Why Does My Driveway Crack in the Summer?

By Missy Nolan

July 29, 2024

Sunlight can give your skin a golden glow and help the plants in your garden thrive, but it's not always your driveway's best friend. When the summer sun softens the asphalt around your home, you may notice cracks, holes or dents in your once-perfect driveway.

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Why Is My Driveway Cracking in the Summer?

You may notice driveway damage after a hot day whether you have a driveway made from concrete, cement or asphalt. But why do driveways crack when it's hot outside? Here are some common cracks-in-driveway causes that may affect your home.

Intense Heat

Asphalt has binding agents, also known as asphalt cement binders, that help hold your driveway together. Heat can destroy or damage these binding agents, leaving you with unsightly driveway cracks. Water can get in these cracks and seep into the ground beneath your driveway, creating additional damage to your yard. Intense heat can also dry out the materials that make up your driveway, resulting in cracking or webbing. Talk to a specialist about crack filling or pavement sealing if you live in a hot area.

Prolonged Exposure to UV Rays

You've already learned that heat can affect your driveway's condition, but did you know that UV rays can cause damage, too? UV rays are present on sunny days, even if it isn't hot outside. That's why many people wear sunscreen year-round. UV rays can damage your skin, but they can also hurt your driveway. Over time, you may notice fading, deterioration or webbing after frequent UV ray exposure. Luckily, sealants can help prevent UV damage by covering your driveway with a protective coating.

Tool Damage

During the summer, many people spend time gardening, mowing the lawn or trimming trees. You may also decide to work on your car or motorcycle in the driveway when warm weather arrives. Unfortunately, these household chores can cause a driveway to crack if you frequently drive a lawnmower over softened asphalt or toss heavy tools on a heat-damaged driveway. Avoid driving or pushing lawn care equipment over your driveway when possible, and place tools in the grass, a table or the garage.

Expanding Roots

You may think your trees are too far from the driveway to cause damage, but tree roots can spread surprisingly far. Measure the diameter of your tree and then multiply that number by four. Your tree roots can extend that far, possibly even farther, if you have a healthy tree. That means a tree's roots could easily stretch 15 to 20 feet away, wreaking havoc on your driveway. Some shrubs and plants also have strong roots that can cause a cracked driveway, so be mindful of your landscaping practices.

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What Are Other Causes of a Cracked Concrete Driveway?

Summer isn't the only season when cracks in concrete driveways or issues with asphalt or cement occur. When temperatures drop, you may notice cracks in concrete driveways often form. Concrete is a porous material, so cold weather makes concrete temporarily expand; the material then shrinks when the weather gets warm again. Heavy layers of ice or snow can also cause a driveway to crack.

Aging can also cause cracks, as some driveway materials break down over time despite regular maintenance. You should also pay attention to the land around your driveway. If you notice sinkholes or frequently have large puddles of water near your driveway, damage can occur.

Does a Cracked Driveway Mean Foundation Problems?

Heat, exposure, tree roots and heavy machinery are all perfectly good explanations for concrete driveway cracking. However, homeowners should know that driveway cracking can also be a sign that your home's foundation has problems. According to Done Right Foundation Repair, the concrete of your drive is so similar to that of your home's slab foundation that you can use it as a foundation health barometer: If you're seeing cracks in the driveway, there might also be cracks in your foundation that you can't see.

Is Having a Cracked Driveway a Bad Thing?

A cracked concrete driveway is not just a cosmetic concern. Untreated cracks can damage your vehicle's tires or create tripping hazards for loved ones and pets. Gaps in your concrete or cement can fill with water and freeze during the winter, creating slippery surfaces that are overlooked until someone gets hurt. Cracks also provide a convenient home for pests, so you may notice unwanted insects lurking around your home. Schedule driveway repair services as soon as possible if you notice a cracked driveway at your home or business.

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