Small cracks in your garage or gaps near the driveway might not seem urgent, but they could be signs of a bigger issue affecting your home’s stability. Foundation problems caused by street creep often start subtly, with concrete expansion slowly pushing against your foundation over time. At Foundation 1, we help homeowners identify these early warning signs and take action before the damage becomes severe. Understanding what causes street creep and how it affects your foundation is the first step toward protecting your home from long-term structural issues.
What is Street Creep?
Street creep occurs when concrete streets and driveways expand and contract due to seasonal temperature changes. During warmer months, concrete expands, while in colder months, it contracts. Over time, this movement pushes driveways against garages and foundation walls, leading to foundation shifting and cracks.
The primary culprit behind street creep? Water. When water from rain, melting snow, or poor drainage doesn’t soak into the ground—especially in areas with a lot of asphalt and concrete—it follows the path of least resistance. If you live at the bottom of a hill or in a low-lying area, the water will naturally flow toward your home.
Over time, heavy trucks and traffic can also contribute to street settlement, which only makes the issue worse. Even if the damage seems small today, ignoring it could lead to costly foundation repairs in the future.
Signs That Street Creep is Damaging Your Foundation
Recognizing the early warning signs of street creep can save you thousands of dollars in foundation repairs. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Gaps and Cracks Around the Garage
- Expansion joints between your driveway and garage should act as a buffer. If they look compressed or completely closed, street creep is putting pressure on your home.
- Small cracks in your garage floor can widen over time, indicating foundation movement.
2. Shifting Foundation Walls
- If the gap between foundation walls or the floor is growing, this is a strong sign of street creep.
- Yesterday, it might have been ½ inch, but today, it’s ¾ of an inch—this gradual movement shows ongoing pressure on your home.
3. Drainage Problems and Sinking Roads
- Poor drainage and water flow around your property can accelerate foundation movement.
- If your city has resurfaced roads multiple times, it could be due to ongoing street creep damage.
How to Repair Foundation Problems Caused by Street Creep
If you’re already seeing signs of street creep, taking action now can prevent severe damage. The best repair solutions depend on the extent of the problem, but the following methods are highly effective.
1. Install Wall Braces
Wall braces help stabilize your foundation walls by counteracting the pressure from shifting concrete. They prevent further movement and provide long-term structural support.
2. Use Tiebacks for Extra Support
If the damage is severe, tiebacks (steel rods anchored deep into stable soil) may be needed to pull foundation walls back into position. This prevents further bowing or shifting.
3. Improve Your Drainage System
Since water is a major factor in street creep, making sure it’s redirected away from your foundation is critical. Here’s how:
- Keep gutters clean to ensure water flows freely.
- Extend downspouts away from your foundation.
- Improve yard grading so water flows away instead of pooling near your home.
Spending $100 on drainage improvements today could save you thousands in future foundation repairs.
4. Replace or Adjust Expansion Joints
- Proper expansion joints prevent excessive pressure on your garage and foundation.
- If they’re compressed or missing, replacing them is essential.
5. Monitor and Maintain the Area
- Keep an eye on your foundation, driveway, and garage walls for new cracks or widening gaps.
- Address minor issues early before they become major foundation problems.
Why Street Resurfacing is Not a Permanent Fix
Many cities try to manage street creep by resurfacing roads to maintain proper water flow into gutters. However, this is only a temporary solution.
In some areas, street creep has become so severe that sewer drains have separated from gutter systems, causing sinkholes. This shows that without addressing the underlying foundation issues, the problem will continue.
In Summary
Street creep is a serious but preventable issue that can lead to costly structural damage if ignored. The constant expansion and shifting of roads and driveways put pressure on your foundation, causing cracks, misalignment, and long-term instability. The good news is that there are effective ways to repair foundation problems caused by street creep. Installing wall braces, tiebacks, and improving drainage can help stabilize your home and prevent further damage.
If you’re noticing signs of foundation problems from street creep, contact us today. At Foundation 1, we provide expert solutions to keep your home safe, secure, and structurally sound for years to come.
