The most common cause of cracks in driveways is improper installation, usually in the form of a poorly constructed base or subbase. ... When this loose material gets moist, the freeze-thaw cycles cause the material to expand and contract, putting uneven pressure on the driveway and causing the concrete or asphalt to crack.Seal driveway but don't overdo it. And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life. Many people believe that concrete driveways don't need maintenance, so they may never apply a sealer.By regularly applying a quality driveway sealer to your concrete you can prevent water, sunlight, and air from permeating your asphalt and prevent these problems. As an added benefit, driveway sealing also repels oil spills and leaks and makes it much easier for you to sweep and clean your driveway surface.