A BAM Basements & Masons of Des Moines Guide
Your concrete driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable. In Central Iowa, where we see freezing winters, wet springs, and hot, dry summers, your driveway is under constant stress. Over time, this leads to cracking, which if left unaddressed, can worsen and reduce the lifespan of your concrete.
At BAM Basements & Masons of Des Moines, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowner’s repair and restore their concrete driveways. Whether you’re dealing with minor surface cracks or deeper structural issues, there are right ways and wrong ways to go about fixing them.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of concrete driveway crack repair, so you can protect your investment and get the longest life out of your driveway.
Why Do Driveways Crack in Iowa?
Before we dive into repairs, it’s important to understand why cracking happens — especially here in Iowa.
Concrete is durable, but it’s also rigid. It doesn’t flex or bend easily, which means it’s highly sensitive to:
Freeze-thaw cycles: Water seeps into tiny pores in the concrete, freezes, expands, and cracks the surface.
Soil movement: Iowa’s expansive clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, creating pressure beneath your driveway.
Poor drainage: Standing water can erode the base layer under your concrete, leading to sinking or cracking.
Heavy loads: Repeated stress from vehicles, especially trucks or RVs, can accelerate cracking.
Improper installation: Lack of control joints or poor concrete mix can lead to premature failure.
Now that you know the causes, let’s talk about how to fix the cracks, and avoid making costly mistakes.
DO: Assess the Type and Severity of the Crack
Not all cracks are created equally. Before jumping into a repair, take the time to inspect and identify what you’re dealing with:
Hairline Surface Cracks: These are thin cracks often caused by shrinkage or minor settling. They’re cosmetic and don’t affect structural integrity.
Repair Recommendation: Clean and fill with flexible concrete crack filler to prevent moisture entry.
Wide or Deep Cracks: Cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or those that seem to go deeper than a surface layer, could signal underlying movement or poor subgrade support.
Repair Recommendation: May require backer rod and a more substantial epoxy or polyurethane sealant, or even slab lifting.
Multiple or Spiderweb Cracks: These could be signs of surface scaling, freeze-thaw damage, or bad concrete mixing. They weaken the surface and can grow quickly.
Repair Recommendation: Depending on depth, patching or resurfacing may be needed.
Displaced or Sunken Slabs: If one section of your driveway has sunken or become uneven, it’s usually due to soil erosion or voids underneath.
Repair Recommendation: This may call for polyjacking (deep foam injection), a service BAM offers to lift and stabilize concrete.
DON’T: Ignore the Cracks or Wait Too Long
One of the biggest mistakes Iowa homeowners make is ignoring early warning signs.
What starts as a small crack can expand with each freeze-thaw cycle, allowing water to seep in and damage the base layer below. This can eventually cause slab shifting, heaving, or even total replacement.
The sooner you address the problem, the less invasive and expensive the repair will be.
DO: Clean and Prepare the Crack Properly
No matter what product or method you use, proper surface preparation is non-negotiable.
Here’s how to prep like a pro:
· Clean the crack thoroughly using a wire brush and vacuum or pressure washer.
· Remove all debris, dust, and loose concrete, these prevent sealants from bonding.
· Dry the area completely if using water-based fillers.
For deeper cracks, you may also need to insert foam backer rod to prevent sealant from sinking too deep.
DON’T: Use the Wrong Repair Materials
Many DIYers grab whatever crack filler is on the shelf without understanding what it’s designed for.
Avoid these common mistakes:
· Using silicone caulk: This won’t adhere properly to concrete and will peel over time.
· Using concrete mix in a crack: It won’t bond and will quickly fail.
· Applying self-leveling sealant on a slope: It’ll run and create a mess.
Instead, use:
· Flexible polyurethane sealants for moving cracks
· Epoxy-based crack injections for structural repair
· Concrete patching compounds for surface repairs
BAM Basements & Masons only uses professional-grade materials that are matched to Iowa’s climate and the specific type of repair needed.
DO: Consider Polyjacking for Sinking or Uneven Driveways
If you’re seeing one side of your driveway lower than the other, or your concrete slabs have sunk, a filler won’t cut it.
Instead, consider polyjacking (also known as deep foam injection). At BAM, we use a high-density polyurethane foam that is injected beneath your concrete to:
· Fill soil voids
· Stabilize the base layer
· Gently lift the slab back into position
Bonus: Unlike traditional mudjacking, polyjacking requires zero excavation, is lightweight, long-lasting, and cures in minutes.
DON’T: Rely on Temporary Fixes or Quick Patches
Some products — especially DIY ones — are made to temporarily improve appearance, not fix the root issue.
If water, poor drainage, or unstable soil caused your cracks, no surface filler will solve the underlying problem. You’ll need a more strategic approach, often involving:
· Drainage correction
· Re-grading
· Downspout extension
· Soil stabilization
As a full-service masonry and concrete repair company, BAM doesn’t just fill cracks, we prevent them from coming back.
DO: Seal and Maintain Your Driveway
Once cracks are repaired, your job isn’t done.
Concrete is porous and will absorb water, oil, and de-icing salts unless it’s sealed. A quality penetrating concrete sealer:
· Blocks moisture
· Reduces freeze-thaw damage
· Minimizes surface wear
· Enhances longevity
We recommend sealing your driveway every 2–3 years, especially here in Iowa where winter and spring are hard on concrete.
DON’T: Assume All Contractors Are Equal
Driveway repair is not just about making cracks disappear — it’s about extending the life of your concrete.
That’s why choosing the right contractor matters. Unfortunately, many big-box or out-of-state companies focus on volume over quality, or worse, try to upsell full replacement when a simple repair will do.
At BAM Basements & Masons, we’re a local, family-owned company with over 13 years of experience serving Central Iowa. We know the soil, the weather, and the best methods for durable repairs. Our focus is always on long-term value, not short-term fixes.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
Cracks in your driveway may seem like a minor issue, but left untreated, they can turn into major headaches. Whether caused by weather, soil movement, or wear and tear, concrete driveway damage can and should be addressed early.
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a safer, more attractive, and longer-lasting driveway. And if you’re ever unsure what type of repair is needed, don’t guess, call the experts at BAM Basements & Masons of Des Moines.
Schedule Your Free Concrete Driveway Estimate Today!
Locally owned. Customer focused. Solution driven.