What Causes a Driveway to Sink? Explore Causes & Solutions

09 Feb What Causes a Driveway to Sink? Explore Causes & Solutions

Many homeowners are perturbed about their uneven or sinking driveways. Whether your driveway was paved using cement, bricks, paving stones, asphalt, or any other material, you might have noticed that it has begun to sink or crack in certain areas. Thinking of what causes a driveway to sink or how to solve it? Well, different things can trigger this problem, which needs to be addressed before it exacerbates the problem further. This blog will share some common causes of driveway sinking and effective ways to fix them. Stride along with us till the end. Let’s start. 

Common Causes Of A Sunken Driveway 

There are numerous reasons that cause a driveway to sink, and if not fixed on time or called professional concrete listing in Calgary, it will result in huge damage or loss. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for driveway sinking. 

Improper Construction 

Undoubtedly, a poorly constructed driveway is more likely to sink or become uneven, which is one of the most common issues many homeowners face in Calgary. If a contractor uses inferior-quality concrete, it will crack or corrode eventually. You must also be concerned about rotting because sinking the driveway in volume can result in the loss of reinforcement of the surroundings. 

Weather-related Erosion 

Another common reason for driveway sinking is weather-related erosion. If you live somewhere with seasons of hot summers, cold winters, or everything in between, erosion can occur, which is the culprit in sinking your driveway. Heavy rainfall, freezing, flash flooding, thawing cycles, and frequent humidity contribute to sinking driveways. 

Heavy Vehicles 

Over time, heavy vehicles, large parking, or trucks on driveways become the major cause for it to sink – especially when it lacks a solid foundation. To keep the driveway intact, it is important to park the heaviest vehicles on the opposite side of the driveway. It will lessen the impact on the sunken or cracked parts while even losing weight. 

Poor Ground Preparation 

No matter how often you make a driveway, it will tend to have issues if it is not built on a solid foundation. A poorly laid foundation or sub-base weakens the driveway, which doesn’t sustain in the long run. It is important that all driveways are tightly packed with crushed stone or gravel to keep them intact to the ground. 

Issues With Soil Under The Driveway 

Yes, you read it right. Erosion can cause the driveway to sink, but soil type can also be an issue that leads to a sinking or uneven driveway. When erosion happens, soil washes away from under the driveway, creating a void or space under the driveway slab, causing the concrete to sink or crack. Before installing the driveway, contractors must check the ground properly to ensure everything is fine. 

Sealing Driveways Too Often

Just like watering a plant, a driveway requires sealant. However, applying too much sealant frequently or too often can also result in damaging driveways. It is true that when a driveway topcoat is not sealed, it leaves it vulnerable to damage, but over-applying sealant will make it likely to crack. It is crucial to check the sealant instructor to see how many coats are needed for your driveway. 

Importance Of Repairing Sunken Driveways

Now that you’re aware of the common causes of sunken driveways, it’s crucial to repair them for endless reasons. Let’s discuss them in the points below: 

• Leveling up sunken driveways is crucial as it helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property. 
• Driving over uneven driveways can cause damage, discomfort, and safety hazards; therefore, it is important to repair them. 
• Trusted concrete lifting in Calgary provides long-lasting stability to the lifted driveways, ensuring a stable surface for years to come. 
• Concrete lifting is a quick and efficient process that minimizes the disruption to your daily routine. 
• To avoid costly replacements in the future, repairing sunken driveways in a timely manner will be an affordable solution. 

Trust FOAMEXperts To Repair Your Uneven Driveways 

If left unrepaired, a sinking driveway near your home or garage looks unappealing and causes costly damages over time. If your driveway is sinking and you are looking for concrete lifting in Calgary, FOAMEXperts is here to assist you. We are a trustworthy and reliable company offering the best and most affordable concrete lifting and levelling solutions. We have a team of experts who promptly address the problem and help prevent further damage to ensure safety while restoring the functionality and appearance of your driveway. 

Call our team for help! While we can’t stop erosion, we can fix the problem with our incredible services. Give us a call at 403-589-9496.