If you have a sunken driveway, you may be considering your options for repair.
The solution you opt for will rely on the cause of the sinking and how severe the issue is.
Identifying the root cause of the sinking is crucial to decide on the most effective repair technique.
Therefore, before you decide on the method of repair, you need to find out why your concrete driveway is having this issue.
In this post, we will cover the common causes of sunken driveways and what you can do about them.
What Causes a Sunken Concrete Driveway?
Erosion from rainwater eroding the ground underneath is a common cause of a sunken concrete driveway. When rainwater soaks into the ground, it can erode the soil beneath your driveway, creating voids where the concrete loses support and eventually sinks.
Besides erosion, incorrect site preparation and the type of soil significantly contribute to driveway sinking. For example, granular soil erodes faster than clay-based soils, making it more susceptible to driveway sinking.
Moreover, changes in temperature, frost lifts, and ground movements can result in driveway cracks and sinking. It’s crucial to understand the factors contributing to your sunken driveway, such as rainwater drainage, soil compaction, and local geological conditions, to diagnose and effectively repair the problem.
Ways to Repair A Sunken Driveway
One affordable way to repair your concrete driveway would be by removing the damaged area, adding cold patch material, and pressing it down until it’s level with the garage floor.
An alternative method is to utilise paving bricks. This involves cutting through the tarmac, digging a trench, and setting out the paving bricks.
Other possible solutions for repairing sunken driveways might include slabjacking, injecting polyurethane foam, or a complete replacement, depending on the severity of the damage.
Indications of problems with sunken driveways include localised sinking, water gathering in puddles, nearby structures sinking, plants showing signs of stress, and issues with the foundation.
It’s essential to tackle these problems quickly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and longevity of your driveway.
Is There a Permanent Solution?
One long-term solution to sunken driveways is polyurethane concrete raising. This technique involves injecting expanding foam below the concrete to raise and stabilise it.
Polyurethane foam is light, waterproof, and can bear heavy loads, making it a durable solution for sunken driveways. Compared to traditional repair methods like mudjacking, polyurethane concrete raising is cost-effective, quick, and causes minimal damage.
However, the ultimate solution to repairing a sunken driveway is to rip up the driveway, resolve the core problem of why the sinking occurred in the first place, and replace it with a new concrete driveway. This will give you the most reliable, long lasting outcome.
Conclusion
Our experts at Smooth Concrete are available to help if you need your sunken driveway repaired. Reach out to us today! Call 0403 292 005 or email us at luke@smoothconcrete.com.au
