4 Options for Concrete Driveway Leveling

4 Popular Ways to Level a Driveway 

Stable soil beneath the concrete is crucial for a driveway to remain level over many years. However, the soil can shift or wash away, leaving empty spaces under the slabs, allowing them to sink. Any driveway repair must address these soil issues first or settling will persist. As you evaluate different repair options, including the ones listed here, factor in whether they will stabilize the soil foundation. 

Here’s a look at the four most popular driveway leveling methods: 

1. Replacement 

Complete concrete replacement involves demolishing existing concrete and repouring cement. It’s often the only option if the concrete driveway has sustained severe damage such as crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining. 

Pros 

• Brand new concrete slabs 
• Smooth finish 

Cons 

• Requires heavy equipment and excavation 
• Long cure time and inability to use driveway 
• Heavy cement adds weight to unstable soil 
• Future soil and slab settlement likely 
• Expensive (can cost $5,000 or more) 

2. Mudjacking 

Mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, involves pumping a mixture of cement, water, soil, and sand underneath sunken concrete to raise it back to level. 

Pros 

• Fills gaps 
• Forms a sturdy base for concrete 

Cons 

• Requires large holes 
• Does not completely fill voids 
• Difficult to control material flow 
• Long cure time 
• Cannot use concrete for several days 
• Added weight on top of soil 
• Temporary solution 

3. Polyurethane Foam Injection 

4. Asphalt Overlay 

For minor sinking and cracks, an asphalt overlay—an epoxy and sand slurry—can be 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 Driveway Myself? 

3 Tips to Prevent Worsening Driveway Cracks and Damage 

Cracking and sinking often happen to driveway slabs over time, but these preventative maintenance tips can minimize damage: 

• Consider Vehicle Weight: Distribute vehicle weight evenly across the driveway to prevent excessive pressure in one area. 
• Properly Redirect Water: Direct water runoff away with proper drainage and grading so it doesn’t erode the soil beneath. 
• Regularly Check Your Concrete: Check for early cracking or sinking seasonally and have a professional repair these right away before they worsen. 

Contact Ohio Basement Systems for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling

FAQs

Is driveway leveling a lasting solution?

Yes, professional driveway leveling provides long-lasting repair and protection, especially when polyurethane foam is used. The foam evenly lifts the concrete slabs while also stabilizing the soil below to prevent future settling. Addressing drainage issues or other causes will further promote durability. With the right repairs from an experienced professional like Ohio Basement Systems, your leveled driveway will remain smooth and stable for many years. 

Will leveling my driveway damage my yard or landscaping?

No, driveway leveling does not harm your lawn, gardens or other landscaping. Modern techniques like polyurethane foam injections require only small holes be drilled in the concrete. Eco-friendly polyurethane foam is injected through the holes, lifting the slabs gently back into place. This minimally invasive process lets you restore your driveway without disruption to the rest of your property. 

Why are my driveway slabs uneven?

Contributing factors include erosion, inadequate soil preparation during installation, natural settling, and poor drainage. As soil compacts or washes away, empty spaces form beneath the concrete slabs. Sections of the driveway then sink as they lose underlying support. A professional concrete inspection can determine what’s causing unevenness and sinking, as well as the best way to repair and level your driveway.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Ohio Basement Systems does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.}