Sinking and cracking driveways are a frequent problem for homeowners in many Alabama neighborhoods. Depending on which part of the state you call home, soil conditions can include an unpredictable mix of rock, clay, or sand, especially in the wide coastal plain region. Damage happens when parts of the supporting soil lose contact with the concrete above, or otherwise lose ability to bear the loads of everyday use.

In this quick overview, we’ll take a look at the reasons why driveways crack, sink, and tilt and how you can get yours looking like new.

Common causes of driveway issues for Alabama homeowners

To hold their shape and alignment, concrete driveways need a properly graded layer of stable soil to rest on. Sadly, poor construction materials or methods can shorten the life of any driveway. Here are some of the ways that can play out:

1. Not enough curing time or failure to set up the right curing conditions
2. Lack of attention to the right grading or compacting techniques
3. Low quality concrete ingredients or insufficient mixing
4. Inexperienced installers who may not follow best practices for pouring or finishing
5. Inadequate slab thickness or failure to follow proper formwork or reinforcing guidelines

Any one of these factors alone or in combination can cause parts of your driveway to fail prematurely. That said, all concrete installations experience some natural settling over time. Even the most reputable builders are no match for the full force of nature. Driveway damage can happen even to the highest quality work performed with the best intentions, for example:

• Soil erosion under the concrete due to extreme storm runoff or piping leaks
• Major temperature or ground water changes that cause supporting soil to heave or shift
• Seismic events or vibrations from natural or human activity on nearby property
• Unusual vehicle or equipment loads beyond what the concrete is designed to support

Top driveway repair options for Alabama homeowners

High pressure contractors who prioritize quick profit over customer relationships may try to convince you that busting out and replacing your entire driveway is the only answer. In rare cases, your existing concrete may be so compromised that a new pour may be your only choice. For most Alabama homes, however, new technology makes precision restoration a much more affordable way to go, and you can get it done in a fraction of the time.

Here’s how it works:

1. Skilled technicians locate the weak parts of your driveway and drill barely visible holes
2. Using the holes they inject pressurized synthetic foam to level and align the concrete
3. The high strength but lightweight foam sets quickly to fill voids in the supporting soil
4. Once the concrete is level, technicians fill and smooth the holes with sealing material
5. The foam hardens quickly and you can drive on it the same day

This modern process is much faster and far less disruptive to your property than traditional mudjacking, which gets a similar result but uses old-school materials with a long curing time. It also works on patios, sidewalks, pool decks, or anywhere you need sections of concrete slabs pushed gently and precisely back into “like new” alignment.

There’s a health aspect to this issue that’s worth considering as well. Besides being visually unappealing and a nuisance to drive on, cracked and sunken driveways can be a major trip and safety hazard, especially for children, seniors, or anyone with mobility issues. Thanks to the latest driveway restoration technology, there’s no reason to live with the risk anymore.

Choose a driveway restoration expert that puts your interests first

SouthernDry is a family-owned concrete and foundation repair expert with a long history of helping Alabama homeowners protect their property. Unlike the big box companies, you’re not just a number to us. We’ll give you a free, honest, no-pressure evaluation of the condition of your home and fully explain your repair options. If you decide to work with us, we’ll stick with you until the job is done to your satisfaction – just the way we’d do it for our own families.

Contact our team to schedule a no-obligation inspection by an expert technician.