Driveway Project: DONE!

[Freedom]

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.

[Freedom]

Garage entry






So started talking with contractors. Seems that due to the economy, the difference in price of asphalt = $6 per ton and concrete = $7 per ton worked in my favor, so I had it all removed and concrete put in.

They had to jack hammer out the step. It was over 8 inches deep so they stopped. Put rebar into the foundation so the new one won't move, layered the gravel and then the new concrete.

They poured this morning, so we can't walk on it until Friday, can drive on it about Sunday. Looks good!


Now it all slopes AWAY from the house, so water run off won't head to my cellar.




Part of the front walkway -- one "block" also got replaced (wasn't in the plan, but came out with the old driveway)


Down at the street edge, we all have curb stone sunk in. That would have given me 2 seams, so they removed the top of that as well. There will be only one seam. They made the outline look like the curb.


There is a concrete slab step out the back door of the garage, which I didn't photo. Also got replaced.
Now just a matter of keeping it clear until it cures. Whew!

[Freckles]

You don't want any doggie foot prints?

[Pam]

It looks beautiful Sandie! We just replaced ours in May and what a difference! We were told to wait one week before driving on it but could walk on it the next day. I like the idea of a doggie footprint somewhere! 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!

[Freedom]

LOL, nope, no doggie or kittie pawprints. I DID have them put in the year 2009, in a nonconspicuous place.

[Cataholic]

All I could focus on was your cute doggies! Sorry!!

[Karen]

Pam, instead of salt you can use the Ice Melt stuff - it is concrete-safe, paw-safe and works great!

[cassiesmom]

Wow, I realized just how big a problem it was looking at the "after" photos. You got the work done while the weather is still good, too I like your flag and I like the fluffy-fluffs in the first photo I'm glad you got the step height corrected and that the driveway now slopes away from your house. (Water in basement: bad; trip-n-falls: bad!)