How to Know If Your Concrete Needs Leveling: 3 Common Signs & What to Do

Learn the key signs of problematic concrete and find out when it’s time to level your slabs.

Uneven concrete slabs are more than just an eyesore – they can pose serious risks like trip hazards, pooling water, and damage to your home’s foundation.

If you’ve noticed sections of your concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk that are no longer level, you may need concrete leveling to restore it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot the common signs that concrete leveling is right for you.

What Is Concrete Leveling?

Concrete leveling is a repair process that lifts sunken concrete back into place by injecting a specialized compound beneath the slab. This process stabilizes the base and prevents further damage. It’s a quicker, less invasive, and more cost-effective alternative to tearing out and replacing concrete slabs.

But how do you know if your concrete needs leveling? Let’s take a look at the top signs.

Signs That You Need Concrete Leveling

If your concrete shows any of these signs, it’s likely time for concrete leveling:

1. Sunken or Settled Slabs

When parts of your driveway, sidewalk, or patio are visibly lower than the surrounding areas, you have a problem. This unevenness can cause trip hazards, damage to vehicles, or drainage issues around your home.

2. Water Pooling Around Your Home

Sunken concrete can direct water toward your foundation, causing pooling around your home or even leaking into your basement. Concrete leveling can lift the slabs back to direct water away in order to prevent future water damage.

3. Voids Under Slabs

Sometimes, voids (unsupported, empty pockets) can develop underneath concrete slabs without visible signs of settling. You might notice that the slab rocks when driven or walked on or it sounds hollow when tapped with a rubber mallet.

If you suspect there’s a void beneath your concrete, it’s best to act quickly. Filling the void below the slab before it settles can save you money and prevent future damage.

When Concrete Leveling Isn’t the Right Solution

Concrete leveling isn’t the answer for every situation. If your concrete is broken into too many small pieces (less than a foot or two square), it may be too damaged to lift properly. In these cases, full replacement is often necessary to ensure the stability and appearance of your concrete.

Read more about when concrete is too damaged for leveling here: Top 5 Reasons To Avoid Concrete Leveling

Common Concrete Leveling Applications

Concrete leveling may be necessary in various areas around your home. Some of the most common locations that benefit from concrete leveling include:

• Walkways or Sidewalks

Uneven walkways pose trip hazards, especially for kids playing or visitors entering your home.

• Driveways and Aprons

These areas, particularly around garages, often settle due to poor backfill and shifting ground.

• Steps

Concrete steps near your porch or entryway can settle and become uneven, which is not only an eyesore but also dangerous.

• Patios

Sunken concrete patios can direct water toward your foundation, leading to issues like basement leaks.

Not sure? Get a Free Concrete Leveling Estimate!

Unsure if your concrete can be leveled? Don’t wait until the damage worsens! A-1 Concrete Leveling’s expert team is here to help determine if it can be leveled. Request a free estimate.