What Am I Supposed to Do If My Concrete Is Uneven and Needs to Be Leveled?

What Am I Supposed to Do If My Concrete Is Uneven and Needs to Be Leveled?

You know, I never really thought much about my concrete until I almost tripped over it. One minute I was walking up my front path, carrying groceries, and the next thing I knew, my toe caught the edge of a slab that had shifted just enough to send me stumbling. That’s when I realized—I needed to do something about this uneven concrete before someone really got hurt.

If you’ve got the same problem, whether it’s your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or even your basement floor, don’t worry. I did some digging (not literally—I’ll leave that to the

professionals!), and I’ve learned a few things about what causes concrete to become uneven and how to fix it. Let me walk you through it.

Why Is My Concrete Uneven?

Concrete doesn’t just shift for no reason. Over time, a few things can cause it to settle, sink, or crack:

  • Soil movement – In Virginia, we get a mix of clay-heavy and sandy soils, and when that soil shifts due to rain, drought, or freezing temperatures, concrete can move right along with
  • Poor installation – Sometimes, if the ground wasn’t prepared properly before the concrete was poured, it doesn’t have a solid base to rest
  • Water damage – Water is If it gets under your concrete, it can erode the soil, leaving gaps that cause the concrete to sink.
  • Tree roots – I love my big old oak tree, but those roots are strong enough to push concrete right Over time, they can cause sections to rise and crack.

What Can I Do to Fix It?

 

Now, here’s the part where you have to make a decision—do you try to fix it yourself, or do you call in the pros? There are a few ways to handle uneven concrete, and each has its pros and cons.

1.   Concrete Grinding

If you just have a small raised edge, sometimes a contractor can grind it down to smooth things out. This works best for minor issues, but if the concrete is really uneven, grinding won’t be enough.

2.   Mudjacking (Slabjacking)

This is a fascinating process—experts drill holes into the concrete and pump in a special mixture (usually a slurry of cement, sand, and water) that lifts the slab back into place. It’s more affordable than replacing the concrete entirely and works well if the ground

underneath has shifted.

3.   Polyurethane Foam Leveling

This is kind of like mudjacking but with modern materials. Instead of a cement slurry, contractors inject a special expanding foam under the concrete, which lifts it back into place. It’s quicker and cleaner than mudjacking, and the foam doesn’t break down as easily. But it can be a bit pricier.

4.   Replacing the Concrete

If your concrete is beyond saving—meaning it’s cracked, crumbling, or sinking beyond repair—you might have to bite the bullet and replace it. This is obviously the most expensive and time-consuming option, but sometimes, it’s the only real solution.

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Can I Do It Myself?

I’ll be honest with you—I thought about trying to fix my concrete myself. I watched a few videos online, looked up some DIY kits, and even asked around at the hardware store. But after really thinking about it, I decided this was one of those jobs best left to professionals.

If it’s a small issue, like a tiny crack or a slight unevenness, you might be able to patch it yourself with a concrete resurfacer. But if you need something lifted or leveled, it’s worth hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, uneven concrete isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a safety hazard. Whether it’s tripping up your guests or making it tough to park in your driveway, it’s something that should be fixed sooner rather than later.

For me, I ended up going with foam leveling, and I couldn’t be happier. The process was quick, my front walkway looks great, and best of all, I don’t have to worry about tripping over that uneven slab anymore. If you’re dealing with the same issue, I’d definitely

recommend calling a contractor and seeing what your best option is.

And hey, if you do decide to tackle it yourself, just be careful—you don’t want to trade uneven concrete for a broken ankle! For more information you can visit site

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