How To Know When Concrete Leveling Is Needed

Experienced Concrete Levelers is a great solution to repair sidewalks and driveways that have settled, or "sunk," into the ground. It is less expensive than replacing the affected slabs and is much quicker to perform. There are three main types of concrete leveling: foam, stone slurry grout, and mudjacking. Learn more about each of these repair methods in our concrete academy, or click the link below to schedule a non-invasive full inspection and estimate with your local A-1 concrete leveling expert.

How to know when concrete leveling is needed

Sometimes a sunken slab is very obvious and can be seen from a distance. However, there are other times when the signs are subtler. A concrete slab that sinks even a quarter inch can cause tripping hazards and create safety risks. Additionally, a raised slab that is no longer flush with neighboring sidewalks or driveways can result in unsightly gaps and damage the appearance of your home.

In general, any slab that has sunken at least a quarter inch or more is a candidate for concrete leveling. The best candidates are strong slabs that have not yet cracked and have minimal rust or spalling. Other signs to watch for include a slab that rocks when driven over or stepped on and hollow sounding when tapped. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to contact a professional concrete leveling specialist as soon as possible.

The two most common concrete leveling methods are mudjacking and PolyLevel. Mudjacking involves drilling holes through the sunken concrete slab so that a mixture of soil and cement can be injected underneath it. It is a quick method of raising a sunken concrete block, but it can be unstable, prone to cracking and requires frequent redoing.

Another common method of concrete leveling is called PolyLevel, which uses a high-density, closed-cell foam that expands as it is injected underneath the slab. This fills voids, stabilizes loose soil and lifts the sunken slab back to its original position. It is also more environmentally friendly than mudjacking and has no petroleum components.

Finally, a third type of repair for sunken concrete is called self-leveling concrete, or micro-screed. These products are composed of Portland cement and other ingredients that allow the material to flow more easily and set up quickly. They can be poured over existing slabs or used as an underlayment for tile or carpet. Moisture levels can be a factor in the effectiveness of self-leveling concrete, so it is important to monitor the area and take steps to reduce moisture if necessary.