We all know that winter can be a wonderland of snow and ice, but it can also bring some headaches, especially when it comes to keeping our driveways clear. Snowplows are essential for maintaining safe roads, but they can cause unintended damage to your uneven driveway apron, those slabs connecting the driveway to the street. In this article, we'll discuss why uneven driveway apron slabs are susceptible to damage from snowplows and explore two effective solutions: polyurethane slab jacking and concrete grinding.
The Problem: Unlevel Driveway Apron Slabs
A driveway apron is the sloping section of concrete that connects your driveway to the street. It plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe transitions for your vehicle. Unfortunately, unlevel driveway apron slabs can become a real problem when the snowplow comes to town.
Snowplows are designed to clear snow and ice from roads efficiently. They use a blade or a scoop to push snow to the side, creating a clear path. However, when they encounter unlevel driveway apron slabs, the plow blade can catch on raised edges or uneven surfaces, causing damage in the process. These damages may include cracks, chipping, or even dislodging parts of the apron, making it unsafe for your vehicle to drive over.
First Solution: Polyurethane Slab Jacking
When your driveway apron has settled, polyurethane slab jacking is a process that can help lift and level your driveway apron and prevent damage from snowplows. It's a cost-effective and long-lasting solution that doesn't require tearing out and replacing your existing concrete.
Here's how it works:
- Drilling Holes: Small holes are drilled into the uneven concrete slab.
- Injection: A special polyurethane foam is injected into the holes.
- Expansion and Leveling: The foam expands, lifting and leveling the concrete slab.
- Sealing and Cleanup: Once the slab is level, the holes are sealed, and the area is cleaned up.
Polyurethane slab jacking provides a quick and efficient solution, and it can often be done in a single day, minimizing inconvenience. The foam used in this process is lightweight but incredibly strong, ensuring a stable and level surface.
The Solution: Concrete Grinding
Another way to level your driveway apron is through concrete grinding. This process involves using special equipment to grind down the high spots on the concrete surface, making it more even.
Here's how it works:
- Inspection: A professional assesses the uneven surface to identify high spots and areas that need grinding.
- Grinding: Special grinding machines are used to smooth out the concrete surface.
- Finishing: After grinding, the surface is polished to create a smooth and attractive finish.
Concrete grinding is a great option when the unevenness in your driveway apron is relatively minor. It's a quick solution that not only levels the surface but also enhances its appearance.
Conclusion
A level driveway apron is essential for safe and efficient snow removal, especially when it comes to snow plows. Unlevel slabs can lead to damage, but solutions like polyurethane slab jacking and concrete grinding can help prevent these problems. These methods are cost-effective, efficient, and can extend the life of your driveway apron. So, when winter comes knocking, you can rest easy, knowing your driveway is ready to face the snow plows head-on.
Check out our article discussing further about Polyurethane Slab Jacking vs Concrete Grinding for fixing uneven Driveway Aprons