What are Signs Street Creep Is Damaging My Home?

Knowing when to act is crucial when it comes to all types of foundation issues. Of course, this requires understanding the problem signs of something going wrong in the first place. When it comes to street creep, there are four major signs to watch for. 

• Compressed Expansion Joint 

Take a close look at the slabs that compose your driveway and garage. In between these structures, there will be an expansion point, a gap between the two. This gap may contain a sealant or grout, or it may be empty and left open. Regardless of what is in the gap, there should be no contact between the two slabs. 

If this gap is compressed, either fully or on one end, then this is a sign street creep is pushing the two together. In cases where there is a substance in the gap, look closely at its condition. Are there signs of compression? Then this filling may be beginning to buckle from the pressure. 

• Bowed or Cracked Foundation Walls 

Street creep will eventually move from affecting the driveway to the garage and foundation itself. As the driveway slab and garage slab are pushed together, the integrity of the walls is also compromised. What this results in are cracked or bowed foundation walls. 

Closely inspect your interior and exterior garage walls for any cracks, bowing, or displaced bricks. These damages will worsen if left unattended, to the point where the room is rendered unsafe. Repairing them requires a separate service, but without resolving the initial problem the damage will eventually return. 

A creeping driveway slab may also cause garage walls to buckle inwards, focused where the edges of the slab meet the garage. 

• Cracking Driveway Curb 

Your next stop is the driveway curb, or where the driveway slab meets the sidewalk and road. Cracks or crumbling sections of this area is an indication that the sidewalk is applying unusual levels of pressure to the curb. 

Often, such cracks will radiate out from the edges of the slab, where the driveway touches the sidewalk. These cracks will be worsened by the weather, especially rain and frost, and can rapidly become quite a trip hazard. If this section of the driveway is also considered a part of the sidewalk, you may have a legal obligation to repair the damage. Not doing so can result in you being liable for any resulting injuries. 

• Gaps in the Garage 

As the garage’s foundation is pushed out of alignment, it may cause gaps to form between the floor and walls. These gaps expose your garage to the raw earth and are a gateway for pests and water to crawl inside your home. This can cause a slew of problems, including water damage, mold, spiking humidity, and other unpleasantness. 

This particular problem sign is significant and should inspire quick action. Even slight gaps are a concern.