Few people think about how to properly maintain their sidewalks and driveways, even though they are vital components of their home’s landscape. Concrete settling is one of the most disruptive concerns that can deform and damage your slabs. At Basement Authority of West Virginia, we can help with your damaged concrete.
What Causes Uneven Driveways and Sidewalks
Your concrete driveway and sidewalk are always exposed to the elements, and they sustain a lot of wear and tear. These are just a couple of reasons for damage, but below are some of the most common causes behind uneven driveway and sidewalk slabs.
Soil Washout
The term “soil washout” means soil erosion caused by running water. Soil particles are carried by the water as it moves through the soil. A large quantity of erosion has left an indentation in the ground that reflects the stream of water’s route. Because West Virginia’s silt loam can’t compact as tightly as other soils, these types of soils are prone to settling and shifting. Dense dirt is more difficult to remove with water, whereas sand is considerably easier to remove. In addition, the terrain around West Virginia tends to be hilly. Water rushes through, speeding up soil washout on slopes.
Drainage Issues
It’s possible that poor drainage in the areas around your home will cause the soil to get saturated. Too much moisture could be the blame for unstable soil around your concrete walkways. Many homeowners have tried to find a solution to the problem of water pooling around their property. For example, the use of French drains and water runoff systems can be extremely advantageous. It’s possible that drainage systems aren’t strong enough to keep concrete from sinking into the ground. After water problems have caused your concrete to sink unevenly, drainage solutions will not be able to prevent further damage.
Weight Issues
The weight of a person or object can cause concrete to sink and become uneven. There can be major sinking concerns if the initial construction workers didn’t take into consideration enough weight on the concrete surface of your home’s driveway and sidewalk. Your driveway could become unevenly sunken when you park a heavy car or truck in the same place for a long period of time. It’s possible that if your vehicle is rarely driven or doesn’t work, you may have greater concerns about uneven concrete because it is routinely parked in the driveway.
FAQs
In addition to drawing attention away from the visual appeal of your property, uneven and cracked driveway and sidewalk slabs pose a danger to you and your guests. Pedestrians, especially the elderly and those with mobility issues, are at risk of tripping and falling due to the uneven terrain. In addition to causing tire and brake wear and tear, uneven driveways force your automobile to work harder in order to overcome the uneven surface. The suspension of a vehicle can be severely damaged if it is driven over a gap between the driveway and the street or garage.
Yes, it is possible to fix uneven concrete, including driveway and sidewalks, and restore it to its former glory. If the concrete has been damaged to the point where it has major fractures, dramatic sinking, or missing portions, other methods of restoration will be necessary. It is possible to lift and stabilize concrete that is not too broken or uneven, but slabs that are beyond repair may need to be removed completely and repoured. The sooner you deal with potential problems, the less money and time you’ll waste later when you try to fix them.
Mudjacking and slab jacking are only two of the many ways to fix uneven driveways and walkways. That’s not to say that there aren’t other ways to get the job done. Professional polyurethane injections are the finest solution for uneven driveways and sidewalks. Polyurethane foam, which is both lightweight and long-lasting, is injected beneath the sinking slabs to lift and stabilize them. Compared to other methods, it is faster, less intrusive, and more long-lasting. At Foundation Systems of West Virginia, we utilize PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam as our concrete lifting solution.
Explore Concrete Lifting Solutions
We offer a variety of concrete lifting and stabilizing options when it comes to the restoration of your home's concrete such as driveways and sidewalks. Using polyurethane foam to lift concrete is one of the most popular methods because it cures within 15 minutes and successfully lifts your concrete without the need to entirely replace your uneven sidewalk or driveway. Here are more ways this solution can benefit concrete.
Basement Authority of West Virginia
Polyrenewal™
PolyRenewal™is a solution developed to restore concrete that has become unstable due to weakened soil. Your concrete driveway, sidewalk, or exterior steps will be as sturdy as the day it was constructed thanks to this lightweight yet durable polymer.
Basement Authority of West Virginia
Sidewalk Lifting
A damaged, sunken sidewalk should be repaired by a professional. Basement Authority of West Virginia can help restore your sidewalk with an innovative solution.
Call Us For A Free Concrete Inspection
If you see your home’s sidewalks or driveway are becoming uneven, it’s important to contact a repair professional like Basement Authority of West Virginia as soon as possible. Your home’s uneven walkways can be fixed quickly and permanently with the help of our educated staff. It is with great pleasure that we serve the residents of Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and surrounding areas throughout West Virginia. We are well acquainted with the area’s problematic silt loam soil and frequent precipitation, as well as how they affect the condition of your property’s concrete. Avoid letting the situation worsen. Concrete inspections are provided at no cost and without obligation by our team.
