What Could Be Causing One Side of Our Concrete Driveway to Sink While Other Parts Are Fine?

Imagine pulling into your driveway, coffee in one hand, keys in the other, only to notice that one side of your driveway looks like it’s slowly being swallowed by the Earth. It’s frustrating and baffling. Why is one side sinking while the rest looks perfectly fine? Let’s dig into this mysterious case and uncover the likely culprits behind your driveway’s uneven descent.

1. Soil Erosion: 

Beneath every driveway lies a foundation of soil, and when that soil starts to disappear, trouble begins. Soil erosion can be sneaky—it happens gradually, often unnoticed until the concrete starts to settle unevenly.

Fun Fact: In California, heavy rains and poor drainage can lead to significant soil erosion. According to the California Department of Water Resources, areas with compacted or poorly draining soil are particularly susceptible.

2. Poor Compaction: 

When your driveway was first installed, the soil beneath it should have been compacted to create a solid base. If this wasn’t done correctly, or if the soil wasn’t compacted evenly, parts of your driveway may sink over time as the soil shifts and settles under the weight of the concrete.

Did you know?: The American Concrete Institute notes that improper soil compaction is one of the leading causes of concrete settlement issues, with up to 70% of concrete failures linked to foundation problems.

3. Tree Roots: 

Trees are wonderful for shade and beauty, but their roots can be ruthless. If you have large trees near your driveway, their roots could be pushing up parts of the concrete while causing the soil to settle unevenly in other areas. Tree roots can draw moisture from the soil, leading to uneven compaction and subsequent sinking.

Did You Know?: Tree roots can extend up to three times the height of the tree. For a mature tree, this could mean roots spreading 50 feet or more, easily reaching under your driveway.

4. Water: 

Water can be both a friend and foe to your driveway. Poor drainage or plumbing leaks can cause water to accumulate under one part of your driveway, washing away soil and creating voids. Over time, this leads to one side of your driveway sinking as the support underneath erodes.

Pro Tip: Ensure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your driveway. The U.S. Geological Survey emphasizes that managing water flow is critical in preventing soil erosion and subsidence.

5. Heavy Loads: 

Driveways are designed to bear the weight of vehicles, but frequent parking of heavy trucks or equipment on one side can cause that area to settle more quickly. Repeated stress on a specific spot can compact the soil unevenly, leading to sinking.

Quick Fix: Try to distribute the weight by alternating parking spots or ensuring that heavy vehicles are parked on more reinforced areas.

How Saber Foundation Repair Can Help

At Saber Foundation Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing the root causes of uneven driveways. Our experts use advanced techniques to stabilize your concrete, ensuring long-lasting results.

• Free In-Home Assessments: Not sure why your driveway is sinking? Schedule a complimentary assessment, and our experts will pinpoint the issue and recommend the best course of action.
• Expert Repairs: From concrete leveling to foundation repair, our team uses cutting-edge methods to ensure your driveway remains level and stable.

Conclusion

A sinking driveway isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign that something is happening beneath the surface. By understanding the potential causes, you can take proactive steps to address the problem and prevent further damage. If you’re dealing with a sinking driveway, Saber Foundation Repair is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your free assessment and get your driveway back on solid ground.