The Best Way to Level a Driveway

Common Concrete Driveway Problem Signs  

How do you know your driveway needs to be repaired? Here are some forms of damage commonly sustained by concrete that are visible in your driveway:  

• Cracks: Often, some of the first things you’ll see in your driveway are various cracks. Cracking is common when concrete dries, but the cracks should not grow beyond that. From thin hairline cracks to deep, winding, growing fissures, these issues be dangerous.  
• Pitting: Small holes or pits can form in your concrete driveway, mainly due to the freeze-thaw cycle of water inside the concrete. These holes can allow water and other substances to leak into or be absorbed by the concrete.  
• Flaking: Small flakes of concrete can break off a larger slab. This is also called “spalling.” Like pitting, flaking also leaves the concrete exposed and more vulnerable to additional damage.  
• Staining: Concrete is a porous material, and it can absorb various liquids or chemicals that result in stains or discoloration.  
• Sunken, Uneven Slabs: If your concrete driveway is not properly supported, the slabs can settle and sink into the ground. This leaves uneven slabs that are tripping hazards as well as dangers to your car. 

Top 4 Driveway Leveling Methods 

It’s important for the soil underneath your driveway to provide stability. However, soil often settles or erodes, creating gaps the concrete slabs can readily sink into. When considering how to repair or level your driveway, you must also consider how the underlying soil will react. If the soil will continue to be unstable, the same problems will continue. 

Below, we’ve listed four popular types of driveway leveling, as well as what to consider when deciding which method is right for your home. 

1. Mudjacking

What it is:

Also known as “slabjacking ,” mudjacking uses a slurry formula (cement, water, soil, and sand mixture) which is pumped underneath sunken concrete to raise it back to level.  

Pros:

• Fills up gaps and forms a sturdy base for concrete  

Cons:

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

2. Polyurethane Foam Injection 

What it is:

Also known as “polyjacking,” “polylifting,” or PolyRenewal™ (our method), Polyurethane injection involves injecting a specially formulated foam material under the concrete which expands and lifts the slab.  

Pros:

• Lightweight foam  
• Smaller drill holes  
• Completely fills voids  
• Cures quickly (within 30 minutes)  
• Environmentally friendly 
• Stabilizes underlying soil  
• Smooth finish  
• Lasting results  

Cons:

• Slabs may not be 100% level  
• Visible cracks may remain  
• Variable soil conditions can impact its stability  

3. Replacement

What it is:

Driveway replacement involves demolishing old slabs and repouring cement  in its place which may be necessary with severely damaged, crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining concrete  

Pros:

• Brand new concrete slabs  
• Smooth finish  

Cons:

• Requires heavy equipment and excavation  
• Extended downtime (long cure time and inability to use driveway)  
• Heavy cement on top of unstable soil  
• Future soil and slab settlement likely  
• Expensive (sometimes costing $5,000 or more)

4. Asphalt Overlay  

What it is:

Asphalt overlay is used for minor sinking and cracks.  An epoxy and sand slurry used to fill voids and level the surface on top.  

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive  
• 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 Uneven Driveway Myself? 

3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening 

Preventing driveway damage starts with proper care. Small fixes now can stop big problems later. You can keep your driveway looking great for years with some simple preventive measures, including: 

• Distribute Weight: Spread out vehicle parking to distribute weight evenly. 
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Direct rainwater runoff away from the concrete to avoid erosion.  
• Inspect Concrete Often: Check for early signs of cracking or sinking, then call local concrete specialists right away for repairs. 

Contact Ohio Basement Authority for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling 

FAQs

Why does my driveway have uneven or sinking areas?

Concrete can sink due to several reasons, including improper soil compaction and preparation, poor drainage or runoff patterns that erode the soil, natural soil compression and subsidence, and heavy vehicles parked in the same spot over an extended period. A professional inspection is recommended to identify the specific factors causing the unevenness and determine the right repair approach based on the root causes.

What are the signs my driveway needs leveling?

Some indications your driveway may require leveling include visible cracks, uneven surfaces where sections of the driveway are higher or lower than others, areas of pooling water, and tripping hazards from raised sections or cracks. If you notice any of these problems, request a free inspection from Ohio Basement Authority to determine if your driveway could benefit from professional leveling services for improved safety and aesthetics. 

How long does driveway leveling take?

The total time needed to level a driveway depends on several factors like the size of the area and how uneven the surface currently is. However, for most standard residential driveways, Ohio Basement Authority’s team can complete the leveling process in just a few hours. This means minimal inconvenience for homeowners. The quick turnaround is one of the benefits of having us handle your driveway leveling project. To get an accurate estimate for the timeframe required to level your specific driveway, contact us for a free inspection. 

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 many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Ohio Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}