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Leveling a Concrete Driveway: What’s the Best Method? 

The significance of your driveway in daily life can easily be underestimated, yet it plays a more crucial role than you might think. With its constant exposure to the elements, the driveway is prone to wear and tear, leading to issues like sinking and the formation of uneven surfaces. 

For property owners, a driveway that’s cracked and uneven not only poses a risk of tripping but also diminishes the property’s value and can damage  vehicles. The solution to these problems lies in concrete leveling, a repair technique that involves injecting materials beneath the concrete to restore its original level. 

In this guide, we will explore various methods for repairing and leveling your driveway. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each method and how experts in local concrete leveling can assist you. 

Top 4 Ways to Level a Driveway 

Driveways require a solid base—specifically, the underlying soil—to stay supported. Soil frequently shifts or wears away, leading to gaps that the concrete slabs may sink into.  

In the process of fixing or leveling your driveway, stabilizing the soil is crucial. Without this, you’ll face the same issues again. This factor is critical to keep in mind when deciding on the most suitable driveway leveling for your home. 

1. Mudjacking

What it is:

Also known as “slabjacking ,” mudjacking uses a slurry formula (cement, water, soil, and sand mixture) which is pumped underneath sunken concrete to raise it back to 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  
  • Long cure time  
  • Cannot use concrete for several days  
  • Added weight on top of soil  
  • Temporary solution 

2. Polyurethane Foam Injection 

What it is:

Also known as “polyjacking,” “polylifting,” or PolyRenewal™ (our method), Polyurethane injection involves injecting a specially formulated foam material under the concrete which expands and lifts the slab.  

Pros:

  • Lightweight foam  
  • Smaller drill holes  
  • Completely fills voids  
  • Cures quickly (within 30 minutes)  
  • Environmentally friendly 
  • Stabilizes underlying soil  
  • Smooth finish  
  • Lasting results  

Cons:

  • Slabs may not be 100% level  
  • Visible cracks may remain  
  • Variable soil conditions can impact its stability  

3. Replacement

What it is:

Driveway replacement involves demolishing old slabs and repouring cement  in its place which may be necessary with severely damaged, crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining concrete  

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  

What it is:

Asphalt overlay is used for minor sinking and cracks.  An epoxy and sand slurry used to fill voids and level the surface on top.  

Pros:

  • Relatively inexpensive  
  • 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 Fix My Sunken Driveway Myself? 

These methods may sound straightforward, and they are—for professionals. 

We advise against attempting concrete driveway leveling on your own.  

This task demands specialized tools and materials, which may be challenging and expensive to acquire. The use of heavy machinery and the application of different materials can pose safety risks without appropriate expertise. 

Let the professionals handle the hard work. Reach out to us today to schedule your complimentary inspection and a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your requirements. 

3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening 

Though cracks and uneven surfaces in driveways are typical, below are several strategies to prevent them and safeguard your concrete: 

  • Weight Distribution: Avoid heavy loads on the driveway—such as vehicles continuously parked in the same spot—that could cause pressure points, leading to cracking or sinking.  
  • Proper Drainage: Ensure downspouts and surrounding landscaping drain water away from your driveway. 
  • 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 Mount Valley Foundation Services for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling 

Your driveway plays a crucial role, affecting your home’s security, appearance, and value. Avoid allowing small problems to evolve into larger, expensive challenges. Reach out to the experts at Mount Valley Foundation Services, your local concrete leveling specialists, for professional guidance and a complimentary inspection. 

With almost four decades of experience in driveway leveling throughout South Carolina and Western North Carolina, homeowners have come to rely on us for thorough assessments, personalized repair strategies designed for their specific requirements, and durable outcomes. Contact us now to begin safeguarding your home and rejuvenating your driveway. 

FAQs

The unevenness or sinking of driveways can be attributed to various reasons, such as soil erosion, inadequate soil compaction before driveway installation, the gradual settling of soil, and issues with water runoff or drainage. These issues may create voids under the concrete, causing parts of the driveway to sink or become uneven. 

Indicators that your driveway might require leveling are noticeable cracks, sections of the driveway that are not level with others, accumulation of water, and potential tripping hazards. Observing any of these conditions suggests it might be time to reach out to Mount Valley Foundation Services for a complimentary inspection and further information on the benefits of driveway leveling.

The cost to level a driveway varies based on several factors, such as the severity of the damage, the repair method selected, and the expenses associated with labor, materials, and permits. Typically, the price for driveway leveling ranges from $800 to over $4,000. For precise pricing tailored to your specific project, getting a free inspection and a no-commitment estimate from Mount Valley Foundation Services is recommended. 

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Mount Valley Foundation Services does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.

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