How To Fix Erosion Under a Concrete Driveway

Erosion is a common issue for driveways everywhere, but it especially affects sloped driveway surfaces. You’ll notice erosion problems when you spot sinking areas and cracks in your driveway’s surface. These issues can result in tripping hazards and lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicles, so you should consider repairing them as soon as possible. Keep reading to discover a few ways to fix erosion under a concrete driveway.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a technique in which contractors pump a slurry of dirt and cement underneath a slab of pavement to raise it. This technique helps bring the concrete slab back to an even level, which prevents tripping hazards and cracks. Mudjacking requires contractors to drill several holes throughout the pavement slab to inject the slurry evenly. Once they have injected the slurry, the workers will fill the holes with a fresh concrete mixture. This process can result in alterations to your driveway, such as the filled holes still being visible, but mudjacking is a suitable solution for concrete raising.
Concrete Lifting Foam
Spray foam injection is another method for bringing your concrete slab back to a level state. Concrete lifting foam is similar to mudjacking as it uses injection tools to pump lifting material under the concrete slab, but the two materials are vastly different. Many consider concrete lifting rigs to be better than mudjacking for both contractors and customers alike. Concrete lifting foam is more durable and lasts longer than the slurry used in mudjacking. The concrete foam raising process also requires smaller injection holes, which makes the process less invasive and results in less wear and tear on the driveway.
Driveway Replacement
Finally, if your driveway is beyond repair, some contractors will recommend replacing it altogether. Some signs that your concrete driveway is past repair include several sinking areas, deep cracks running throughout the surface, and eroded areas. If your driveway features some or all these issues, you may need a full concrete replacement. This process will include ripping out your existing pavement, realigning the earth underneath, and pouring a new concrete slab.
These are the three main methods for fixing erosion under a concrete driveway. If your driveway starts to show signs of erosion, such as sinking areas, cracks, and uneven separation, see which contractors in your area offer concrete raising or replacement services. Or, if you have the right training, consider renting the equipment necessary for a DIY repair.