…and How Professionals Fix It
Revered for their timeless look, durability, and longevity, brick driveways can increase your overall curb appeal and property value. However, even the best-installed brick driveways can shift over time. From uneven surfaces to spreading joints to sinking sections, this movement can concern Michigan homeowners who may assume the bricks themselves are failing.
The truth is, this shift has got less to do with the brick and more with what’s going on underneath. This is why it’s so important to understand why brick driveways shift year after year so you can make the most informed maintenance decisions possible while avoiding unnecessary full replacements. The key to ensuring minimal shifting going forward is to hire an experienced brick contractor in Michigan who knows how to install the best quality, locally sourced materials.
Why Brick Driveways Shift Over Time
Brick driveways are designed to be flexible pavement systems, which means the bricks sit on layers of compacted base material and not a rigid slab. This flexibility is good because it increases their strength and resilience, but it also keeps them dependent on proper base conditions.
1. Inadequate or settling base material
The most common cause of movement is base failure. That’s because a brick paver driveway needs a compacted gravel base to distribute weight evenly. When this starts to settle, the surface is not far behind.
2. Water infiltration and drainage issues
Without proper drainage design, water can seep between joints and into the base layer, which then:
- Washes out fine base materials
- Softens and weakens support layers
- Creates voids that allow bricks to sink or shift
Freeze-thaw cycles worsen this problem as trapped moisture expands and contracts beneath the surface.
3. Edge restraint failure
Brick driveways need solid edge restraints to prevent the bricks from gradually spreading outward. The added pressure by vehicles can cause gaps and loss of pattern integrity.
4. Natural ground movement
Seasonal expansion, contraction, and settlement can all cause soil to move in subtle ways. In turn, this natural shifting can affect the stability of the base layer. This problem can be compounded if the soil was improperly prepared during installation.
How Metro Detroit Brick Contractors Fix Shifting Driveways
Just because your driveway is shifting doesn’t necessarily mean you need a total replacement. Contractors are often able to restore stability through targeted repair methods that isolate and fix the issue. Professionals can:
- Lift and reset affected areas: This involves removing the affected bricks in the unstable section so they can access the base layer underneath to correct the problem.
- Rebuild and compact the base: Whenthe base has settled or washed out, masons can rebuild it using properly-graded aggregate material to restore strength and stability.
- Re-level the bedding layer: Your contractor can add a thin layer of sand to ensure a uniform surface, proper alignment and load distribution.
- Reset bricks and restore pattern integrity: The original bricks are then carefully reinstalled in their correct pattern, with tight joint spacing and proper alignment.
- Re-sand joints and re-establish edge restraint: They will then sweeppolymeric or joint sand into the joints to lock the system together and prevent future movement. They may also fix or replace damaged edge restraints to secure the perimeter.
Preventing Future Movement
Some amount of settling is perfectly normal over time. With proper maintenance and timely repairs, you can keep your brick driveway looking and performing well for decades. Preventive measures include:
- Proper base preparation and compaction during installation
- Effective drainage design to move water away from the driveway
- Routine joint sand replenishment
- Regular inspections for early signs of movement
Brick driveways shift over time because the system beneath it is constantly interacting with soil, water, and load pressure. It rarely has anything to do with the bricks themselves. The key is to hire a professional who focuses on restoring the foundation and not just the surface.
Contact Mortar City Masonry
Is your brick driveway showing signs of shifting or uneven settling? Schedule a professional evaluation when you contact us at (586) 533-1305. We can let you know whether a localized repair or full base correction is the right solution for you.
