Concrete Leveling

Why Concrete Settles and What You Can Do About It

Concrete settling is one of the most common problems homeowners face in the Fort Pierce area. Over time, the soil beneath your concrete can erode, compact, or shift, creating voids that cause the slab above to sink. You might notice one section of your driveway sitting lower than the next, a sidewalk panel that has tilted, or a patio that slopes toward your house instead of away from it. These are all signs of concrete settling.

In Florida, our sandy soils and frequent heavy rains accelerate this process. Water washes fine particles out from under slabs, creates erosion channels, and can even undermine well-compacted base material over time. Poor drainage around your home, leaking underground pipes, and tree root activity all contribute to soil movement that leads to concrete settling.

The good news is that settled concrete does not always need to be torn out and replaced. Concrete leveling offers a faster, more affordable solution that raises the slab back to its proper position. At FP Fort Pierce Concrete, we evaluate every situation to determine whether leveling, repair, or replacement is the best option for your specific circumstances.

Common Signs You Need Concrete Leveling

• Uneven sidewalk panels creating trip hazards for foot traffic
• Driveway sections that have sunk lower than adjacent panels
• Water pooling on your patio, walkway, or garage floor
• Gaps forming between your concrete and the foundation or doorways
• Rocking or wobbling slabs when you walk across them

How Our Concrete Leveling Process Works

Concrete leveling is a straightforward process when performed by experienced professionals. We start with a thorough assessment of the settled area, measuring the amount of displacement and identifying the likely cause of the settling. This evaluation helps us determine the best leveling approach and how much material will be needed.

We drill small holes, typically about two inches in diameter, through the concrete at strategic locations. Through these holes, we pump a specialized grout mixture beneath the slab. As the material fills the voids and builds pressure, it gradually lifts the concrete back to its original level. We monitor the lift carefully using precision instruments to ensure the slab is brought to the exact right height.

Once the slab is level, we patch the drilled holes with concrete that matches the existing surface. The entire process is typically completed in just a few hours, and you can walk on the surface immediately. Vehicle traffic is usually allowed within 24 hours. Compare that to full replacement, which can take several days of work plus a week or more of curing time before the surface can be used.

Leveling vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

Leveling works best when the concrete itself is still in good structural condition. If the slab is free of major cracks and the surface is intact, leveling is almost always the better choice. However, if the concrete is severely cracked, broken into multiple pieces, or has extensive surface damage, replacement may be the more practical long-term solution. We give you an honest assessment either way.

Preventing Future Concrete Settling

After we level your concrete, it is important to address whatever caused the settling in the first place. Otherwise, the problem is likely to return. The most common culprit is poor drainage. Water that flows toward or pools near your concrete gradually erodes the soil underneath. Redirecting downspouts, improving grading around your property, and installing French drains can all help manage water flow.

Tree roots are another frequent cause of soil disruption. As roots grow and eventually decay, they create channels and voids in the soil that allow settling. If you have large trees near your concrete surfaces, root barriers can help direct growth away from your sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

Regular inspection of your concrete surfaces can catch early signs of settling before they become major problems. Small level changes are easier and cheaper to correct than large ones. We recommend checking your concrete at least once a year, paying attention to joint transitions, areas near downspouts, and sections near large trees.

Safety and Liability Concerns

Uneven concrete is not just an eyesore. It is a genuine safety hazard that can result in injuries and potential liability for property owners. Trip hazards on sidewalks and walkways are among the most common causes of fall injuries. Addressing settled concrete promptly protects your family, visitors, and neighbors while also protecting you from potential liability claims.

Common Questions About Concrete Leveling