Concrete Leveling

Why Concrete Settles and Sinks

When concrete slabs sink or become uneven, it creates trip hazards, drainage problems, and an unsightly appearance. This settling happens because the soil underneath the concrete shifts or compacts over time. Heavy rain, poor drainage, tree roots, or inadequate base preparation can all cause the ground to move, leaving your concrete surfaces unlevel.

Sunken concrete is more than just an eyesore. It creates safety issues where people can trip and fall. Water pools in low spots, leading to ice buildup in winter. If left unaddressed, the problem usually gets worse as more soil washes away from under the slab. Holyoke Concrete offers professional concrete leveling services that fix the problem without the expense and hassle of complete replacement.

Concrete leveling costs a fraction of what you would pay to tear out and replace the slab. The work is completed in hours, not days, and you can use the surface almost immediately. For many situations, leveling is the smart, cost-effective solution.

How Concrete Leveling Works

We use proven methods to lift sunken concrete back to its original height. Here is what the process involves.

Assessment and Preparation

We start by evaluating the concrete to determine how much it has sunk and why. Understanding the cause helps us prevent future settling. We measure the elevation difference and check the condition of the slab. If the concrete is cracked or damaged beyond leveling, we will recommend other solutions. But if the slab is structurally sound, leveling is usually the best option.

Drilling Access Holes

Small holes are drilled through the concrete at strategic locations. These holes allow us to inject material underneath the slab. The holes are typically about the size of a penny and are placed where they will not be noticeable after the repair.

Injecting Leveling Material

We pump a specialized material under the slab. As the material fills voids and expands, it lifts the concrete. The process is controlled and precise. We monitor the slab as it rises to ensure we achieve the correct height and do not over-lift. The material hardens quickly to provide permanent support.

This technique works for driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and other concrete surfaces. The same principles that cause settling in one area can affect multiple surfaces on your property.

Benefits of Concrete Leveling

Leveling sunken concrete offers several advantages over replacement. Here is why many property owners choose this option.

• Cost Savings: Leveling costs 50 to 70 percent less than replacing the concrete. You avoid the expense of demolition, disposal, and new concrete installation.
• Quick Completion: Most leveling projects take just a few hours. You can walk on the surface immediately and drive on it within 24 hours. Compare this to days or weeks for replacement.
• Less Disruption: No jackhammers, no heavy equipment tearing up your yard, and no need to dispose of tons of broken concrete. Leveling is clean and minimally invasive.
• Environmentally Friendly: By reusing the existing concrete, you reduce waste and avoid the environmental impact of producing new concrete.
• Long-Lasting Results: When done properly, leveling provides a permanent solution. The material injected underneath hardens into a stable base that will not wash away or compress like the original soil. Similar durability is expected from well-built concrete patios with proper base preparation.

Leveling makes sense when your concrete is in good shape but has simply sunk due to soil issues. We will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach.

Concrete Leveling Questions