Can Uneven Concrete Slabs be Releveled?

It is common for both residential and commercial properties to have uneven concrete slabs,  leading to undesirable appearances and structural issues. Over time, uneven settlement in concrete can happen due to tree roots, shifting of soil, and poor drainage. If you find that your concrete is not level anymore, you might be wondering if these slabs can be releveled? The answer is yes: uneven concrete slabs can be fixed, and there are a number of ways to do it. 

Here we will talk about the different ways to level concrete and why fixing this problem is important for both safety and appearance. If your driveway is sinking, your basement floor is sagging, or your sidewalk is not even, this guide will help you figure out how to fix your concrete slabs so you can make an informed choice.

 

Methods for Releveling Uneven Concrete Slabs

Several effective methods can be used to level the concrete surfaces. It depends on the intensity and the cause of the damage. Let's look more closely at some of the most common ways that are used to relevel the concrete.

 

Concrete Slab Lifting (Mudjacking)

Mudjacking, also called slabjacking, is one of the most common ways to level out the slabs again. Injecting a "mud"-like mixture of water, cement, and other materials under the sinking slab to lift it back into place is part of this method. The injected material fills in the gaps under the slab, which makes the soil more stable and raises the concrete. 

It is an effective method to fix slabs that have sunk or settled unevenly, especially in places where the soil below the concrete has compacted or moved. It is usually less costly than replacing the whole slab, and it only requires drilling a few small holes in the concrete. But it might not be the best solution for bigger cracks or serious damage, and the results might not last if the underlying soil problems are not fixed.

 

Polyurethane Foam Injection (Polyjacking)

Polyjacking, which is another name for polyurethane foam injection, is a new and becoming more popular way to level concrete slabs. In polyjacking, a lightweight and expanding polyurethane foam is injected into the ground under the slab instead of a mud mixture. The concrete slab is raised to its original level as the foam spreads and becomes harder.

Foam can be deployed through tiny holes, sometimes as small as a coin. This makes it less harmful than mudjacking. The foam also hardens quickly and can be a better long-term option, especially when there are problems with soil erosion or water. Also, the slab does not have to be moved as much with polyjacking as it does with mudjacking, which makes it perfect for leveling out a surface that is a little uneven.

 

Concrete Resurfacing

If the unevenness in your concrete is just for aesthetics or if the surface is cracked, you might want to think about resurfacing it. To do this, a fresh layer of concrete is put on top of the old slab. This is usually called a resurfacer or overlay. By filling in cracks, holes, and other flaws, resurfacing materials can make a surface that is smooth and even. 

It is best to use this method on concrete that is not deeply sunk but looks uneven from normal use. It is also possible to protect the surface from further damage by covering it with concrete. But resurfacing does not fix problems with the soil below and is not a way to fix slabs that have settled a lot. It is more of an aesthetic repair for small flaws and damage.

 

Relevel the uneven Surface by Grinding

Depending on the severity of the damage, grind down uneven concrete until it is aligned with the slabs next to it. It is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to get rid of trip hazards. If you intend to replace your concrete in the near future and do not want to spend on the long-term repairs, grinding can be an affordable interim solution to grasp you over.

Grinding down concrete is faster and cheaper, but it can be risky in the long run. For instance, shaving down the concrete can cause the surface to blot and fade, resulting in an unattractive appearance. It also exposes the pores to more damage by making the structure of the slab weaker and more fragile.

 

Self-Leveling Concrete 

Polymer-modified cement forms the basis of self-leveling concrete. It dries quickly, requires less water, and works on concrete, plywood, and tiles, so it is relatively easy and simple to use. It is an ideal method to repair indoor concrete surfaces without damaging the structure, resulting in a flat and smooth finish. 

Though self-leveling concrete is more costly than regular concrete, most homeowners only use it to repair minor damages or DIY concrete projects. 

It is not recommended to use to fix outdoor concrete slabs that are sinking or settling. The compound can break over time if it is applied too thickly, which is generally needed to lift the sinking slab. 

When used on the exterior concrete, the shifting of existing concrete due to the freeze-thaw cycle can make the compound fall apart and crack from the top.

   

Uneven Concrete Slabs Replacement

Concrete leveling deals with the existing concrete, while replacement takes out the old concrete to pour a new base or slab. Replacement is more expensive, but it is the best option if the old concrete is broken into multiple portions and needs to be fixed immediately or has some kind of structural damage.

Replacing these unsafe and damaged slabs can offer you an opportunity to maintain and protect them effectively from the very beginning, while reducing the trip hazards associated with the uneven slabs. 

Getting help from an expert concrete contractor makes the replacement process easy and efficient. To fix the uneven slabs, they will have to take out the sunken concrete and maybe  some slabs next to it, drag it away, and then build a new slab that is parallel with the old one. 

 

Why Releveling Concrete Slabs is Important?

Uneven concrete slabs need to be fixed for more than just aesthetic purposes. Here are the main reasons why releveling uneven concrete is important. 

Safety is one of the main reasons to level concrete floors again. Uneven concrete can make it easy to trip, which is especially dangerous in high-traffic places like garage floors, sidewalks, and driveways. If you do not fix uneven concrete in commercial properties, you could be held responsible for damages. Raised or uneven surfaces are not only dangerous for people walking on them, but they can also damage the vehicles if they are not addressed properly.

If you do not fix the problem at its root, the unevenness in your concrete slab may get worse over time. Infiltration of water, shifting of the soil, and more settling can make the slab even weaker, causing more cracks, sagging, and in the worst cases, total collapse. If you level the concrete early on, you can avoid these long-term problems and avoid having to pay for more expensive repairs later on.

Along with the functional benefits of leveling concrete, fixing uneven slabs can also enhance  the aesthetics of your home. A smooth and even surface can make your home look better from the street and potentially raise its value and demand in the market. Leveling your concrete is a beneficial idea whether you are trying to sell your home or just want to make your outdoor areas look better.  

 

Conclusion  

Uneven concrete slabs may seem undesirable and have a bad effect on the curb appeal, but the positive aspect is that they can be fixed by following the right methods. Releveling slabs can make them safer and look better, whether using mudjacking, polyjacking, concrete leveling, or replacement. 

Our team at Sidewalk Violation NY specializes in releveling uneven concrete slabs with precision and expertise. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us provide the perfect solution for your sidewalk repair needs. Addressing the issue promptly can prevent further damage, increase your property’s value, and ensure a safer, more attractive area for years to come.