What to Do When Your Drive Starts to Sink

A sinking driveway is more than just an eyesore—it can be a sign of underlying issues that, if left untreated, may lead to further damage and costly repairs. Homeowners in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire often notice dips or uneven patches forming on their driveway over time. At Earls Barton Driveways & Patios, we understand the frustration this causes, and we’re here to explain what it means, why it happens, and what you can do about it.

What Causes a Driveway to Sink?

There are several common reasons a driveway might begin to sink:

1. Poor Ground Preparation

The most common cause is inadequate groundwork during the original installation. If the soil wasn’t properly compacted or the sub-base was too thin, the surface may shift or settle over time.

2. Drainage Issues

Water washing underneath the driveway—either from rain, blocked drains, or a leaking pipe—can erode the soil and create voids. Over time, this causes sections of the driveway to sink or collapse.

3. Heavy Loads

Driveways not designed for regular heavy vehicle use can deform or sink under excessive pressure. This is particularly true with older or worn block paving, tarmac, or resin-bound surfaces.

4. Soil Movement

Natural changes in soil conditions, particularly clay soil, can cause movement beneath the surface due to drying, swelling, or freezing. This uneven ground movement puts stress on the driveway above.

Signs That Your Driveway Is Sinking

Look out for the following warning signs:

• Visible dips or depressions in the surface
  
• Pooled water or poor surface drainage after rain
  
• Cracking, loose pavers, or crumbling edges
  
• Doors or gates adjacent to the driveway sticking due to level changes
  

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the problem gets worse.

What You Should Do

1. Avoid DIY Quick Fixes

While it might be tempting to patch a sunken area with extra gravel or temporary filler, this only masks the problem. The underlying issue—be it poor drainage or sub-base failure—will continue to worsen if not addressed professionally.

2. Arrange a Site Assessment

The first step is to have a professional inspection. At Earls Barton Driveways & Patios, we conduct thorough site assessments to identify the root cause of the sinking and evaluate the extent of the damage.

3. Repair or Rebuild?

Depending on the severity, you may need one of the following:

• Lift and Relay: For block paving or slabs, we can carefully lift the affected area, repair the sub-base, and reinstall the surface.
  
• Sub-base Reconstruction: In cases where poor installation is to blame, we may recommend removing and replacing the entire base before relaying the surface.
  
• Drainage Correction: If water is the issue, drainage improvements may be necessary, such as installing soakaways or channel drains.
  
• Full Replacement: If the damage is extensive or the driveway is nearing the end of its lifespan, a complete rebuild with improved materials and base preparation may be the best solution.
  

Preventing Future Sinking

To prevent your driveway from sinking again in the future, ensure:

• Proper drainage is in place to divert water away from the sub-base
  
• A high-quality, well-compacted sub-base is installed
  
• Only appropriate surface materials are used for the expected load
  
• Routine maintenance is carried out, including clearing debris and checking for early signs of wear
  

We always use best practices and durable materials to ensure our installations withstand the test of time—even under heavy use.

Conclusion

A sinking driveway can quickly go from a minor inconvenience to a serious problem if ignored. Whether it’s caused by ground movement, water infiltration, or poor installation, the key to resolving it is identifying the cause and taking the right corrective action.

If you’ve spotted sinking areas on your driveway, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Contact Earls Barton Driveways & Patios today. We offer professional assessments and reliable repair solutions to homeowners throughout Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, ensuring your driveway remains safe, level, and built to last.

Call us on: 01604 279 793
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