Why is My Concrete Driveway Lifting?

Lifting driveways can be hazardous to your vehicles and their tires and your family and guests.

Here are four main reasons why concrete driveways lift.

  •  Tree Roots

There could be tree roots going under your driveway. Tree roots are so formidable they will make concrete rise over time. If this is the case, you should seek out a specialist immediately.

  • Soil Issues

You might also have poor soil. Soil can be beneficial or harmful to concrete installation. If you live in a frequently flooded region, you may notice minor post-storm lifting and subsidence as the soil dries out. This can cause damage to your concrete driveway over time.

  • Natural Disasters – Tulsa Tornadoes

Finally, there is also the chance of something significant happening, like an earthquake or a familiar Tulsa tornado. If you had a big quake and some roads and homes were damaged, your driveway could have lifted. In Tulsa, 

  • Bad Pouring Technique 

Or worse, a contractor may not have poured your driveway correctly. If this is the case, then it could start to rise due to shifting. This is because the filler soil that rests underneath your driveway wasn’t mixed properly.

Can I Wait to Replace My Concrete if it’s lifting

If your driveway isn’t level, it can be a significant issue. This is because it may make the driveway lumpy or slanted. It might make it more difficult for automobiles to drive on the road or result in fractures in the road that damage cars and cause bicyclists to fall.

Suppose you notice long-term lifting or cracks in your concrete. In that case, it’s usually a good idea to repair or replace and level your driveway. This should not happen very often, but it’s something you should be aware of.

Insurance Coverage for Driveways

Most insurance policies will not cover the costs of replacing your driveway. However, there are some exceptions. If a large storm or flooding damages your driveway, you may be able to get your claim approved.

Insurance policies seldom cover damage that is a result of normal aging. They also do not cover damage that is caused by poor installation. As a homeowner, it is your job to make sure that an experienced contractor built your driveway correctly and that you have taken care of it.

What measures can you take to keep your driveway from rising?

  1. Even if you take care of your concrete driveway, it might start to rise a little bit over time. But you can do things to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Follow these tips to keep your driveway looking great.
  2. It would help if you made sure that the person you hire to do your driveway is careful. Making a driveway that lasts for many years takes a lot of detailed work. You can read reviews of their work to see if they are good at what they do.
  3. If you can, try not to put too much stress on your driveway. For example, if you have a lot of things to get rid of, it might be better to rent a dumpster instead of trying to put everything in your car. That way, you won’t damage your driveway.
  4. You’ll also need suitable filler soil that is impervious to water. This stuff must be thoroughly combined. A good driveway business can also help you choose the correct one.
  5. If you have trees near your driveway, it is a good idea to remove them. Tree roots can damage your driveway. It is better to be proactive and remove the trees before they cause any damage.
  6. Make sure that your driveway is in a safe location. This implies it shouldn’t be located near any other trees. Roots might cause the ground to be uneven, making laying down slabs difficult. Remove any roots in the way before you start, if there are any.
  7. If you detect that your slabs are rising, treat them as soon as possible. Early repairs might frequently avoid subsequent significant renovations. If you see fractures, work on them as well. This can assist keep water out of your driveway foundation.

How much does it cost to fix a driveway that is starting to rise?

Concrete driveway builders usually charge a flat rate to construct a driveway. The price of leveling an uneven concrete driveway could cost half the complete driveway renovation. A standard driveway usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000 to fix. This is a lot of money, but it is worth it to have a flat and even driveway. Suppose it needs to be replaced due to poor base quality or other lingering issues. In that case, it will undoubtedly be more expensive, but a concrete contractor should do it as soon as possible.

Can you level your driveway yourself?

It’s not a good idea to try to fix your driveway on your own. This is especially true if you’re not used to working with concrete. You won’t be able to do a great job in most situations. It’s a skill that needs practice, and, for the most part, instructions don’t go over all you need to know.

When comparing rates, you should consider a few factors that aren’t immediately obvious. Because amateurs built, many homeowner insurances will not cover repairs to new driveways. You could be turned down for reimbursement if something happens to the driveway.

Am I allowed by the city of Tulsa to level my driveway?

Some towns are now banning DIY driveway repairs. This is especially true when it comes to putting concrete in your driveway. It’s no surprise why, either. You might hit a gas line if you repair yourself and dig too far into your driveway region. This can be pretty dangerous.

Before attempting DIY driveway leveling, contact city authorities in Tulsa to learn what construction regulations and standards exist. If you’re forbidden from performing your building work, you’ll have to hire a professional.

Thomas & Son

Concrete Contractors Tulsa OK

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