Why Is My Asphalt Driveway Sinking?

An asphalt driveway is a practical addition to your property that can improve accessibility and curb appeal. But what happens if your asphalt paving begins to sink? It’s a sight that no property owner wants to see, but it’s more common than most think. In this blog, we’ll explore some common reasons for this driveway paving issue.

Can Poor Asphalt Driveway Construction Cause Sinking?

Unfortunately, improper construction is one of the most common causes of driveway sinking, also known as subsidence. Less-experienced contractors performing Austin asphalt paving may cut corners or forget to take all precautions to ensure long-lasting final results. There are two major mistakes contractors can make. 

The first is not properly preparing the base foundation. Skilled paving companies will go the extra mile, performing soil tests before amending and compacting the material to achieve proper load-bearing capacity. Then, they may add another layer of aggregate before adding asphalt for strength.

The soil can compact and sink without proper base preparations, weakening the pavement above until it sinks.

Another major mistake is not removing vegetation. Less-experienced paving companies may even make the grave mistake of burying trees or vegetation in the soil after excavation. Any dead or living vegetation will eventually decompose. When that happens in the soil beneath Austin asphalt paving, the soil settles and causes sinking.

How Can Busted Utility Lines Damage Residential Paving?

Underground utilities can cause major problems for Austin driveway paving. It’s common for main water lines and sewage lines to run beneath residential paving or nearby along an easement. When those lines leak, they allow water to seep into the surrounding soil. You may not even realize there’s a problem. However, subterranean soil erosion can occur, forcing the soil to settle and your Austin driveway paving to sink.

Will Improper Drainage Lead to Asphalt Driveway Sinking?

Poor drainage can also wreak havoc on your Austin residential paving. While paving companies should grade your driveway to ensure water flows off efficiently, other water sources may cause problems. For example, you may have downspouts that direct water to the soil around your residential paving. Even worse, clogged storm drains and improper drainage between properties in your neighborhood could cause water to rush around your driveway.

The soil beneath your driveway can become overly saturated, eroding until the pavement sinks.

Can Driveway Paving Sinking Be a Byproduct of Untimely Damage Repair?

Be honest: Have you always prioritized Austin residential paving repair? Damage can occur at any time when you least expect it. While investing in timely repair service is important, that doesn’t always happen. The problem with allowing wide cracks, potholes and other issues to sit unaddressed is that they invite water to penetrate your driveway’s deeper foundation layers. Even small cracks are a problem. They can worsen over time, allowing even more water to erode your pavement’s base.

The effects of erosion are serious. Austin residential paving can begin to sink before experiencing dangerous structural integrity issues.

If your Austin driveway paving is starting to suffer from subsidence, call A-Town Paving as soon as possible. We’re experts in all things asphalt paving, and we apply our decades of experience to develop solutions to problems like this. Our team is ready to meet your needs, no matter how complex they might seem. We’re here for you and ready to show you why we’re the best. A-Town Paving is available for new paving, driveway paving, repairs, sealcoating, resurfacing, pavement markings, parking lot striping, maintenance and so much more.

Contact the A-Town Paving team today to learn more about what we can do for you and receive a free project quote. Submit your information via our online contact form, email atownpavingtx@gmail.com or call A-Town Paving at (512)998-0668 today!