Houston is a thriving city full of culture and entertainment.

Don’t let the heat fool you, there is plenty of fun here for your family. That being said, we have the climate challenges to consider that can wreak havoc on our homes, including driveways. Houston is hot and humid, which allows water to seep into the cement through capillary action. Couple that with the frequent rains and expansive clay soil that lies underneath Houston, and you have the makings of a disaster for your driveway.
If you are dealing with a damaged, cracked, sinking or otherwise unlevel driveway in the Houston area, keep reading. Here are the steps you need to take in order to repair your driveway and keep it that way.

Understanding Houston’s Unique Conditions

Before getting into specifics, it’s worth understanding why Houston driveways need a little extra TLC:

Expansive Soil: Much of Houston is built on expansive clay soil that, as the name indicates, expands and contracts as it absorbs and expels water. It expands during rainy cycles and contracts when it dries out, which is one of the main reasons why driveways in Houston crack and shift.

Severe Rain: Houston has heavy rains throughout the year, particularly in the hurricane season, which can lead to flooding and also water damage, and pools of water under and around driveways.

High Humidity:In the summer high humidity can also influence the curing and drying process of driveway materials.

Assessing the Damage

Now assess the damage. Are there just a couple of small cracks, or are there huge potholes? Determine how severe the issue is so you can decide what to do.

For Small Cracks:

Clean the Area: Remove any debris or weeds from the cracks.

Crack filler: The proper way to go about it is to use a high-quality crack filler that is proper for our climate and will be flexible enough to handle movement of the soil.

For Larger Cracks and Potholes:

Clean the Area: Remove any loose material from the pothole.

Apply Patching Material: Use a cold asphalt patching compound, tamping it down firmly.

Pave the Patch: After the patch has dried, cover it with a paving sealer to help prevent more damage.

Choosing the Right Materials

You have to be mindful of the kind of driveway material to use in Houston, that will go well with the local condition. Materials like concrete and asphalt is a good choice, but react differently when you apply in Houston climate:

Concrete: More susceptible to damage from heaving of soils but longer-lasting with proper maintenance.

Asphalt: More inherently flexible so less likely to crack; more likely to need resurfacing.

Professional Help vs. DIY

Make a decision whether to hire a professional or do the job yourself. Typically if you have a small repair that is reasonable in size and scope, it is something that can be done as a do-it-yourself project. However, if the repair is significant or you choose to replace your driveway, it is suggested that you hire a professional to do it correctly – One on site should be a drainage expert to make sure that the water is directed properly in Houston’s climate.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your driveway in Houston:

Regular Cleaning: Keep your driveway clean from debris and spills.

Seal Coating: Apply a seal coat every few years to protect the surface.

Prompt Repairs: Address small cracks and issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to fix your driveway in Houston, Texas, it is important to consider the geographic factors around you. Whether a DIY repair or professional help is used, maintaining your driveway to prevent issues is key. You can preserve your Houston driveway with the right materials in place to handle the unique climate and ensure your driveway will last for years to come.