Why Is My Driveway Uneven?

If you have noticed damage, cracking, or sinking in your driveway or the concrete sidewalks around your home, it is time to consider a professional inspection. There are many things that can cause uneven concrete; all require intervention. 

Defects in the Concrete 

Concrete is, in essence, just a mix of cement, water, and sand. The precise makeup of the soil aggregate used in making cement may change, but other than that concrete can only be tailored by changing the ratios of each material. This makes concrete uniquely easy to tailor to the needs of a specific project, but it also renders it vulnerable to defects as a result of miscalculations. 

Miscalculations in the ratios of water to cement, for example, can result in a concrete mix that is weak and prone to crumbling. This is not the only potential issue, however. Concrete can also be damaged when it is being laid. Certain methods of compaction, like hard troweling, can lead to an inconsistent density across the surface of a concrete structure. Likewise, improper or insufficient curing can lead to serious damage in the long run. 

Unstable Soil 

Assuming the concrete itself was properly formulated, mixed, and deployed, the damage is most likely to be caused by issues in the soil beneath a structure. This is true for internal and external concrete surfaces. Concrete damage that is caused by issues in the soil is very common around Raleigh and Winston-Salem, NC, largely due to the nature of the soil in this area. 

While more coastal areas might see loose and unstable soil that is sand-based (and therefore prone to washout), this area has soil that is more expansive and absorbent. This can lead to concrete surfaces sinking or settling as a result of soil saturation and expansion or dehydration and sinking. Concrete lifting services will need to be tailored to suit the soil in order to be successful.