A sunken driveway is a common issue for many homeowners. This can happen over time due to weather, shifting soil, and other factors that cause the concrete surface to become uneven.
In the past, homeowners had few options to fix the problem — but now several lasting solutions are available. Here are some of the benefits of raising your sunken concrete driveway.
Increased Curb Appeal
The first benefit of raising your sunken concrete driveway is increased curb appeal. A sunken driveway can make your home look less attractive and detract from its overall value. The sunken sections often look like dips or holes, which can detract from the beauty of your home. The surface won't appear as even, which isn't what you want when you plan on selling the home.
However, by having it raised and re-leveled by a professional contractor, you can instantly increase the curb appeal of your property and restore it to its original condition.
The contractor will first mark off the area and remove any excess dirt or mud, then add a layer of gravel to create an even foundation. They will then pour a new layer of concrete over the gravel, which will match the rest of your driveway in terms of appearance and texture.
Enhanced Safety
An uneven or sloping driveway can lead to slips, trips, and falls –– not only for you and your family but also for any visitors who may come over. The problem is more severe during rainy days when the surface of your driveway can become even more slippery.
These sunken sections can be difficult to spot, making them even more dangerous. Even if you know they're there, they can still cause issues — especially when the sun is glaring in your eyes.
By having it raised and re-leveled, you can eliminate the problem of tripping hazards and improve the overall safety of your driveway. The new concrete surface will be free of any dips and gaps, making it easier to walk on, even when wet.
Improved Drainage
Good drainage is a big part of maintaining a safe driveway. If your driveway has drainage issues, it can lead to standing water and mud accumulating on the surface. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other types of contaminants. It can also break down the integrity of your concrete over time.
When water pools in certain areas on an uneven surface — such as around potholes or dips — it can cause damage to the underlying subsoil beneath the concrete slab, eventually leading to more serious problems like cracking or sinking further if left untreated.
When you have it raised, this problem can be eliminated as water will flow away from these areas instead of pooling on them. The contractor will use a trenching machine to dig out any old soil and create a new drainage system. This will ensure that water flows away from your driveway and any other areas that may be prone to flooding.
Call a contractor who offers driveway sunken concrete raising to learn more.
