Fixing sunken concrete around your home requires identifying the cause of sinking and choosing the right repair method. Options include mudjacking, polyurethane foam injection, self-leveling compounds, or concrete replacement. The best solution depends on the size of the area, how much it has sunk, and what caused the problem in the first place.
Understanding Why Concrete Sinks
Before fixing sunken concrete, it’s important to understand why it happened. This helps ensure your repair lasts and prevents future problems.
Soil Erosion and Washout
Water is concrete’s biggest enemy. When water washes away the soil under concrete, the slab loses support and sinks. Common causes include:
- Downspouts dumping water next to the foundation
- Poor drainage around concrete slabs
- Plumbing leaks beneath concrete
- Improper grading that directs water toward your home
Fixing the drainage issue is just as important as fixing the sunken concrete. Otherwise, the same problem will likely happen again.
Soil Compaction Problems
When concrete is installed, the soil beneath should be properly compacted. If it isn’t, the soil naturally settles over time, taking the concrete down with it. This is especially common with:
- New construction where backfill wasn’t properly compacted
- Areas where trees were removed and the roots decomposed
- Poorly prepared base materials under the concrete
Soil compaction issues typically show up within the first few years after concrete installation.
Shrinking Soils During Drought
Some soils, especially clay-heavy soils, shrink substantially during dry periods. This shrinkage creates voids under concrete slabs, allowing them to sink or crack. Areas with dramatic wet-to-dry seasonal changes are particularly vulnerable to this problem.
Once the clay soil gets wet again, it may expand—but rarely enough to lift the concrete back to its original position.
Evaluating Sunken Concrete Conditions
Not all sunken concrete needs the same solution. The right fix depends on several factors you should assess.
How Much Has the Concrete Sunk?
The degree of sinking helps determine the best repair approach:
| Amount of Sinking | Best Repair Approach | Typical Cost Range |
| 1/4″ to 1″ | Self-leveling overlay or grinding | $$ |
| 1″ to 3″ | Mudjacking or poly foam lifting | $$$ |
| Over 3″ | May require replacement | $$$$ |
| Uneven/Multiple Areas | Professional lifting services | $$$$ |
For minor sinking that’s mainly a visual issue, simpler solutions may work. More significant sinking, especially where it creates tripping hazards or drainage problems, requires more comprehensive repairs.
Is the Concrete Still in Good Condition?
The condition of the concrete itself matters. Look for:
- Major cracks or breaking
- Spalling or flaking surface
- Signs of freeze-thaw damage
- Age of the concrete (over 25 years old?)
If the concrete is severely damaged, lifting it may not be worthwhile. In these cases, replacement might be the better long-term investment.
Is the Sinking Still Active?
If your concrete continues to sink, there’s likely an ongoing issue that needs addressing. Monitor the area by:
- Measuring the gap and recording it
- Checking again in 3-6 months
- Looking for growing cracks or widening gaps
Active sinking means you need to fix the underlying problem before repairing the concrete itself. As explained in the article about permanent concrete crack repair, addressing the root cause is essential for a lasting solution.
Professional Methods to Fix Sunken Concrete
Several professional methods exist to lift sunken concrete back into position. Each has advantages in specific situations.
Mudjacking (Slabjacking)
Mudjacking is a traditional method that has been used for decades. The process involves:
- Drilling holes (typically 1-2 inches in diameter) through the sunken concrete
- Pumping a mixture of cement, soil, and other materials under the slab
- The mixture fills voids and lifts the concrete back to the desired position
- Patching the holes when finished
Mudjacking works well for larger areas and heavier concrete slabs. It’s typically less expensive than replacement but more invasive than newer methods like polyurethane foam injection.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Polyurethane foam injection is a modern alternative to mudjacking that offers several advantages. The process includes:
- Drilling smaller holes (often just 5/8 inch) through the concrete
- Injecting expandable polyurethane foam under the slab
- The foam expands to fill voids and lift the concrete
- Patching the small holes when complete
This method is cleaner, faster, and often provides a more precise lift than mudjacking. The polyurethane material is lightweight, so it doesn’t add much weight to potentially problematic soils. It also cures quickly, allowing immediate use of the concrete.
Our experts at AR Concrete Fayetteville specialize in this modern concrete lifting technique.
Concrete Replacement
In some cases, replacement is the best option, especially when:
- The concrete is severely damaged
- Multiple repair attempts have failed
- The sinking is extreme (more than 4-5 inches)
- The concrete is very old and shows multiple issues
Replacement involves:
- Breaking up and removing the old concrete
- Properly preparing the base with good drainage and compaction
- Installing reinforcement if needed
- Pouring new concrete with proper slope and thickness
While replacement costs more initially, it provides a completely new surface with the longest expected lifespan.
DIY Options for Minor Sunken Concrete Issues
For smaller areas with minimal sinking, several DIY approaches might work. These are best for non-critical areas where precision isn’t essential.
Self-Leveling Concrete Overlays
Self-leveling concrete products can fill minor depressions and create a level surface over slightly sunken areas. The process typically involves:
- Thoroughly cleaning the existing concrete
- Applying a bonding agent
- Mixing and pouring the self-leveling product
- Allowing proper curing time
This approach works best for sunken areas less than 1 inch deep and where the existing concrete is still in good condition. It’s more about creating a level surface than actually lifting the sunken concrete.
