The driveway is the first thing that greets visitors when they visit our home. You want your home to make a good first impression, so it is important to keep your driveway in top condition.
That is one of the reasons why maintaining your driveway and repairing any existing damage is so important. But there are other reasons.
The driveway is also one of the places where we park our vehicles. Over time, the weight of the vehicle can cause the driveway to sink and crack. So, it’s not only important for aesthetic reasons but also for functional reasons to keep our driveway in top condition.
An uneven driveway can also be a trip hazard for anyone walking on the drive. If the driveway is not level, someone could trip and fall, which could lead to serious injuries.
So, How Do You Fix a Sinking Driveway?
There are a few ways that you can fix a sinking driveway. One way is to use concrete leveling. This involves pouring new concrete into the driveway and then using a leveler to level it off. Another way is to use sand or gravel to fill in the sunken areas. You can also use a jack to lift up the driveway and then pour new concrete underneath it. Another way is by injecting foam under the driveway to fill in the voids. You will need to hire a professional to do this.
When you are trying to fix a sinking driveway, one of the most important things that you need to do is identify the problem areas. These are the areas that are sunken or have cracks. You will need to repair these before you can level the driveway. Once you have identified the problem areas, you can then choose the right method for your needs.
There are a few different ways that you can level your sinking driveway.
Concrete Leveling
One popular method is to use concrete leveling. This involves injecting a concrete mixture into the sunken area of the driveway. The concrete will fill in any voids and help to support the weight of the vehicle.
MudJacking
Mudjacking is a process jacking up sunken areas and injecting a slurry mixture beneath the concrete slab. The mixture consists of water, soil, and clay. The mudjacks raise the sunken slab by hydraulically pushing it upwards.
Foam Injection
Another option is driveway leveling foam, also known as Polyjacking. This is a relatively new product on the market. It is injected into the sunken area of the driveway. The foam will expand and fill in any voids. It is also very lightweight, so it will not add any additional weight to the soil under the driveway, which can cause it to sink further.
Image: https://www.leveledconcrete.com/about-us/service-areas/sugar-land-concrete-leveling/
Whichever method you choose, it is important to get started right away. The longer you wait, the more damage that can be done to your driveway. So, don’t delay in getting it fixed. Choose one of these methods and get started today.
How Do I Know if My Driveway Needs to Be Leveled?
There are a few signs that you can look for to see if your driveway needs to be leveled.
- Cracks in the driveway
- Sinking or settling on one side
- Water pooling in the driveway
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to level your driveway.
What Causes A Driveway to Sink?
In order to remedy your driveway’s sinkage, you must determine what is causing it to sink. If you try to remedy it without removing the cause of your driveway’s sinking, it won’t help. Your driveway will continue to sink, repair after repair, as a result. And you will pay dearly for it. Some common causes of a sinking driveway include:
- Foundation Problems – A home’s foundation settles over time. If the home wasn’t built properly, the foundation may settle unevenly, causing the driveway to sink on one side.
- Frost Heaves – This is when water in the ground freezes and expands, causing the ground to rise. When the ground thaws, it sinks back down, which can cause cracks and sinkholes.
- Heavy Rains – Heavy rains can cause the ground to shift and settle, which can lead to cracks in the driveway.
- Tree Roots – If there are trees near your driveway, their roots can grow under the driveway and cause it to lift or crack.
- Heavy Vehicles – If you park heavy vehicles on your driveway, it can cause it to sink.
- Drainage Problems – Poor drainage around the driveway can cause water to pool and saturate the ground, which leads to sinking.
- Broken or Leaking Water Lines – If there are broken or leaking water lines under or near your driveway, it can saturate the ground under and around the driveway, cause the ground to sink.
What are the Risks of Not Leveling a Driveway?
The risks of not leveling a driveway include further damage to the driveway and injuries. If the driveway is not level, it can cause the pavers to sink or the concrete to crack. This can create a trip hazard and cause damage to your vehicle.
