What Is Street Creep? Understanding the Phenomenon and How to Protect Your Home

Have you noticed cracks in your garage floor or shifting foundation walls near your driveway? These could be signs of a little-known but destructive problem: street creep. For homeowners in areas like Evansville, Indiana, where seasonal temperature changes are common, this phenomenon can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation.

In this post, we’ll explain what street creep is, how it can damage your home, and how Midwest Structural Solutions effectively repairs homes affected by this issue.

What is "Street Creep" 

Street creep occurs when concrete streets or driveways expand and contract due to temperature changes. During warmer months, pavement expands, pushing outward against adjacent structures. In colder months, the pavement contracts, leaving gaps for further expansion next season. Over time, this relentless pressure can move beyond the street and driveway, causing significant damage to nearby structures like garage floors and foundation walls.

Signs of Street Creep in Your Home:

Case Study: Street Creep in Evansville, Indiana

One of our recent projects in Evansville, Indiana, involved a home severely impacted by street creep. Over time, the expanding street caused the driveway to push into the garage floor, which in turn forced pressure against the back foundation wall of the garage. Left unchecked, this could have led to dangerous structural instability.

With our expertise, Midwest Structural Solutions provided a comprehensive repair solution to stabilize the home and protect it from further damage.

How to Repair Foundation Damage from Street Creep

Repairing street creep involves a combination of addressing the existing damage and preventing future issues:

  1. Foundation Wall Repair:
    Damaged or bowing foundation walls can be stabilized using methods like wall anchors or carbon fiber straps, depending on the severity of the damage.
  2. Garage Floor and Driveway Repair:
    Cracks in the garage floor may be repaired, and expansion joints can be added to the driveway to alleviate pressure caused by future expansion.
  3. Installing Expansion Joints:
    Expansion joints are crucial for absorbing the movement of the concrete, ensuring that the force doesn’t transfer to the home’s structure.
  4. Preventive Maintenance:
    Regular inspections by foundation repair experts can identify early signs of street creep and prevent costly repairs.

Why Choose Midwest Structural Solutions?

As a trusted foundation repair company serving Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, Midwest Structural Solutions brings years of expertise to every project. Our team is equipped to handle complex cases like street creep and ensure your home remains safe and stable for years to come.

Street creep is a subtle yet serious issue that can lead to extensive damage if left untreated. If you’re experiencing foundation problems in Evansville or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to act. Midwest Structural Solutions is here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation and let us protect your home from the effects of street creep.