The average driveway has a long lifespan, usually between 25-50 years if it’s been installed and maintained correctly. However, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Sunken driveways are a common issue among homeowners these days. If you’re faced with one yourself and aren’t sure what the problem is, we’ve rounded up the top three causes.

You don’t have the right foundation.
To avoid unwanted sinking, you need a solid foundation for your driveway just like you need for your house. The industry standard is a good two inches of stone and it needs to be properly compacted to avoid erosion.

There’s a water leak.
A pipe that has burst without your knowledge can create a sinkhole underneath your driveway as the water buildup erodes the soil. Water is a homeowner’s worst nightmare for good reason. Having to dig up your drive to fix a leak is both timely and expensive!

You let a crack go unnoticed.
While a little crack in a concrete driveway may not seem like a big deal, it can quickly become one. Water, dirt and other debris can get into the opening and expand, turning one small issue into a much larger one and ultimately leading to damage, sunken driveways and expensive repairs.

There are environmental factors at play.
Sometimes the cause of sunken driveways is completely out of your (or your contractor’s) control. You may live in an area where the soil is very easily compacted, causing your drive to sink faster, or you may be near a sinkhole.

Once you know what the root of the problem, it’s time to fix it. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies that specialize in both asphalt driveway repair and concrete repairs. They offer customized solutions to your pavement woes so that you can prevent further damage and possible safety hazards.

The cost and time to complete the repair varies based on the severity of the damage but can be upwards of $1000. While it is possible to do it yourself, you run the risk of making the problem even worse than it was to begin with. Call a professional who deals with sunken driveways regularly and can get your drive up to par properly and efficiently!