Folks in the concrete business like to say they guarantee poured concrete against two things only: theft and fire. In fact, a concrete surface is bound to crack.
You can patch cracks in your concrete driveway, but more cracks will take their place–unless you find out what is causing them.
The most likely cause: standing water. Once it penetrates a porous concrete surface, it will expand and contract as the outdoor temperature fluctuates, and that can push the concrete apart. Other causes: sprawling tree roots, salt and chemicals used for de-icing, the impact of a fallen object or the weight of an oversized truck.
Move your sprinklers away from your concrete driveway, sidewalk and patio. And if you’re pouring a new driveway, leave sufficient expansion and contraction joints so the material has some room to flex.
