Restoring Safety and Stability to a San Jose Driveway

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

The Problem
A homeowner in San Jose, CA, began exoeriencing cracks and areas of sinking in their driveway. These issues not only detracted from the aesthetic appeal of their home but also posed a significant trip hazard. Over time, the problem seemed to worsen, increasing the homeowner’s concerns about safety and the potential for further damage. Seeking a solution, they contacted Foundation Repair of CA for a professional assessment and repair.

Inspection and Assessment
Foundation Repair of CA provided a free and thorough inspection of the driveway. The inspection team identified the root cause of the issues as soil settlement beneath the driveway slabs, leading to uneven surfaces and cracking. After evaluating the extent of the damage, they presented a comprehensive repair plan tailored to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the homeowner.

Solution

The Solution
To restore the driveway and prevent further damage, Foundation Repair of CA implemented a multi-faceted solution involving the following steps:

PolyLevel (Foam Injection):

Scope of Work: The team drilled small port holes in a grid pattern across the affected concrete slabs. Through these ports, they injected PolyLevel, a high-density polyurethane foam. This foam expanded beneath the concrete, filling voids and lifting the slabs back to their original level. Once the process was complete, the port holes were sealed for a smooth finish.

NexusPro (Joint Sealant):

Scope of Work: Joints between the concrete slabs were cleaned and prepared. A backer rod was inserted into the joint gap where applicable, followed by the application of NexusPro, a silicone-based joint sealant. The sealant was smoothed and finished with sand to ensure durability and an improved appearance.
Additional Notes: While NexusPro provides excellent joint sealing, it does not match the aggregate finish of existing concrete, which was communicated to the homeowner.

R&R Patch Areas:

Scope of Work: Two small 1’x1’ sections of damaged concrete were removed and replaced to ensure a seamless and safe surface.

NexusPro (Crack Repair):

Scope of Work: Cracks in the driveway were repaired using NexusPro Crack Repair sealant. The process involved grinding out and cleaning the cracks, injecting the sealant, and smoothing it for a clean finish. Sand was applied to blend the repair as much as possible.
Additional Notes: As with the joint sealant, the crack repair would not replicate the existing concrete’s aggregate finish.

The Results
The PolyLevel injection successfully lifted and stabilized the sunken driveway slabs, eliminating the trip hazards and restoring the driveway’s functionality. The NexusPro joint sealant and crack repair ensured that the driveway was protected from water infiltration, which could have caused further settlement or erosion. The two replaced sections of concrete completed the restoration, leaving the homeowner with a safe, level, and visually improved driveway.

Conclusion
Foundation Repair of CA provided a durable and cost-effective solution to address the homeowner’s driveway issues. By combining advanced technology like PolyLevel and premium products like NexusPro, the team was able to restore the driveway’s safety and stability while giving the homeowner peace of mind. This project highlights Foundation Repair of CA’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions for homeowners facing foundation and concrete challenges.