While street creep sounds like something straight out of a crime novel, it’s actually a real issue that affects homeowners and property managers, all the time. Simply put, street creep is the gradual movement of pavement over time, which can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation.
While the idea of streets moving sounds far-fetched, this phenomenon occurs due to natural forces and can lead to major foundation repairs if not addressed. Understanding the causes and warning signs of street creep will save you time and money down the road.
What Causes Street Creep?
Street creep happens due to the expansion and contraction of concrete and other paving materials. These materials respond to changes in temperature throughout the seasons.
In the summer, heat causes concrete to expand, while in the winter, cooler temperatures cause it to contract. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction creates pressure against structures like driveways, curbs, and even the foundation of homes.
Over time, this pressure builds up and can push against your property, moving entire sections of the pavement or driveway. If left unchecked, street creep can damage your foundation, leading to costly repairs.
Signs of Street Creep
The first signs of street creep are usually visible in the driveway or on the streets around your home. You may notice cracks forming in the driveway, the movement of curbs, or gaps appearing between the driveway and the garage floor. These cracks can start small but can quickly grow if the underlying pressure isn’t addressed.
Street creep can also cause damage to the foundation itself. This could lead to cracks in the walls or floors of your home, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. In more severe cases, the foundation may shift, creating serious structural problems that can be expensive to repair.
How to Prevent Street Creep
Preventing street creep starts with regular inspections. Homeowners should keep an eye on their driveways, curbs, and foundation for any signs of movement or cracking. Catching these problems early can help prevent more significant damage.
One way to reduce the effects of street creep is to install expansion joints. These are flexible materials that allow the concrete to expand and contract without pushing against your home’s foundation.
Another option is to repair or replace the damaged sections of concrete before they can cause more harm. In some cases, this might involve repaving your driveway or adjusting curbs that have shifted due to street creep.
Repairing Street Creep Damage
If street creep has already damaged your home’s foundation, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Foundation repairs can range from minor fixes to more complex solutions, depending on the extent of the damage.
Small cracks can be filled with sealants, while more serious problems may require underpinning or reinforcing the foundation to mitigate risks and prevent further damage.
When to Call a Professional
Hiring a professional foundation repair company is essential to fixing street creep damage. Professionals can assess the situation, determine the cause, and recommend the best course of action. They may also install preventative measures like steel piers or other reinforcements to ensure that your foundation stays in place even if the street continues to move.
It’s easy to overlook the early signs of street creep because the changes happen gradually over time. You might dismiss small cracks in your driveway or minor gaps between the garage and the pavement as normal wear and tear. If you start noticing any of the following, it’s a sign that you should contact a professional:
- Cracks forming in the driveway or along the foundation walls
- Gaps between the driveway and your garage floor
- Shifting curbs or sidewalk slabs near your property
- Doors or windows that don’t close properly
- Uneven or sloping floors inside your home
These signs suggest that pressure from expanding and contracting pavement is affecting your home’s foundation. Ignoring these issues will only allow the damage to get worse over time.
In some cases, homeowners might attempt to fix minor cracks or gaps themselves with DIY methods like caulking or patching. While this might seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, it’s often a temporary fix that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
Without proper evaluation and repair by a professional, the underlying issue of street creep will continue to worsen, leading to more severe damage over time. By calling a professional early, you’ll not only save money by preventing further damage but also ensure the long-term stability and safety of your home.
Bottomline
Street creep is a slow but serious issue that can affect the foundation of your home over time. By understanding its causes, recognizing the warning signs, and taking preventative measures, you can protect your property from expensive repairs. Regular inspections and early intervention are key to keeping your home safe from the damage caused by street creep.
Granite Foundation Repair Inc. has the expertise to help you prevent and repair street creep damage. If you’ve noticed cracks in your driveway, foundation, or any other signs of street creep, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Our experienced team can assess your home, recommend the best solutions, and ensure your foundation is protected for years to come.