Driveway Leveling Equipment
When it comes to driveway leveling, you have a few different options. You can choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, you will need to rent or buy the proper equipment. Buying the equipment outright can be very expensive, so you may want to rent it or hire a professional. Some of the equipment you will need includes:
- Cement Mixer – The first piece of equipment that you will need, if you are leveling with concrete, is a concrete mixer. This will allow you to mix the concrete that you will use to level the sunken area of your driveway.
- Leveling Blades – Another tool that you will need is a leveling blade. This is a large metal blade that is attached to a handle. The blade is used to level out the concrete as it is being injected into the sunken area.
- Soil Tamper – If you are using pavers to level your driveway, you will need a soil tamper. This is a tool that is used to compact the soil around the pavers. This will help to keep them in place and prevent them from sinking over time.
- Driveway Leveling Drag – Another option for driveway leveling is using a driveway leveling drag. This is a large piece of metal that is attached to a handle. The drag is pulled behind the person who is injecting the concrete to level out the surface.
- Jacking Pump – A jacking pump can lift the concrete slab to the desired level when used properly.
- Driveway Leveling Roller – The last piece of equipment that you will need is a driveway leveling roller. This is a large roller that is used to compact the concrete or pavers after they have been injected into the sunken area. This will help to prevent them from sinking over time.
Hiring a Professional
If you decide to hire a professional, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, you should get multiple quotes from different companies. This will help to ensure that you are getting the best price possible.
Next, you should ask each company for references. This will allow you to speak to other customers who have used their services. This will help you to get an idea of the quality of their work.
Last, you should make sure that the company is insured and bonded. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the process.
How Much Does Driveway Leveling Cost?
The cost of driveway leveling will vary depending on the method that you choose. If you decide to do it yourself, the cost will be the price of renting or buying the equipment, and supplies. If you hire a professional, the cost will be based on their hourly rate and the size of your driveway, plus the extent of the damage.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost, you will need to contact a few different companies and get quotes. This way, you can compare prices and find the best deal.
As a ballpark figure, concrete leveling may range in price anywhere from $500 to $1,200, with the majority of homeowners paying somewhere in that range. There are simple jobs that may cost as little as $300, and there are mudjacking jobs that can cost as much as $2,000 or more in total.
The cost of polyjacking can range from around $900 for a simple procedure up to $7,500 for comprehensive requirements.
Driveway Leveling Tips
Now that you know some of the different options for driveway leveling, here are a few tips to help you get started.
- First, it is important to identify the problem areas. These are the areas that are sunken or have cracks. You will need to repair these before you can level the driveway.
- Next, you should choose the right method for your needs. If you have a large area that is sunken, concrete or foam may be the best option. If you have a small area, pavers may be the best option.
- Last, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. This will help to ensure that you do not damage your driveway.
Driveway Leveling FAQ
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about driveway leveling.
Q: What is the best way to level a driveway?
A: The best way to level a driveway depends on the size and severity of the problem. If you have a large area that is sunken, concrete or foam may be the best option. If you have a small area, pavers may be the best option.
Q: How much does it cost to level a driveway?
A: The cost of leveling a driveway varies depending on the method that you choose. If you do it yourself, you will need to rent or buy the proper equipment. If you hire a professional, the cost will depend on the size of the driveway and the severity of the problem.
Q: How long does it take to level a driveway?
A: The amount of time it takes to level a driveway depends on the method that you choose. If you do it yourself, it will take longer than if you hire a professional.
Q: Is leveling a driveway a do-it-yourself project?
A: Yes, leveling a driveway can be a do-it-yourself project. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your driveway.
Q: What are the risks of not leveling a driveway?
A: The risks of not leveling a driveway include further damage to the driveway and injuries. If the driveway is not level, it can cause the pavers to sink or the concrete to crack. This can create a trip hazard and cause damage to your vehicle.
