First, poor installation is often the culprit behind concrete lifting. Typically, concrete contractors will use a special compound to prepare the base layer of the driveway before pouring concrete. If this compound isn’t applied correctly or if it doesn’t bond properly with the concrete below it, then it can begin to separate over time as the concrete expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture levels. 

The contractor who completed the project did not take the necessary precautions to ensure that the driveway would hold up under changing conditions. They failed to properly compact and grade the subgrade, which caused instability in the foundation and resulted in cracks forming. Furthermore, they skimped on adding reinforcing bars or rebar to the mix, choosing instead to rely solely on extra layers of concrete for support. Finally, poor curing techniques meant that moisture could not adequately penetrate into the concrete to keep it strong and stable over time. As a result of these mistakes, a driveway will lift and crack in multiple places, leaving you with a frustrating repair job on your hands. If we are able to be more diligent when it comes to selecting contractors and ensuring that they follow all best practices in order to prevent such problems down the road, we can avoid these long term issues.

Second, another common reason for concrete lifting is soil settlement. This occurs when water from rain or melting snow builds up around the edges of the concrete, causing uneven pressure that lifts the cement from below. Soil settlement is a natural process that occurs over time. It is caused by the downward movement of subsurface materials, such as sand, silt, and clay. This downward movement can be due to the weight of the materials themselves, or it can be the result of water seeping into the ground and loosenings the soil particles. Either way, soil settlement will eventually cause your concrete driveway to lift. The lifting process is gradual and usually starts at one end of the driveway. As the soil underneath the concrete settles, it causes the concrete to crack and then break off in chunks. While soil settlement is a common problem, there are ways to prevent it from happening. One way is to compact the soil before you pour concrete. This will help to prevent settling and will keep your driveway looking new for longer.

In addition to these factors, inadequate drainage can also result in concrete lifting. Poor drainage means that water does not adequately wash away from the edges of your driveway when it puddles during heavy rainfall or after a snowfall – again resulting in pressure buildup that leads to cracks and chips in your concrete surface. This can cause accumulated water to seep into the concrete. If water is not able to properly drain away from the concrete, then its weight can slowly erode or crack the surface, causing your driveway to lift. Additionally, a lack of proper maintenance and upkeep can also contribute to lifting concrete driveways. For example, a buildup of leaves or other debris on the surface of the driveway can lead to moisture getting trapped underneath, further increasing the risk for lifting. The key to preventing this problem is to ensure that there is adequate drainage in the surrounding area as well as consistently maintaining your driveway by removing any debris from its surface. With these measures in place, you can help prevent your concrete driveway from lifting and ensure that it stays in good condition for many years to come.

Overall, maintaining your concrete driveway is key to avoiding cracking and other damage that could lead to lifting. By taking the necessary precautions and investing time in finding the right contractor, you can help prevent a frustrating repair job and keep your driveway looking its best for many years to come.