How Do I Fix Cracked or Uneven Concrete on My Sidewalk or Driveway?
There are really only two steps to fixing your cracked or uneven concrete on your sidewalk or driveway:
- Understand why your concrete is failing.
- Reach out to your local concrete repair expert for an estimate.
These steps sound simple, but most people skip ahead to step two and are then quoted solutions by contractors that don't last long, costing more in the end.
Why Your Concrete Might Be Failing
The soil is poorly compacted, too dry, or too wet.
Builders often move soil around to prepare your home for construction, creating a top layer of fill soil. The slabs of concrete are poured over these areas of fill. Although concrete is a very strong, durable material, the soil underneath consolidates and settles, and the slabs begin to crack and fall into the gaps.
Between extremely dry or wet seasons, the soil will dry out and shrink or become completely saturated and soft. These fluctuations cause the slabs to shift. So you may notice cracks, gaps, or dips after periods of drought or high precipitation.
Standard water infiltration in the grid lines.
The grid lines in your concrete, called control joints, serve a purpose. They allow the concrete to crack in a controlled manner. However, when water runs down the path of the crack, it flows into the soil and weakens it.
The concrete slab is expanding.
If you've noticed over time that your driveway or sidewalk has expanded in size, you're not seeing things. Weather conditions and temperature cause concrete to be in a constant state of contraction and expansion. In severe cases, garage doors can be impacted by street concrete expanding into your driveway!
When the concrete has no more 'give,' it may begin to buckle and crack or even get pushed back into your home. You don't want it to get to the point where the problem becomes that serious.
The concrete surface is deteriorating.
Concrete has microscopic pores that fill with water, and when it's sunny, it dries out. This alternating cycle leads to spider cracking.
In the winter, it's not actually the salt that causes concrete to deteriorate; it's the freeze-thaw cycle. Salt breaks down the ice. The ice and snow melt and then refreeze, causing flaking, pitting, and splitting.
Solutions to Avoid That Will Fail and Cost You More
Total Concrete Replacement
Jackhammering and heavy equipment will cause a lot of damage to your lawn and landscaping. It's also time-consuming, dusty, disruptive, and doesn't solve your soil problem. The new slab you'll receive will start settling and sinking just like the old one.
Mudjacking
This is an outdated method of leveling concrete where large holes are drilled through the slab and cement is pumped beneath to lift it. It can actually worsen the soil and make your concrete sink deeper over time.
Do-It-Yourself Urethane-Based Sealants
These sealants don't hold up well against UV rays or temperature swings. It will become brittle over time and stop protecting your slabs.
Effective Solutions for Concrete Repair
Lift and Level Your Concrete
A reliable concrete lifting solution will improve your home's appearance, boost property value, be waterproof, and work on poor soil.
We use PolyLevel, a modern material of lightweight, high-density, structural-grade polymers that lift, level, and stabilize your concrete slabs. Heavy equipment isn't required, and you can walk on it within 15 minutes of installation.
PolyLevel is so strong that it can be used on pool decks, patios, sidewalks, or any surface that needs to be lifted and secured.
Seal Cracks in Your Concrete
A concrete sealant solution that does the job will prevent water infiltration, protect against erosion, be resistant to sunlight, and stand up to any weather.
Our NexusPro Joint Sealant handles all of this without losing its bond. This means it's built to last without bubbling or cracking. We offer a deep cleaning in between the seams and cracks, grind and fill any concrete gaps, and then apply the sealant for long-lasting results.
Learn more, or give us a call to get a free estimate.