This was NOT a planned project, so no matter how much it cost, it wasn't in the budget: OUCH!
Here are photos which show the problem. The old driveway was asphalt. That and the concrete step for the side door were put in when the garage was added; by the prior owner. Apparently, the compacting was not done correctly. (My garage floor has bumps and cracks, as well.)
April 2008: the asphalt went up to the foundation:
We had loads of rain this Spring and through July. Everything settled and shifted. The gap between the driveway and the foundation was 3 inches in some places, and most of that rain went into my cellar.Lived here 7 years, NEVER had rain in the cellar until this happened.
The entry step settled:
Look at the angle of this step
Building code says the step should be 7 inches; it was 13 inches and growing! Not good news for any homeowner -- if someone trips coming out of the house, I am liable. But with my Dad so unsteady this was not an added risk we needed.
Here you can see the "old" line where the step used to be, and where it was up to last week:
You can see some of the sealer I put in, not that it helped any.
The asphalt sank, leaving dips for puddles and in this coming winter, plenty of ice. Plus the lip up into the garage was also getting steep.
Reply With Quote
so they stopped. Put rebar into the foundation so the new one won't move, layered the gravel and then the new concrete.
Oh, and the contractor told us to not use salt products on it in the wintertime to get rid of ice (it is concrete like yours). I am wondering what we will do since my front walk (which was also replaced) is in the shade of the house and the sun can never reach it to melt it. I guess we will just fall a lot this winter! 
at my feet
Originally Posted by pomtzu
Bookmarks