How to Fix a Sinking Driveway

A sinking driveway is a problem that can be easily fixed. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to fix a sinking driveway and prevent it from happening again in the future.

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Causes of a Sinking Driveway

A sinking driveway is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. It can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common cause is improper drainage. When water is not able to drain properly, it can cause the driveway to sink. Let’s take a look at some of the other causes of a sinking driveway.

Improperly graded driveway

One of the most common reasons for a sinking driveway is an improperly graded driveway. The ground should slope away from your house at a rate of about six inches for every 10 feet. This will help ensure that water does not pool near your foundation and cause cracking or other damage. If your driveway is not properly graded, you may need to have it excavated and graded by a professional.

Poor drainage around driveway

One of the most common causes of a sinking driveway is poor drainage around the perimeter. When water seeps into the ground beneath the driveway, it can erode the soil and cause it to settle. This is especially common in clay soils, which are very porous and absorb water easily. To correct this problem, you will need to install a drainage system around the perimeter of your driveway to keep water away from the foundations.

Driveway not built on solid ground

One of the primary causes of a sinking driveway is that the driveway was not built on solid ground. In order to have a durable driveway, it is important to have a foundation that is built on compacted soil or gravel. If the ground underneath the driveway is not compacted or if it is not built on solid ground, then it is likely that the driveway will eventually sink.

How to Fix a Sinking Driveway

A sinking driveway is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you have a sinking driveway, you may want to consider fixing it. There are a few different ways that you can fix a sinking driveway, but the most common method is to use concrete piers.

Add or remove gravel

One way to level out a sinking driveway is to simply add or remove gravel until the desired level is achieved. This method is best suited for driveways with concrete or asphalt surfaces, as it may not be effective on gravel driveways.

Adding gravel to a sunken area is relatively simple. First, use a shovel to dig out any existing gravel in the affected area. Next, use a garden hose or other means to wet down the area. This will help the new gravel bind together.

Then, simply add the desired amount of new gravel to the area and spread it around with a rake. Be sure to compact the new gravel with a tamper before adding any more. Once the desired level is reached, you can finish by adding a layer of topsoil and grass seed, if desired.

Reshape the driveway

One of the simplest and most effective solutions to a sinking driveway is to simply reshape it. This involves excavating the problem area, compacting the ground, and then adding fresh gravel or concrete.

If your driveway is made of concrete, you will need to use a jackhammer to break up the existing concrete before you can excavate. Once you have removed the old concrete, you can then compact the ground and add fresh concrete. Be sure to use a layer of gravel underneath the new concrete to help with drainage.

If your driveway is made of gravel, you will need to excavate the problem area and remove any existing gravel before you can compact the ground. Once you have compacted the ground, you can then add fresh gravel to the area. Be sure to use a layer of fabric underneath the new gravel to help with drainage.

Add drainage around the driveway

If your driveway is sinking, it’s likely due to poor drainage. Water can erode the soil beneath the driveway and cause it to sink. To fix this problem, you’ll need to add drainage around the perimeter of the driveway.

One way to do this is to install a drain pipe that drains water away from the driveway. You can also install a French drain, which is a type of drain that has a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. Another option is to build a berm around the perimeter of the driveway. A berm is a raised area of soil that can act as a barrier to keep water away from the driveway.

Once you’ve added drainage around the perimeter of the driveway, you’ll need to fill in any sinkholes that have formed. Use a shovel to dig out any loose soil, then replace it with fresh soil or gravel. Tamp down the soil or gravel until it’s level with the rest of the driveway.

You may also need to make some repairs to the surface of your driveway if it’s cracked or uneven. Use a patching compound and trowel to fill in any cracks or holes, then smooth out the surface with a putty knife. If there are large areas of sunken concrete, you may need to jack up those sections and pour new concrete in their place.

Call in a professional

If your driveway is made of asphalt, it may be possible to have it resurfaced by a professional. Asphalt driveways can last up to 20 years, but they will start to show signs of wear and tear after about 10 years. If you catch problems early on, you may be able to extend the life of your driveway by having it resurfaced. This process involves removing the top layer of asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt.