the most common problems it causes is our sidewalks rise or fall and there is separation between concrete sections.

Separation between concrete section is what I want to deal with in this column. I currently have a gap between my sidewalk and driveway that is about two inches deep and three-quarters inch wide. Here's the fix: 1) fill the gap with dry mortar so the gap is only one inch deep. 2) insert three-quarter inch foam backer rod pushing it down so the top is only one-quarter inch deep. 3) Now install Sicaflex to cover the backer rod and and to fill the gap. It will self level and you will have a nice looking repair.

If you also want to repair hairline cracks that are down in the grooves of you concrete, this is what you do: 1) power wash out all debris. 2) Install grey caulking to cover the crack. Use your finger to remove excess. 3) Install the Sicaflex. You now have a nice looking repair.

Note: Sicaflex comes in a tube like caulking and can be purchased at a Home Depot in the concrete aisle.

Now go to Starbucks, which is where I'm headed right now.