How to Level a Concrete Driveway: 4 Methods
How often do you use the driveway? If you own a home, the answer is likely every day.
Driveways play an important role in our daily routines, and when a driveway sinks or becomes uneven, it throws everything off. Even worse, it could lead to injury.
The best way to keep your driveway protected is with driveway leveling. There are four main methods used for leveling, and we’ll explore the pros and cons of each on this page.
Top 4 Ways to Level a Driveway
There’s a reason concrete is used as the main building material for many driveways—it’s incredibly strong. However, its strength doesn’t make it invincible.
Concrete rests on top of soil and it depends on the soil for support. After rain or snow, soil can become displaced, and it has a direct effect on concrete driveways.
Generally, soil movement like this causes concrete to sink and crack. Repairing and preventing this issue depends on concrete leveling. Here are the four most common methods to consider:
1. Mudjacking
What It Is
Also known as slabjacking . Slurry (material mixed with cement, water, soil, and sand) is pumped underneath sunken concrete to raise it back to level.
Pros
- Fills up gaps and forms a sturdy base for concrete
Cons
- Requires large holes
- Does not fully fill voids
- Difficult to control material flow
- Lengthy cure time
- Cannot use concrete for several days
- Added weight on top of soil
- Temporary solution
2.Polyurethane Foam Injection
What It Is
Also known as polyjacking/poly lifting or PolyRenewal™ (our method). Polyurethane foam material is injected under the concrete, expands, and lifts the slab.
Pros
- Lightweight foam
- Smaller drill holes
- Fills voids completely
- Quick curing (within 30 minutes)
- Environmentally friendly
- Smooth finish
- Lasting results
Cons
- Slabs may not be 100% level
- Visible cracks may remain
- Variable soil conditions can impact its stability
3.Replacement
What It Is
Removing old slabs and repouring cement. May be necessary with severely damaged, crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining concrete
Pros
- Brand new concrete slabs
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Requires heavy equipment and excavation
- Extended downtime (long cure time and inability to use driveway)
- Heavy cement on top of unstable soil
- Future soil and slab settlement likely
- Expensive (sometimes costing $5,000 or more)
4.Asphalt Overlay
What It Is
For minor sinking and cracks. An epoxy and sand slurry used to fill voids and level the surface on top.
Pros
- Relatively cheap
- Less disruptive method
- Can be used to fill potholes
- Smooth, consistent finish
Cons
- Added weight to soil
- Worsens underlying issues
- Not suitable for severely damaged slabs
- Concrete’s expansion joints can cause shifting asphalt over time, leading to cracks and bumps
Can I Fix My Sunken Driveway Myself?
Driveway leveling should only be handled by professionals. Attempting to repair concrete with DIY methods has a high chance of making things worse.
Without the proper tools or training, you also run the risk of injuring yourself. Leave the “heavy lifting” to the pros. Contact a local concrete expert, like Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, to handle concrete lifting for you.
3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening
While some driveway cracks and unevenness are common, there are a few ways you can prevent them from getting worse and better protect your concrete:
- Better Weight Distribution: Avoid heavy loads on the driveway—such as vehicles continuously parked in the same spot—that could cause cracking.
- Install Proper Drainage: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and surrounding landscaping drain water away from your driveway.
- Perform a Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the driveway for small cracks or signs of movement. Address these issues promptly with the help of local concrete experts to prevent significant problems.
Contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling
No home is complete without a safe driveway. You have plenty of options when it comes to repairing a concrete driveway, and Foundation Repair of Western Colorado is committed to helping you in the process.
Since 2005, we’ve been helping homeowners in Colorado repair and protect concrete structures on their property. With our industry leading concrete leveling techniques, we can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and get back to using your driveway the way it was meant to be!
FAQs
Driveways can become uneven or sink due to several factors, including soil erosion, poor soil compaction before the driveway was installed, the natural settling of soil over time, and excessive water runoff or drainage issues. These conditions can lead to voids beneath the concrete, causing sections of the driveway to sink or become uneven.
While concrete is strong, it’s not flexible. Therefore, damage to concrete usually appears as visible cracks, uneven sections, pooling water, and tripping hazards. If you notice any of these issues, contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado for a free inspection and to learn more about how your driveway could benefit from leveling.
Driveway leveling, particularly when using methods like polyurethane foam injection, is minimally invasive and has little to no impact on your landscaping or yard. The process requires only small holes to be drilled into the concrete, avoiding large equipment or excavation that could disturb surrounding areas. The materials is also eco-friendly.
*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Repair of Western Colorado does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.
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