Concrete is a fantastic building material. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and fireproof, making it a great choice for walkways, patios, and decks. However, occasionally, concrete can become uneven, making it a safety hazard. Rather than pouring new concrete, there are more sustainable and cost-efficient ways to fix it.
Below, we’ll discuss the top methods for fixing uneven content. Once you implement one of these fixes, you can enjoy many more years of outdoor concrete without fear for your safety in your own yard.
Uneven Concrete Fixes
If your concrete slabs are becoming uneven, consider one of the methods below. It can help extend the lifespan of your concrete at a fraction of the cost.
1. Foam Jacking
Foam jacking is the process of lifting sunken concrete slabs by drilling holes in the concrete and injecting polyurethane foam underneath the pads. The foam expands, lifts, and stabilizes the concrete.
Foam jacking is one of the most cost-effective and quick ways to repair your concrete. Within a few days, you can walk on your concrete without fear of tripping on uneven surfaces.
While foam jacking sounds easy, you should engage with a professional to do it right. Start by googling “foam jacking near me” to find contractors in your local area. It will pull professionals, whether you live in Pennsylvania or Nevada, to help you fix your uneven concrete.
2. Mud jacking
Mud jacking is similar to foam jacking, but they are different. With mud jacking, you still drill holes and inject a substance underneath the sunken slab; instead of foam, you use a mix of cement, water, ash, gravel, and sand.
This mixture can be heavier than foam, causing more stress on the ground below. Over time, it can compress the soil and cause the slab to sink again. Mud jacking takes longer to cure than foam jacking. However, it is more affordable than foam jacking, so those looking to adjust their concrete on a smaller budget may opt for this method.
3. Grinding Your Concrete
If you don’t want to lift your concrete, you can grind it down to remove tripping hazards instead. Unfortunately, the surface can dip if you grind the concrete too much. Concrete grinding can also make the surface thinner, reducing its durability.
If you have the tools, you can do this without engaging a professional, making it the most cost-affordable option. Concrete grinding is an excellent option if you plan on eventually re-doing the concrete. If there are natural features like tree roots underneath the concrete, this method can also help preserve the tree’s life.
There are better options than concrete grinding, but it can be a short-term fix that helps homeowners fix uneven concrete.
4. Patching Concrete
Uneven concrete can be fixed with patches; however, it is only temporary, like grinding. Instead of removing concrete, you add more to level the surface. The mixture will not expand and contract with the existing concrete, likely causing it to crack and fracture over time.
You will need to replace the patches to keep the concrete level; otherwise, it will continue to be uneven. Concrete patches can be a good temporary fix for homeowners looking to address their uneven concrete.
Why Concrete Becomes Uneven
Now that you know how to fix uneven concrete, it’s important to understand how to stop it before it happens. There are several reasons that concrete can become uneven, and it all comes down to the soil underneath.
One of the biggest causes of uneven concrete is soil erosion. Wind, rain, snow, ice, and other extreme weather conditions can cause soil to become unstable, making it easier to wash away. Additionally, concrete is heavy, and if the soil is not compressed correctly prior to laying the concrete, it can settle down and cause gaps. Water can fill these gaps, expanding and contracting to cause damage over time.
Additionally, rodents, insects, and other small animals can dig under concrete to build shelter. This weakens the concrete’s foundation and causes it to sink. Essentially, any damage or gaps in the underlying surface can cause concrete to become uneven.
The Final Say on Fixing Uneven Concrete
You may experience a sinking feeling when you notice your concrete is sinking but don’t panic. You can try several cost-effective fixes before needing to replace the entire piece of concrete.
Form jacking is often the best option for long-term sustainability, but you can also use mud jacking, concrete grinding, and patching. Each comes with pros and cons, so it’s best to understand how long you hope to keep the concrete. A contractor can explain your options and help you pick the best fix for your home.
Be sure to address the root cause of your issues, whether by adding more soil, effectively compacting it, or removing any pests. This will prevent your concrete from sinking again and requiring continual attention.
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