Two frequently asked questions I get from homeowners:
- My driveway sounds hollow … is it that bad?
- The sand runs out at the end of my tour after it rains … is it that bad?
If you have large gaps or gaps between concrete and subfloor or if your unit is on a steep slope, this can certainly be “bad.” Does your record make a dull noise when you drive it? Maybe it will sway when you run over it. Can you see between the joints? Are there any visible cracks? Does the concrete in your driveway look like it’s slipping? Perhaps the unit has even sunk causing tripping hazards. These are all signs or symptoms that a subgrade may be missing under the concrete, which is very important to the integrity of your drive.
Four to six inches of sand are placed and compacted, providing a base and support for the concrete when it is poured. Sand subgrade can settle if repeatedly exposed to water, causing a small gap or void between the bottom of the slab and the sand. Other causes can be improper compaction, organic soils, or lack of sand. Access roads that are on a slope are more susceptible to water erosion and sedimentation because water runs downhill through joints and cracks. Those of you who have this problem know exactly what I mean.
How can I fix this on my driveway?
- Drill and fill the holes under the concrete (commonly known as a mud excavation).
- Caulk all joints and cracks with a good quality concrete putty.
- Redirect downspouts and water that could wash underneath.
How can I prevent this from happening to my disk?
- Caulk all cracks and joints with a good quality concrete putty; This keeps the water running overhead, preventing it from getting underneath.
- Make sure the water drains away from your unit, preventing it from running under the slab.
- Direct downspouts away from your concrete.
- If you are installing a new unit, make sure the contractor properly compacts the correct amount of sand for your foundation.
Whether it’s a hollow-sounding driveway or a washed-out gritty mess, a reputable concrete repair company can fix it. If you have cracks in your sidewalk, patio, or pool deck, concrete repair contractors can repair them. Generally, a good concrete lifting contractor will have the ability to deal with any of your concrete problems, whether you lift it, repair it, or replace it.
