Don't wait until spring! Ignoring this 'critical' driveway maintenance task in the fall can land you with a big repair bill – an easy, DIY fix now is all you need

As fall sets in, it is easy to overlook outdoor repairs. After all, cooler, wetter weather doesn’t exactly ignite a desperate desire to spend time outdoors.

However, ignoring cracks creeping across your driveway after a hot, humid summer could later spell disaster for your wallet at one of the most expensive times of the year.

Luckily, there is an easy DIY fix that costs less than $50 in all – here’s why the experts are putting it at the top of their fall home maintenance to-do lists as the seasons change.

Why you must fix a cracked driveway in early fall

Problems with your driveway design usually start to appear over the summer, especially in very hot and humid summers.

This extended heat can cause driveway materials to swell or warp, often giving way to tiny hairline cracks, Wes True, general manager and operations at Pella Omaha, explains.

It might not sound serious, but what starts the season as a hairline fracture could, eventually, ruin your driveway entirely as water in gaps freezes, expands, and widens the cracks further as colder weather sweeps in.

That’s why it’s so important to learn the best way to repair cracks in driveways, and act before the temperatures lower to near freezing.

Wes continues, ‘Smaller cracks more than 1/8 of an inch wide, low spots where water collects, or areas where the top finish has flaked off will probably grow as trapped water ­freezes and thaws.

'If untreated, those spots frequently double in size over the winter and can cause shifting at garage thresholds or gaps under an entry door. It is something we encounter all the time when measuring for replacement doors.’

This weekend DIY project takes three steps – cleaning the driveway (paying particular attention to getting oil stains off a driveway), filling in cracks using either self-leveling masonry caulk, from The Home Depot or cold-patch asphalt, also available at The Home Depot, and sealing with a suitable driveway sealant, such as Masonry Defender, from Amazon, to prevent further damage.

Bill Jarvis, a paving expert at Premium Paints, says, ‘Homeowners often wait until spring to repair their driveways, but by then the damage is already done.

'We are in the critical season for preventative care. A simple coat of sealant acts as a waterproof barrier, preventing water from getting into cracks and protecting the surface all winter long.’

Of course, if your driveway is already badly damaged or if you simply want to ensure it will withstand any weather for years to come, Wes suggests calling the pros.

Driveway repair essentials

FAQs

Does a cracked driveway mean foundation problems?

A cracked driveway does not always equal problems with home foundations. cracks can be caused by general wear and tear, weather (such as very hot summers or freezing winters), or improper installation.

You need only be concerned about your foundations if your driveway starts to sink in places, or there are also signs of damage on your home, such as wall cracks, musty odors, or sticking windows and doors.

An expert contractor will be able to diagnose the issue and offer solutions.

Meet the experts

Wes True

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Wes brings nearly two decades of expertise in the windows and doors industry. Since joining Pella in 2006, he’s worked across operations, installation, pre-finishing, delivery, and quality control.

Keeping excessive or standing water away from your driveway is another great way to prevent damage over time.

For this, Wes urges you to clean gutters and downspouts as part of your fall home maintenance, to avoid seeping water eroding brickwork, walls, or foundations.

‘I always tell our clients that a little preventive work today could save them dollars and frustration later.’