Driveway Leveling: What Are My Options?
If you own a home, the driveway is undoubtedly part of your daily routine. You park there after work, or maybe your little ones play outside on the concrete. No matter how you use it, a sinking and uneven driveway makes everything harder—and it could even lead to injuries.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor crack or significant damage, effective concrete crack repair is essential. For those looking to maintain their driveways, concrete driveway crack repair is crucial. Utilizing the right concrete crack filler is vital for achieving a smooth and durable finish. In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of several common concrete repair solutions.
Top 4 Ways to Level a Driveway
Concrete is one of the strongest building materials in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Without a strong base (such as well-compacted soil) to rest on, concrete will sink and crack.
In Georgia, the soil is often expansive. This means that after it rains, the soil absorbs water and swells up.
As a result, concrete driveways crack as they are pushed out of line by the expanding soil. Here are four concrete leveling methods to consider when you want to fix this issue:
1.Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam lifting is an advanced concrete crack repair technique used to address uneven or sunken surfaces. This method involves injecting a high-density polyurethane foam beneath the concrete, which then expands and lifts the slab back to its original position. The process is quick, minimally invasive, and provides a long-lasting solution for concrete driveway crack repair and other surfaces.
Pros:
- Lightweight foam
- Slabs will be as close to level as possible
- Smaller drill holes
- Fills voids completely
- Quick curing (within 15 minutes)
- Environmentally friendly
- Smooth finish
- Lasting results
Cons:
- Variable soil conditions can impact its stability
2. Mudjacking
Mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, is a concrete repair method that involves lifting and stabilizing sunken concrete surfaces. This technique is particularly useful for addressing uneven driveways and sidewalks. During the mudjacking process, a mixture of water, soil, and cement is injected beneath the affected concrete, serving as concrete crack filler to seal voids and raise the slab to its original level.
Pros:
- Fills up gaps and forms a sturdy base for concrete
Cons:
- Requires large holes
- Does not fully fill voids
- Difficult to control material flow
- Lengthy cure time
- Cannot use concrete for several days
- Added weight on top of soil
- Temporary solution
3. Replacement
Concrete replacement is a comprehensive solution for damaged or deteriorated concrete surfaces that cannot be effectively repaired. When cracks are too large or the structure is severely compromised, replacing the concrete entirely ensures a long-lasting driveway fix. This process involves removing the old, damaged concrete and pouring fresh material to restore the surface.
Pros:
- Brand new concrete slabs
- Smooth finish
Cons:
- Requires heavy equipment and excavation
- Extended downtime (long cure time and inability to use driveway)
- Heavy cement on top of unstable soil
- Future soil and slab settlement likely
- Expensive (sometimes costing $5,000 or more)
4. Asphalt Overlay
An asphalt overlay is a cost-effective solution for rejuvenating aging or damaged asphalt surfaces without the need for complete replacement. This process involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface, effectively smoothing out imperfections and improving the overall appearance and functionality. It is particularly useful for driveways and parking lots that have minor cracks or surface damage.
Pros:
- Relatively cheap
- Less disruptive method
- Can be used to fill potholes
- Smooth, consistent finish
Cons:
- Added weight to soil
- Worsens underlying issues
- Not suitable for severely damaged slabs
- Concrete’s expansion joints can cause shifting asphalt over time, leading to cracks and bumps
Can I Try Concrete Driveway Crack Repair Myself?
Concrete leveling might sound like something the average homeowner could do on their own. We strongly advise against DIY concrete repair, as it could make damage worse.
This is a job that should only be handled by professionals like our team at AquaGuard. It’s safer to leave the “heavy lifting” to pros. Contact us today for a free inspection and no-obligation estimate for concrete crack repair customized to meet your needs.
3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening
While some driveway cracks and unevenness are common, there are a few ways you can prevent them from getting worse and better protect your concrete:
- Better Weight Distribution: Avoid heavy loads on the driveway—such as vehicles continuously parked in the same spot—that could cause cracking.
- Install Proper Drainage: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and surrounding landscaping drain water away from your driveway.
- Perform a Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the driveway for small cracks or signs of movement. Address these issues promptly with the help of local concrete experts to prevent significant problems.
Contact AquaGuard Foundation Solutions for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling
Your home needs a safe driveway. You have plenty of options when it comes to repairing a concrete driveway, and AquaGuard Foundation Solutions is committed to helping you in the process.
For almost 30 years, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northern Georgia repair and protect concrete structures on their property. With our industry leading concrete leveling services, we can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and get back to using your driveway the way it was meant to be!
FAQs
Signs that your driveway may need leveling include visible cracks, sinking sections of concrete, pooling water, and tripping hazards. If you notice any of these issues, contact AquaGuard for a free inspection and to learn more about how your driveway could benefit from leveling.
When polyurethane foam injection is used for driveway leveling, it has little to no impact on your landscaping or yard. The process requires only small holes to be drilled into the concrete, avoiding large equipment or excavation that could disturb surrounding areas. The material is also eco-friendly.
Many factors impact the overall cost of driveway leveling, including the extent of the damage, the chosen repair method, and the cost of labor, materials, and permits. The average cost to level a driveway can range from $800 to $4,000 or more. Contacting AquaGuard for a free inspection and no-obligation repair estimate is the best approach to obtain exact pricing for your concrete leveling project.
Ted Dryce
*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AquaGuard Foundation Solutions does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.
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