Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

The Top 6 Reasons to Lift Settled Slabs

January 2nd, 2025 | 3 min. read

By Sarah Etler

Learn the top reasons why lifting settled concrete is essential for safety, savings, and convenience.

These days, your once-pristine concrete might feel more like a backyard obstacle course – sinking slabs, jagged edges, and trip hazards galore. While it’s easy to shrug it off as a cosmetic issue, settled concrete is a sneaky troublemaker, bringing safety risks, legal liabilities, and surprise expenses to your doorstep.

Concrete leveling to the rescue! This fast and effective process doesn’t just fix the surface; it restores your concrete’s stability, safety, and charm. In this article, we’ll explore six solid reasons why lifting your concrete is the right move to keep your property in great shape.

1. Prioritize Safety

Picture this: you’re hosting this year’s family reunion at your place, grilling on the patio with all the kids running around, when suddenly – ouch! – someone trips on an uneven slab.

Whether that “someone” was one of the chaotic children or an adult trying their best to dodge them, settled concrete doesn’t just stub toes; it’s a full-on tripping hazard waiting to happen. A small rise or dip might not seem like a big deal, but it could lead to sprained ankles, scraped knees, or even broken bones.

Lifting your concrete smooths out those hazards and ensures your property stays safe for all – no first-aid kits required.

Tape measure next to concrete trip hazard

2. Reduce Liability

Now, imagine the delivery driver taking a tumble on your uneven sidewalk. Not only are they injured, but you could be held legally responsible. Yikes!

Concrete lifting can help you avoid becoming the subject of legal frustrations by eliminating trip hazards before they become legal liabilities. Guests, delivery workers, and neighbors could file claims, leading to expensive legal battles or settlements.

Peace of mind is priceless – so is avoiding court costs. By lifting settled concrete, you’re proactively reducing the chance of accidents and protecting yourself from potential lawsuits.

Related Resource: Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Repair?

3. Save Money

Replacing concrete slabs might feel like the obvious solution when faced with ugly settled slabs, but it’s also the pricier one. Full replacement involves demolition, disposal, and pouring new concrete – not to mention all the time and labor that go into it.

Lifting settled concrete, on the other hand, is a process that seems like magic. With far less material and labor required, it’s a budget-friendly fix that can save you up to 70% compared to replacement.

Concrete patio rubble after demolition of backyard concrete patio

4. Minimize Disruption

Full concrete replacement involves demolition, excavation, and extended downtime, which can leave your property looking like a construction zone for days or even weeks.

Concrete lifting, on the other hand, is a low-impact repair. The process involves small drill holes and compact equipment, so your landscaping, lawn, and driveway remain intact and undisturbed​. Nice!

5. Enjoy Quick Repairs

Need your driveway back before the weekend barbecue? How about a sunken step lifted before listing your house for sale? Concrete leveling has you covered.

Most repairs take just a few hours, and in many cases, you can walk on the repaired slabs right away. Areas exposed to traffic, like driveways and roads, are typically ready for vehicles or heavy use within 24 hours. 

Concrete driveway with mismatched slabs

6. Maintain Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s be honest – no one wants a driveway that looks like it’s wearing a mismatched quilt. Replacing a single slab might solve the settling issue, but it often creates an aesthetic one.

New concrete rarely matches the weathered look of the existing slabs, leaving you with a visual reminder of the repair. Lifting preserves the original concrete, giving your space a more uniform, polished look.

Even the small drill holes used for the process are patched and blend in over time. It’s a win for your wallet and your curb appeal​.

The Bigger Picture: Why Concrete Lifting Makes Sense

Concrete lifting isn’t just a fix – it’s a complete glow-up for your property. Here’s a recap of why lifting settled concrete is the way to go:

  • Safety: Prevent trips, stumbles, and unscheduled visits to the ER.
  • Liability: Dodge lawsuits and keep your peace of mind.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Save money without sacrificing quality.
  • Convenience: Skip the chaos of replacement with a convenient repair.
  • Speed: Get back to your daily routine faster.
  • Aesthetics: Keep your space looking seamless.

So, the next time your concrete feels more like a funhouse floor than a solid foundation, remember: you have the power to lift it back into shape.

For quick, cost-effective, and durable results, request a free estimate with a member of the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you!

Concrete Leveling Quote

Request a Free Estimate

Find out how much safe, beautiful concrete will cost you with a free onsite estimate from an A-1 franchise near you.

Request an Estimate

Sarah Etler

Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.