How to Repair a Sunken Driveway Edge

A sunken driveway edge can be an unsightly eyesore and even cause a safety hazard. Waiting on repairs can perhaps lead to cracking asphalt, crumbling asphalt or even lead to driveway paving expense. So, if you are prepared to do some work and follow some bureaucratic methods you can repair your own driveway and get it back into a neat and safe condition. Taking a little time to fix the problem early will save money and allow your driveway to last for years. For more tips, check out this page.

Why Edges Sink

There are a few reasons that driveway edges sink. The first and primary reason is that there was poor soil compaction when the driveway was originally installed. Over time, the ground will shift and settle which can lead to some gaps under the pavement. Water is a factor as well, rain run-off can erode soil and wash out the base under the edge. If the driveway edges are bordered by grass or landscaping, the tree roots can push or pull soil during their normal growth cycle. This creates an increased pressure point as the soil is not even on both sides of the driveway edge and can weaken the sides.

Sometimes, heavy vehicles parked too close to the driveway edge can also aggravate an edge sinking. The weight of the vehicle can push the pavement down, especially if the base under the pavement is weak. The middle of the driveway has more support and the edges have had their support eroded away.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting your repairs, it is always best to gather all the required tools and materials prior to commencing with the work. This way, you will have the tools and materials at your disposal, thereby making the repair process move smoothly, rather than wasting time running to the hardware store for forgotten tools that you would rather have on hand. Even if you’ve never done asphalt work before, these tools are easy enough for beginners to use.

Preparation

• Shovel or spade to dig and remove loose dirt
• Wheelbarrow to mix and transport gravel
• Crushed stone or gravel to use as a base
• Asphalt patch or cold patch mix for the top layer. See https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061821026210 for more details.
• Tamper or hand compactor to compact the layer
• Safety gloves and eyewear

For a more substantial repair, consider renting a plate compactor from a rental store. This machinery will provide stronger compacting methods than a hand tamper, similar to what contractors use in road work.

Step-by-Step Repair Method

Repairing a sunken edge of driveway takes patience but, if you follow the proper method, it will provide a professional look. Do not rush through the repair process or you will be left with a weak patch that would break down again in a few months. Patience is key.

1. Clear the area – Remove all loose asphalt chunks, dirt, and debris around the sunken edge. This will allow you to work with a clean safe surface.
2. Dig out the weak base – Dig down several inches below the hole using your shovel. This will ultimately ensure that you are removing unstable soil, as opposed to building on top of it.
3. Add gravel base – Fill the hole with crushed stone or gravel, layering and tamping until you have created a firm base. You now have a solid base for your repair to withstand the weight of vehicles.
4. Apply asphalt patch – Spread cold patch asphalt over the gravel evenly, and build it up until it is the same height as the existing driveway. Feather the edges so that it will flow evenly into the existing driveway.
5. Compact the surface – Using a tamper or hand compactor, compact the patch down firmly. The more it is compacted down, the longer the patch will last.
6. Cure the patch – Allow the patch to settle for at least 24–48 hours before parking on it. If weather conditions are cooler, it may take even longer to cure.

This process is much like general techniques used during road construction only on a smaller scale suitable for the home driveway.

Preventing Future Sinking

After you have repaired the sunken edge, you will want to consider ways to avoid it happening again. A few simple habits will help extend the life of your driveway.

• Use proper drainage to drain rainwater away from the driveway.
• Sealcoat the driveway every few years to help prevent water infiltration.
• Try to keep heavy vehicles off the edges since the edges are weaker than the middle.
• Add landscaping borders or edging stones to add strength to the sides.

If you ever need to do major improvements like driveway installation Nashville, it may be beneficial to speak with a contractor who specializes in both asphalt and concrete. They will be able to make sure the base material has been compacted correctly, and also that water runoff won’t weaken the edges in the future.

When to Call a Professional

There are times that a paving contractor is warranted, even if most repairs can be easily accomplished with DIY methods for small issues. If large sections of your driveway edges are sunk, or if you witness deep cracks running into the main surface, the issue may require repairs beyond the DIY standard. A paving contractor who specializes in driveway paving, parking lot striping, and sealcoating typically has specialized equipment to restore the strength of your driveway and prevent damages that will become costly.

If your driveway is older and has multiple weak spots, the best course of action may be to install a new layer of asphalt or even completely resurface. This would be the most efficient and cost-effective approach going forward. The correct compaction of subsoil, drainage, and the use of a fresh layer of asphalt will also give it a longer life.

A sunken driveway edge does not mean it is permanent. If you spend some time to remedy with the correct tools, materials, and effort, you could complete this yourself and extend the life of your driveway while maintaining some curb appeal around your home. Spending the necessary time now to prevent future damage could also take away from future expensive repairs.