The Best Ways to Level a Concrete Driveway

Uneven concrete can quickly become a problem for any homeowner. Whether it’s a sunken slab near your garage or water pooling after every rain, these issues can damage your property and create safety hazards. If you’re dealing with these signs, it may be time to level your concrete driveway.

At KC Pier, we provide reliable solutions that restore driveways to a safe, even surface. In this post, we’ll explain what causes driveways to settle, the best methods to fix the problem, and how our team can help you get lasting results.

What Causes a Concrete Driveway to Settle?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand the root causes of a settling driveway. This knowledge ensures that repairs last long-term.

1. Poor Soil Compaction

One of the main reasons a concrete driveway settles is improper soil and gravel compaction during installation. When the ground beneath the driveway isn’t packed tightly enough, it creates voids over time as natural settling occurs. Eventually, gravity takes its toll, and the concrete begins to sink into those empty spaces.

2. Water Erosion

Another common cause is water erosion. If you have poorly maintained gutters or downspouts that direct water toward your driveway, the constant flow of water can wash away the soil beneath. Over time, this erosion creates a weak foundation, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces. Regular maintenance of drainage systems can help prevent this problem.

The Best Methods to Level a Concrete Driveway

When it comes to leveling a concrete driveway, there are two primary methods we recommend: polyurethane injection and mudjacking. Let’s break down each technique so you can understand which one might be best for your situation.

Method 1: Polyurethane Injection

Polyurethane injection, also known as polyjacking, is a highly effective and long-lasting method for leveling concrete.

1. How It Works: We inject a polyurethane foam directly beneath the concrete driveway. The foam starts as a liquid, which allows it to fill all the tiny crevices and voids beneath the surface.
2. Expansion Process: Once injected, the polyurethane reacts and begins to expand, compacting the loose soil beneath and pushing the concrete slab back to a level position.
3. Benefits:

• Long-lasting repair: Polyurethane not only lifts the concrete but also compacts the underlying soil, preventing future settling.
• Quick curing time: The foam hardens quickly, meaning your driveway can be used shortly after the repair is complete.
• Minimal disruption: Since the process only involves small injection holes, it leaves your driveway looking clean and intact.

Polyurethane injection offers a durable solution, making it our top recommendation for homeowners dealing with uneven driveways.

Method 2: Mudjacking

Mudjacking is another common method for leveling concrete driveways, though it is typically less durable than polyurethane injection.

1. How It Works: This method involves injecting a thicker slurry made of cement, sand, and water beneath the driveway. The mixture fills voids and lifts the concrete slab.
2. Immediate Fix: Mudjacking provides an immediate lift, but it doesn’t offer the same level of soil compaction as polyurethane. As a result, it may not prevent future settling caused by loose soil.
3. Benefits:

• Lower initial cost: Mudjacking is often cheaper upfront, making it appealing for homeowners on a tight budget.
• Quick results: You’ll see immediate improvement in the level of your driveway.

However, while mudjacking can provide a quick fix, it lacks the long-term benefits of polyurethane injection. The thicker slurry doesn’t penetrate as deeply into cracks and crevices, which means the soil beneath remains susceptible to future erosion.

How to Choose the Right Method for Your Driveway

Not sure whether polyjacking or mudjacking is the right solution? Here’s a simple guide:

1. For Long-Term Durability: If you want a solution that lasts for years without needing additional repairs, polyurethane injection is the way to go.
2. For a Quick, Budget-Friendly Fix: If you need a more affordable short-term solution, mudjacking can get the job done, but keep in mind that it may not prevent future issues.
3. For Driveways with Severe Erosion: If erosion is a significant concern, polyurethane is better since it compacts the soil while lifting the concrete.

Preventing Future Driveway Settling

Once your driveway is leveled, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent future settling. Here are some best practices:

1. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Regularly clean your gutters and ensure downspouts direct water away from the driveway. This prevents water from eroding the soil beneath.
2. Proper Drainage: If your driveway is prone to water pooling, consider adding drainage solutions to redirect water.
3. Soil Compaction: When installing a new driveway or replacing sections, ensure the soil is properly compacted to reduce the risk of future settling.

In Summary

If your driveway is uneven, the best way to level a concrete driveway is by using polyurethane injection or mudjacking, depending on your long-term needs and budget. At KC Pier, we specialize in both methods and can help you choose the right solution for your home. Our team is experienced, professional, and committed to providing high-quality results that last.

Don’t let an uneven driveway become a bigger problem. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your driveway back to its original level!