If you’re dealing with a sinking driveway in Burlington, WI, especially at the apron where the driveway meets the garage or the street, you’re not alone. Homeowners throughout the area have been noticing their slabs sinking, cracking, or forming hazardous gaps. This issue is more common than you might think, and it’s not just a cosmetic problem—it can lead to serious structural damage if left unaddressed. Understanding the reasons why driveways sink and knowing what to do about it can help you save money and protect your property. That’s where professional solutions from companies like Armored Asphalt come into play.

Defining the Driveway Apron

The driveway apron is the section of pavement that connects your driveway to the street or to your garage foundation. It serves a structural purpose by offering a smooth and stable transition between these surfaces. Because of its location, the apron endures a great deal of weight, stress, and environmental wear and tear.

Why This Area Sinks More Frequently

The driveway apron is more prone to sinking than other sections due to several reasons:

– Erosion or settlement of the base material

– Heavy vehicle load stress

– Water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles

– Poor initial construction or inadequate compaction

– Downspouts discharging water near the apron

Over time, these factors lead to movement in the ground beneath your driveway. As a result, the surface drops, cracks, or creates a noticeable gap between garage floor and pavement, leading many to look up solutions for “driveway sinking Burlington WI.”

Freeze-Thaw Damage

Burlington’s climate features cold winters with plenty of snow and ice, which significantly contributes to driveway damage. Water seeps into small cracks or the soil under the driveway, freezes, and then expands. This causes the material to heave or shift, which over time, leads to uneven surfaces and sunken aprons.

Seasonal Settlement

During warmer months, the ground may dry out and shrink, especially if there’s a lot of clay in the soil. When winter returns, new snow and rain can change the ground conditions again, accelerating settlement problems. This recurring cycle often leads to visible damage, pushing more Burlington homeowners to seek help from trusted contractors like Armored Asphalt.

Not all driveway issues are immediately visible, but here are some key signs to watch for that may indicate you have a sinking apron:

– A noticeable dip where the driveway meets the garage or street

– Cracks forming around the sunken area

– Water pooling on or near the apron

– A bump or “lip” when pulling into the driveway

– Gaps forming between the driveway and connected surface

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more costly the repair can become. Companies like Armored Asphalt offer timely professional evaluations to assess and address the problem effectively.

Soil Composition and Drainage

The type of soil in Burlington and surrounding southeastern Wisconsin communities often includes combinations of clay and silt. These materials tend to absorb water and expand, only to contract when dry. Without proper drainage, this leads to instability under paved surfaces.

New Home Construction Issues

Many newer homes in Burlington experience sinking driveways not long after construction. That’s because construction crews often backfill around the foundation with loose soil, which settles over time. If the driveway is poured right after that backfilling, it’s sitting on unstable ground that will eventually sink. Armored Asphalt regularly handles cases where driveways installed on poorly compacted soil have failed within a few years.

Proper Installation from the Start

The best way to prevent your driveway from sinking is to have it installed correctly from the beginning. That includes:

– Excavating to the correct depth

– Installing a stable, compacted stone base

– Adding proper drainage systems

– Using high-quality asphalt and experienced paving crews

Armored Asphalt, based out of nearby Kenosha, WI, follows best practices for pavement installation throughout Burlington and other communities to ensure long-term integrity of driveways and parking lots.

Routine Maintenance Is Critical

Even the best-built driveways can develop issues without regular maintenance. Here’s how to extend the life of your apron and reduce the risk of sinking:

– Fill cracks each fall before winter sets in

– Apply professional sealcoating every 2-3 years

– Ensure nearby downspouts and drainage systems direct water away from the apron

– Replace any worn patchwork before it develops into deeper depressions

Armored Asphalt offers premium crack filling using rubberized materials and a two-coat sealcoating system designed to withstand Wisconsin’s harsh seasons. Their services help prevent water from getting into tiny cracks or joints at the apron area, reducing movement under the surface.

Inspection and Diagnosis

Before jumping into repairs, it’s important to fully inspect the affected area. Reputable companies like Armored Asphalt will evaluate the site, checking for signs of erosion, faulty materials, or structural failure. They also determine how deep the problem goes and what type of repair will give you the best result.

Repair Options

Depending on the severity of the sinking, homeowners have a few different repair solutions for a sunken apron area:

– Crack Filling: For minimal sinking with small surface cracks

– Patch Repairs: Involve cutting out and replacing the damaged section

– Mudjacking/Slabjacking: Lifting the sunken slab using injected slurry material

– Full Apron Replacement: Recommended when the sub-base has failed entirely

Armored Asphalt is highly experienced in patching potholes and repairing sunken areas with durable hot mix asphalt. Their technicians can address sections as large as 10” x 20” and ensure proper compaction so the problem doesn’t reappear.

When to Consider Full Replacement

In some situations, simple patching isn’t enough. If the base has eroded or there’s extensive cracking throughout the apron, a full replacement may be necessary. Replacing the apron gives you a long-term fix, especially if drainage also needs attention. Armored Asphalt provides full paving services and can help Burlington homeowners get to the root of the problem—not just cover it up temporarily.

Local Knowledge and Reliable Service

With headquarters in Kenosha, Armored Asphalt understands the unique challenges facing driveways in southeastern Wisconsin. Their experienced crews are familiar with the freeze-thaw cycles, local soil conditions, and drainage issues specific to Burlington and neighboring areas. From new paving to patching, sealcoating, and striping, they offer comprehensive asphalt services designed to last.

A Reputation You Can Count On

Armored Asphalt is known for customer-focused service, detailed workmanship, and high-quality materials. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property, they’re committed to keeping your pavement in top condition year-round. Plus, their services extend beyond the warm season—during winter, they even offer snow plowing services in Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie to ensure driveways and parking lots stay safe and accessible.

Serving Residential and Commercial Clients

Armored Asphalt doesn’t just work with individual homeowners. Their team also handles larger projects for commercial clients and property managers, creating safe and long-lasting pavement for parking lots, walkways, and private roads. Burlington businesses facing sinking aprons in their customer lots rely on Armored Asphalt’s fast response times and dependable service.

Commitment to Quality

Each project handled by Armored Asphalt includes detailed assessments and careful planning to ensure repairs are done right the first time. They aim for long-term results and never cut corners during preparation or installation. Their commitment to using top-quality materials and modern techniques is part of what sets them apart in the Burlington market.

If you’re searching for solutions to “driveway sinking Burlington WI,” take action before the next seasonal change makes the problem worse. A minor dip in the apron can quickly grow into a costly foundation issue or lead to trip-and-fall accidents at your property. Armored Asphalt has both the tools and expertise to help you restore your driveway the right way from the start. Their team will evaluate your situation honestly and recommend the most effective solution for your specific problem.

Ready to fix your sinking driveway in Burlington? Contact Armored Asphalt today for a free estimate and expert advice. They serve Burlington and a wide range of communities across southeastern Wisconsin and northeast Illinois.

Phone: (262) 515-4150

Email: armoredsealcoating@gmail.com

When it comes to quality asphalt repair and maintenance, trust the local professionals at Armored Asphalt to keep your surfaces smooth, safe, and strong year after year. Their services are backed by experience, local insight, and a passion for excellence in every job.