Concrete Leveling

Sunken concrete creates dangerous trip hazards and looks terrible. You might notice sections of your driveway, sidewalk, or patio have settled lower than surrounding areas. This happens more often than most homeowners realize, and it is not necessarily a sign of poor original construction. Soil naturally shifts and settles over time, especially here in New England where we deal with freeze-thaw cycles, changing moisture levels, and soil erosion.

Several factors cause concrete to sink. Water washing away soil underneath creates voids that let concrete settle. Poor compaction during initial construction leaves soft spots that compress under the weight of the concrete. Tree roots growing underneath can lift or shift concrete, and when those roots die and decay, the concrete settles into the void. Whatever the cause, you end up with uneven surfaces that pose safety risks and reduce your property value. The good news is that concrete leveling provides a cost-effective solution that works much better than you might expect.

Common Signs You Need Concrete Leveling

• Visible height differences between concrete sections
• Trip hazards where slabs meet at uneven heights
• Water pooling on concrete surfaces after rain
• Gaps between concrete and foundation walls
• Tilted or sloping sections of walkways or patios
• Difficulty opening doors or gates over settled concrete

Many homeowners assume they need to replace sunken concrete, but leveling makes much more sense in most situations. The concrete itself is usually still in good condition. The problem is the soil underneath, not the slab itself. Lifting the existing concrete addresses the actual issue while saving you significant money. You also avoid the hassle and disruption of demolition and replacement.

Consider the practical advantages. Concrete leveling typically takes a few hours rather than several days required for replacement. You can use the surface almost immediately instead of waiting a week or more for new concrete to cure. There is no demolition debris to haul away. Your existing concrete often matches surrounding areas better than new concrete would. The cost savings alone make leveling attractive, but the convenience and speed seal the deal for most property owners.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Leveling works best when the concrete is structurally sound despite being sunken. If your concrete has extensive cracking, significant surface damage, or is crumbling and deteriorating, replacement might be the better choice. Very thin slabs or sections broken into multiple pieces may not lift well. We evaluate your specific situation honestly and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your property and budget. Sometimes we suggest lifting what we can and replacing only the worst sections, which still saves money compared to total replacement.