Concrete Grinding for Minor Lips
When one concrete slab is just slightly lower than an adjacent slab, creating a trip hazard, grinding down the higher side can be an effective solution. This doesn’t fix the sinking but eliminates the hazard by creating a smooth transition.
Concrete grinding requires specialized equipment but can be rented from home improvement stores for DIY use.
Partial Replacement of Small Sections
For small sunken areas like a single sidewalk section, DIY replacement might be feasible:
- Break up and remove the sunken section
- Prepare the base with gravel and compact it thoroughly
- Form and pour new concrete with proper reinforcement
- Ensure proper slope for drainage
- Allow full curing before use
This approach works well for isolated problems where the rest of the concrete is in good condition.
Preventing Future Concrete Sinking
After fixing sunken concrete, take steps to prevent the problem from happening again. Prevention is always less expensive than repairs.
Improving Drainage Around Your Home
Water management is crucial for preventing concrete sinking:
- Extend downspouts at least 5 feet from your foundation
- Grade soil to slope away from your home (about 1 inch per foot)
- Install French drains in problem areas
- Consider drain systems around concrete slabs
- Maintain gutters to prevent overflow
Properly managing water around your home protects both your concrete and your foundation.
Soil Stabilization Techniques
In areas with problematic soils, stabilization techniques help prevent future sinking:
- Injecting expanding materials to densify loose soils
- Installing helical piers under critical structures
- Using geotextile fabrics when installing new concrete
- Proper compaction of any fill dirt
For new concrete installations, proper soil preparation is essential for preventing future settlement issues.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Stay ahead of problems with regular monitoring:
- Inspect concrete surfaces seasonally
- Look for new cracks or separation from adjacent structures
- Check for proper drainage after heavy rains
- Address small issues before they become major problems
Early intervention can prevent minor sinking from becoming a major, expensive problem.
Cost Comparison of Concrete Lifting Methods
The cost of fixing sunken concrete varies widely depending on the method and the size of the area. This table provides a general comparison:
| Repair Method | Typical Cost Range (per 100 sq ft) | Pros | Cons |
| Mudjacking | $500-$1,200 | Works on heavy slabs, Durable for 5-7 years, Less expensive than replacement | Large holes needed, Messy process, Heavy material adds weight to soil |
| Polyurethane Foam | $800-$2,000 | Small holes, Clean process, Quick curing, Lightweight, 8-10 year lifespan | Higher initial cost, Not suitable for all soil types |
| Self-Leveling Overlay | $300-$600 | DIY-friendly, Good for minor depressions | Surface solution only, Doesn’t fix underlying issue |
| Concrete Replacement | $1,000-$3,000 | Complete solution, Longest lifespan, Can improve design | Most expensive, Most disruptive, Longer completion time |
These prices are general estimates. The exact cost depends on your specific situation, accessibility, and local labor rates.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY fixes work for some scenarios, certain situations call for professional help:
- Sinking near your home’s foundation
- Significant sinking (more than 2 inches)
- Concrete that continues to sink after repairs
- Areas where previous repairs have failed
- Trip hazards in high-traffic areas
- Sinking that causes drainage toward your home
Professionals have specialized equipment, materials, and expertise that DIY approaches can’t match. They can also identify and address underlying problems that might not be obvious to homeowners.
According to the International Concrete Repair Institute, proper assessment by trained professionals is essential for determining the most effective long-term solution for concrete settlement issues.
Conclusion
Sunken concrete around your home is more than just an eyesore—it can create tripping hazards, drainage problems, and even affect your home’s value. The good news is that several effective repair options exist, from modern polyurethane foam injection to traditional mudjacking and replacement.
For minor sinking in non-critical areas, DIY approaches might suffice. For more significant problems, especially near your home’s foundation or where safety is a concern, professional concrete lifting services provide the most reliable and lasting results.
Remember that fixing the visible problem (the sunken concrete) is only part of the solution. Addressing the underlying cause—whether it’s drainage issues, soil problems, or poor initial installation—is essential for ensuring your repair lasts. The experts at AR Concrete Fayetteville can help you identify and fix both the sunken concrete and the conditions that caused it in the first place.
How Do I Fix Sunken Concrete Around My Home FAQs
How can I tell if my sunken concrete needs professional repair or if I can fix it myself?
You should consider professional repair if your concrete has sunk more than 1-2 inches, if it’s creating safety hazards like tripping risks, if it’s affecting drainage toward your foundation, or if it’s part of a critical structure like steps or a driveway. DIY repairs might be sufficient for minor cosmetic settling in non-critical areas like a garden path, but professionals have the equipment and expertise for precise, lasting repairs in important areas.
Will fixing my sunken concrete stop it from sinking again in the future?
Fixing sunken concrete will only prevent future sinking if the underlying cause is also addressed. If the sinking was caused by poor drainage, soil erosion, or improperly compacted fill, these issues must be corrected alongside the concrete repair. Professional concrete lifting services typically include an assessment of why the sinking occurred and can recommend solutions to prevent recurrence.
How soon can I use my concrete after it’s been lifted with polyurethane foam?
Concrete lifted with polyurethane foam can typically be used within 15-30 minutes after the repair is completed, which is one of the major advantages of this method. The polyurethane material reaches 90% of its final strength within minutes of injection, allowing for almost immediate use of driveways, sidewalks, and patios, unlike mudjacking or replacement which may require 24 hours or more before the area can be used again.