How To Level A Sinking Asphalt Driveway Apron
The driveway apron is the section directly in front of the garage. It abuts the paving inside the garage, so it's important that the apron is level and even with the interior paving. Over time, the exposed exterior apron may begin to sink. Although this isn't a structural concern, it does create an unwelcome bump at the garage entrance when you drive over it. Water can also accumulate, which can damage the paving. Fortunately, sinking aprons can be repaired.
Preparation Steps
Repair begins with cutting out the sunken strip of the apron right where it meets the interior garage flooring. Your contractor begins by chalking out the section to be removed. Making chalk lines ensures the cut is straight and even, which results in a more attractive repair.
Once marked, a masonry saw is used to cleanly cut out the sunken section. The base material beneath the paving will be inspected to verify that there is no damage that is causing it to sink. If so, then fresh base material may be added and compacted down so that further sinking won't be a problem after the repair is finished.
Sill Joint Replacement
Most driveways have a sill joint between the exterior apron and the garage interior floor. It may be made of wood or a synthetic material. Its purpose is to ensure the garage door fits tightly against the paving so moisture doesn't seep underneath. The sill joint also acts as an expansion joint to prevent thermal pressures from causing the two paving surfaces from cracking.
Usually, the sill joint must be replaced at the same time that the apron is repaired. If the joint is in good condition, your repair contractor may be able to reuse it. Otherwise, a new sill will be cut and fit into place.
Final Repair
Leveling is done with a hot mix asphalt. The hot asphalt will bond with the existing driveway asphalt beyond the apron so that you won't have to worry about cracks or separation in the future. It will be poured in place, compacted down, and then smoothed until it creates a level connection between the rest of the driveway and the garage floor.
It takes a couple of days for the repair to cure enough to be driven upon. If you don't like the look of the new apron against the older driveway asphalt, you can have a sealcoat added after a few months to even out the color and protect the asphalt from weather damage.
Contact a driveway paving contractor if your driveway apron needs to be leveled and repaired.
