Driveways and Foundations
Whether you're putting in a new driveway or simply repaving an old one, the foundation is critical to the success of your project. You want to get the right base for your area and choose materials that will last a long time.
Crushed gravel is a great choice for a driveway base because it's easy to find and can be easily compacted. It's also an eco-friendly option and can be recycled for future projects.
Concrete is another good option for driveways because it's a durable material that can be paved in various ways, including with colored or stamped aggregates. However, the downside of this material is that it's prone to cracking and rutting in a cold climate.
Asphalt is another popular choice for paving driveways, although it can be more expensive than some other options. It's less porous than concrete and doesn't handle water as well, so it can be hard to find a local contractor who is knowledgeable about it.
Permeable asphalt is another option, and it's a great choice for those who live in areas that experience frequent flooding. Using larger pea gravel and a lower water-to-cement ratio produces a porous surface, which allows water to drain through it quickly.
Driveways are a very important part of any home. If you have a sinking or uneven driveway, it can be a sign that your house has foundation issues.
If your driveway is a problem, it's important to seek professional help before it becomes a bigger issue. You may need to have it replaced along with your foundation repairs to prevent the damage from spreading.
Settling Cracks are a common problem with driveways because the ground shifts under them as vehicles travel over them. As the ground settles, it causes the driveway to crack, and this can be a very annoying and costly issue for homeowners.
The most common cause of settling cracks is a sub-par base or foundation installation, which results in the ground shifting beneath the driveway as it takes on the weight of the vehicles and the soil underneath it. This can occur when sand or soil substrates are used instead of crushed stone or gravel, or when the base is not properly compacted and layered.
As the ground shifts, you'll see vertical cracks running through your driveway and possibly even into your garage slab. These cracks are usually the first signs that your foundation isn't holding up to the pressure of the heaving ground.
It's best to contact a professional for help with this issue, since it can be difficult to determine the exact cause without seeing the affected section.
Make sure your foundation is level and graded correctly by a professional before digging the hole for the driveway. This will ensure that the concrete will not sink in and cause problems later on.
An irvine concrete contractor will also check that the driveway is poured in such a way that it will allow water to move away from the foundation. If it is not, it can lead to issues such as rot or mold growth in your foundation. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driveway.